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C Major Guitar Tabs

Exercises

C Major Guitar Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #exercises, #scales, #c, #c major, #diatonic, #modes

An introduction and in depth exploration of C Major in the first position on guitar. Read the descriptions for each guitar tablature before playing, there's usually guitar theory advice and practice tips. Make sure to read and listen to the notes before playing so you understand how it's supposed to sound. Pay attention to the fingerings in the guitar tab.


C major is the "mother key" of Western music. There are no flat or sharp notes. We just use the basic musical alphabet and it starts on a C note: C D E F G A B. Those are the 7 "natural" notes in the 12 notes of music. The 5 other accidentals, AKA flats and sharps, are not played in this key.


First learn and memorize the basic scale. Practice playing long tones. Aim for clarity After you can produce clear tones try to incorporate timing and play some of the exercises. Do not sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Learn how to play C Major on Guitar with this selection of tablatures:

  • Guitar C Major Scales

    Scales

    Get familiar with C major in the first position. Here, you should match the finger to the fret. 1st finger plays on the 1st fret, 2nd on the 2nd, etc. There are fingering markings in...

    Learn
  • Guitar C Major Alternate Picking

    Alternate Picking

    Apply alternate picking to the major scale. Pay attention to the pick direction markings. Down on down beats, and up on the off beats. Learning to pick in this pattern will become a ...

    Learn
  • Guitar C Major C Major Scale First Position - Full

    C Major Scale First Position - Full

    This is called the "full" scale because it starts from the E note below the usual C starting tone and goes up to a G on the first string. This gives you a fuller range to practice with.

    Learn
  • Guitar C Major 3rds

    3rds

    Playing the major scale in thirds can give you a new perspective on the scale, and is a great exercise for both hands.

    Learn
  • Guitar C Major 4 Note Patterns

    4 Note Patterns

    Playing scale patterns is great for your dexterity. It can be a springboard for new ideas, and is great preparation for songs like "Whiskey Before Breakfast".

    Learn
  • Guitar C Major Diatonic Modes

    Diatonic Modes

    Diatonic modes are the scales that are formed in a major key when using a different scale note as a starting and stopping point. We have been starting and ending on a C note. We coul...

    Learn