The C Major Scale

What comes into your mind when you hear the word "Scale"? If you look in a dictionary, you may find at least three definitions. One would refer to a weighing scale, the other would mean a fish scale and the other one would point to a musical scale. Let's focus on the musical meaning. 

Scale is a series of notes running up or down in a stepwise manner. Distance between two successive notes is called a step.

Here's a basic yet one important scale.

Try to play  the above scale by using the recommended left hand fingers. Press the 3rd fret of the 5th string using your left hand third or ring finger, then hit only the 5th string with your right thumb. Let the note sound for at least four counts or seconds. Then take off your left hand first finger. The next note is an open note because it is represented with number "0".  Just hit the 4th string with your right thumb. Let the note sound for at least four counts or seconds. Next press the 2nd fret of the 4th string with your left hand second or middle finger, then hit the 4th string with your right thumb. Let the note sound for at least four counts or seconds. Continue the same process until you reach the last note. 

It is recommended to play and memorize this scale slowly in ascending order (low to high). Quality of sound should be observed. Then practice playing in descending order (high to low). Gradually increase speed as you progress.