Although this topic contains a lot of theory, I thought it belongs in this forum because it's all about practicing patterns. So moderators: feel free to move it to another forum if you thinks it's necessary!
I've been reading various articles on this site about patterns and scales and modes. Pentatonic, major, minor, etc. Some articles go pretty deep to get things done. Like the 'Moving from familiar to the unfamiliar', where you you get an explanation how to 'make' all modes. All kinds of notenames and positions pass and it looks pretty complicated. If you ask me... I also very often read about people actually learning scales at certain position: 'I did the A scale at position 5 end the B at position 2' (or whatever). It all seems quit complicated and it seems you have to learn a LOT of scales and patterns to get things done.
Now I am just starting to learn my fretboard better (high time after playing 25 years without really knowing what I did: usually from musicnotation, or by ear, in which case I really had to practice every note I wanted to play...) and I take an approach which is pretty simple. But after reading all that complicated stuff, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm missing something...
I'm learning myself two things:
1. I divided the fretboard in (as far as I know well-known) 5 patterns: the major scale patterns, keeping a good eye on where the (major) rootnote is.
2. I also learn myself where each and every note is on the fretboard. So if someone says 'Show me an A!' I can point them instantly all over the fretboard. Not just the E-string.
That's it. With this pretty SIMPLE information I can play all major, minor, pentatonic scales. And in every mode. And in every position. No need to shift to another position in order to play another scale. (I never knew people did that!) Pretty simple.
I only have to look at the rootnote in order to know which pattern to play.
Example: I'm playing in C, pattern 1 (in my case), rootnote at fret 8 on hte E-string. Someone says 'Let's go on in scale F' (for whatever reason...). Well, the F is right there below the C, fret 8, at the A-string. And that's the place where the rootnote in (my) pattern 4 is, so I just switch to that pattern. Simple.
And when someone starts to jam in a minor key, I just have to lower the rootnote 2 notes or 'pattern-dots' (or 3 half notes or 3 frets: just call it what you like) in my mind to play the right scale, because the patterns are exactly the same as the major: only the place of the rootnote changes. I only have to put my focus and accents on the right notes. If I was playing in C, pattern 1, rootnote at fret 8, E-string, and we go to Am, I wouldn't even have to change positions and/or pattern at all.
And all this goes for all modes too. Want to play in D Dorian? No problem: just play the C major scale anywhere you want to, but put your focus on the second note (being the 'new' rootnote).
To use the same C example: just use the next note in the pattern as the rootnote. From C major (using the same old 8th fret example) to B Phrygian? No problem. Phrygian is the third mode: count to notes back en you get G. So B Phrygian is derived from the G Major (or G ionian) scale. The G is right there at fret 10, one string lower (or should I say higher), the A-string. I can play pattern 3 or 4 (in my case) from that position and I'm on the road. Of course once more paying attention to the right notes.
In fact, if I play all my five patterns in a row, starting each one on the E-string, I can play in all modes without thinking! (Note: my first and thirs patterns 'share' modes: for instance pattern 1 started on the first note results in playing the phrigian mode, starting on the second note results in playing the lydian mode.)
Using the pentatonic mode is easy too: just leave out notes 4 (one fret afternote 3) and 7 (one fret before the rootnote). Advantage of learning the major scales here is that you can easily learn to play in the pentatonic mode, while you aren't restricted to it: you can know where the extra notes are. The other way around is quit harder!
And even the blues scale is (quit) easy to learn: just add a sharp 4th (or flat 5th) and your done.
Hm, after reading this once more and seeing hoe much words I needed, it may not look so simple after all (I mean: you HAVE to know a little theory...!), but my point is: by learning just 5 patterns you can play all major scales, minor scales, all modes, etc. etc.
Mind you (maybe I should have said this earlier): I'm no jazz player: I usually play rock over pretty straight chords.
I know I haven't covered the harmonic modes and that kind of stuff. But I think for a beginner my 'method' is a pretty solid and easy method. Or (as I said before, and which is the main reason for this post...) am I missing something...?
P.S. I suddenly realize now that I haven't read every article on this site yet, so if I'm telling something you all already know... SORRY!
P.S. 2 Mind you: I\m still LEARNING this all myself! It's really just an idea that I have in my mind and I think it will work. But if you think it WON'T work, please tell me! That's why I posted it!
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