Group A: Scales

Grade Five Technical Exercises

Alright then guys, let's check out the grade five technical exercises together.

Key Groups

For this exercise, we need to know the groups A and B in the following keys:

• Keys of F, G, and A (with root notes on the E string)
• Keys of B, C, and D (with root notes on the A string)

Make sure you know all your scales in two places for those in the exam.

Tempo

We are at 80 bpm, playing eighth notes (two notes per click).

Scales

F Major

1, 2, 3, 4.

G Major

Alright, and I'm going to give you now the G major scale.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Natural Minor Scale in B

Let's move on to the natural minor scale in the key of B. This starts with the root note on the A string (second fret).

1, 2, 3, 4.

A Minor Scale

Now let's play through the A minor scale. This has the root note on the E string (fifth fret).

1, 2, 3, 4.

Natural Minor Scale in A

Here's the natural minor scale in the key of A with the root note on the E string for you.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Harmonic Minor Scale

Now let's have a look at the harmonic minor scale. This is essentially the same scale as the one I just played, but with a raised seventh degree by one semitone, which gives it a completely different vibe.

Here it is, a harmonic minor.

1, 2, 3, 4.

A Harmonic Minor Scale in Key of B

Let's show you the A harmonic minor scale in the key of B on the A string.

1, 2, 3, 4.

G Minor Pentatonic Scale

Alright, so here's the G minor pentatonic scale.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Minor Pentatonic Scale in C

Let's do the minor pentatonic scale with the root note on C (third fret on the A string).

1, 2, 3, 4.

Major Pentatonic Scale in D

Scale number five: we've got the major pentatonic scale in the key of D. Here we go.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Major Pentatonic Scale in A

Now let's do the major pentatonic scale in the key of A with the root note on the E string. Start with your little finger.

1, 2, 3, 4.

Blues Scales

The last scales we've got are the blues scales.

• C Blues Scale (root note on the A string): 1, 2, 3, 4.

• F Blues Scale (with root note on the E string): 1, 2, 3, 4.