Created by Mario | Interactive Slide Rule, Scales & Chord Forms
Scale Notes
Intervals
Diatonic Chords
Interactive Fretboard (E-A-D-G-B-E)
The 5 Basic Movable Chord Forms (E, A, D, G, C Forms)
Any chord can be played in 5 different positions across the neck using bar chords derived from open string shapes. Select a chord type and form below to inspect its visual SVG fretboard graph.
Music is a Language with 6 Parts of Speech
According to Scotty West's system, music is literally a language. Your guitar is a "dumb machine" or typewriter used to type pitch patterns. To be a real player, you must master the 6 main areas of music: Pitch, Rhythm, Timbre, Dynamics, Technique, and Notation.
The 4 Ways to Know Every Pitch Pattern
Think (Music Theory): Memorize spelling, grammar, and vocabulary formulas.
Read (Notation): Interpret staff notation, tablature, and fretboard grids.
Hear (Ear Training): Recognize and sing interval sounds and chord qualities.
Speak (Technique): Finger patterns on the fretboard to make your guitar express ideas.
The Musical Number System
Instead of memorizing thousands of variations across 12 distinct alphabetical keys, the number system treats music as if there is only one universal key. The Major Diatonic Scale intervals serve as benchmark numbers (1 to 8) to measure all chords and scale patterns instantly.
Guitar Knowledge Library & Masterclass Reference
1. The 12 Pitch Dictionary & Chromatic Scale
Music consists of 7 basic pitch names (A-B-C-D-E-F-G). Sharps (#) raise pitch by a half-step; flats (b) lower it. The "BE" Rule: All notes have natural sharps except B and E (no B# or E#).
C - C# - D - D# - E - F - F# - G - G# - A - A# - B
2. CAGED System Overview
Any major or minor chord can be played across 5 distinct neck positions using shapes derived from open C, A, G, E, and D chords.
C Form: Root on 5th String (A)
A Form: Root on 5th String (A)
G Form: Root on 6th String (E)
E Form: Root on 6th String (E)
D Form: Root on 4th String (D)
3. Diatonic Scale Formulas
Major Scale Formula: W - W - H - W - W - W - H (Half-steps strictly between degrees 3-4 and 7-8).
Natural Minor Formula: W - H - W - W - H - W - W.
4. Modal Harmony Reference
The 7 rotational scale centers derived from the Major Scale: