Music Theory Help!

[NihilistNixon]

I have finally started understanding notes and how to create triads and scales out of root notes but am having a hard time with one thing: since every note can be found on every string how do i know where to go when making a scale or chord? like if i have mapped out the major scale how do I know which string I play what note on? Need help

[dubkitty]

it really depends on your position on the neck, what you're playing and what you're going to play next, and what's comfortable for you. i realize that's not much help, but given that the same note appears in at least two or three places on the neck there's no single correct answer.

[NihilistNixon]

it really depends on your position on the neck, what you're playing and what you're going to play next, and what's comfortable for you. i realize that's not much help, but given that the same note appears in at least two or three places on the neck there's no single correct answer.

Ah, so as long as it follows the major scale pattern im in the green?

[amnesiac305]

Ultimately you should learn all the ways to play it on the neck
But I think the most important decider on which way to go s where you are going next in order to make the transition simpler. You don't want to be jumping all over if you can help it.

[Aaron@Fixpedalboards]

Guitar is different then most instruments in that it has 5 or so different positions where you can play the some notes in the same octave, compared to say piano in which there is only one middle C. Check out the CAGED system, http://www.cagedguitarsystem.net/ It is a system that allows you to play different voicings of a chord but is also relevant to Scales. Although mostly focused on Majors there is also some relation to minor scales and modes although its not as textbook example as major.

Another thins that might help is the Segovia Scales. They are scales that span the entire fretboard in both Major and Harmonic Minor scales/modes and when practiced can increase dexterity, shifting between different positions of a scale positions. The Segovia scales are also mandatory classical repertoire that any "classical oriented" school(others too but I don't have that experience) would ask to perform at an audition to scope you out. Here is a link http://www.classtab.org/segovia_scales.txt

[NihilistNixon]

I haven't been on here in a while and thank god i decided to get back on. You guys have helped me A LOT.

[bigchiefbc]

I have finally started understanding notes and how to create triads and scales out of root notes but am having a hard time with one thing: since every note can be found on every string how do i know where to go when making a scale or chord? like if i have mapped out the major scale how do I know which string I play what note on? Need help

The position you play a note really only comes down to convenience for whatever riff you're playing, and the tone you're going for. If you want to have a darker tone, play the note high on the neck on a lower string. If you want it brighter and chimy-er, play it lower on a higher string. But there's no theoretical difference between playing a low A at the 5th fret on the E string or playing the A string open.

[NihilistNixon]

I have finally started understanding notes and how to create triads and scales out of root notes but am having a hard time with one thing: since every note can be found on every string how do i know where to go when making a scale or chord? like if i have mapped out the major scale how do I know which string I play what note on? Need help

The position you play a note really only comes down to convenience for whatever riff you're playing, and the tone you're going for. If you want to have a darker tone, play the note high on the neck on a lower string. If you want it brighter and chimy-er, play it lower on a higher string. But there's no theoretical difference between playing a low A at the 5th fret on the E string or playing the A string open.

Very nice. As I learn guitar it seems guitar is easier than I had thought.