There are seven main scales used in modern american music. These scales correspond to the notes of the different keys used in music. The first mode is the root scale called Ionian mode. The other scales are in the order as follows: Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. There are intervals between each of the notes called steps. The steps between notes are always the same in each mode. The Ionian scale steps are 1-1-1/2-1-1-1-1/2. Learning the notes of the scale modes will help you learn which position to play in on the guitar. Playing these scales over chord progressions just won't sound right, for that we use pentatonic scales.
Pentatonic scales are very handy when playing lead guitar. Most blues and rock styles of music use these scales over chord progressions. The first two sets of scales are called minor pentatonic scales. The black dot represents the root tone. The root tone is the note that tells you what key you are playing in. In the example to the right the black dot is on the "F" note. This scale is in the key of "F" and can be played over the chord progression: F - Bb - C.
This a major pentatonic scale. The note in the outlined box indicates the root note, the key of the scale. This scale is used just like the minor pentatonic scales.
