Three-Note-Per-String Blues Scale Patterns
- Written by Alfred Potter
- Read 6102 times
As we know, the blues scale is a fundamental scale learned rather early on. Perhaps for this reason, it is widely thought of as a beginner's tool. This is not the case! Not only can the blues scale be used to create some of the most slick/emotional blues solos, it can also be visualised and played as a 3nps scale. This allows for further sequencing opportunities, huge fretboard coverage and opens up a whole new world of wild, flashy and wide-interval legato/ tapping licks (if that's your thing).
The fingering of these shapes will be difficult at first as these patterns are a whole level above basic box shapes. But they'll become easy soon enough just like those damn barre chords did!
All examples given in A minor except where stated. The blue notes show the second way to play the idea.
Shape 1:
Shape 2:
Shape 3:
Have a go at these two examples that move around between positions:
Warning: It's probably unwise to practice these wide stretches every day or even every second day. Listen to your fretting hand. If it starts to get sore then have a break!
Alfred Potter
Alfred Potter is a solo progressive metal lead guitarist. He has released two albums "Argonaut" and "Splendor of Sands" and sells a range of ebook PDF courses and instructional videos through his website www.AlfredPotter.com. He is endorsed by Kahler bridges and Hawk Picks.