Hey Friend,
We’ve had a chance to see the octave interval pattern in action, so let’s turn our attention to the next pattern on the neck.
The perfect fifth interval.
Remember, we started looking at these intervals as a way to help you both learn patterns on the guitar neck for easier memorization, and also to have some real-world examples of them in use.
The perfect fifth is easy. The most common use of this interval in Rock is the power chord.
When your fingers hit the strings, it feels natural and comfortable. With the strings tuned at perfect fourth intervals, fingering a perfect fifth interval is easy for EVERYONE.
That’s why power chords are such a great place to start learning and playing songs quickly.
The interval pattern on the guitar neck is very similar to the octave. In fact, its the same fingering. You’ll still use your index and ring fingers.
The difference is in the strings. Instead of having a string in between the fingered notes, your fingers will be on the next string.
For example, to play a perfect fifth interval between the A and E notes, place your index finger on the sixth string, fifth fret (the A note) and the fifth string, seventh fret (the E note).
You can strum them together for a power chord, or as individual notes as part of a riff. Many times, the fifth comes in as a connecting note on the way to the octave. You’ll see this in riffs and solos.
The perfect fifth is a natural way-point because its wave form is the next most resonant with the one note (tonic).
It is almost mid-way between the tonic and octave. At seven semitones, that's just over half of the twelve semitones between the tonic and octave.
That means that its waveform matches the closest to the tonic’s after the perfect octave.
In other words, the perfect fifth is the next most pleasant sound in in the scale with relation to the tonic or octave.
What I’m trying to say is, it’s the least cringe-worthy! Ever noticed when you hear a note that makes you react like you just heard someone dragging their nails on a chalkboard?
The perfect fifth is LEAST likely to cause THAT reaction!
Today I’m working on putting together some exercises for you to practice. In the meantime, work on the last exercise with the octave interval pattern.
These exercises aren’t too complicated, but that doesn’t make them less valuable.
Practice to perfect the techniques. If something doesn’t sound quite right to you, isolate it and work on just that section. Even if it’s between two notes.
There’s an awesome tool out there called Song Surgeon that lets you take MP3s and slow them down to speeds that make it easier to hear what’s being played. You can also break out chunks of the MP3 to practice specific parts.
That allows you to customize your practice time so you’re working on things that you need, not just the generic lesson material.
I’ll be back with you Wednesday with the exercises. Enjoy your Sunday!
Peace~
Dave
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