Learning the Fretboard: Using 3 notes per string patterns. (3NPS)

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 3 at the 12th Fret

"B Locrian" scale at the 12th fret

This Lesson is about using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 3 at the 12th fret, for the "B Locrian" scale.

The location of the root note "B" is highlighted in Red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in the diagrams.


*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

The "Locrian" scale has a distinctive sounding 2nd and 5th note. These two notes are known as the character notes of the "Locrian" scale and are notes "C" and "F" in the "B Locrian" scale.

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies,  so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.


Chord
(Note that the Chord is on the 10th fret.)

Chord 1 uses the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 2nd (9th) notes of the scale.  These are the notes "B", "D", "F" and "C".

The Notes "C" and "F" give the characteristic sound of the Locrian scale. The note "D" is the 3rd note of the scale and gives the minor third sound.

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 3 at the 12th Fret

"C Ionian" scale at the 12th fret

This Lesson concerns using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 3 at the 12th fret, for the "C Ionian"scale.

The location of the root note "C" is highlighted in red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 diagrams.

There are also the standard fingerings shown for 3NPS Pattern 3.
*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing the over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies, so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.

Chords

Chord 1 uses the 1st, 3rd and 7th notes of the scale.  The notes "C", "E" and "B". This gives a Major seventh Chord sound because it uses the 7th note of the scale "B" with the 1st and 3rd notes of the scale.

Chord 2 uses the 1st, 3rd and 6th notes of the scale. The notes "C", "E" and "A". This gives a Major sixth Chord sound because it uses the 6th note of the scale "A" with the 1st and 3rd notes of the scale.

Chord 3 uses the 1st, 4th and 5th notes of the scale. The notes "C", "F" and "G". This gives a suspended Chord sound because it uses the 4th note of the scale "F".

Chord 4 uses the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the scale. The notes "C", "E" and "G". This gives the C Major triad sound, commonly called the C Major chord.

DesVegas

Great work!

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 3 at the 12th Fret

"D Dorian" scale at the 12th fret

This Lesson concerns using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 3 at the 12th fret, for the "D Dorian" scale.

The location of the root note "D" is highlighted in red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 diagrams.

The standard fingerings for 3NPS Pattern 3 are shown.
*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing the over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies, so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

The "Dorian" scale has a distinctive sounding 6th note. This 6th note is known as the character note of the "Dorian" scale and is note "B" in the "D Dorian" scale.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.

Chords

Chord 1 uses the 1st, Octave and 3rd notes of the scale.  The notes "D", "D" and "F". This gives a Minor type Chord sound because it uses the 3rd note of the scale "F" with the 1st and Octave notes of the scale.

Chord 2 uses the 1st, 7th and 3rd notes of the scale. The notes "D", "C" and "F". This gives a Minor Seventh type Chord sound because it uses the 7th note of the scale "C" with the 1st and 3rd notes of the scale.

Chord 3 uses the 1st, 6th and 3rd notes of the scale. The notes "D", "B" and "F". This gives the Minor 6th or Dorian Chord sound, because it uses the 6th note of the scale "B", which is the character note of the Dorian scale.

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 3 at the 12th Fret

I'll finish 3NPS Pattern 3, with some common 3rd and 5th intervals. (Just counting every 3rd note using the 3NPS pattern for 3rds or every 5th note for 5ths)

The diagram shows two exercises for playing 3rds and four exercises for playing 5ths in 3NPS pattern 3. These sound good and also test your knowledge of where the notes are on the fretboard in 3NPS Pattern 3.

I'll start 3NPS Pattern 4 in the next post.

harpo

Can't see any of the images.....is it cos I'm using an I pad?

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 4: Lesson 1 at the 13th and 1st Fret

"F Lydian" scale.

This Lesson is about using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 4 at the 13th and 1st Fret, for the "F Lydian" scale. (Obviously, as we all know the notes at the 13th fret are the same pattern as the notes at the 1st fret, but an octave above.)

Warning, playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 13th fret should be easy for most players, but playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 1st fret maybe too much of a stretch for some player's hands and fingers, putting too much strain on hands and fingers, which could cause injury.

The location of the root note "F" is highlighted in red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in the diagrams.

There are standard fingerings shown for 3NPS Pattern 4.
*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

The Lydian scale has a distinctive sounding 4th note. This 4th note is known as the character note of the "Lydian" scale and is note "B" in the F Lydian scale.

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing the over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies,  so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.

Chords

Chord 1 uses the 1st, 6th and 2nd (9th) notes of the scale.  The notes "F", "D" and "G".

Chord 2 uses the 1st, 5th and 2nd (9th) notes of the scale. The notes "F", "C" and "G" giving a stacked fifth chord sound. (One of my fav sounds.)

Chord 3 uses the 1st, 4th and 2nd (9th) notes of the scale.  The notes "F", "B" and "G". The 4th note "B" gives the chord the characteristic Lydian sound. (Beautiful sounding chord, IMO.)

EricTheWeary

I'll give you a Wow. The 3NPS thing has never meant much to me but I've watched a bunch of Paul Gilbert stuff on YouTube lately and he talks about it and about how he got that from Van Halen. I guess it doesn't have to be just for fast rock playing, it's just a way to find the notes. Lot of sharing here

Chester

VERY useful - many thanks

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 4: Lesson 2 at the 13th and 1st Fret

"G Mixolydian" scale.

This Lesson is about using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 4 at the 13th and 1st Fret, using the "G Mixolydian" scale. (Obviously, as we all know the notes at the 13th fret are the same pattern as the notes at the 1st fret, but an octave above.)

Warning, playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 13th fret should be easy for most players, but playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 1st fret maybe too much of a stretch for some player's hands and fingers, putting too much strain on hands and fingers, which could cause injury.

The location of the root note "G" is highlighted in red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 in the diagrams.

There are standard fingerings shown for 3NPS Pattern 4.
*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

The Mixolydian scale has a distinctive sounding 7th note. This 7th note is known as the character note of the "Mixolydian" scale and is the note "F" in the G Mixolydian scale.

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing the over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies,  so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.

Chords

Chord 1 uses the 1st, 7th and 4th (11th) notes of the Mixolydian scale.  The notes "G", "F" and "C". This is a suspended type sound because it uses the 4th (11th) note and no 3rd note.

Chord 2 uses the 1st, 7th and 3rd (10th) notes of the Mixolydian scale. The notes "G", "F" and "B". This is a dominant type sound because it uses the Root, 7th and 3rd note.

Chord 3 uses the 1st, 7th and 2nd (9th) notes of the Mixolydian scale. The notes "G", "F" and "A". This gives a nice open sound because it has no 3rd note.

GuyBoden

3NPS PATTERN 4: Lesson 2 at the 13th and 1st Fret

"A Aeolian" scale.

This Lesson is about using 3 note per string (3NPS) Pattern 4 at the 13th and 1st Fret, using the "A Aeolian" scale. (Obviously, as we all know the notes at the 13th fret are the same pattern as the notes at the 1st fret, but an octave above.)

Warning, playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 13th fret should be easy for most players, but playing the 3NPS Pattern 4 at the 1st fret maybe too much of a stretch for some player's hands and fingers, putting too much strain on hands and fingers, which could cause injury.

The location of the root note "A" is highlighted in red on the diagrams below.
(The fret numbers are also shown in the diagram.)

As before, I've found that the patterns are easier to remember if they're split into smaller parts. See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 in the diagrams.

There are standard fingerings shown for 3NPS Pattern 4.
*Take it easy with the finger stretches, if you're not used to using these type of finger patterns.*

The Aeolian scale has a distinctive sounding 6th note. This 6th note is known as the character note of the "Aeolian" scale and is the note "F" in the "A Aeolian"  scale.

As in previous lessons, use the example chords to create a backing track and practice playing the over the chords using the diagrams. Using a loop pedal makes creating backing tracks easier. Play melodies, try to play each chord's notes in your melodies,  so that the harmony is outlined in the melody. Then play intervals of every 3rd note of the scale, every 5th note, try all intervals if possible, experiment, but most of all, have fun.

Take your time learning each note, really get to know each note, by name, by sound and by location on the fretboard. Don't just learn the patterns.

Chords

Chord 1 uses the 1st, 4th and 5th notes of the Aeolian scale.  The notes "A", "D" and "E". This is a suspended type sound because it uses the 4th (11th) note and no 3rd note.

Chord 2 uses the 1st, 3rd and 6th notes of the Aeolian scale. The notes "A", "C" and "F". This sound uses the 6th note "F", the character note of the Aeolian scale.

Chord 3 uses the 1st, 2nd and 7th notes of the Aeolian scale. The notes "A", "B" and "G". This gives a nice open sound because it has no 3rd note.

Chord 4 uses the 1st, 2nd and 6th notes of the Aeolian scale. The notes "A", "B" and "F". This gives a dissonant sound because of the interval between "B" and "F". It also uses the 6th note "F", the character note of the Aeolian scale, notice that there's no 3rd note used.

Chord 5 uses the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the Aeolian scale. These notes "A", "C" and "E" give the commonly used A minor triad sound.