Uploaded March 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
There are different ways of combining Major Scale patterns on the guitar.
One way, I like to call “Spread Form.” The other way, I like to call “Compressed Form.”
Practicing the Major Scale Patterns “Spread Form,” will give your fingers more flexibility and make stretching easier. I find they are more appropriate when playing Metal or Rock solos. Joe Satriani and Kirk Hammett use these often.
It’s easier to visualize and learn the modes with “Spread Form,” as you can connect them with 7 patterns across the fretboard.
When playing Jazz and other styles though, I find playing the “Compressed Form,” to be easier and more appropriate. Stylistically, Jazz has more turns and changes to navigate.
It’s easier to physically play the “Compressed Form” patterns and there are only 5 patterns to learn.
Learning your Major scales both ways will help you think about them with different perspectives and get creative.
Spread Form patterns across the neck: acousticplayer.wordpress.com/fretboard-knowledge/scales/313-2
Compressed Form patterns across the neck: guitarteacher.com/caged-patterns-major-scale-and-minor-pentatonic-test/comment-page-1
There are different ways of combining Major Scale patterns on the guitar.
One way, I like to call “Spread Form.” The other way, I like to call “Compressed Form.”
Practicing the Major Scale Patterns “Spread Form,” will give your fingers more flexibility and make stretching easier. I find they are more appropriate when playing Metal or Rock solos. Joe Satriani and Kirk Hammett use these often.
It’s easier to visualize and learn the modes with “Spread Form,” as you can connect them with 7 patterns across the fretboard.
When playing Jazz and other styles though, I find playing the “Compressed Form,” to be easier and more appropriate. Stylistically, Jazz has more turns and changes to navigate.
It’s easier to physically play the “Compressed Form” patterns and there are only 5 patterns to learn.
Learning your Major scales both ways will help you think about them with different perspectives and get creative.
Spread Form patterns across the neck: acousticplayer.wordpress.com/fretboard-knowledge/scales/313-2
Compressed Form patterns across the neck: guitarteacher.com/caged-patterns-major-scale-and-minor-pentatonic-test/comment-page-1
