Practical Theory

1. Basic Concepts

Notes and the Fretboard:

The fretboard is the map of notes. Each fret on each string represents a different note. Knowing the names of the notes on the fretboard is fundamental.

  • Standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E
  • Notes on the low E string (open to 12th fret): E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E
  • Use octave patterns to locate the same notes on different strings.

Octaves:

Notes repeat at higher pitches, known as octaves. Understanding octaves helps in navigating the fretboard.

  • An octave is 12 frets higher (or lower) on the same string.
  • Find octaves on adjacent strings: e.g., a note on the 3rd fret of the low E string is the same as the note on the 5th fret of the D string.

2. Scales

Major and Minor Scales:

Scales are constructed using specific patterns of whole steps (W) and half steps (H).

  • Major scale pattern: W-W-H-W-W-W-H
  • Example in C major: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
  • Minor scale pattern: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
  • Example in A minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

Common fingerings for scales:

  • Use three notes per string for major and minor scales.

Pentatonic and Blues Scales:

These scales are widely used in rock, blues, and other genres.

  • Minor pentatonic scale pattern: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7
  • Example in A minor pentatonic: A, C, D, E, G
  • Blues scale adds a b5 note: A, C, D, Eb, E, G
  • Box patterns for pentatonic scales are easy to memorize.

Modes:

Modes are derived from the major scale and offer different tonalities.

  • Ionian (Major): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Dorian: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7
  • Phrygian: 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
  • Lydian: 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7
  • Mixolydian: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7
  • Aeolian (Minor): 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
  • Locrian: 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7

3. Chords

Basic Chord Construction:

Chords are built from scales by stacking intervals.

  • Major chord: root, major third, perfect fifth (e.g., C, E, G)
  • Minor chord: root, minor third, perfect fifth (e.g., A, C, E)

Open and Barre Chords:

Common chord shapes and how to move them across the neck.

  • Open chords: C, A, G, E, D
  • Barre chords: Moveable shapes based on E and A open chords.
  • Examples: F major (E shape on 1st fret), B minor (A shape on 2nd fret)

Extended Chords:

Seventh chords, ninth chords, and beyond add richness to music.

  • Major 7th: root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh (e.g., Cmaj7: C, E, G, B)
  • Dominant 7th: root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh (e.g., G7: G, B, D, F)
  • Minor 7th: root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh (e.g., Am7: A, C, E, G)

4. Chord Progressions

Common Progressions:

Discuss common chord progressions and their musical contexts.

  • I-IV-V: Used in countless songs (e.g., C-F-G in C major)
  • ii-V-I: Common in jazz (e.g., Dm-G7-C in C major)

Transposing:

Change the key of a progression using the capo or by shifting chord shapes.

  • Using a capo: Capo on 2nd fret and play C shapes to sound in D.
  • Shifting shapes: Move G shape up two frets to play A chord.

5. Intervals

Definition and Types:

Intervals are the distance between two notes, crucial for understanding melody and harmony.

  • Major intervals: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th
  • Minor intervals: b2nd, b3rd, b6th, b7th
  • Perfect intervals: unison, 4th, 5th, octave

Playing Intervals:

Show how to play intervals on the guitar, such as thirds, fifths, and sevenths.

  • Major third: Four frets apart on the same string (e.g., G to B on the low E string)
  • Perfect fifth: Seven frets apart or on adjacent strings (e.g., A to E)

6. Rhythm and Timing

Time Signatures:

Explain common time signatures and how to count them.

  • 4/4 time: Four beats per measure, common in rock and pop.
  • 3/4 time: Three beats per measure, often used in waltzes.

Strumming and Picking Patterns:

Discuss various rhythmic patterns and techniques.

  • Down-up strumming: Downstroke on the beat, upstroke on the offbeat.
  • Fingerpicking: Pluck strings individually, often with thumb and fingers.