Whole and Half Steps

In this lesson, we are going to go over whole steps and half steps. This is fundamental in understanding how scales and chords are made. 

A Whole Step is the distance between 2 notes that are a tone apart. A half step then is 2 notes that are a semi-tone apart. 

Each note on the guitar is separated by a whole step, except when we go from B to C, and E to F. Like this: 

A (1) B (1/2) C (1) D (1) E (1/2) F (1) G (1) A

For example: F to a G is a whole step. C# to a D is a half step. easy enough, right? But, a B to a C is a half step as is an E to an F. 

Also, when using sharps (#) and flats (b): F# (aka Gb) to a G# (aka Ab) is a whole step.

If I wrote a scale out like this: W-W-H-W-W-W-H -could you play it anywhere on the guitar? Lets try it in the key of A, starting on A. 

Got it? REMEMBER: Only a half step between B and C as well as between E and F. That was an A Major scale we just played, from the Major scale lesson, you'll recall that a scale is a serious of 7 notes, beginning and ending on the same note. 

Here is a list of some scales you can figure out. I'll name them and tell you what kind of style they are mostly used for. (HINT-look for a pattern)  

MAJOR: W-W-H-W-W-W-H Used in Rock and Pop 

DORIAN: W-H-W-W-W-H-W Used in Blues and Jazz 

PHRYGIAN: H-W-W-W-H-W-W Used in Speed Metal, Flamenco and Fusion 

LYDIAN: W-W-W-H-W-W-H Used in Blues, Jazz and Country 

MIXOLYDIAN: W-W-H-W-W-H-W Used in Blues and Bluegrass 

LOCRIAN: W-H-W-W-H-W-W Used in Jazz fusion (sinister sound)