Guitar Interval Sequences

In this lesson I will show you some interesting ways to make scale practice more rewarding and interesting. As well as playing scales straight up and down you can also practice them using scale sequences. Playing scales using intervallic sequences is one of the best ways to get to know the sound and shapes that can be found within the scale. Some of these examples also make great technical exercises, which can greatly develop both your left and right hand. In our final exercise we will look at sequencing the major scale using triad arpeggios.

Once you have mastered these sequences you can apply them to other scales and really open up your practice. Not only will these exercises improve your ears they will provide a serious technical workout.

Exercise 1: 3rds

Exercise 1 is the C major scale played in thirds. All of the following examples are in the key of C major. Thirds are a very common interval so take your time and get to know the sound of them.

Exercise 2: 4ths

The interval of a fourth can be tricky to play on guitar mainly because of the way they sit on the fretboard. Persevere with this exercise because 4ths have a very interesting modern sound to them.

Exercise 3: 5ths

This exercise uses the interval of a fifth to ascend the major scale.

Exercise 4: 6ths

Sixths have a really country sound to them. As you can see the intervals are getting quite large now. Feel free to use hybrid picking if needed to help you with the string skipping.

Exercise 5: 7ths

Much like the previous exercise you may want to use hybrid pickinghere to facilitate the string skips.

Exercise 6: Triad arpeggios

In this final exercise we take these ideas on step further and sequence triad arpeggios through the major scale. This is a really useful exercise that will help you learn the arpeggios and chords within this scale.

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and that it can make your scale practice more interesting. Don’t be afraid to apply these sequences to other scales to really challenge yourself.