What scales show
A scale shows the notes that fit a key, mode, or sound. Use it to see the full pattern across the neck.
Guitar Scales and Modes Fretboard Tool
Choose a guitar scale or mode and see its notes, degrees, and patterns across the fretboard.
Search by notes
Strings
Orientation
Spelling
Fretboard
C Major
Neck shiftC
E A D G B E
RootScale tone
Scale tones
CDEFGAB
What this tool helps with
- Visualize scale and mode patterns across the full fretboard.
- Switch root, scale type, tuning, spelling, labels, and left/right orientation.
- Use note labels, degree labels, or hidden labels depending on how you want to practise.
- Search by notes when you have a group of notes and want to find possible matching scales.
Guitar Scales vs Arpeggios
Scales give you the bigger note map. Arpeggios show the chord tones inside that map.
What arpeggios show
An arpeggio shows the notes inside a chord. These are the tones that spell the harmony directly.
Why chord tones sound stronger
Chord tones usually sound stronger because they match the chord underneath. They make a line feel tied to the progression.
How to practise both together
Practise a scale shape, then notice where the arpeggio tones sit inside it. Move with the scale and aim at the chord tones.
Related practice tools
FAQ
Can I use this for modes as well as scales?
Yes. You can browse common scales and modes from the same fretboard view.
What is Search by notes for?
It works in the opposite direction: click notes on the fretboard first, then let the tool suggest possible scale matches.
Should I use note labels or degree labels?
Use note labels when learning the fretboard. Use degree labels when you want to understand the scale structure and how each note functions against the root.