G major, I to IV
Imaj7 | IVmaj7 | Imaj7 | IVmaj7
Loop it and run a pattern over it: straight, then in threes, then in fours.
Learn · The whole neck
Three notes per string scales
Every scale with three notes on every string: the seven patterns and how they join, the B string shift, why players use them for legato, alternate picking and sequences, what they cost, and the pentatonic three a string. All to hear, in any key.
Key
Three notes on every string
A seven-note scale has seven notes to an octave, and a guitar has six strings, so spreading two octaves across them gives exactly three notes a string. Every string the same: three notes, two stretches, then on to the next string. Here is G major that way, from its root on the low string, beside the CAGED shape in the same place, which has two notes on some strings and three on others.
The B string shift. The strings are a fourth apart except for one pair, G and B, which are a major third. So when the pattern crosses onto the B string it steps up a fret, and stays there. The glowing notes are the ones that moved.
Seven patterns, one from each note
Start the pattern on each note of the scale in turn on the low string and you get seven patterns, which join diagonally up the neck. Pattern 2 of the major scale, from its 2nd, is the Dorian fingering; pattern 6, from its 6th, is the natural minor’s: the same modes, as shapes.
On the whole neck
Why players use it
Legato. Pick the first note on each string and hammer on the other two (pull off on the way down): three notes, one pick. Smooth and fast.
Alternate picking. Down, up, down on one string, then up, down, up on the next: the picking direction flips at every string, the same way every time, so it becomes automatic.
Sequences. Even groups make patterns easy to run in threes and fours, the sound of fusion, metal and shred runs. Hear them on pattern 1:
Over a drone on G. Try the speeds and listen to how the groups of three and four cut across the beat.
What it costs
- The stretch. Two whole steps on one string is a reach of five frets: pattern 1 here spans frets 3–8, and the lowest pattern frets 0–5, where the frets are widest. Low on the neck that is hard on small hands; start higher up and work down.
- The chords disappear. The patterns cut across the chord shapes, so it is harder to see which notes belong to the chord under you than it is in CAGED.
- Every note, every time. Running all seven notes evenly can sound like a scale exercise. Leave notes out, and land on chord tones.
Three notes a string pentatonics
The pentatonic can be played three a string too. It has five notes to the octave, not seven, so three notes a string climb the neck as they cross it: a diagonal shape, built for speed and legato runs that cover the neck in one sweep.
Look it up
Compare with CAGED. Every scale three a string, in every key, is on the scale pages: major, minor, Dorian.
Questions
What are three notes per string scales?
Scale patterns with exactly three notes on each of the six strings, two octaves and a bit in all. A seven-note scale has seven of them, one starting on each note.
Why do the patterns shift on the B string?
The guitar’s strings are tuned a fourth apart except G to B, which is a major third. Crossing onto the B string, the pattern moves up a fret to make up the difference.
Is three notes a string better than CAGED?
Neither is better. Three a string suits speed, legato and even picking; CAGED keeps the chord shapes in view and suits rhythm playing and soloing over changes. Most players use both.
Are three notes per string scales hard?
The stretches are, low on the neck. Learn them around the 7th to 12th frets first, where the frets are closer, and move down as your hand opens up.
How do I practise them?
Slowly, with a metronome, one pattern at a time: straight up and down, then in threes and fours. Then link two neighbouring patterns, and play over a vamp rather than alone.