Is there a "correct" fingering for scales?

[runnrdad]

It seems like there is, but I've had different people and books tell me different things.

 

If there is one definitive, correct fingering for each of the scales a beginner should master, can you post a link to them?

 

Many thanks!

[girevik]

It depends on what you want to do.

Brett Garsed and Eric Johnson use pentatonic scale fingerings that are quite a bit outside the norm, for example.

Another example: Garsed and Holdsworth are both known for legato style leads but Garsed says he cannot use Holdsworth's fingerings because his hands are smaller.

If you want to play jazz, there is no correct fingering, as the best players play from their heads rather than their hands. If metal is your thing, maybe the answer is different.

[runnrdad]

Thanks, I see there is another post on "modes" that covers some of the same material. Sorry for the duplicate post.

[Jasco]

Is there a "correct" fingering for scales?

 

 

No.

 

Just be sure to be mindful of why you are using the fingerings you choose to use.

[mcmurray]

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2306161

 

In that thread you will find all possible fingerings (page 1) for the major (and minor) scale. The correct fingering is the one that works the best at any given time, in terms of playability, range and tone.

[ermghoti II]

Not really, but there are some incorrect fingerings.

I tend to go by the position-playing rule of thumb, each finger is assigned a fret, the pinky and first finger can reach a couple of frets up or down. If need be, I can change position any time, for instance, sliding up and playing a quick pentatonic major figure in the middle of a pentatonic minor sequence.

[wrathfuldeity]

Imho, segovia scales are useful because they get you to move around the fretboard doing 2-3 octaves and you also develop ease of moving between positions.