Lesson 1:  Every chord has a relative.  You can think of it as a cousin.  With that, every chord also has a scale.  We will work with the C scale and the C chord to keep from getting to complicated.  

The C scale has no sharps and no flats, which make it a very easy thing to work with.  I use the term work, because one must practice to strengthen their musical ability and to eventually make that ability become pleasing to the ear.  We know that a chord can be two or more notes, and that a scale can be any number of notes in any order as long as they are within the chord.  For example, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C again, make the normal scale in the C chord structure.  I have always taught that knowing the musical alphabet (abcdefg:abcdefg) can be a great value.  Of course we know that there are sharps and flats between each of these with the exception of b and c, and e and f.  When playing, I like to hear the sound of open strings ring either against a prior struck note, or against the next note after the open string note.  This is a basic idea that one should always keep in mind.  Playing a scale weaving open string notes throughout, seems to cause overtones that can be very likable.  As I mentioned earlier, a scale can be any number of notes so lets look at an example that makes a very distinct sound.  Remember we are using C as the main or root chord.  Now, lets make some music.  

Here are the notes for just one scale using open string tones.

C, B, A, open E, D, A, open E, G, open B, A, open B, and C. 
This run is meant to be played moderately quick; yet, has a very nice distinct sound and can be used anywhere in a song, or for an ending.  I choose to use it as an ending riff.  The diagram below shows the sequence (numbers) of and where the notes are played.  It looks relatively easy, but you will find that practice will eventually give you the sound this scale can deliver, and should be played as 16th notes. 

Note the pulloffs!  The first note C, is played at the 8th fret on the first E string, then B is on the 7th, and A on the 5th, pull off the 5th for the open E.
The D is played in the same hand position, on the 2nd string at the 7th fret, then back to the same A at the 5th on the 1st string.  Pull off the A for the open E and hit the G at the 8th on the 2nd string (keep your finger on this note for a pull off after the next note is struck).  The next note after G is an open E on the 1st string, then pull off the G for the open B tone (2nd string).  The A is next on the 7th fret, 4th string.  Open B again on the 2nd string and then the C at the 5th fret, 3rd string.  Pretty simple once you get the hang of it.   Click here to move on to the next guitar lick and lesson.