MASTERING THE FRETBOARD: PART 1

One of the most difficult issues I had when I was learning more advanced techniques was memorizing different scales. I finaly figured out that they were all built on a simple sequence of whole step, half step patterns. Once you break it down scales start to become easy to understand.

Pattern Recognition 
An easy way to learn and remember diatonic scales is to break things down into patterns, three patterns to be exact, each consisting of three notes. Take a look at fig. 1:

fig. 1

Whole step, whole step

Whole step, half step

Half step, whole step

fig.

Diatonic scales are all based on these three patterns, fig. 2. Combining these three patterns creates the whole step/half step patterns needed for any diatonic scale.
















In fig. 3 each number represents the first note of one of the three note patterns, all combined to create the Ionian (Major) scale.

fig. 3

A real world example of this would be the "ladder run" commonly used by Yngwie Malmsteen. When working on this sequence it's best to start slow and work your way up to ultra shred speed.

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