Scale Charts › Ab Major scale

Ab Major scale on guitar

Ab Major is a seven-note scale that most Western melodies are built on (do re mi). Its notes are Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F and G (1 2 3 4 5 6 7). Knowing it unlocks the chords in a key, the modes and how melodies are put together. The Ab roots sit at fret 4 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 4 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm and Gdim.

Questions

What notes are in the Ab Major scale?

Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F and G. The formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Where do I start Ab Major on guitar?

Put your first finger on Ab at fret 4 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 11 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative minor of Ab Major?

F Minor. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: F Minor scale · Ab Major · Scale Charts