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Guitar Scale Sequencing Techniques

This document discusses scale sequencing and contouring techniques. It provides examples of common sequencing patterns for scales, such as 1234, 1231, and 123. It also demonstrates how to apply these sequences to the A natural minor scale through a series of four-note examples with alternating picking patterns. Finally, it shows additional examples using descending and inverted sequences on the same scale, as well as a three-note descending sequence played in triplets.

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Alberto Fontaneda
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1K views3 pages

Guitar Scale Sequencing Techniques

This document discusses scale sequencing and contouring techniques. It provides examples of common sequencing patterns for scales, such as 1234, 1231, and 123. It also demonstrates how to apply these sequences to the A natural minor scale through a series of four-note examples with alternating picking patterns. Finally, it shows additional examples using descending and inverted sequences on the same scale, as well as a three-note descending sequence played in triplets.

Uploaded by

Alberto Fontaneda
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Scale Sequencing: Describes the basic concept of scale sequencing with examples of note groupings and patterns in musical notation.
  • Natural Minor Scale Examples: Presents examples of the natural minor scale in ascending groups, showing various patterns and sequences.
  • Lesson from Metal Lead Guitar: Introduces a specific guitar lesson focusing on technical elements and exercises derived from Metal Lead Guitar volumes.

FENDER PLAYERS CLUB SCALE SEQUENCING AND CONTOURING

If you started on the bottom rung of a ladder and climbed up four steps, then jumped back down three, up four steps and
down three, etc., you would move up the ladder one step at a time. If you numbered the rungs, the pattern would be
1234, 2345, 3456, etc. Applying a repeating pattern like this to a scale is known as sequencing the scale.

Some typical sequences for scales are:

1234, 2345, 3456, 4567, 5678, etc.

1231, 2342, 3453, 4564, 5675, etc.

123, 234, 345, 456, 567, 678, etc.

13, 24, 35, 46, 57, 68, etc.

They may also be used descending and they may be inverted to create more possibilities. There are virtually an endless
number of possible sequence patterns.

Sequencing exercises will help you to think of grouping notes in a variety of new ways, as well as being great cross-string
picking practice. The four examples below break down the first full sequence that follows into manageable sections. The
scale is the the A natural minor, sequenced with the first pattern above. First play each example with all downstrokes
until you have the notes memorized. Then focus your attention on your right hand as you introduce alternate picking.

TIP: If you have trouble keeping the picking consistent, try exaggerating the picking motion by making very large
movements at first. Then, after you get the knack of it, pare it back down to small, relaxed picking motions.

 AUDIO-118-125.mp3

118

119

120

[Link] 1
FENDER PLAYERS CLUB SCALE SEQUENCING AND CONTOURING

121

Below is the A natural minor scale sequenced in ascending groups of four. Notice that at the end, the sequence is broken
to make it wind around and land on the root. This is an example of contouring. A contour is a more general term that
refers to any shape, while a sequence is only a regular, repeating shape. All sequences are contours, but not all contours
are sequences.

122

Now let's try a few different sequences with this same scale. The first one below takes the previous sequence pattern,
descending and inverted. The next example uses a 231, 2342 pattern and inverts it to descend. Also, notice where the
sequences have been altered for musical purposes, to complete the phrase with a more natural feel.

123

124

[Link] 2
FENDER PLAYERS CLUB SCALE SEQUENCING AND CONTOURING

EXAMPLE 125 uses a three note descending sequence, played in triplets

125

This lesson is from:


Metal Lead Guitar: Volume One
by Troy Stetina.

This intense metal method teaches you the elements of lead guitar technique with an
easy to understand, player-oriented approach. The metal concepts, theory, and musical
principals are all applied to real metal licks, runs and full compositions.

Learn at your own pace through 12 "smoking fully transcribed" heavy metal solos from
simple to truly terrifying! "One of the most thorough" and "one of the best rock series
currently available" - Guitar Player magazine.

Music and examples demonstrated on cassette or CD.

Inventory # HL 699321. Book/CD pack $19.95 (US).

[Link] 3

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