Scales 2

I shaded the eighth fret so we can isolate it for further study. The scale tones that make up a major chord are 1, 3, & 5. When you see the scale tones on the paper, you must then learn to turn that into a physical movement. The movements will result in licks when they are put together. There are four basic triads that need to be learned. The right hand must learn certain pickgrips and they must coincide with the scale tones.

Let's look for major chord triads at the eighth fret.

The first triad has a wide grip. The thumb plays the tenth string, the first finger plays the eighth string, and the second finger plays the sixth string. The grip has a string between each finger of the right hand. Learn to see the notes that are played, and the right hand grip that is needed to play them.

Our next triad has a new grip. There is a string between the thumb and first finger. The first and second finger are playing adjacent strings. The thumb plays the eighth string, first finger plays the sixth, and the second finger plays the fifth.

Our next triad has our most basic grip. We are picking three adjacent strings. The thumb plays the sixth, the first finger plays the fifth, and the second finger plays the fourth string. The next possible triad uses the same grip. The difference is the right hand moves up one group of strings. The thumb plays the fifth, the first finger plays the fourth, and the second plays the third. The four grips are shown in right hand tablature. The right hand movements are written on the string lines. The lefthand moves are shown on a line by themselves.

Practice each of the grips separately and then, play them in succession. Your right hand has to learn to make the move from grip to grip.

As you play the grips you can see exactly what notes you are playing. Place your bar at the eighth fret and play all four triads and listen to how they sound. Your right hand and its ability to pick the exact strings, with accuracy, will determine which licks you'll be able to play. If your fingers are not able to move fast, then you won't rip off those hot licks that you might want to play. But all of those ablities are things that can be learned with a little specialized practice.

Well, we've just used a scale to study chords, and we used chords to study pickgrips. They key is to see all of the separate parts as they apply to the whole. And then you have to put it into your hands. And then you have to take it out of the closet. And then you play in front of people for the first time. And then you go back in the closet. Keep practicing.

As you play the grips you can see exactly what notes you are playing. Place your bar at the eighth fret and play all four triads and listen to how they sound. Your right hand and its ability to pick the exact strings, with accuracy, will determine which licks you'll be able to play. If your fingers are not able to move fast, then you won't rip off those hot licks that you might want to play. But all of those ablities are things that can be learned with a little specialized practice.