Learning scales is not easy. That’s why this episode of Acoustic Tuesday is going to show you a scale shape that can be used to play almost any scale.
It might sound too good to be true. But, you have to trust me on this. Learning this scale shape will unlock a ton of scales for you.
I’ll be teaching you this single scale pattern that can work for TONS of different scales. In addition, I have some great guitar goodness coming your way.
Brendan from Heartbreaker Guitars is back — this time, he’s giving us a behind the scenes look at NAMM 2020. I’m also featuring a rare and unique guitar made from an unparalleled tonewood. Finally, I have David Grier answering some of your questions exclusively on this episode of Acoustic Tuesday!
As always, you can watch Acoustic Tuesday at 10 am every Tuesday in these four places:
- Acoustic Life YouTube channel
- We Play Every Day Facebook Community
- Get show notes emailed directly to your inbox.
- Listen to audio-only below or in iTunes
This Week on Acoustic Tuesday
1 Scale Shape Unlocks Them All
What if I told you that there is one scale shape that you can use to play almost any other scale?
The shape above is exactly the only scale shape you need to play all scales. Not only can you move this scale shape to different parts of the fretboard to play major scales, but you can also play different scales by starting on different notes.
This might sound like too much right now, but my main goal here is to introduce you to using a scale shape instead of memorizing notes.
For starters, definitely work on getting this scale shape under your fingers. You want to feel confident playing this shape anywhere on the fretboard.
After a while, feel free to start the scale on different notes. For example, instead of starting the sharp with the middle finger on the low E string, try starting it on the pinky finger of the low E string.
There’s a lot more I want to tell you about this shape, so be sure to watch the full episode of Acoustic Tuesday and be on the lookout for a special opportunity to learn the fretboard at the end of this month!
“The Tree” Mahogany and Tom Sands Guitars
What if I told you there is a tree that has provided luthiers with the best tonewood known to man? That’s right, one tree.
It’s a Mahogany tree called “The Tree,” and it was logged almost 60 years ago. While it remained felled but not harvested for many years, the wood inside “The Tree” exhibits an incredible quilting pattern not seen in other mahogany trees.
Besides having an unparalleled aesthetic beauty, the wood from “The Tree” is also one of the most sought after tonewoods in the world.
To help explain why the wood from “The Tree” is so incredible, I featured Tom Sands Guitars on this episode of Acoustic Tuesday.
For the full story of how “The Tree” became so famous and sought after, here’s a quick illustrated video to explain.
If you want to hear more about Tom Sands Guitars or check out his current production line, be sure to visit his website today.
Link: http://www.tomsandsguitars.com/
NAMM 2020 Behind the Scenes
To give you the behind the scenes of NAMM 2020, Brendan from Heartbreaker Guitars will take you on a tour of dozens of different acoustic guitar vendors.
Everyone from Lowden Guitars to Santa Cruz Guitars to Breedlove Guitars was at NAMM this year, and Brendan was able to deliver some candid interviews of some big names in the industry!
Don’t forget to watch the full episode of Acoustic Tuesday to catch Brendan’s coverage of NAMM 2020.
If you like Brendan’s enthusiasm for acoustic guitars, be sure to check out his full inventory at Heartbreaker Guitars today.
Hey Tony great show today. Really enjoyed the interview with Mr. Grier! You mentioned John Lowell I had the good fortune to attend a flat picking workshop lead by John at the Nimblefingers Bluegrass camp in B.C. Canada last summer. It was a pleasure to meet and learn from John and cool that he is another wonderful musician from Montana!
Cheers!
Guy
I believe you covered information on some quality sound pickups in past episodes. I am about to purchase the Fisher amp and want to install the pickup. Do you have a preferred recommendation for a pickup?
Tony… go for the Pre War Guitar
Thank you,fascinating I look forward to next Tuesday
Hey Tony
Yeah ….crank over that old ford let’s hear it wail
pleeeease
Where’s Noah?
Tony, do you know what song he’s playing around the 9:30 mark? It’s beautiful and I would be eager to learn that!
Colin
My first acoustic Tuesday show and really enjoyed it.
What guitar were you playing during the scale shape portion of todays episode?
Hi Tony, long time,
I have not been watching for a while…as the shows were getting, well too long and too much chit chat. This is much better, just geek stuff!
If you would like to see a beautiful guitar made using “The Tree” wood, you have to check out, if you have not already, The Tree Meets Tunnel 13, from Petros Guitars. One of the most beautiful pieces of art I have ever seen or heard.
https://youtu.be/mbuOy_gOyfY
Keep a towel handy…you will be droolin’🤤
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
What’s the scale shape for the minor equivalent?
Tony, a great lesson on scale shapes but it would have been easier to follow on the diagram if it had been drawn the same way up as the guitar. i.e. low E at the top and nut to the right. Then the finger movements would have been the same on both. It would also follow convention if you had shown that the diagram started at the 5th fret (A 5 under the line is usual, as I’m sure you know). None the less a very useful lesson – particularly for us old folks with our limited memories!
Cheers from a wet and windy France,
Chris