C Major Scale on One String

Practice the C major scale on every string, always starting on C.

10 min

First time here, go for it!

FocusCurrent focus

Define what you want to work on now.

How to play it

Why this exercise

Playing the scale on one string helps you map the notes of C linearly and learn the fretboard more deeply.

On the 6th string, start on C at fret 8 and play: D 10, E 12, F 13, G 15, A 17, B 19, and C 20.
On the 5th string, start on C at fret 3 and play: D 5, E 7, F 8, G 10, A 12, B 14, and C 15.
On the 4th string, start on C at fret 10 and play: D 12, E 14, F 15, G 17, A 19, B 21, and C 22.
On the 3rd string, start on C at fret 5 and play: D 7, E 9, F 10, G 12, A 14, B 16, and C 17.
On the 2nd string, start on C at fret 1 and play: D 3, E 5, F 6, G 8, A 10, B 12, and C 13.
On the 1st string, start on C at fret 8 and play: D 10, E 12, F 13, G 15, A 17, B 19, and C 20.
Play each position slowly, listening for clean and even notes.
Practice each string separately; do not change strings until you have memorized the current string sequence.

Today's tip

Start on the 6th string, fret 8; then work from the 5th string, fret 3, and the 3rd string, fret 5.

Guides that use this exercise