These 6-string guitar scale patterns can eventually help you gain mastery of any scale. But let's start with the most usual fingerings.
A melodic sequence is a fragment of a scale that forms a continuous, seamless pattern. In this lesson, we're going to look at some ways to transform a diatonic major or minor scale into a sequence using this technique. Let's start by using the basic major scale fingering, with the root as the lowest note of the scale.
Let's get warmed up.
Play the scale up and down to prepare for the sequences that are to follow.
Beat Grouping Sequences
These exercises get progressively faster; start at a very slow tempo. Play all examples ascending and descending. (Descending version not pictured).
3-note grouping.
This grouping ends up being a series of eighth note triplets.
Listen:
no_c-major-3-note-grouping
4-note grouping.
These notes are grouped as sixteenth notes.
Listen:
no_c-major-4-note-grouping
5-note grouping.
These notes are grouped as sixteenth note quintuplets (a relatively rare figure).
Listen:
no_c-major-5-note-grouping
6-note grouping.
These notes are grouped as sixteenth note triplets (somewhat common).
Listen:
no_c-major-6-note-grouping
If you master these beat groupings, explore new possibilities, and apply them to all of the scales, they can give your playing a new level of originality and creativity.
Key Tasks
You must use a metronome to practice the patterns.
Memorize all of the sequences.
Try creating new beat groups, or combinations of multiple groupings. (e.g., 2+3)
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In addition to manipulating diatonic sequences rhythmically, they can be manipulated by interval to produce many different 6-string guitar scale patterns.
Explore these pathways using each diatonic interval as the guide. These intervals can be played in a scalar position OR up and down a pair of strings.
Remember: these patterns can be played on any scale, in any position, and any mode. They have almost unlimited combinations and possibilities.
Let's start by playing the scale as a warm-up.
Intervallic Diatonic Sequence
Movement in thirds.
This is a very common melodic idea, especially in Latin music. It can be heard in almost all genres.
Listen:
no_c-major-thirds
Movement in fourths.
This happens a lot in funk, fusion and jazz, styles which sometimes emphasize the sound of the fourth.
Listen:
no_c_major_fourths
Movement in fifths.
Relatively infrequent in melodies.
Listen:
no_c_major_fifths
Movement in sixths.
A very common melodic idea in all styles, but especially in World music and American Country/Bluegrass music.
Listen:
no_c_major_sixths
Movement in sevenths.
A novel and interesting form of melodic motion.
Listen:
no_c_major_sevenths
Key Tasks
You must use a metronome with this exercise.
Push your limit with the metronome to build your dexterity.
Memorize all of the sequences.
Apply the sequences creatively.
The sequences can be applied to all major scale patterns.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat.
