Welcome to Lesson 24 of Guitar Lab's Advanced Lesson Series. This lesson was designed to be a guide to teach you and to give you full control over the guitar fretboard. We’ll explore advanced techniques and concepts that will allow you to visualize and navigate the fretboard like never before. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have the tools and knowledge necessary to become an expert guitarist on the fretboard.
Before diving into advanced scale patterns, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of the basic scales—major, minor, and pentatonic scales. As an advanced guitarist, you should be comfortable playing these scales in multiple positions across the fretboard.
One of the key components of mastering the fretboard is being able to connect scale shapes seamlessly across the entire neck. Let’s start by reviewing the five major scale positions derived from the CAGED system. These positions are essential as they form the foundation for many other scales and modes.
Exercise 1: Connecting CAGED Positions
C Position(Major Scale in C): Start by playing the C major scale in the C shape position(root on the 3rd fret of the 5th string). Play it slowly, focusing on clean transitions between notes.
A Position: Move to the A shape position(root on the 5th fret of the 6th string). Practice connecting this to the C position by sliding or shifting your hand.
G Position: Shift to the G shape position(root on the 3rd fret of the 6th string). Work on transitioning between A and G positions smoothly.
E Position: Move up to the E shape position(root on the 7th fret of the 5th string). Connect this position to the previous ones.
D Position: Finish by playing the D shape(root on the 10th fret of the 4th string). Focus on connecting the E and D shapes.
Challenge: Practice connecting these shapes without pausing, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. Try playing the scale horizontally(moving up and down the neck on a single string) as well as vertically.
Most guitarists are comfortable playing scales vertically—up and down the strings. However, to fully master the fretboard, you should also practice horizontal mapping, where you play scales along a single string or across adjacent strings.
Exercise 2: Horizontal Scale Mapping
Single String Scales: Choose a scale(e.g., G major) and practice playing it on a single string, starting from the open string and moving up to the 12th fret. This exercise forces you to think of the fretboard in a linear fashion.
Two-String Scales: After mastering single-string scales, try playing scales across two adjacent strings. For example, play the G major scale on the 6th and 5th strings, moving horizontally up the neck.
String Skipping: To add a challenge, practice the scale while skipping strings. For example, play the scale on the 6th and 4th strings, skipping the 5th string.
Example: Play a G major scale starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string, then skip to the 5th fret of the 4th string, continuing the scale from there.
Hybrid scales combine elements of different scales to create unique sounds. For example, the Mixolydian blues scale blends the major pentatonic with the blues scale, creating a hybrid that is rich in both major and minor tonalities.
Exercise 3: Hybrid Scale Practice
Mixolydian Blues Scale: Start by playing the Mixolydian scale(e.g., G Mixolydian) across the fretboard. Once you’re comfortable, integrate the blues notes(flat 3rd, flat 5th) into the scale.
Connecting Hybrids: Practice connecting the Mixolydian blues scale across different positions on the fretboard, using both vertical and horizontal mapping.
Example: Play a G Mixolydian blues scale across three octaves, starting from the 3rd fret of the 6th string and moving up the neck.
Understanding and using intervals is key to creating more interesting and expressive melodies. Intervals are the distances between two notes and are the building blocks of scales, chords, and melodies.
Exercise 4: Interval Recognition
Interval Practice: Start by playing simple intervals, such as a major third or perfect fifth, across the fretboard. Practice these intervals within scales and as standalone exercises.
Octave Jumps: Practice jumping between octaves on the fretboard. Start by playing a note(e.g., G on the 3rd fret of the 6th string) and then jump to its octave(G on the 5th fret of the 4th string).
Example: Play a major third interval starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string(G) and then play the 2nd fret of the 5th string(B).
When constructing melodies, think in terms of intervals rather than just moving up and down scales. This approach adds a layer of complexity and expressiveness to your playing.
Exercise 5: Interval-Based Melodic Phrases
Thirds and Sixths: Practice constructing melodies using thirds and sixths. For example, play a simple melody using only major and minor thirds within the G major scale.
Stacked Intervals: Create phrases using stacked intervals, such as playing two thirds in a row(G to B, then B to D). Experiment with different interval combinations to find unique sounds.
Example: Construct a melody in G major using the following intervals: major third(G-B), perfect fifth(B-F#), and minor third(D-F).
Exploring interval patterns like “stacked thirds” or “fourth voicings” can inspire new melodic ideas and break you out of conventional scale patterns.
Exercise 6: Interval Pattern Exploration
Stacked Thirds: Play the G major scale using stacked thirds. Start with the root(G), then play B(third), D(fifth), F#(seventh), and so on. Practice this up and down the fretboard.
Fourth Voicings: Explore fourth voicings by playing intervals of a fourth across the fretboard. This creates a more open, modern sound.
Example: In the key of G, play a melody using the intervals G-C(perfect fourth), B-E(perfect fourth), and so on.
Position shifts are crucial for advanced guitar playing. Seamless shifts allow you to move across the fretboard without interrupting the flow of your playing.
Exercise 7: Mastering Position Shifts
Basic Shifts: Start by practicing basic shifts within a single scale. For example, play a C major scale starting at the 8th fret of the 6th string, then shift to the 3rd fret of the 5th string to continue the scale.
Sliding into Position: Use slides to transition between positions smoothly. For example, play a note(C on the 8th fret of the 6th string), then slide down to the G note on the 3rd fret of the same string.
Example: Play a D major scale starting on the 10th fret of the 6th string, then slide to the 5th fret of the 5th string to continue the scale.
Planning your position shifts in advance allows you to maintain fluidity in your playing, especially during improvisation or fast passages.
Exercise 8: Shift Planning and Execution
Foresight in Shifts: Practice anticipating your next position shift. For example, if you know you’ll need to shift up the neck, prepare by positioning your hand accordingly before the shift.
Smooth Transitions: Practice transitioning between positions with different techniques, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, to ensure that the shift is smooth and natural.
Example: Plan a shift in a solo from the 5th position to the 9th position, using a slide to connect the two areas seamlessly.
Incorporating string skipping and large interval leaps into your playing can add excitement and flair to your solos. These techniques require precise position shifts.
Exercise 9: String Skipping Practice
Simple Skips: Start by practicing simple string skips within a scale. For example, in the G major scale, play a note on the 6th string(G), then skip to the 4th string(D) and continue the scale.
Large Intervals: Practice playing large intervals that require you to skip strings and shift positions simultaneously. For example, play G(3rd fret of the 6th string), then skip to B(2nd fret of the 5th string), then jump to D(5th fret of the 4th string).
Example: In the key of G, play G on the 3rd fret of the 6th string, skip to D on the 7th fret of the 3rd string, and then jump to B on the 7th fret of the 1st string.
Playing across multiple octaves requires a deep understanding of the fretboard and precise control over your fingers.
Exercise 10: Multi-Octave Scale Practice
Two-Octave Scales: Start by practicing two-octave scales. For example, play a G major scale starting from the 3rd fret of the 6th string, and continue up to the 5th fret of the 4th string, then finish on the 8th fret of the 2nd string.
Three-Octave Scales: Once you’re comfortable with two octaves, extend the scale to three octaves. For example, start on the G note on the 3rd fret of the 6th string and finish on the G note on the 15th fret of the 1st string.
Example: Play a three-octave G major scale, focusing on maintaining fluidity and accuracy as you move up the neck.
Efficient string crossing is crucial when playing multi-octave scales. The goal is to minimize hand movement while maintaining precision.
Exercise 11: Efficient String Crossing
Slow Practice: Practice crossing strings slowly to ensure accuracy. For example, in the G major scale, focus on the transition between the 6th string(G) and the 5th string(A).
Economy of Motion: Focus on reducing unnecessary movement when crossing strings. Use the smallest possible motions with your fingers and hand to achieve this.
Example: Practice the G major scale across two octaves, paying close attention to the string crossings between the 5th and 4th strings, and then between the 3rd and 2nd strings.
Extending arpeggios across multiple octaves adds depth to your solos and improvisations. It also helps you visualize chord tones across the entire fretboard.
Exercise 12: Multi-Octave Arpeggio Practice
Major Arpeggios: Start with simple major arpeggios across two octaves. For example, play a G major arpeggio starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string and ending on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
Extended Arpeggios: Extend these arpeggios across three octaves. For example, in G major, play the arpeggio starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string and ending on the 15th fret of the 1st string.
Example: Play a three-octave G major arpeggio, ensuring smooth transitions between octaves and strings.
Economy of motion is about reducing unnecessary movement, which allows for faster and more precise playing. This concept is essential for playing at higher speeds without sacrificing accuracy.
Exercise 13: Economy of Motion in Scales
Finger Efficiency: Practice scales with a focus on minimal finger movement. For example, play a G major scale, concentrating on keeping your fingers close to the fretboard at all times.
Positioning: Ensure that your hand and fingers are always in an optimal position to play the next note with the least amount of movement.
Example: Practice the G major scale while consciously reducing any excessive finger or hand movement.
Your picking hand plays a crucial role in economy of motion. Techniques like alternate picking and economy picking are essential for fast and efficient playing.
Exercise 14: Alternate and Economy Picking
Alternate Picking: Practice alternate picking with a metronome. Start slow, focusing on even, consistent strokes. For example, play a G major scale using strict alternate picking, starting on a downstroke.
Economy Picking: Practice economy picking, where you use the same pick stroke to move between strings. For example, play a descending G major arpeggio using economy picking to minimize pick movement.
Example: Play a G major scale with alternate picking, then repeat using economy picking to compare the efficiency of each technique.
Using a metronome is crucial for developing speed and precision. Start slow to ensure accuracy, then gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Exercise 15: Metronome Speed Drills
Slow to Fast: Set your metronome to a slow tempo(e.g., 60 BPM) and play a G major scale. Once you can play it perfectly, increase the tempo by 5-10 BPM and repeat the exercise.
Consistency: Focus on playing consistently at each tempo, ensuring that every note is clean and precise before increasing the speed.
Example: Practice a G major scale with a metronome, starting at 60 BPM and gradually increasing to 120 BPM, ensuring precision at each tempo.
Advanced arpeggio shapes, such as diminished, augmented, and extended arpeggios, add a rich harmonic palette to your playing. These shapes are essential for navigating complex chord changes and adding sophistication to your solos.
Exercise 16: Practicing Complex Arpeggios
Diminished Arpeggios: Practice a diminished arpeggio(e.g., B diminished) starting on the 7th fret of the 6th string. Focus on maintaining a consistent hand shape as you move across the strings.
Augmented Arpeggios: Explore augmented arpeggios by playing them in different positions across the fretboard. For example, play a G augmented arpeggio starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
Extended Arpeggios: Practice 7th and 9th arpeggios across the fretboard. For example, play a Gmaj7 arpeggio starting on the 3rd fret of the 6th string, then extend it across two octaves.
Example: Play a B diminished arpeggio starting on the 7th fret of the 6th string, ensuring smooth transitions between strings and positions.
Sequencing arpeggios allows you to outline chord progressions more melodically. This technique is particularly useful in improvisation and composition.
Exercise 17: Arpeggio Sequencing Practice
Arpeggio Sequences: Practice sequencing arpeggios within a key. For example, in G major, sequence the Gmaj7, Am7, and Bm7 arpeggios in a progression.
Chord Progression Outlining: Practice outlining a chord progression using arpeggios. For example, in a G-C-D-G progression, play the corresponding arpeggios(Gmaj7, Cmaj7, D7) across the fretboard.
Example: Sequence Gmaj7, Am7, and Bm7 arpeggios across two octaves, connecting them seamlessly to outline a progression.
To truly master arpeggios, you need to be able to integrate them into your improvisation seamlessly. This requires not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of their harmonic function.
Exercise 18: Improvisation with Arpeggios
Improv Practice: Practice improvising over a backing track using advanced arpeggios. Focus on seamlessly integrating these arpeggios into your lines.
Chord Tone Emphasis: Emphasize chord tones within your improvisation. For example, if you’re playing over a Gmaj7 chord, focus on hitting the G, B, and F# notes within your improvisation.
Example: Improvise over a Gmaj7-D7-Am7-Cmaj7 progression, integrating corresponding arpeggios into your solo.
Mastering the fretboard is an ongoing learning experience that requires dedication and focused practice. By working through advanced scale patterns, intervallic thinking, seamless position shifts, multi-octave fluidity, economy of motion, and advanced arpeggio application, you’ll gain complete control over the fretboard. Each of these concepts builds on the last, leading to a more holistic understanding of the guitar neck and, ultimately, more expressive and creative playing.
Remember, the goal is not just to achieve technical mastery but to translate your musical ideas effortlessly onto the guitar. With patience and persistence, you’ll find that the fretboard becomes an extension of your musical creativity.
Continue practicing, and stay tuned for more guided lessons from Guitar Lab’s Advanced Lesson Series!