What is an Octave in Music ?

An Octave consists of 8 notes, which starts from the root or tonic note or the first note in a scale and goes up till the higher pitch of the root or tonic note is reached. For Eg: If we take a scale that starts at E that is E(open) F G A B C D and E. The last or eighth note is again E i.e. the same note as the root note or first note, but in a higher pitch. That's the only difference.

Let's take the most important and basic scale in music, C Major scale, in this scale root note or first note is C. And the scale progresses in this pattern C D E F G A B C(a.k.a the C Major Scale). You can see that the last note or 8th degree or 8th note in this scale is C, that is called an Octave (Octa meaning 8).

In a a standard guitar fret board, you can produce 2 or max 3 octaves on each string or you can play two octaves using all the six strings.

C Major Scale

In C Major scale C (or the root) is the Tonic, F(or the 4th note or degree) is the sub-dominant and G(or 5th note or degree) is called the Dominant.



Practicing what you have learned till now

First you should practice with the open strings or without using the Frets. You have to use your "Plectrum" or "Pick" to strike each string in the order given below

First downward E A D G B E and then upwards E B G D A E ( you need to practice this till you gain speed)

You should never be in a hurry to gain speed. Patience is the key. So you have to practice the exercises atleast 2-3 hours daily.

When you are conversant with the above open string exercise, then you can try out using the FRETS as given in the picture.
in this order.

1st String E(Open note)- F - G
2nd String A(Open note) - B - C
3rd String D(Open note) - E - F
4th String G(Open note) - A
5th String B(Open note) - C - D
6th String E(Open note) - F - G - A

Remember to strike the strings in an "Up - Down" pattern with your plectrum rather than only DOWN strokes. This will help you gain speed. First practice in a comfortable speed, and gradually increase your speed. Don't push yourself hard to gain speed, that will affect your perfection. if you try to switch to an uncomfortable speed sooner than you can, each note that you play won't be clearly audible. Speed should come naturally.