All of my lessons will be based off very few very simple shapes.
The only (slightly) complicated thing about my instruction is that I won’t explain how to handle each simple shape when you move it over the “B” string. And the reason for this is that it is simple once you understand how to handle each shape as it crossed over the “B” string.
It is fairly simple once you understand. Take the shape and place the target note (marked in red) on the desired note on the fretboard.
- 1) If all the notes in the shape appear above the “B” string don’t alter the shape at all.
- 2) If some of the notes appear on or below the “B” string but the target note is above the “B” string, move all notes on or below the “B” string one Fret toward the bridge.
- 3) If the target note is on or below the “B” string move all notes above the “B” string one fret toward the nut.
Simple.
The major Triad Shape
This lesson will begin with a shape most guitarist will already know. It’s the triad shape. The 1st one is part of the shape of the “E” chord, and this is the main shape to remember. The 2nd one you move one note in the E triad shape to make the “A” chord, and the third one you move one note in the E triad shape to make the “D” chord.
The red note is the root note. If you place that red note on a “D” note those three notes will make up a “D” triad (chord). If you place it on a “C” note you will get a “C” triad (chord). The note to the left of the root note is your fifth and the note to the right is your third. This shape will always give you a 1, 3, 5 triad.
The point of this lesson is to show how to move notes on this shape “if” this “E” shape cross over the “B” string.
You will always move the shapes that I describe in all my lessons in this way.
- 1) This is the major Triad shape. REMEMBER this shape! The red dot goes on whatever note you want to make a triad chord. You will use this shape anywhere on the fretboard that DOES not cross the “B” string (string with red color).
- 2) If this shape crosses the “B” string, but the root note is to the left of the “B” string. Simply move notes on and to the right of the “B” string 1 fret towards the bridge of the guitar.
- 3) If this shape crosses the “B” string AND the root note is ON the “B” string. Simply move all notes on the left strings of the “B” string (lower pitch strings)1 fret towards the guitar nut.
If you remember this one simple shape and how to control it once it crosses over the “B” string, you will always know where your 1, 3, and 5 notes are of the chord you are playing all over the neck. Super simple.
The red note never moves, that is your target note. The one you place on which ever note you want to make into a triad (chord).
6 Note major pentatonic shape
This shape is really simple. 3 points that are stacked two frets apart. Each point contains a seperate note exept for the top left and bottom right points. These two have the exact same note.
This shape, like all shapes will change in exactly the same way that the above example changes:
If the shape doesn’t cross the “B” string leave it as is. But if the target note is on the “B” string simply move notes to the left of the “B” string one fret towards the nut of the guitar.
If the target note is on the “E” string again move notes to the left of the “B” string one fret towards the nut of the guitar.