This is Why You Suck at Guitar 18: You Don't Know the Major Scale!

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  • čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
  • Downloadable TABS, charts, bonus lessons, backing tracks, and MORE available on my Patreon page! / benellerguitars
    instagram: BenEllerGuitars #weekendwankshop #thisiswhyyousuckatguitar18 #thisiswhyyousuckatguitar
    unclebeneller
    Hey kids! Its Uncle Ben Eller here with the return of the legendary This is Why You Suck at Guitar series!!!! You loyal Suckamaniacs have been sending me numerous telepathic messages, smoke signals, and carrier pigeons clamoring for some lessons on scales and music theory, and i'm happy to oblige. In this mega-sized lesson, you're going to learn EVERYTHING you've ever wanted to learn about the major scale, and more!
    The major scale is the basis of EVERYTHING in western music. Its the basic building block, the DNA strand, the blank canvas of music. Everything that we hear in music is directly related to it! Its like a cheese pizza: even if you're making a supreme pizza, you know what its built on top of? A cheese pizza. That's right.
    In this lesson, i'm going to show you all some basic theory secrets of how every major scale is constructed, and show you the 5 scale patterns you HAVE to know to get the most out of it! These 5 patterns are the ones that i learned that helped me understand this magical scale to its fullest. Master these easy concepts, and you'll be able to play scales across the entire board with ease, just like Francis Bubbletrousers!
    Along the way, i'm also going to show you all how to combine and link these shapes up for maximum fretboard impact. And some tasty shred sequence ideas, too! And the easy secrets of using your newfound major scale knowledge to create and map out every other scale in the known galaxy!!!
    If you practice these things on the daily, i guarantee you'll be on speaking terms with your real dad again in NO time. What have you got to lose? Oh yeah, YOUR DAD!
    Playing my Suhr Modern Satin into the Fractal Axe FX III. Its so lovely.
    What else do you suck at?! Let me know and we will talk about it in a future episode of TIWYSAG!
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 1,8K

  • @BenEller
    @BenEller  Před 4 lety +317

    Thanks for learning all about the major scale, guys! What do you suck at on guitar that we should talk about next time on TIWYSAG?

    • @toddmcdaniel7603
      @toddmcdaniel7603 Před 4 lety +10

      You had me at the intro. Basic, quick chord changes without barring all the time. Just my thoughts. Thanks Uncle Ben.

    • @DrDizzleFrizzle
      @DrDizzleFrizzle Před 4 lety +9

      Hmm, what about the intricacies of a Neil Breen film?
      In all seriousness, how to take my fingers to slow and lame to speedy weedlyweedlers

    • @Herides1
      @Herides1 Před 4 lety +20

      Modes please! I would love to hear your take on modes. I think it would help a lot. If modes are too complex for now, how about just learning how to play to a backing track or a drum beat (for the people who are the only person that plays an instrument in their friend group *cough* *cough*)

    • @kathywhite4547
      @kathywhite4547 Před 4 lety +3

      Ben Eller playing over chord tones I still don’t get it .

    • @thomasaquinas601
      @thomasaquinas601 Před 4 lety +9

      That was the best guitar lesson I've ever had. Practical, digestible, inspiring. Been a wankshop fan, but now this is my new favorite.

  • @gadfly9376
    @gadfly9376 Před 4 lety +568

    Clearest explanation of something that my brain has resisted understanding for over 30 years. Subscribed.

  • @monsterram6617
    @monsterram6617 Před 4 lety +418

    This was a major help.

  • @MU6AFA
    @MU6AFA Před 4 lety +164

    part 1 : 2:08
    part 2 : 6:05
    part 3 : 11:24
    part 4 : 17:21
    part 5 : 22:32
    summary, tips, secrets : 27:11
    important secrets: 28:02
    A THANK YOU WILL WORK.

    • @sharadaprasad9311
      @sharadaprasad9311 Před 4 lety +3

      Thank you

    • @velvetlies8923
      @velvetlies8923 Před 4 lety +7

      grassy ass

    • @MU6AFA
      @MU6AFA Před 4 lety +3

      @@sharadaprasad9311 no need dude

    • @MU6AFA
      @MU6AFA Před 4 lety +1

      @@velvetlies8923 lol . i didn't understand what you mean

    • @vanderneut
      @vanderneut Před 4 lety +15

      Or, if you want it even quicker:
      1. 26:40 Linear
      2. 26:44 Standard form
      3. 26:49 One-octave shapes
      4. 26:57 3-notes per string
      5. 27:03 4-notes per string
      ;-)
      Seriously though... these are really awesome tips.

  • @massimobozzi1
    @massimobozzi1 Před 4 lety +49

    Uncle Ben, you bastard! You just taught me more theory in five minutes than I’ve learned in 40 years of playing on my own.

    • @mindcontrol67
      @mindcontrol67 Před 2 lety +1

      Wow! That's a long time not to know this already.Almost half a century.

  • @GarrettLoganGriffin
    @GarrettLoganGriffin Před 2 lety +23

    I’ve been playing guitar for about 21 years. Played pretty consistently from ages 14-30. I got really good at doing covers. Playing technical metal stuff note for note but never rally knowing the fundamentals behind it all. Got consumed with work and it sucked out my soul and will to play. Stopped playing for almost 4 years. I decided to go back into it as a beginner to really learn the fretboard, chords, scales, etc.
    I’ve watched countless lessons and tutorials over the years, and none of them at quite as clear, concise, and efficient than yours. They really do help, SO much.

    • @HerrinSchadenfreude
      @HerrinSchadenfreude Před 9 měsíci

      This is almost my exact story, except that I played violin before guitar and then forgot everything I'd learned about music theory. So now I'm in a rut trying to go beyond where I was years ago on guitar plus the music theory and playing technique that I never got past. It's very frequently frustrating - especially when I listen to all these other players and it seems like if I wanted to ever get there I would have to have played religiously throughout.

    • @GarrettLoganGriffin
      @GarrettLoganGriffin Před 9 měsíci

      @@HerrinSchadenfreude Life happens brother. I still find it hard to pick it up. I know it will be cathartic for me, but it’s like I have this block telling me I shouldn’t be playing. I don’t know how to get passed it. Hope it works out for the both of us.

    • @loranstaley1119
      @loranstaley1119 Před 4 měsíci +1

      Same! 41 years old now and feel like I’m starting from the beginning. To all you self taught folk out there, take some lessons!! Or watch Ben lol. You can’t teach yourself something you don’t know even exists

  • @dajoler
    @dajoler Před 4 lety +35

    Whenever I feel too comfortable with my guitar skills, Uncle Ben's always there with the tough love, telling me why I can't shred like Yahweh Mousemeat. Thanks Uncle Ben!

  • @keokai808
    @keokai808 Před 3 lety +41

    I know this is an older video but, in my endeavor to get past the boredom of a beginner. Practicing the same scales over and over, I found this video. Awesome! You just gave me a new life and new ambition! Thank you so much!

  • @WolfieboyMachi
    @WolfieboyMachi Před 3 lety +2

    I have ADD, and have been plucking at a guitar for about 7 years without much progress due to never knowing what to do in regards to learning the scales, and my mind scattering all over the place, refusing to focus and retain information. Especially when all other tutorials have been half baked at best, and my brain struggles to organize things and put it in order.
    Now I finally get it. This video is amazing, thank you so much.

  • @Guithulhu
    @Guithulhu Před 4 lety +122

    Thanks Uncle Ben. Your wild rice is good, too.

    • @ilikeguitars3511
      @ilikeguitars3511 Před 4 lety +2

      Uncle bens rice is amazing

    • @Guithulhu
      @Guithulhu Před 3 lety +1

      @Chris Kinsella Not to worry, Chris. Mars, intends to change branding to get rid of legacy stereotyping.

  • @GMec78
    @GMec78 Před 4 lety +85

    This may actually be the most important guitar lesson on the internet

    • @DannyVardy
      @DannyVardy Před 4 lety +12

      I've been playing guitar for 30 years and I've NEVER seen this taught so well. There is no "may actually be" about it, @GrantMecozzi. I 100% agree with you. It IS, without doubt, the most important guitar lesson on. the internet - PERIOD!!! This lesson should be watched by every struggling git player. Ben, you just changed my musical life and gave me the keys to the guitar playing kingdom... You should win a Pulitzer prize for this. Much respect dude... If you've watched this and are reading my comment and don't realize the significance of this lesson - I respectfully suggest you give up guitar...

    • @silverface2011
      @silverface2011 Před 4 lety +5

      Agree. Delivered with ease.

    • @jamesthe-doctor8981
      @jamesthe-doctor8981 Před 4 lety +9

      I've been playing guitar for over 55 years, and I've seen/heard/watched/read from a book, etc., what amounts to everything in this lesson, but I've never heard it tied together in anywhere near this illuminating of a way. Waaaaaay back, LONG before the Internet, virtually every guitar method, whether a book or, nowadays, a video, begins with "learning the Major scale." Most, if not all, take you through the motions of memorizing this, as well as other scales, but they typically fail miserably at teaching you what to actually DO with them! They try like hell, but none of them manage to connect it all in a logical, useful, and intuitive way. Watching this made it feel like the scales have fallen from my eyes (pun totally intended)! This IS the most important guitar lesson on the Internet and, for me, this is the most important lesson via ANY medium. Ever.

  • @NiqScott
    @NiqScott Před rokem +3

    I've finally started having lessons after 45 years of sucking at guitar, and this video has helped more than anything I've read or watched so far. I might put my headphones on, and play it on a loop while I sleep.

  • @kohZeei
    @kohZeei Před 3 lety +29

    Dude, I love you!
    Out of all of the many guitar teachers I've found here on youtube, you are leagues above everyone else.
    It makes me so happy I finally found someone that makes sense to me after all these years of searching.
    You get to the point, do a great job of avoiding confusion, got humor and actually shows tabs in video etc. Just top Notch stuff!
    Am literally binge watching your stuff now and loving all of it!
    Thank you for doing this, and please never stop, you rock!

  • @AlfredoGuako
    @AlfredoGuako Před 4 lety +39

    There was a guy telling me that learning guitar on CZcams doesn't work because all the teachers suck and don't teach you the right way to play...
    He looked suspiciously like my stepdad. Thanks for making my real dad consider noticing me uncle Ben

    • @juliantorres3593
      @juliantorres3593 Před 4 lety

      Because its all supplemental its like knowing a a bunch of words of a foreign language but you cant write or hold a conversation

  • @JaMeshuggah
    @JaMeshuggah Před 4 lety +33

    Why You Suck At Guitar is how I found this channel. Glad it's continuing!

  • @janichmondieu6505
    @janichmondieu6505 Před 3 lety +9

    Everything that I've learned how to do in a traditional way, I applied this type of simplifying approach, before teaching the skill to another person. There is a recognizable human element in making something easier to envision. I so admire this dude for his desire to make this easier for me and others. Thanks Ben, continued success!

  • @OldManTenno
    @OldManTenno Před 4 lety +5

    As someone who didn’t know shit about music theory for over 20 years, this was the best explanation of doing a major scale on guitar. This immediately opened things up for me in not just speed, but approach. Thanks for the kick ass lesson, Ben. 👍🏼

  • @jimhagler3716
    @jimhagler3716 Před 4 lety +35

    Hey uncle Ben, you speak clearly and describe things clearly. you are perhaps the easiest teacher to understand on utube. you're also entertaining! all in all just great. but you could slow down just a little when you're showing those shapes and stuff. after all man, you got to remember the rest of us, well, "We suck at guitar" cause we ain't listened to our uncle ben enough. I'm 61 and you gotta teach me to shred cause it's on my bucket list and the clocks tickin dude. Peace and keep it up.

  • @jasonesty3880
    @jasonesty3880 Před 4 lety +21

    You had me at the Terry Pratchett quote. Subscribed.

  • @matthewdavies7444
    @matthewdavies7444 Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks for spending so much of your time putting this lesson together. It's very good.

  • @shawngaske1229
    @shawngaske1229 Před 3 lety +2

    This was literally the most eye opening and informative guitar lesson/tutorial I've seen in ages. THANK YOU for this. Subbed.

  • @wombozombo
    @wombozombo Před 4 lety +298

    How did you know that I suck at guitar, uncle Ben?

  • @bradsmith6662
    @bradsmith6662 Před 4 lety +44

    “Accidental Holdsworth”?? 😂
    Totally worth losing coffee through my nose!

  • @rikiwakwak
    @rikiwakwak Před 4 lety +5

    Best guitar lesson i've ever had. I know more now about how the fretboard is connected and can be moved around on, than i ever have. THANK YOU. Subbed the other day.

  • @matthewmorrison1431
    @matthewmorrison1431 Před 4 lety +11

    As an intermediate self taught guitar player that doesn’t quite know what I’m doing and likes to noodle over progressions, I think this video just changed my entire outlook! This is great content, thanks for the lesson Ben!

  • @acevedohiram
    @acevedohiram Před 4 lety +69

    Uncle Ben is my real dad. My step dad couldn't teach like this😂

    • @leblon712
      @leblon712 Před 4 lety +17

      Maybe he was just a half-step dad 😃

  • @joepope5793
    @joepope5793 Před 4 lety +16

    I wish there was a way to direct every aspiring guitar player digging through YT for lessons to this very video. This is SO important and you articulate WHY it's so important and the practical applications of this so well. And to top it all of you're doing it for free. You're a damn saint, Ben.

  • @stephenwoods145
    @stephenwoods145 Před rokem +1

    Thank you, thank you, thank you . This is just what I needed . This is so easy to understand I can’t thank you enough . I’ll be practising this lesson over and over

  • @elidireye8493
    @elidireye8493 Před rokem +2

    This videos have just improved my understanding of the scale. I wouldn't have done it without it. Thank you!🇵🇬

  • @SwirkH
    @SwirkH Před 4 lety +4

    For a long time I used to think I could get away with knowing only pentatonic/blues scale.
    But once I learned the major scale I suddenly started to UNDERSTAND how the music theory works (thanks Rick Beato ! The best music teacher on CZcams), it totally opened my mind. I discovered intervals, modes, I started to build chords everywhere on the neck and move between different keys.
    Major scale is absolute must for every guitarist. All of the basics of music theory lay within it.

  • @nickm2483
    @nickm2483 Před 4 lety +10

    I really envy young guitar players just starting out learning to play. I'm 35 and started playing guitar at 14. It was 1998 and CZcams was still years away. I never had access to any lessons like this and magazines from that time really blinded you with lots of theory. The concept of learning the major scale as a sequence of steps and half steps is so simple but really effective - and means you can apply it to different keys really quickly. So much easier than learning fret numbers (which change the moment the key changes). Great video Uncle Ben!

    • @Markuscarcass
      @Markuscarcass Před 4 lety +1

      I agree. Im 40 and started playing when i was 16. I dont suck but im jealous of the younger guys who started learning with access to youtube and on line material like this. Most can probably shred the hell out of me. At least with solos. If i had the patience, time and motivation i had back then with the same access to this material id be a famous youtuber myself by now. After all these years im kind of forcing myself to take a step back and learn more theory. Thanks to guys like Ben, Steve Stine, Music is Win and countless others for breaking things down for almost anybody to be able to understand.

    • @Tama_Abiru
      @Tama_Abiru Před 4 lety +2

      Learning music theory and how to read music is exactly why you didn't understand and would have taken much less time than learning by fret patterns. The theory isn't meant to "blind" you.

    • @rossscarbro4602
      @rossscarbro4602 Před 4 lety

      Bro I’m 47 but started a bit late at the age of 17 (1989). Magazines and tab books was it for me but good luck finding those books back then pre-internet

    • @mattnewman6049
      @mattnewman6049 Před 4 lety

      Started playing bass in1985 at age 10 by copying Steve Harris, Paul McCartney, Geezer Butler from records. Gave my self basic sight reading training and learned the neck. In high school jazz band I started to hear how to walk through changes more complex. Thankfully my ear could hear the intervals. Tablature is not the way to learn guitar. The dot on string chord chart is much better for visualizing the neck. I had a few DCI VHS lessons back then. Mel Bay books, ect. The Jamie Ambersold tapes. Ect. Since the the advent of youtube my knowledge of theory and harmony has increased exponentially. New players have such a valuable resource on youtube such as this fantastic lesson.

  • @mattlisankie9119
    @mattlisankie9119 Před 4 lety +3

    this is the most useful 30 minutes of music instruction I have ever experienced. thanks ben!

  • @chayetpagano555
    @chayetpagano555 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks Ben!!!! This really help me out. I've been playing all afternoon and the fretboard really make so much more sense.

  • @motordrum7749
    @motordrum7749 Před 4 lety +8

    I’ve waited a long time for you to give me another reason why I suck. Thanks Uncle Ben!

  • @derekmc9580
    @derekmc9580 Před 4 lety +3

    Fn sweet lesson man. These are concepts I’ve kind of been putting together but this lesson really helps drive it home. Good stuff Ben. Thanks

  • @methoxyll
    @methoxyll Před 2 lety +4

    ive been trying to understand scales especially with how to do them with the pattern istead of down the string, i couldnt understand it for the life of me untill now. this video really helped me. thanks so much

  • @cypher9000
    @cypher9000 Před 3 lety

    This is invaluable. I don't think I've seen anyone else explain this concept so well and sensibly. Massive thank you for doing this! I'll make sure to watch more of your tutorials.

  • @JohnM-zz8bd
    @JohnM-zz8bd Před 4 lety +10

    This is the scale lesson I've been looking for 4 over a decade. Great lesson, thanks uncle Ben!

  • @Dubnot
    @Dubnot Před 4 lety +12

    How did Ben know I was sucking at guitar again?
    Your finish line analogy makes a whole lot of sense.

    • @rickdb8480
      @rickdb8480 Před 4 lety

      "Uncle Ben" .. Show some respect for gods sake

  • @woodyshade
    @woodyshade Před 3 lety +6

    the cool thing is that for every major scale there is a relative minor associated which exploits the same scale pattern. if you take the A major, its relative minor is the F#. Besides the F# minor scale, it is possible to use this very same pattern to construct the seven modes connected to A and the pentatonic scale associated with some of them. Just using the A major keynotes, starting from a different note than A, it is given the following: F#=minor scale. pentatonic. G#=ionian mode. A=major scale/mode. B=dorian mode/pentatonic. C#=phrygian mode, pentatonic. D=lydian mode. E=mixolydian mode. Learning one pattern means to unfold 8 scales with common notes.

  • @TheKingKrusher
    @TheKingKrusher Před 2 lety +1

    Oh man, this is the most valuable video about scales I've ever seen. Thank you so much for this. I really needed this for where I'm at in my early progression on guitar. 👍

  • @chadgarber
    @chadgarber Před 4 lety +6

    This is one of the most helpful guitar lesson videos I have ever seen.

  • @orionparrillo6604
    @orionparrillo6604 Před 4 lety +5

    Describing the scale as an order of whole and half steps has finally made me understand them, which I never thought I'd ever be able to do, so thank you.

  • @dmcquilken
    @dmcquilken Před 4 lety +2

    Literally the best Major scale lesson I’ve ever seen. Thanks Ben!

  • @steveloydedwards8448
    @steveloydedwards8448 Před 3 lety +1

    Ben thank you. I'm a beginner and this is the most I've learned from any youtube lessons out there so far. I feel like I know something now.

  • @martynspooner5822
    @martynspooner5822 Před 4 lety +4

    Just starting to get my head around this so was incredibly helpful thankyou

  • @clockwerk76
    @clockwerk76 Před 4 lety +3

    Ben, your content continues to define this segment of CZcams. I'm twice the player I was when I discovered your channel, and I've been playing a long time. An entire tier of technical skills I'd never learned were introduced, and I can't thank you enough.

  • @Cmajor165
    @Cmajor165 Před 2 lety

    Great video Uncle Ben. I've been putting this off for ages, I'm so pleased I watched this video. Thanks!

  • @jaym4958
    @jaym4958 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you Ben,, anything you share is okay 30 minutes is a well invested amount of time**!! Making reference to Allen has finally locked it up, you're the man the mentor, your advice alone will be treasurer for life for me, super appreciate it.

  • @DonkeyFreckle
    @DonkeyFreckle Před 4 lety +5

    The pocket octaves part was great. I always changed position when landing on a root note to a different CAGED pattern, but when Ben threw in key changes it opened up more doors of thinking.
    Thank you for the lesson!

  • @notan23
    @notan23 Před 4 lety +6

    Man, you really speak a language that made me understand this SO much more than I ever did before! Awesome teacher

  • @Boogiethrash
    @Boogiethrash Před 3 lety

    I have hit so many ruts with my playing for years. Thank you!!! So much. My mind feels re set with my approach to the fretboard. I feel elated. Thanks Uncle Ben

  • @ishanraina1
    @ishanraina1 Před 2 lety

    I have literally spent months going over videos trying to understand what you have made so easy to understand. Thank you!

  • @pdub1739
    @pdub1739 Před 4 lety +3

    Ben, this was glorious! I am coming back into playing after over a decade away and now learning what I should have learned years ago. This all finally "clicked" for me. Simple as it may be for many, I've met numerous people who are killer on guitar who don't even know the how or why something sounds correct, or any scales for that matter. This will help those like me get lost too easily make a little more sense. Subscribing for sure and will be checking out your page. Thanks!

  • @leascaart
    @leascaart Před 4 lety +4

    As a new guitar player, this TUTORIAL IS THE BOMB!!! THANK YOU!!

  • @jimyhelix7458
    @jimyhelix7458 Před 4 lety

    From the way you explain things, to the sequence you explain them, to the way your guitar sounds, everything excellent. Thank you Uncle.

  • @finneusj
    @finneusj Před 3 lety +2

    Yes! Finally it’s clicking! Been “reginning” for about a year now and NO ONE has said “you MUST start with the major scale as it’s the mother of all music”! And NO ONE has explained that you really need to learn scales in a liners fashion first, which then makes it MUCH easier to understand how to “link” scales!! THANK YOU!!

  • @chrisf6216
    @chrisf6216 Před 4 lety +9

    18:48 +500 points for explaining the "why"... and another+4000 points for knowing how to show this non-offensively. This is my desert island YT channel. Thank you BE - cheers!

  • @Urkuri79
    @Urkuri79 Před 4 lety +7

    Man, I don't know how much I can thank you for this stuff but you're hands down the best guitar teacher I've ever met and I've tried a few, plus a lot of youtube / online stuff. You literally manage to unpack stuff in minutes that others teach you over the course of weeks and make your head spin. :D Truly the way to go!! I'm a professional in other stuff and I suck at guitar but I spot a talent when I see one, you rock at this! I don't know for how long I suck at guitar if you keep coming up with this stuff!!! :DD As for future content I propose more of this, tools to help you improvise. Anyone can practice shreddin' patterns but unleashing the inner musician, learning your instrument and then being able to play what you hear in your head is the shit. Lotsa love from Finland!
    -Petri Väätäinen

  • @panchitop2909
    @panchitop2909 Před 2 lety

    Been watching a bunch of videos to help grasp an understanding of scales and how to practice them. This one has been the most helpful. I feel like it finally clicked for me. Thanks 😊 🙏

  • @patrickbrady8326
    @patrickbrady8326 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome! thank you, it was a lot to take in and I'm excited to get started. I'll be back

  • @stevenvanrensburg2938
    @stevenvanrensburg2938 Před 4 lety +3

    An excellent lesson uncle Ben, never thought about a 4 note per string major scale. Would love to see more on other scales. Thanks a billion.

  • @mikek464
    @mikek464 Před 4 lety +8

    The 3 note per string major scale is the first thing my teacher, Johnny Monaco, made me learn then how run up the neck and also the cycle of fifths. After that he said it was a waste to continue paying him since I had chords and stuff down. He threw scales and theory at me and sent me packing lol.

  • @jeffdavis1552
    @jeffdavis1552 Před 4 lety

    Ben is a fantastic and brilliant teacher. I've been playing 40 plus years and stumble all over what he teaches in a way that the dots are so connected. Thanks Ben for the enlightenment.

  • @jray5363
    @jray5363 Před 3 lety

    Dude! You’re a hell of a teacher! I’ve messed around for years, trying to self teach myself, and I’ve never seen someone explain it so simply and make so much sense. Nice work!

  • @lukejaekel14
    @lukejaekel14 Před 3 lety +5

    This is a great tutorial because I've been playing guitar for about 6 years now and I still can't fully wrap my head around guitar music theory. I'm fully self-taught in guitar and I have come a long way learning really challenging songs and I found it's all about repetition, repetition, repetition ladies and gentlemen. I've been at a stage for a couple years now where I still didn't know how to get better and was almost stuck at my guitar learning level. I learnt general music theory at university (mainly on piano) but I found it hard to transfer that knowledge to the guitar. What you said in this video makes perfect sense to me now and I can finally start applying this knowledge to create my own sequences instead of just learning songs and not really knowing how this riff or solo was created musically or what it means. Learning songs is useful don't get me wrong because you get used to certain techniques but learning this stuff helps you understand why instead of how.
    I owe you a drink my man because this is one of the best and most easily explained scale tutorials out there on CZcams by a long stretch. I'd pay literally £30 for a tutor per hour just to show me loads of modes but you my friend did this for free and helped so many people learn the basics including me, keep doing what you're doing and thank you.

    • @Vlad-bo8py
      @Vlad-bo8py Před 3 lety +2

      Nice. I've been playing guitar for almost a year now, and i just started to learn music theory.

  • @fv3video
    @fv3video Před 4 lety +20

    Wow! You simplified the major scale learning curve. New suscriber here.

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 4 lety +1

      fv3video thanks for watching!

  • @wopadobop
    @wopadobop Před 3 lety

    This chained together quite a few things I have struggled to understand in the past. Great work.

  • @stacey_1111rh
    @stacey_1111rh Před 3 lety +1

    Not only is this a good video on the major scale but there is so much more here as well. Excellent work

  • @squareyes1981
    @squareyes1981 Před 4 lety +6

    I describe it as a spiral staircase with 12 steps. Take 12 steps and you're back where you started, just one floor higher

  • @desertfox3151
    @desertfox3151 Před 4 lety +8

    This is good stuff..guys like me whove been playing for 25 years, have natural talent, but suck..can really benefit from a no nonsense simple video like this..keep em coming..subbed

    • @mdh2006
      @mdh2006 Před 4 lety +1

      I'm with ya in that comment. 33 years of sucking for me. Wish I would've learned this years ago.

  • @davidinnes2969
    @davidinnes2969 Před 4 lety

    Fantastic best I have ever seen. I'm really excited about this lesson ..

  • @robertfontaine4775
    @robertfontaine4775 Před 4 lety

    This is by far the best lesson on you tube for learning and understanding guitar scales. Thank you.

  • @nunya8605
    @nunya8605 Před 4 lety +3

    What a real straight forward practical great lesson

  • @chrisdaviesguitar
    @chrisdaviesguitar Před 4 lety +4

    Been looking forward to this since seeing your Instagram post, even though I know my major scale. What I want to master is how to apply modes in my lead. Now that would be a great post. Practicing to a backing rack is pure gold advice.

    • @EclecticEssentric
      @EclecticEssentric Před 4 lety

      A simple starter: Take C Major scale, bang out each mode. Look at what tones stand out from each other scale (usually 1 or 2 notes), and focus those over the corresponding chord. For C major, the 4th mode (F Lydian) has that major 7, and augmented 4th (creates tritone like Locrian's diminished 5th). Focus those 2 tones over an F Major chord played in C Major.
      Starter example in C Major:
      Ionian CDEBFGAB (7th), Dorian DEFGABC (6th), Phrygian EFGABCD (2nd), Lydian FGABCDE (4th 7th), Mixolydian GABCDEF (7th), Aeolian ABCDEFG, Locrian BCDEFGA (5th as passing note). Other notes are considered as well, depending on teacher, and usage.
      Certain chords in key will contain the key notes of each mode, making them give that mode's "sound".
      Good luck!

  • @rockingmofo7850
    @rockingmofo7850 Před 4 lety

    Dude you are awesome. I’ve been playing for 3 years (metal guitar) and this video alone is just clearing up so much for when I’m learning solos and even being able to improvise!

  • @eddyeddy2887
    @eddyeddy2887 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome Ben, what a lesson. Thank you very much, really cleared up my head. You made it really easy to play some stuff now. Sincerely appreciate it.

  • @97stratocaster21
    @97stratocaster21 Před 4 lety +4

    This was a great lesson. Extremely practical, regardless of genre

  • @jbro8552
    @jbro8552 Před 4 lety +4

    I suck at guitar because I do not practice enough, but this stuff gives me something to work on. Thanks for the info.!!!!

  • @deniswith1n
    @deniswith1n Před 4 lety +1

    I've been playing for over 10 years and haven't come across anything that breaks this down and connects the "islands" for me. This was so simple to understand. Glad I stumbled upon your videos. I feel like I might be able to learn some theory now instead of just reading and playing tabs forever. THANK YOU!

  • @lesharrison3739
    @lesharrison3739 Před 3 lety +1

    That was fantastic! Thanks, Uncle Ben. Very clear, instantly applicable, and you just connected the neck in a new way. Thanks!

  • @MrMetalhorse
    @MrMetalhorse Před 4 lety +58

    Joke's on you Ben,
    I don't know any scale!
    Oh wait, that makes me suck even more.

    • @bobravenscraft5376
      @bobravenscraft5376 Před 4 lety +2

      Yes he did he also took extra music classes at Pasadena. What the beast know are intervals. If you listen to the solo on. On Fire that run is major Ed will surprise you

    • @bobravenscraft5376
      @bobravenscraft5376 Před 4 lety +1

      The reason people think Ed doesn't know scales he hears tones he knows major is whole whole half whole whole whole half

  • @guitardavepdx
    @guitardavepdx Před 4 lety +19

    What about a lesson on harmony? We all have a melody lead mentality, how many of us think about soloing over the chords with harmony lines instead?

  • @diggy2107
    @diggy2107 Před 4 lety

    This video really helped me connect a few dots and I thank you for it, I think it's very important to show people and then they can decide to use you as the teacher, thank you Ben .I find myself searching for a great teacher because I have had a bad teacher and I know that I wished for a better one.

  • @kenhorner4508
    @kenhorner4508 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much Ben! iv been playing guitar about a year and your videos have helped me so much. Subscribed!

  • @c0ffeeJunk13
    @c0ffeeJunk13 Před 4 lety +3

    An(other) outrageously good lesson AND and a Terry Pratchett quote?? It just doesn't get any better than this.

  • @tjordulf
    @tjordulf Před 4 lety +6

    Awesome, After years of being a Vocalist, who owns electric and acoustic guitars, but is not what you would call a guitarist, I've seen every kinda lesson and tutorial under the sun. But the WAY in which you explained that, I learned more in 1/2 an hour than I have in the last 30 years. So thanks for that man. I really like your honest, no bullshit approach, plus I'm so glad you likened fret numbering to memorising the phone book😊, I detest all that crap. I know you've gotta, 'wax on, wax off' a little, learning anything, but I don't wanna have to memorise the periodic table of elements FFS!! So, quite simply, thanks, and SUBSCRIBED!

    • @tjordulf
      @tjordulf Před 4 lety

      Incidentally Ben, as I said, I'm a vocalist, not really a guitarist, please, if you find the time, have a listen to my version of Ain't talkin bout love. I posted a link on your breakdown of that track. But here's the link to my studio channel.
      czcams.com/video/INo6NOsxTwE/video.html

  • @joe429t
    @joe429t Před 4 lety +1

    I’ve been playing for 30+ years and I know I suck. I play just good enough to fool people who can’t play. I tried taking lessons many years ago and just couldn’t wrap my head around theory, which proves that my teacher sucked. Your 25 minute video unlocked something I never knew was there the whole time. Granted I still suck but that’s slowly changing. Killer lessons Uncle Ben

  • @muetzenklon6222
    @muetzenklon6222 Před 4 lety

    This video is so unbelievably helpful. I started playing the guitar from scratch, knowing nothing about music theory. But thanks to you, it all starts to "make sense" now. So glad I found this!

  • @ineedwafflestabernacle
    @ineedwafflestabernacle Před 4 lety +3

    Hey Ben, I just wanted to say thanks for reading my mind. I was trying to improvise earlier and kept thinking "Damn, I wish I knew my way around the whole fretboard" and along comes this video not even 10 minutes later! Thanks a bunch, you're my favorite biological stepdad ❤

  • @motafov
    @motafov Před 4 lety +3

    ben eller is the coolest youtube persona in cyberspace, never mind being a proficient "grandmaster" guitar teacher!

  • @bernicecanty721
    @bernicecanty721 Před 3 lety

    Great video packed with great content. Thanks Uncle Ben.

  • @danpaulrose1
    @danpaulrose1 Před 3 lety

    Well done, Ben. Thanks. Enjoyed your teaching style and pace.

  • @RobVenable
    @RobVenable Před 4 lety +4

    Awesome...yes, please do the same for the minor scale!

  • @johnmonroney8614
    @johnmonroney8614 Před 4 lety +4

    Uncle Ben you the genius of the day. I have to hide from people so you muh only friend.

  • @David-sx7on
    @David-sx7on Před 3 lety

    One of the best theory and lessons ever. After 25 years I am finally learning this and brings me.so much pleasure. Thanks!

  • @ianspeaight8663
    @ianspeaight8663 Před rokem

    Been finding it hard to understand scales at all but your videos have giving me a lot of hope ,best explained video I've seen so far ,thanks

  • @richbarraco1307
    @richbarraco1307 Před 4 lety +4

    I suck at coming up with a daily practice routine to become a well rounded guitar player. I feel like all I do is jump around CZcams and get bits and pieces. I need a daily practice routine covering rock chords, scales, arpeggios, soloing up and down the fretboard in all keys, transposing.....
    Help me uncle Ben 👍

  • @bimscutney1242
    @bimscutney1242 Před 4 lety +3

    You are such an awesome teacher! Were I a rich man I would retain your guitar teacher services.

    • @treiko1160
      @treiko1160 Před 4 lety

      dude, he's the absolute best teacher in my hometown. so fortunate I got to take private lessons from this guy around a decade ago.. but as a kid, all I wanted was to learn specific song riffs, licks, etc... it paid off, in the end, opening my interest and providing technical lessons without me even truly realizing at the time. CZcams paved the rest of the way. but now he's on here. Love u Unc.

    • @treiko1160
      @treiko1160 Před 4 lety

      btw, in person, this dude doesn't let shit slide, so you get used to playing with quality technique. wish I had continued on. Greatest gift I was ever taught.

  • @dusanignjatovic9312
    @dusanignjatovic9312 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for both of your videos: major and minors scales which gave me visual explanations and visualization of what I have to do with narrowing scales and how to practice and make connections within.