3 Notes Per String Major Scale Patterns

[DesiSerna]

Can you provide your perspective on 3 notes per string, plane talk method, guitar grid, etc? There may be different ways at looking at how the notes fall and how to connect them to chords, but would like your expert opinion. Interesting, there was a recent lesson in GW on breaking the scale into WW WH and HW chunks essentially and how that simplifies 12 keys, 7 modes, etc. Curious in both your experience and those of your students/customers.

BTW, I have played for my church’s praise team since its inception and am interested in any tips you have for managing stage volume and equipment that best works for that environment.

Thanks for the email Guy. See Fretboard Theory page 68. There are many ways to break up the major scale notes. It really doesn't matter how you do, just learn how to map out the fretboard in one way or another. In time, the individual positions will all bleed into one.

As for stage volume, use a Line 6 POD Pro. That's what I do at church. Or throw heavy blankets over your amp, put it into an isolation box, etc.

[DesiSerna]

Do you like the three notes per string major scales patterns? People say it allows for better timing and increase efficiency, do you agree?

Yes, I like three-notes-per-string major scale patterns and use them a lot. As shown in Fretboard Theory page 68, there are many ways to break up major scale notes on the fretboard. I think learning five patterns is the easiest way to start. Then you can go from there.

Three Notes Per String Patterns
If you want to explore every possible type of major scale pattern, including three notes per string, four notes per string, combinations, etc., check out the method sold at http://www.thenaturalapproach.com. Ironically, it says "No Memorizing Scales" when the whole book is full of patterns to play through (memorize). But after you rehearse every possible pattern, thing start bleeding together. That's when you get to the "See the neck as one unit" stage.

Major Scale Songs
Another way to get better at playing major scale patterns for guitar is to learn lots of songs. Guitar melodies, riffs, solos and bass lines all use unique combinations of patterns, plus they teach you valuable licks and phrases. This is why I reference so many songs in my guitar theory books and DVDs. To get started, see my major scale songs at YouTube.