3 String Scale Workout

Today’s lesson is part 4 of a series diving into a single chord shape. I call it a chord anchor shape because I use these shapes to guide my soloing and rhythm playing around the fretboard. In this lesson I’ll take you through a 3 string scale workout. We’ll be using the same shape I’ve been using for the last 3 lessons. In this workout you’ll have a chance to practice all the scale tones surrounding these shapes.

This will help you to find your way across the fretboard smoothly on the first three strings. It will also help you better understand the different modes of the major scale. Each of the chords in this workout are played in the context of it’s scale position, letting you clearly hear the character of each mode.

Work those fingers with the 3 strings scale workout, then try it on a different string set.

You can try these ideas anywhere on the fretboard. Try figuring it out for yourself! For instance, you can pick a chord shape on any string set. To begin, try the same inversion as I’m using here (2nd inversion) and move it to the next string set. So you’d be on strings 2-4.

Try moving through the chord family on that string set. If you get too high up on the neck just take those chords down an octave. You can then apply any of the arpeggio patterns or scale patterns that I’ve introduced in this series That will take your understanding of this idea to a whole new level.

Once you’ve tried that, then try applying it to a root position or first inversion triad. It may take some time, but your ears will help guide you along the way. If you are interested in taking this further I’ve got a course coming out soon that will be covering this topic in much greater depth.

My favorite guitar clip of the day

Here is a gem that I came across. It’s a video of Jimmy Herring back in 1985. The video quality is terrible but the band is smokin! Jimmy takes a ripping solo about halfway through after the other guitarists takes a turn. He’s the one with long hair. If you aren’t familiar with Jimmy Herring, check out his album “Lifeboat” for some amazing guitar work.