Sequences
Systematic patterns for moving through a scale that build fretboard knowledge and melodic fluency.
The Idea
Sequences force you to connect scale shapes across the neck instead of running up and down. They reveal octave relationships, diagonal patterns, and chord voicings.
On the Fretboard
3-Note Sequence
Move through the scale in groups of three, starting on each degree:
Root–2–3 / 2–3–4 / 3–4–5 / 4–5–6 / 5–6–7 / 6–7–8
Scales by 3rds
Skip one degree each step:
Root–3 / 2–4 / 3–5 / 4–6 / 5–7 / 6–8
- Major 3rd: play a note, then 2 frets up and 1 string down
- Minor 3rd: play a note, then 1 fret up and 1 string down
- Say each interval aloud: “root–3, 2–4…”
- Example arpeggio: I – III – V – VII
Fretboard-Wide Expansion (3 Notes Per String)
There are only 3 possible shapes for 3-notes-per-string. Recognize and repeat them across positions.
How to practice:
- Play each box (3 notes per string) up and back down
- Call out the scale degree of each note as you play
- Move to the next box and repeat up the neck
C Major boxes:
| Box | Starting Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 | E F G – A B C – D E F – G A B |
| 2 | F G A – B C D – E F G – A B C |
| 3 | G A B – C D E – F G A – B C D |
| 4 | A B C – D E F – G A B – C D E |
| 5 | B C D – E F G – A B C – D E F |
| 6 | C D E – F G A – B C D – E F G |
Exercises
- Run the 3-note sequence through a full octave, saying each scale degree
- Run scales by 3rds, naming each pair
- Work all 6 C Major boxes, then transpose to one other key
- Play along with a drone: Drone Tool