3 Octave scales

Original article: http://www.guitar-dreams.com/guitarlessons-req-view_fulllesson-lessonid-15.html

by bhuether

Playing in key throughout the fretboard can be a daunting task. So in this lesson, I will try to get rid of any fear you have about staying in key. For each scale mode, I show easy to remember, symmetrical patterns. Each pattern starts from the 3rd fret. So by playing these 7 exercises, you are at the same time learning to play throughout the fretboard in 7 different keys! These exercises are my personal favorites - I can't get enough of them! Hopefully you will get addicted to!

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Major scale - 3 octaves

Fretboard diagrams made with AxMaster

The top image shows how we will play the exercise ascending, and the bottom image shows how we will descend. In the top diagram, the G Major scale is shown 3 times by the color groupings. Notice how these 3 instances of the scale lead to a repeating pattern (i.e. we are doing the same exact thing 3 times). The final note shown in green signifies that that note starts the descending pattern. And in the descending diagram, we see that again, there is a repeating pattern.

Major scale - 3 octaves

Audio (slow)  Audio (medium)  Audio (fast)  MIDI

You may be wondering why the ascending pattern and descending pattern are different. I did this simply to mix things up a little. If the ascent and descent were the same, then that would be too easy! Seriously though, learning two patterns for the same scale will just reinforce how to stay in key. I have added some color coding to the tab so that you can match it up with what you see in the fretboard diagram. I really want to reinforce the repetition of the pattterns!

Dorian mode - 3 octaves

This exercise shows how to play throughout the fretboard by playing the Dorian mode in 3 octaves. Since the G Dorian mode is part of F Major, this exercise will enable you to effortlessly stay in the key of F.

Fretboard diagrams made with AxMaster

The top image shows how we will play the exercise ascending, and the bottom image shows how we will descend. In the top diagram, the G Dorian mode is shown 3 times by the color groupings. Notice how these 3 instances of the scale lead to a repeating pattern (i.e. we are doing the same exact thing 3 times). The final note shown in green signifies that that note starts the descending pattern. And in the descending diagram, we see that again, there is a repeating pattern.

Dorian mode - 3 octaves

MIDI

See exercise 1 for any special instructions.

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Phrygian mode - 3 octaves

This exercise shows how to play throughout the fretboard by playing the Phygian mode in 3 octaves. Since the G Phrygian mode is part of Eb Major, this exercise will enable you to effortlessly stay in the key of Eb.

Fretboard diagrams made with AxMaster

The top image shows how we will play the exercise ascending, and the bottom image shows how we will descend. In the top diagram, the G Phrygian mode is shown 3 times by the color groupings. Notice how these 3 instances of the scale lead to a repeating pattern (i.e. we are doing the same exact thing 3 times). The final note shown in green signifies that that note starts the descending pattern. And in the descending diagram, we see that again, there is a repeating pattern.

Phrygian mode - 3 octaves

MIDI

See exercise 1 for any special instructions.

Lydian mode - 3 octaves

This exercise shows how to play throughout the fretboard by playing the Lydian mode in 3 octaves. Since the G Lydian mode is part of D Major, this exercise will enable you to effortlessly stay in the key of D.

Fretboard diagrams made with AxMaster

The top image shows how we will play the exercise ascending, and the bottom image shows how we will descend. In the top diagram, the G Lydian mode is shown 3 times by the color groupings. Notice how these 3 instances of the scale lead to a repeating pattern (i.e. we are doing the same exact thing 3 times). The final note shown in green signifies that that note starts the descending pattern. And in the descending diagram, we see that again, there is a repeating pattern.

Lydian mode - 3 octaves

MIDI