Guitar Scale Library
Find any core guitar scale fast, understand where it fits, and move directly into a practical routine.
Interactive Guitar Scale Library Controls
Configure root, scale family, mode, and diagram labels to generate dynamic fretboard and tab views.
Current selection: Root C, Scale Family Diatonic, Mode Major (Ionian), Diagram Labels Intervals, Chord Overlay Triad.
Root
- C
- Db
- D
- Eb
- E
- F
- Gb
- G
- Ab
- A
- Bb
- B
Scale Family
- Diatonic
- Pentatonic
- Blues
- Harmonic Minor
- Melodic Minor
- Bebop
- Symmetric
Mode
- Major (Ionian)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Minor (Aeolian)
- Locrian
Diagram Labels
- Intervals
- Notes
Chord Overlay
- Off
- Triad
- Seventh
Print Actions
- Print Chart
C Diatonic Major (Ionian)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 1
| String | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 |
| 2 • B3 | · | · | 6 | · | 7 |
| 3 • G3 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 |
| 4 • D3 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
| 5 • A2 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 |
| 6 • E2 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 1
- String 1 (E4): Root: C5 (interval R, fret 8), Second: D5 (interval 2, fret 10), Third: E5 (interval 3, fret 12)
- String 2 (B3): Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 10), Seventh: B4 (interval 7, fret 12)
- String 3 (G3): Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 9), Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 10), Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 12)
- String 4 (D3): Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 9), Root: C4 (interval R, fret 10), Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 12)
- String 5 (A2): Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 8), Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 10), Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 12)
- String 6 (E2): Root: C3 (interval R, fret 8), Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 10), Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 12)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 2
| String | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
| 2 • B3 | · | · | 5 | · | 6 |
| 3 • G3 | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 |
| 4 • D3 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R |
| 5 • A2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 |
| 6 • E2 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 2
- String 1 (E4): Seventh: B4 (interval 7, fret 7), Root: C5 (interval R, fret 8), Second: D5 (interval 2, fret 10)
- String 2 (B3): Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 8), Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 10)
- String 3 (G3): Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 7), Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 9), Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 10)
- String 4 (D3): Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 7), Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 9), Root: C4 (interval R, fret 10)
- String 5 (A2): Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 7), Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 8), Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 10)
- String 6 (E2): Seventh: B2 (interval 7, fret 7), Root: C3 (interval R, fret 8), Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 10)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 3
| String | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 6 | · | 7 | R | · |
| 2 • B3 | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · |
| 3 • G3 | R | · | 2 | · | · |
| 4 • D3 | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 |
| 5 • A2 | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · |
| 6 • E2 | 6 | · | 7 | R | · |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 3
- String 1 (E4): Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 5), Seventh: B4 (interval 7, fret 7), Root: C5 (interval R, fret 8)
- String 2 (B3): Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 5), Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 6), Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 8)
- String 3 (G3): Root: C4 (interval R, fret 5), Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 7)
- String 4 (D3): Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 5), Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 7), Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 9)
- String 5 (A2): Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 5), Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 7), Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 8)
- String 6 (E2): Sixth: A2 (interval 6, fret 5), Seventh: B2 (interval 7, fret 7), Root: C3 (interval R, fret 8)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 4
| String | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 |
| 2 • B3 | · | · | 3 | 4 | · |
| 3 • G3 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
| 4 • D3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 |
| 5 • A2 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 |
| 6 • E2 | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 4
- String 1 (E4): Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 3), Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 5), Seventh: B4 (interval 7, fret 7)
- String 2 (B3): Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 5), Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 6)
- String 3 (G3): Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 4), Root: C4 (interval R, fret 5), Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 7)
- String 4 (D3): Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 3), Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 5), Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 7)
- String 5 (A2): Root: C3 (interval R, fret 3), Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 5), Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 7)
- String 6 (E2): Fifth: G2 (interval 5, fret 3), Sixth: A2 (interval 6, fret 5), Seventh: B2 (interval 7, fret 7)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 5
| String | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 |
| 2 • B3 | · | · | 2 | · | 3 |
| 3 • G3 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R |
| 4 • D3 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 |
| 5 • A2 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
| 6 • E2 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 5
- String 1 (E4): Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 1), Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 3), Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 5)
- String 2 (B3): Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 3), Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 5)
- String 3 (G3): Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 2), Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 4), Root: C4 (interval R, fret 5)
- String 4 (D3): Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 2), Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 3), Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 5)
- String 5 (A2): Seventh: B2 (interval 7, fret 2), Root: C3 (interval R, fret 3), Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 5)
- String 6 (E2): Fourth: F2 (interval 4, fret 1), Fifth: G2 (interval 5, fret 3), Sixth: A2 (interval 6, fret 5)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 6
| String | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · |
| 2 • B3 | 7 | R | · | 2 | · |
| 3 • G3 | 5 | · | 6 | · | · |
| 4 • D3 | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · |
| 5 • A2 | 6 | · | 7 | R | · |
| 6 • E2 | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 6
- String 1 (E4): Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 0), Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 1), Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 3)
- String 2 (B3): Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 0), Root: C4 (interval R, fret 1), Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 3)
- String 3 (G3): Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 0), Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 2)
- String 4 (D3): Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 0), Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 2), Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 3)
- String 5 (A2): Sixth: A2 (interval 6, fret 0), Seventh: B2 (interval 7, fret 2), Root: C3 (interval R, fret 3)
- String 6 (E2): Third: E2 (interval 3, fret 0), Fourth: F2 (interval 4, fret 1), Fifth: G2 (interval 5, fret 3)
C Diatonic Ionian
Position 7
| String | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · |
| 2 • B3 | · | · | 7 | R | · |
| 3 • G3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 |
| 4 • D3 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 |
| 5 • A2 | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 |
| 6 • E2 | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · |
C Diatonic Ionian Position 7
- String 1 (E4): Second: D5 (interval 2, fret 10), Third: E5 (interval 3, fret 12), Fourth: F5 (interval 4, fret 13)
- String 2 (B3): Seventh: B4 (interval 7, fret 12), Root: C5 (interval R, fret 13)
- String 3 (G3): Fourth: F4 (interval 4, fret 10), Fifth: G4 (interval 5, fret 12), Sixth: A4 (interval 6, fret 14)
- String 4 (D3): Root: C4 (interval R, fret 10), Second: D4 (interval 2, fret 12), Third: E4 (interval 3, fret 14)
- String 5 (A2): Fifth: G3 (interval 5, fret 10), Sixth: A3 (interval 6, fret 12), Seventh: B3 (interval 7, fret 14)
- String 6 (E2): Second: D3 (interval 2, fret 10), Third: E3 (interval 3, fret 12), Fourth: F3 (interval 4, fret 13)
C Diatonic Ionian
Full Map
| String | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 • E4 | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 |
| 2 • B3 | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 |
| 3 • G3 | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · |
| 4 • D3 | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 |
| 5 • A2 | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R |
| 6 • E2 | 3 | 4 | · | 5 | · | 6 | · | 7 | R | · | 2 | · | 3 | 4 | · | 5 |
C Diatonic Ionian Full Map
C D E F G A B
C Diatonic Major (Ionian) Triads
Diatonic Triads
- I: C Major (C - E - G)
- ii: D Minor (D - F - A)
- iii: E Minor (E - G - B)
- IV: F Major (F - A - C)
- V: G Major (G - B - D)
- vi: A Minor (A - C - E)
- vii°: B Diminished (B - D - F)
C Diatonic Major (Ionian) Seventh Chords
Diatonic Seventh Chords
- I: C Major (C - E - G - B)
- ii: D Minor (D - F - A - C)
- iii: E Minor (E - G - B - D)
- IV: F Major (F - A - C - E)
- V: G Major (G - B - D - F)
- vi: A Minor (A - C - E - G)
- vii°: B Diminished (B - D - F - A)
Save Or Print As PDF
- Use the “Print chart” button and select “Save as PDF” in your browser print dialog.
- Use the PDF Builder to assemble portrait, color pages from starter and custom scales.
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Common Scale Lessons
Search Common Scale Lessons.
Major (Ionian)
Core map for keys, chord functions, and fretboard navigation. diatonic · ionian
Major (Ionian)Minor Pentatonic
Fastest route to phrasing, bends, and safe target notes. pentatonic · aeolian
Minor PentatonicBlues Scale
Adds blue-note tension and classic rock/blues vocabulary. blues · aeolian
Blues ScaleNatural Minor (Aeolian)
Default minor color for songs, riffs, and melodic writing. diatonic · aeolian
Natural Minor (Aeolian)Harmonic Minor
Strong dominant pull and dramatic minor-key color. harmonic_minor · harmonic minor
Harmonic MinorDiminished (Half-Whole)
High-tension dominant color and symmetrical sequencing. symmetric · diminished_hw
Diminished (Half-Whole)Whole Tone
Ambiguous, floating tension useful for altered dominant sounds. symmetric · whole_tone
Whole ToneBebop Dominant
Adds passing tones so chord tones land on strong beats. bebop · mixolydian
Bebop Dominant
Learning Resources
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Introduction To Scales
Start with foundational scale concepts, first-step roadmap, and practice guidance.
Introduction To ScalesScale PDF Builder
Build printable scale chart packs with custom roots, modes, and label styles.
Scale PDF BuilderGuitar Tab Library
Browse sequence tabs across keys, scale families, and modes.
Guitar Tab LibraryInteractive Guitar Courses
Move from diagrams to guided drills for scales, modes, and arpeggios.
Interactive Guitar Courses
Guitar Glossary
Search Guitar Glossary.
Diatonic Chords
Understand how triads and sevenths are built from each scale degree.
Diatonic ChordsRoman Numerals
Track chord function by degree and read progressions faster.
Roman NumeralsIntervals
Map note distances to fretboard targets and phrasing choices.
IntervalsTarget Notes
Resolve lines on strong chord tones so phrases sound connected to harmony.
Target NotesModes
Learn how mode changes shift tonal center and melodic color.
ModesKey Signatures
Keep spelling clean and navigate sharps/flats by key context.
Key SignaturesGuitar Glossary
Browse all glossary terms for scales, chords, intervals, and practice concepts.
Guitar Glossary
Scales + Chords FAQ
How are scales and chords related?
Chords are built from scale tones. In a major key, stacking scale degrees in thirds gives the diatonic triads and seventh chords.
Why should I target chord tones while soloing?
Chord tones define harmony. Landing on them at phrase endings makes improvisation sound intentional and connected to progression changes.
Should I practice triads or seventh chords first?
Start with triads to learn clear function, then add sevenths for richer color and stronger voice-leading awareness.
Do these chord relationships move to all keys?
Yes. Roman-numeral function stays consistent; only the absolute note names change when you transpose.
Can I use this for modal harmony too?
Yes. Select a mode and map the available chord tones in that sound to hear how modal color changes usable targets.
Chart FAQ
How do I use a guitar scale chart correctly?
Treat the chart as a map. Start with one position, play slowly in time, and call out degree targets so the pattern connects to sound.
Are these shapes movable to other keys?
Yes. Shift the shape so the root lands on the new key note. The interval structure stays the same across the fretboard.
Should I print charts or use them on screen?
Both work. Printing is useful for focused practice away from tabs/apps, while on-screen charts are easier to transpose quickly.
What chart should beginners start with?
Start with major and minor pentatonic. Add blues next, then natural/harmonic minor once timing and targeting are consistent.
How many chart positions should I learn at once?
One to two positions at a time. Learn them deeply, then connect positions using shared notes and target-note exercises.