Lessons

Guitar Theory
& Technique

Practical guides covering scales, chords, intervals, and fretboard theory. Each one connects to an interactive tool so you can read the explanation and try it straightaway.

37Lessons
5Categories

Scales

Learn the scale patterns that form the backbone of guitar improvisation and melody.

Guitar Scales

8 min readBeginner

Covers the major, minor, pentatonic, blues and modal scales

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Minor Pentatonic Scale

10 min readBeginner

The most important scale for rock and blues. Features 5 positions, licks, and soloing tips.

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Major Scale

8 min readBeginner

The foundation of Western music theory. Includes modes, harmonisation, and application.

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Blues Scale

8 min readIntermediate

Add the b5 'blue note' to your pentatonic playing for authentic blues expression.

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Natural Minor Scale

12 min readBeginner

The seven-note Aeolian mode behind rock, metal, and classical music. Diatonic chords, relative major, and how it differs from harmonic minor.

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Harmonic Minor Scale

10 min readAdvanced

The dramatic neoclassical scale; raised 7th, augmented 2nd, used by Yngwie Malmsteen and Bach alike.

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Melodic Minor Scale

10 min readAdvanced

Minor with raised 6th and 7th ascending; the jazz and fusion player's essential scale.

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Dorian Mode

12 min readIntermediate

Minor with a raised 6th; the jazz and funk mode behind Santana, Miles Davis, and countless minor 7th grooves.

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Mixolydian Mode

12 min readIntermediate

Major scale with a flat 7th; purpose-built for dominant 7th chords, blues, and classic rock riffs.

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Phrygian Mode

10 min readIntermediate

Dark, Spanish-flavoured mode built on the ♭2. The sound of flamenco and heavy metal.

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Lydian Mode

10 min readIntermediate

Major scale with a raised 4th; dreamy, cinematic, the brightest of all modes.

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Guitar Modes: Complete Guide

18 min readIntermediate

All seven modes of the major scale (Ionian through Locrian) with interval formulas, sounds, genre uses, and how to improvise with each.

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Pentatonic Scales: Master Guide

20 min readBeginner

Major and minor pentatonic in full; all five positions, connecting positions, blues application, and practical improvisation technique.

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Guitar Scales Learning Path

12 min readAll levels

Every essential scale grouped by difficulty, from minor pentatonic to advanced modes and jazz scales, with interactive fretboard links.

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Chords

Build a complete chord vocabulary from open shapes to moveable barre chord forms.

Fretboard Theory

Understand the logic of the fretboard including note names, intervals, and how music is constructed.

Theory Tools

Interactive tools for exploring scales, chords, and key relationships.

Key Explorer

5 minIntermediate

Select any key to see its notes, all seven diatonic chords with harmonic functions, relative key, and links to every related scale.

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Scale Finder

3 minAll levels

Select notes to find every guitar scale that contains them.

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Chord Finder

3 minAll levels

Pick notes to identify matching chords and their names.

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Circle of Fifths

5 minIntermediate

Interactive key signature reference. Click any key to explore its scale.

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Scale Comparison Tool

5 minIntermediate

Compare any two scales side by side; shared notes, interval differences, and how each one sounds over the same root.

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Interval Explorer

5 minAll levels

Visualise any interval across the fretboard, with a trainer mode to test your recognition speed.

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Triad Explorer

5 minIntermediate

Major, minor, diminished and augmented triads; root position, inversions, and string sets.

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Progression Explorer

5 minIntermediate

Enter any chord progression to detect the key, roman numerals, and scale suggestions.

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Voice Leading Explorer

5 minAdvanced

Animated voice leading between chords; see common tones, smallest movements, and smooth transitions.

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CAGED Explorer

5 minIntermediate

Interactive CAGED system; toggle positions, see how five shapes connect across the neck.

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Diatonic Chord Explorer

5 minIntermediate

All seven diatonic chords of any major or minor key with harmonic function and scale suggestions.

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Fretboard Layers

5 minIntermediate

Overlay scales, chords, pentatonics, and target notes on a single fretboard to see how theory connects.

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Shape Shifter

3 minBeginner

Move any scale pattern across all 12 keys; same fingering, different position. Animated key cycling.

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Practice

Structure your practice sessions to build real, lasting guitar skills.

New to guitar theory?

Start with these three in order. They cover the foundations you need for everything else.