Hey Friend,
Okay, I lied. I told you I’d give you some examples of how to use various interval patterns today.
But I don’t have examples ready. Yet.
What I do have are some exercises that get your fingers used to how you would place them on the fingerboard.
Here are the exercises:
What I did was create four bar sections showing you locations for the each of the three intervals. I wanted to give you the main possibilities for each interval so you can see how you might move around the neck.
The first section is the octave, C to C, the octave interval.
The next set of intervals is C to G, the perfect fifth interval.
Then there’s a set of C to E to represent the major third interval.
The riffs are rooted in C major, so you get to see where you would finger the intervals from each string.
The last section of the exercises is in A major because I wanted you to also realize the octave is available on the twelfth fret for each string. Since no string is tuned to C, I didn't want to leave out the easiest octave.
Each system (4 bar section) is separated by a blank bar so you have time to get your fingers moved to the new configuration.
What I want you to do is form the shapes using the fingers that are most appropriate. Here’s how you determine which way to set up your fingers:
If the next note is on a higher fret on the neck, use your index finger for the root.
For example, when you play the first bar of the exercise, your index finger is on the first string, eighth fret. I would then use my ring or pinky finger on the next note (fourth string, tenth fret).
If the next note to play is on a lower fret, as is the case when playing the major third interval, your index finger will go there and your will use your middle finger for the root note.
Practice through these until they feel comfortable. Also pay attention to the way the two notes sound in relation to each other. You want your ears to become accustomed to the sound of the two pitches and how they interact.
This will help you recognize the intervals regardless of what key it happens to be.
Another thing you can do to expand on this exercise is move the shapes up or down the neck.
Try taking the first bar and moving your fingers down one fret each. You’re now playing a B octave.
Move them up two frets and it becomes D major.
You can do this with each section to help you memorize where notes are on the guitar neck.
I WILL put together those examples (from songs) so you can see these patterns in action.
Have some fun with these and just get comfortable with the fingerings and how they sound. Take your time.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Peace~
Dave
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