how do i read a scale formula

[stellar]

hey all i dont get how to read a scale formula i have self taught my self for seven years moslty rythum but i wanted to add some solos to my own music i write and i dont know the first thing about scales mainly the formulas they run in i feel like a complete moron:( well if any one can help me please do my e-mail addy is spawnmaster1@aol.com

[The Fury]

This might help,

www.cyberfret.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=934

I think smfulla did a really good job of explaining them.

[cyberfret]

A scale formula is the how the notes of a particular scale relate to the major scale with the same root. The major scale is the constant to which you compare all other scales. A major scale has the formula of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

So a C major scale is C D E F G A B ...then back to C. And has the formula of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

C minor has the notes C D Eb F G Ab Bb. The formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

The b3 just means that the note Eb is a half step (1 fret) lower than the note that is in the C major scale....E. So in the most simple sense, you could get build any scale by just knowing the formula, and how to play a basic major scale. You would then alter the notes from the major scale to create any other scale. This does not always produce the best fingering for a particular scale, but it could be done.

Be sure to look though the music theory lessons here at Cyberfret.com.
http://www.cyberfret.com/theory/index.php


--Shawn