Building the Better Guitar Scale Series Pt.1 An algorithm for every scale mode & position (3NPS)

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Errata: 7:29 D should be 10th fret, not 9th.
Update: A number of people have asked about the underlying theory behind this method. It can be illustrated as follows:
Take any diatonic mode and extend it up into infinity. Now slice it every three notes. Each sliced section results in some combination of whole and half steps giving us the 3 finger shapes (X, Y, and Z)
These slices in the infinite scale not only create the finger shapes, but they also span the interval of a fourth, from first finger to first finger. Given that the guitar is tuned in perfect fourths*, this combination creates the order of shapes horizontally all on the same fret (our infinite guitar).
The shape order repeats every 7 shapes because of simple mathematics. 3 notes in a shape, 7 notes in a mode. 3x7=21. 21 is the next number in the series that’s divisible by both 3 and 7. So it repeats every 21 notes.
There are two exceptions to the ordering of shapes all starting on the same fret.
1. Every diatonic mode contains one interval of an augmented (raised) 4th, also called a tritone. This tritone always occurs when moving from shape X to shape Y. Therefore we have to shift up a fret to accommodate. This is what gives us Rule #1.
2. *The tuning between the 3rd and 2nd strings is a major third rather than a perfect 4th. Therefore we have to shift up a fret to accommodate. This gives us Rule #2.
That's all there is to it.
Good luck in your practice, and thanks for watching.

[@bradhorne6552]

Now Jonathan boyd "breakthrough" guitar has pinched this concept, re hashed it and is charging hundreds of dollars for it and taking everyones money and credit for it..

[@MichaelPillitiere]

Thanks for the heads up. He isn’t the first one to plagiarize this and sell it for ridiculous amounts of money, so I’m not surprised. I still offer it for free.

[@vulnerablegrowth3774]

It seems he’s made millions by explaining it. Someone posted this video on reddit. Glad I came across it instead of paying for his course. Thanks Michael!

[@bradhorne6552]

@@MichaelPillitiere I wish i had seen this before i paid for his. I feel cheated from his claims , when you deserve the money and credit. I just thinks its wrong. Thankyou for sharing.. it really is a wonderful concept that takes away the mystery and helps you to start having fun..

[@Ruefus]

​@@MichaelPillitiere Boyd's website reminds me of Tom Hess. Who is one of if not THE worst guitar charlatans ever. Your explanation should be part of any Guitar 101 class. It separates the organization of the notes from their meaning in theory. Theory is just as important, but not to new players and certainly not for making music quickly. Combine this with CAGED and suddenly the fretboard becomes a LOT less mystical. Sprinkle some basic theory on top of this and I suspect a player will advance not only quickly, but they'll actually enjoy it. Instead of the absolute slog most of us either endured. The others took up basket weaving. :) This stuff is solid-gold.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

Holy dumb f*ck I got that ad right before this video started! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jemsophia]

kind of wild that this video doesn’t have 9 million views. wow. thank you so much - and thank you to Boyd for running an ad, and for the people on google who called him out and linked to you. thank you thank you!

[@cheshire9384]

Yes Boyd for president! (Of my ass)

[@colten2524]

I am currently three minutes in, and I can already tell this is gonna open a whole bunch of doors for me. This is awesome.

[@gib59er56]

This is the first time I have seen or heard 3 note per string patterns being explained correctly. It makes me think all of the other "teachers" are confused themselves or are too lazy to be simple . I know it sounds odd...simple should be just that. Simple. But you dont get that here on you tube at all. I learned this years ago but found it to be a pain in the ass and robotish so I forgot a ton so I am checking out modes again. You are 100% spot on friend!

[@p83otfan]

I found this on my own 30 yrs ago, but since it made me a local guitar hero, I never shared it. It was my Super Power. This IS the key to speed up and down the board. Good luck.

[@michaelkrailo5725]

Well I almost bought into the Boyd thing but decided to check and see what others had to say about it. I found this video from a Reddit post and now I know what Jonathan was rambling on about with the invisible strings. Michael, thank you for making this concise lesson on how to re-create all the modes in a logical and manor. Sure it will take time to fully absorb, but this is the first time I feel like I can finally climb the scale mountain that always seemed so hard to remember and piece together.

[@yozza99]

Good old Reddit and me but having trust either brought me to this too 😄

[@gritsguitar]

Mind blowing. Never heard this in 50 years of playing. Well done and thank you.

[@NofreedomofspeechonYouTube]

No one on internet I found yet who teaches Like you. I'm grateful of you.

[@jugheadjones5458]

This is what I've been needing. But I'm going to have to watch it about 10 more times.

[@mattsantaniello4872]

This is the guitar algorithm and is explained in the most simplest, straightforward, and understandable way possible.

[@jules010]

I don't know who you are and where do you live but I just want you to know that this video is the most comprehensive guide about scale/modes I could find on KZbin. If only I knew about it some years ago when I started. Michael, I think you heard it before but these 13min are a game changer and have a huge impact on those who want to learn modes and scales. I would like to thank you for this, amazing stuff!

[@michaelcraig9449]

What games did it change?

[@jules010]

@@michaelcraig9449 the game of learning guitar... I bet you know the struggle

[@voronOsphere]

I'm a terribly mediocre player, but I've been using this method since 1993, so people think I'm way better than I really am, with my main strength being the ability to play at least decently (and improvise decently) in any key! I recommend that every guitarist (including guitar veterans) learn this approach! It will totally transform your ability with minimal effort! Guaranteed!!!!

[@Ricardoh38]

Maybe you're way better than you think you are

[@voronOsphere]

@@Ricardoh38 My coordination/dexterity is very limited, though. I see students, who have only been playing inly a few years, crank out cover songs with guitar solos and I ask myself: "How do they do that?"

[@Ricardoh38]

@@voronOsphere I used to feel that about any and all lead playing lol. I too consider myself terribly mediocre ( lots of bad habits like raking, unnecessary noise, non consistent practicing/long breaks..etc), but after working up my speed and cleanliness with a metronome.. it started to all make sense. Its a bit painstaking, but totally worth it. Once your muscle memory is down it starts to become more effortless. Ots taken me from extremely mediocre to only terribly 😂

[@voronOsphere]

@@Ricardoh38 You described my practice routine exactly! Lol! Luckily for me, I've been a drummer longer than a guitarist, so even though I can't play very fast, what I do play has a nice sense of time to it. A variation on the metronome practicing thing I like to do is set a delay (Brian May style) for slightly quicker than one second, with just one or two repeats, and practice playing in time and in key! You can manipulate the pulse a little, with this method, because the "click/beat" is just the echos triggered by your playing, but it still requires you to really tune in to that pulse. Then you can do easy runs and patterns and harmonize the repeats (giving you ear training and key practice, and quick thinking improvisational practice). So much fun and you know pretty quickly when you hit a crap note. You're so right. Regular metronome practice is definitely a great idea, too. I practice drum patterns in my car to my turn-signal, which has also helped my sense of "Swing Time," because the turn-signal has a "swing" to it!

[@alpersungur6979]

Thank you, your experience added fuel to my confidence for practice

[@thomasmartinscott]

This matches my particular learning style better than any explanation I've ever seen. I've been playing Professionally since 1966. A lot of fog just disappeared. Thank You!

[@lioneladams2442]

Thanks 72 year old here, playing and learning since I was a teen, really enjoyed ,lionel

[@stoneyneff8555]

I can honestly say I've learned more about guitar Soloing in this 15 min. video, then I have in the previous 35 years of playing guitar . and it's truly amazing how simplistic he makes it all .

[@disjanpampoen]

The best single lesson on YT. This blew my mind.

[@P0ncepb]

Your voice sounds like Jigsaw and it helps because It provides a sense of urgency and importance before the inevitable "Do you want to play a game?" rolls out because you've realized my eyes have glazed over from my inability to grasp everything the first time around.

[@JB_Da_Real]

I slowed it down to like 50% and played along with the diagrams until i grasped the concept and this really helped to "unlock" something in my mind to make a lot of the 'random' music theory i know, actually make sense! I'm self taught and been playing for 10 yrs now but man, had i known this when i first started playing, I'd be light years ahead of where i am now in my playing. Defenitely will bring practicing with this video daily. Thanks a ton from Houston m, Tx.!

[@FROMJASP]

For years, I have been noodling around playing the same pentatonic scale I learned 10 years ago. Today, I was 5 minutes into this video and had to pause the video because I couldn't believe it was this 'simple'. I made some notes, turned on some backing tracks, and I was literally flying all over the neck. This is spectacular, I already feel so much more confident on the instrument. Can't wait to study this video and the other videos in this series more in depth. Thank you so much!

[@akealh]

WATCH IT AGAIN. If you didn't understand, WATCH IT AGAIN! I'm at a loss for words at how this opened up the fretboard for me mentally after one day of focusing on this (watching it over and over until i understood what he was saying) and playing with a backing track. Its hard to tell if what KZbin has to offer is legit or not but people are literally charging for this info left and right! If this helped you too like this comment so people can see!

[@alanjones4735]

Michael, I've been playing guitar for over 30 years, and I'm not one for emotional displays but I have to say thank you: you've changed my life. You have unlocked the fretboard.

[@sickpuppiesarecool]

Wow. I am just absolutely stunned. As many have already said, I am a self-taught player who has taken countless upon countless years learning small bits of theory and retrofitting said knowledge to my playing. I've come a long way, but it was grueling. Not only would this have been absolutely vital to mastering the guitar faster, but even learning it now as an advanced player my understanding has been revolutionized forever. This is seriously the most amazing, important, and helpful video, let alone any form of instruction on guitar, that I have ever seen. I am forever indebted to you for this as countless others clearly are.

[@brianstraight1699]

You said it so much better than I could :)

[@mhoop1]

I'm a lifelong (over 45 years) piano player who has noodled and 'played by ear' on the guitar/bass for about 20 years. Without the black & white layout in front of me I've always felt like there was just something I didn't understand; just wasn't getting about the fretboard. This cleared that up for me. Thanks for your work!

[@gtsteele6219]

I started out thinking that I wished this series was available 20 years ago, then I came to the conclusion that it would have been way over my head then. All these years later, this is truly the secret to being able to improvise and not get lost. You still need to know the notes, chord structures, triads, some basic theory, etc., but this is a very cool key to what can be a puzzle. Thank you sir!

[@kylebross2222]

I watched the entire series last night and today. Your instruction makes complete sense. Between the parchment paper backdrop and your term "Grand Unification Pattern", it feels like if I can really get this under my fingers without thinking about it, I will become a part of some super enlightened secret society of guitar players. You are creating A+ content.

[@Stancran]

You rock as both a human being and a teacher! Feel like I should be paying you! Your book if free on Amazon and now this free breakdown as well. My hats off to you sir! Thank you for your generosity.

[@AIRMIKEY1]

Holy crap. I can see! I can see! After 20 years of playing the guitar I can finally see! Thank you Michael you are a genius

[@kunee51]

I was a guitar teacher and use this method to teach student on how to start shredding and master their guitar fretboard but this video shown much detail than what I've teach. btw some students can play all the 7 shapes in a week (after one class session). good old memories in around 2005-2008🥰

[@tomswift2x]

I, too, had a suspicion that there was a secret logic to the fretboard. Suddenly, there it is! The secret logic to the fretboard, on video, clearly laid out and explained. I'll never be the same again.

[@brianstraight1699]

Thank you, Mr. Pillitiere. I found you through reviews of Jonathan Boyd and I am so happy I did. I've been playing for more than 25 years, but I was never able to make the transition to lead guitar as I hate rote learning. I took lessons and lost interest when it seemed I had to memorize endless scales and modes. I've made more progress with your approach in two weeks than I've made in the last 20 years! Your algorothim is easy to remember and I can now jam to just about any key and in multiple modes. I've still got a long way to go, of course, but I can now focus on technique and fluidity without thinking about scales, etc. Thank you! It's been a long time since I had so much fun with my guitars!

[@karstux]

One thing I would add is to memorize where the root note of the scale is located in the three sub-patterns. For example, in the major scale / Ionian, the root note is: - on the first fret of the middle "XXX" pattern, on the second fret of the first "YY" pattern, and on the highest fret of the first "ZZ" pattern. That makes it easy to start soloing on the higher strings instead of on the E string. Just start on the root note, and if you started with the index finger, continue in the XXX pattern. If you started on the middle finger, continue in the YY pattern, and if you started on the pinky finger, use the ZZ pattern.

[@riainmcclanahan916]

@@jazznotes3802 are you talking about how they all are the same but where you place the half step in the scale? Like CDEFGABC so its WWHWWWH and then if you move up and start from D you get DEFGABCD and that scale is WHWWWHW. Is that what you're talking about ? I've been trying to get better at understanding the fretboard so I can get to a level of playing my heros are at. Is that close to what you mean with the "master scale" ?

[@jazznotes3802]

@@riainmcclanahan916 nope! It’ll be hard to explain these concepts (although their very easy) in a comment without showing you. I’ll explain one octave diatonic triads, they also start on the root notes for each of the diatonic modes. Take the “three notes per string position/pattern 1 (what many would call the “six string Ionian mode pattern”) If you play through the shape starting on the 6th string and play the 1st note/first finger, (miss the next note) then play the note with the little finger, then on the next string play the second note. So “play one, miss one & play one. you get your Major triad. (It’s also the triad for Ionian mode) e.g: You’ll be playing pattern with your “index finger, little finger middIe finger.” There’s a pattern that reveals itself and it is - “Outside, Outside, Inside.” This pattern Always remains the same when you start on your First finger, throughout all six strings and within all the seven 3NPS scale positions/patterns. It goes like this: 6th string “Outside, Outside, Inside” = Major triad (for Ionian mode) 5th string (do the same) = Major triad (for Mixolydian mode) 4th string “ “ = dim triad (for Locrian ) 3rd string “ “= minor triad (Phrygian) 2nd string = minor triad (For the minor scale) The same goes for all other positions. Then you can do the same starting with the middle within the 3NPS patterns. This will also create it’s own reoccurring pattern. (That never changes) “Inside, outside, outside.” The lastly, the little finger creates it’s own pattern. “outside, middle, outside.” (Working it’s way from left to right) All of these “triad arpeggio patterns” are part of the diatonic/Major scale. But they are also associated with each of the diatonic modes within it. You can do the same for the 7th diatonic arpeggios (for each string within the seven scale positions) and they will create their own patterns that follow a similar order, but stretch over three strings. So you’ll only get “4 arpeggios off each finger.” But to fully understand this you’ll need to understand the “Secret Number” and memorise it. Ok here it is…. The secret number is “147-3625.” 1= Ionian 4 = Lydian 7 = Locrian 3 = Phrygian 6 = Minor Scale 2 = Dorian 5 = Mixolydian This number moves from the 6th string down to the 1st, just like the arpeggios. So you also get the modes, one starting on each of the strings. But if you understand and know the “master pattern” really well, you understand how it all connects and is within that single “Master Pattern.” This guy knows some of the system and it could possibly help with what I’m saying about the modes. Watch both videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3_QdqRjmLVshdE. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b522mpmBj51jfpY It will most likely appear very complicated at first, this just means your not quite getting it, but “when the penny drops” you’ll see how simple it really is. Watch it 100 times if that’s what it takes and be sure to pause the video and do what he does. If must “physically” copy what he’s doing. Otherwise your going to think it’s a load of crap & completely miss it. Hope this helps.

[@jazznotes3802]

@@riainmcclanahan916 I’ve just reread your question and realised your asking about the “Master Scale Pattern,” right? The Master Scale Pattern is simply that, a “single pattern” that you learn and it covers ALL scale positions. This single pattern simply reappears and makes up the seven 3NPS patterns. So there’s not really seven different fretboard patterns to learn, there’s only one. But it repeats in seven different positions on the guitar. (Creating the seven “Three Notes Per String Patterns”) This Master Pattern speeds up the learning process massively for getting the seven 3NPS positions under your hands. Also learning arpeggios & modes become incredibly simple. You can learn any mode, all over the guitar (in every position) within minutes, not weeks or months like other methods. (No joke) All the Modes, arpeggios (and much more) can be found within this single pattern.

[@riainmcclanahan916]

@@jazznotes3802 that sounds awesome. I'm reading what you sent and I'm trying to visualize what you're saying. Any chance you could make some kind of chard or visual aid that you could send to me ? I really appreciate you trying to explain it all to me as well as you have. Anything that helps me learn and understand the guitar more is always awesome!

[@jazznotes3802]

@@riainmcclanahan916 Sure, what’s your email?

[@OneChartguitarlessons]

Very interesting and well set out: I've never seen the shapes dissected like that! Have subbed to see what you do next!

[@terrylynam444]

Very cool approach! Looking forward to trying it out.

[@russell8donkin]

Amazing , thank you for posting !

[@samadsayyed7669]

I’ve been playing guitar for 3 years now, intermittently taking some lessons (a few in person lessons and some online). I could only play the major scale in a few positions, the pentatonic scale in all positions and had an awareness of minor scales without necessary remembering the pattern. This 7 minute video has made clear to me how I can play all 7 scales in 7 positions ! The best 7 mins I ever invested in my 3 years of playing and learning the guitar. Thank you!

[@StarDarkAshes]

It really took me years and years to figure this out and this is pretty much the most straightforward explanation I’ve ever seen and there are gazillions of videos on the subject. I can’t wait to see more of your videos like this. I just saw your channel for the first time and I subscribed and I look forward to more of these awesome clarification videos. Please don’t start putting out content. This channel should blow up

[@michaelsparks8632]

Thank You Michael for your gracious and brilliant work!

[@seanobrien499]

Possibly the best content on YT I’ve watched them all regarding improv on the fly !!

[@lifelongfan07]

I started doing this but without this tutorial, but I didn’t do it to this extent. Now I have reinforcement and will practice this in all of the modes. Thank you!

[@tonan5440]

I'm stunned!!! Wish I had learned this 30 years ago. What an incredible "lights on" experience! Never seen/heard this explained so clearly and concisely. Well done!

[@sustainablelife1st]

wow. this makes everything so much easier. Thank you!

[@choochoochooseyou]

This is awesome. I've been struggling to understand this stuff recently so this is a godsend. I haven't seen a single video or book article that mentions how those x, y and z patterns are set up. A million thanks.

[@thanoo1924]

Fantastic! This is how you always 'see' the scales on the fretboard but your explanation using XYZ is just ingenious.

[@ruperterskin2117]

Right on. Thanks for sharing.

[@Fxingenieria]

Espectacular💯🙌🏻

[@muffinsfromsparta]

Michael - this has got to be the single most impactful guitar education video I’ve ever watched. You really helped me unlock the fretboard and I’m eternally grateful. Are you working on a pentatonic video? I’ll be following this channel closely in the future!

[@ccine515]

Awesome explanation and representation‼️ Here are all of the patterns and diagrams that I’ve seen for decades finally presented in a way to simply understand and put into practice. It’s like we’ve had an alphabet all this time and now we’ve learned how to form words and sentences. I can’t wait to get home and grab my guitar and apply this information. Eternal thanks and gratitude for sharing this interpretation of the scale patterns. It also gives us the tools to apply this method practically without having to know the technical music theory behind it. I’m blown away. Thanks 🙏‼️

[@ibail.a.3059]

Wow! This actually helped me a lot! Thank you very much!

[@BobHiltner]

I've notice several of these things in learning and this affirms those and ties so many things together from some basic building blocks. Love it!

[@JCBucketDude]

I memorized the scales using different shapes, but I totally support this method! It's a very concise way of demonstrating shape memorization in a more streamlined way. This demonstration actually appeals to my way of thinking. I'm glad to have stumbled on this video!

[@jmpascoe]

I've been playing guitar for 23 years (self-taught) and in that time figured out a few parts of this intuitively (or through dumb luck). Watching this was like having the veil lifted from my eyes. If only somebody taught me this 22 years ago instead of regular scales. I'll be passing this on to every guitarist I know! What a game changer. Many thanks to the author. As others have said, we are deeply indebted to you sir 🙏🙏

[@Krimzon_Pheonix]

Looking forward to practicing with this method! Thank you for your contribution!

[@StratsRUs]

A beautifully made and successfully conveyed video.Thanks.

[@randyallen6850]

I have seen this concept presented in many different ways. Most of which was like reading a Latin novel in Latin. This is the first presentation I've seen that was clear, concise and easy to follow. The visuals help to tie it all together. While it's still a lot of information to absorb, it now makes sense. The key is practice and usage. Thank you so much for this wonderfully crafted video.

[@SelfcareSofie]

I knew there was something to the patterns people arent taking advantage of! Thank you for sharing, I'm going to apply it to electric bass and maybe work it out for violin but probably watch this twice a day for the next month until I might be able to do that. Please keep sharing your wonderful knowledge as the world needs more music x

[@zenmaster6780]

Just found this and I saved it for practice. This is amazing, thank you so much

[@MrAirblown2009]

This video simplified it for me. Thanks

[@victorb6293]

Wow, great video. As a teacher (not a Music teacher) and guitarist of many decades, I can see that your video (visuals and explanation) was so clear, concise and easy to follow. Yes, it might mean going back and watching several times and picking things out to practice, but it's all there and presented in an excellent way. Well done and thank you.

[@stevene1501]

It’s still a lot to learn, but you’ve explained it very well, and I think I can grasp it, finally. Nice work.

[@EPICSOUNDTRAX]

There is way easier system using only tri fingers. Scales starting with finger number one. Scales starting with finger 2 and sales starting with finger 4. This is all you need. Now try this. Do not move your hand at all no matter what. Start a fret number one. F major. Start playing the scale using finger 1. Now start playing scale G major starting with finger 2. Now start playing scale A minor using finger 4. Now again. Start Bb major finger one. C major finger 2. D major finger 4. Now shifting flat or sharp you need to move fret up or down that is it. Now all you have to do is learn this. Now you seater F major /min Bb maj/min using your first finger so this is the shape for all scales starting them with finger 1. Remember you started C Maj/ and G maj using your second finger this will be th shape for all major scales starting with 2finger. Remember you started A minor but also Maj using your 4 finger.this is the shape for all scales starting with 4 finger. Now we are at fret number one try to look for all possible scales starting with 1,2and 4 finger without moving a lot.sharps flats using little movement. That is it.Now. Move your hand first finger starting at G 3rd fret finger 1. Now the world will open for you. Do not move at all.small movements look for scales starting with finger 1,2,4. Starting at G play the same shape juat like F. Under G is C a shape finger 1. Under C is F a shape. Now try A Maj starting second finger same shape you did G Maj. Under A is D under D Is G by you already have G starting with finger 1 on the 3 fret. Now if you ship your hand fret up and down yoi cover all flats and sharps.there. Now start C major scale 8 fret starting with finger 4.same thing do not move a lot. Remember at the beginning you played A scale starting with your 4 finger on the 5th fret now we start C scale on 8th fret starting with 4th finger. Now you can see that second note on C scale is D you can start playing D scale starting with your first finger see shape as the beginning F. Now you can see under C is F start playing F starting with your 4th finger same as C.now next to C when you started with 4 finger one fret down is Bb start playing it with 2finger same shape as we started G major at the beginning fret 3. Under Bb is Eb start with 2 finger .under Eb is Ab start playing with 2 finger but if you go back at C 4 finger you can see that if you stretch you have at 5 position A scale starting with finger 1. Now you will notice something interesting start at the same position 8freth C scale but start C with your 1finger just like we started at the beginning fret 1 finger 1 f Maj.you will see everything repeats just instead of F maj we start all rye same just starting from C 8 freth and you have . Finger 1 C ,under C is F finger 1 under f is Bb under Bb is Eb all starting same shape finger 1. Now look next to C finger one there is D.starting finger 2. You have D ,G,C starting with finger 2 all se shape . Now look what you have under finger 4. You have E start playing shape with 4 finger and you have all the same E under A D starting with 4. When you start D look for octave back lower you have lower D scale starting with 2 finger. Now you cover the entire fingerboard using finger shapes 1,2 and 4. Now if you look the fingerboard repeat itself after fret 12 it is the same example fret 13 is tye same as freth 1.so everything you learned at the beginning is the same sounding octave up. Look for C position 3 it is the same as C position 8 and then after position 12 it is the same as position 3. That is it . All you have to do is practice these shapes and look for key intervals . Major,min,and then the modes but follow fingers 1,2 and 4 a thing. There is also a transitional position but that is easy once you learn 1,2 and 4 fingerings. Juat try to get whatever you can form the fingerboard without moving a lot. Put your ha d no matter what and look at your fingers 1,2 and 4 and what scales the can grab .small movents are allowed for flat sharp scales but they are minimal no jumping. Try it . Once your eyes start see the scheme you are in for life promise you that. Of you need me to help you with a video contact me I will do it for free .I do not care. Ok have nice practice and I hope this can help you. Learned this system from Joe Pass .

[@boomerdell]

Oh, wow, this is FANTASTIC, thank you, Michael!

[@modalities]

Thank you Michael.

[@JayEastward]

I bought the booklet even though it doesn't add much to the brilliance and sweep of this video. Because I don't want to feel I got this much value for free. Thank you!

[@MichaelPillitiere]

That's an honor. Thank you.

[@karstux]

I've been implementing the concepts from the video for a few hours now, and I have to say - it's like a cheat code to the fretboard. Three simple patterns, and two simple rules, and now I can play the major scale all across the fretboard. It's crazy. I've even dabbled in modal playing a bit, and it worked! It was always out of my reach before, because I thought I'd have to master Ionian before trying other modes. I've tried box-based approaches (CAGED) to the major scale before, which worked for the pentatonics for me, but it's too complicated and too much memorisation for heptatonic scales.

[@MichaelPillitiere]

I still to this day find it kind of crazy that this inherent order is 'built in' to the system.

[@jackiedixon5076]

Whew!! Finally, a conceptional sequence that has two hard and fast rules that actually fits my pea brain. Thank you. My wife has an account with Amazon. She is ordering your book today. If it has as much impact as your fine video. We, that is, musicians that are still somewhat confused about scales and modes should no doubt be diving in the deep end of the pool. And that ain't no problem for a swimmer.

[@choochoochooseyou]

100% agree.

[@ianrichardson3968]

@@MichaelPillitiere I'm the same, every time I go into the subject of scales it amazes me that with 12 notes and 6 strings, with the strings tuned to standard tuning, all the notes or intervals fall in exactly the right place. Especially those two half steps, BC and EF. IF those two intervals were not there we'd be screwed. Similarly your root note sets the tonic for a scale but it's where those two half steps come that creates the sound of the scale, be it Major or minor, harmonic or whatever. The G myxolidian mode and G Major scale being exactly the same except in G Major you have a Major 7, F#. All we've done is shift a half step. This video struck a real chord with me.(Pun intended). Back in the day like everyone else I had no clue. It looked like a note grenade had gone off and note shrapnel fell to earth, some of it landing on the fret board of this guitar thing. In no particular order. Just shrapnel. I learned the pentatonic box one, totally missed the fact there were 4 others. Eventually I noticed it only has two intervals, not that I knew they were intervals at the time. Then realised it contains smaller 2 string boxes. So then I thought hang on, surely a C must be the same number of frets away from any A, not just that one. And the same applied to the other ones. They just shift to other strings. Long story short I eventually began learning basic theory. I add the two missing intervals back in and I have the two diatonic scales. And a new pattern of shapes. Eventually realising pentatonic's box 2 comes from a slightly different version of the Major scale. Eventually I realised all this theory must exist on the fret board surely. Over time it all worked itself out. And it was a lot of time. I realised it is not difficult to learn scales, or to find notes. So you get people being told to learn the notes and visualise their fret board. But how? That's the part no one seems to explain. So they scratch their heads in confusion. This video gives people the two elements they are missing. Context and direction. Without those your brain is struggling. Context being that there are a certain number of intervals which repeat in a certain order. A little theory with the intervals. You can now play that scale in any of the 12 keys. The pattern simply repeats itself. There's the amazing part again...from any A or C or D# etc. So now you have direction. Now your brain knows what to look for. Now it can begin it's work mapping these shapes and patterns. Connecting them together. You brain will do this all by itself, no real "memorizing" required. You do not need to "memorize" every ruddy note. The graphic at the end says it all. Your brain is built to do this, why do you not get lost every time you leave home? You have a built in navigation system in that part of your brain you cannot access, like the operating system of your computer. Your brain is the same. Can you find the notes on your fret board? No? Yes you can, with a little context and direction it's really not difficult. You don't need to think too much either, over thinking only creates a barrier between your super computer and your fingers. So many are scared of the theory, it is not that hard to learn, IF you start at the beginning. NOT with the pentatonic scale. If you read a book you start on page 1 chapter 1, NOT page 12 chapter 4. There is no secret or guitar God gift he hasn't sent you to your fret board. It's all in the tuning. This video alone shows you this very well. Yes when you look at all the patterns connected together it looks daunting, now you're overthinking again. Learn the first one first, then start adding the next one one bit at a time and give your brain time to map it. One note at a time if needed. It took me years to work this lot out, it doesn't need to these days if you find someone who actually explains it properly. Jackie below says it, her "pea brain". No Jackie you do not have a "pea brain". You just got some context and direction so your brain knows what to look for. Also I would say this is not the deep end of the pool either. It's actually the shallow end. It's all intervals and they come up very early in the theory. Because without intervals there'd be no music. Every scale, every chord, every solo all made up from intervals stacked one on top of the other. Standard tuning is intervals stacked in a certain order. You're overthinking it. Do not do that when you get the book. You will have to think a bit more to begin with but try to reduce the thinking and trust your "pea brain". Let it do it's work for you. Long comment I know but as I say this video is excellent stuff. I love it.

[@michaelsparks8632]

@@ianrichardson3968 Thank You for your encouragement and extended explanation, very helpful.

[@sashakid]

beautiful summarization !! thanks a lot

[@lennyfearon3243]

Absolutely love this… it cleared a mental block for me

[@vulnerablegrowth3774]

Unbelievable. I’ve been playing chords for years and avoiding soloing because I was so bad at it and didn’t understand how to make everything mesh together. I definitely plan on using this system and soloing a bunch on backing tracks. I’ve just spent 10 minutes with it on my new electric guitar and I can finally feel the connection across the fretboard. Thank you!!!

[@gilbertosandino8324]

the light!!!💥

[@oldmanpatriot1490]

Ive been soloing for 35 years and Im still confused.. Dont let the little things stop you..

[@2good2betrue3]

Very helpful mate, I love your approach, scale, modes, positions, etc. it's very hard to tie it all together but you did an excellent job explaining it....thanks!. Subscribed.😊

[@2good2betrue3]

@@MichaelPillitiere Oh, what a sad news, do we need to subscribe again? anyway thanks for the link. will follow that. More power to the new channel, Cheers mate!🙂

[@grievouserror]

This... this is big. Thank you, this is helpful beyond measure.

[@jwm6314]

Amazing concept, amazing pedagogy.

[@voronOsphere]

I started applying this great and easy technique with the A Aeolean Mode (A Natural Minor Scale) from the 5th fret of the low E string and slowly added more positions/modes from there. This approach is both rather easy and life-changing!!!!

[@itsahsah]

Unlike the folks below, I'm a total beginner at just a year in, and have been struggling to memorize the fretboard. but this is incredibly helpful, and easy enough for someone new like me to understand. I've spent so much time practicing the A major scale, and had no clue that shape could be moved. The awe I felt the moment I did as you said, and simply slid the shape to the third fret to see that everything fit in G like a glove. This is huge thank you!

[@MichaelPillitiere]

Thanks for telling me this. That ‘moment of awe’, or Eureka! moment was the same thing I felt when I first realized how all these shapes and patterns worked together. I’m very pleased this helped you experience that too.

[@JohnnyZ_8]

​@@MichaelPillitierehi Michael, there's one thing I'm still confused by and it may just be a wording issue. At 10:35 it says to play Dorian play pattern ZX on the first scale degree of the mode. Then to play Mixolydian play XXX on the first scale degree of the mode. My question is the first scale degree of the mode the same thing as the first scale degree of the major scale? The way it sounded to me is to play each corresponding shape starting at the first degree of the major scale, so if you're in the key of G you play the ZX pattern starting on a G note to play G Dorian. Play the XXX pattern starting on a G note to play G Mixolydian and so on. That's different than what I was thinking to start on the corresponding scale degree of the pattern. So for Mixolydian in G I thought you would start on the note of the major scale that G is the 5th scale degree. That would mean starting the XXX pattern on a C note since G is the 5th scale degree of the C major scale. I'm not sure which way it's supposed to be

[@richardlovell3234]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@MusicLabs234]

What a great description, simple and to the point. Thank you

[@helmanfrow]

I've been a mediocre guitar player for 30 years and an expert-level watcher of guitar videos for 20. This is the first time I've come across this concept. 🤯 The funny part is that I found this video while researching one of those "guitar-mastery" -type marketing scams that popped up in a pre-roll ad. 😉 I'm amazed that this video series has as few views as it does. Maybe a little more engagement in the comments will get those numbers up!

[@jeffneufeld2083]

Found it for the same reason, someone else charging a fortune to teach this concept. What a great explanation, and great production to match!

[@jmpascoe]

That's hilarious 😂 I also found this video researching some scammy looking video about mastering the guitar. Turns out it was based on solid knowledge so that checked out.. Too bad they're repackaging and profiting off somebody else's work though.

[@phillsmith5655]

This feels like it might be one of the most important guitar videos on KZbin, Michael's work here is kind of incredible.

[@DelayedLaunch]

Wow this video is incredible! Thank you very much for sharing! This is exactly what I needed to get back in the saddle

[@kylestevens5835]

This was extremely helpful thank you!!

[@stevenjones6780]

Very good. When I started guitar late (age 21, but now I'm 60), I decided to focus on the major scale shapes. For so many years I felt "less than" up against pretty much everyone else that started (and ended) with the minor pentatonic/blues thing. Not the case now. I can mix and match any scales, modes, keys, chord types, etc and in fact I make up my own voicings and phrasings. However- YES! for me it all comes out of the major scale (even the Blues and chromaticism). It probably helped that I studied jazz theory in college and made it my biz to know every note on the neck I was playing at all times. Then at some point, I sort of lost my ability to give a **** any more and just started to go for it. People ask me what I'm doing, but I don't really know until I stop to analyze it- which I can always do. Anyhow, great work and THANK YOU...

[@MichaelPillitiere]

I had a great composition teacher. When people would ask him “What were you doing in bar 145 of such and such piece?”, he’d reply “I don’t know, what did I write there?” Point being, it’s great to let the music flow first. Analysis can be done later if needed. I find it’s usually only needed if something sounds screwy and needs fixed.

[@thehealeruk]

Just a pedantic correction MP: 7' 29", D on the 6th string is at the 10th fret, not the 9th as shown in the diagram (doesn't affect the pattern though).

[@johnpray8434]

Can’t wait for your lesson on the grand unification. Thank you for your time and explanations.

[@derekchapman2929]

This is the single greatest KZbin video of all time. Thank you sir thank you.

[@lukeluke295]

Agreed. I'm finally going to learn the neck with this

[@rickybgoode9078]

As a 65yo beginner, I'll be returning here often. I have arthritis in my hands but, find theory interesting also. I bought your pamphlet on Amazon. Thanks!

[@davidjones4452]

if you think this video is good you probably would like the video named the na system

[@kevinkillsit]

At 7:18 D should be on the 10th fret in standard tuning not 9th. Other than that this is a fantastic video and series, it has helped me so much. Thank you!

[@guitarizard]

Thank you

[@germansniper5277]

Thank you. Little things like that can easily confuse

[@kyledrevlo1962]

I wondered about that too

[@christopherogbin7984]

I thought I was going crazy for a second there.

[@darkomtobia]

This is brilliant. I subbed and edited out questions because you addressed them in part 3.

[@PretzelStetzel]

Great simple explanation. One small correction that may confuse beginners... the 'D' note is on the 10th fret of the 6th string, not the 9th.

[@vladurs6475]

but why we choose to play scale degree 3?

[@antoniohillario9770]

It may help to temporarily disregard the actual fretboard notes and think of all the patterns as if in the key of C. Pattern 1: C Major starting on C note = C Ionian Pattern 2: C Major starting on D note = D Dorian Pattern 3: C Major starting on E note = E Phrygian Pattern 4: C Major starting on F note = F Lydian Pattern 5: C Major starting on G note = G Mixolydian Pattern 6: C Major starting on A note = A Aeolian Pattern 7: C Major starting on B note = B Locrian By starting on whatever note the pattern dictates, but treating it as C Major (no sharps or flats), it all works. I needed a way to understand how all the patterns and intervals worked and this made it clear for me. This may be obvious to some, but I thought it was worth pointing out.

[@jazznotes3802]

or.... you could just think of them as the seven positions/patterns of the diatonic scale.

[@germansniper5277]

Amazing explanation. I will be using this system.

[@saduce09]

This is pure Gold 100%. Well done sir!

[@ivonsmith4255]

This is pure gold for those that haven’t learnt this yet. Frank Gambale kinda did in the late 1980s but not so clear or comprehensively as you have. Please do one for Harmonic & Melodic Minors. And exotic scales. Harmonizing all those scales to make chords would be great !

[@lentas08]

I learnt the scales using the CAGED system with the five shapes and after four years only just learning 3 notes per string. This video is very useful however I still prefer the CAGED has I find it helps to know the chord in the shape and in finding chord tones.

[@voronOsphere]

This method is more about road mapping the guitar neck so that you almost see the scale/key as a constellation on the neck. It becomes very easy to "see" these "constellations" on the neck after a day or two of working with each key. So, even if you're using the caged system to perform, you'll still be able to imagine the scale constellation image and combine information from both approaches.

[@voronOsphere]

I'm in the opposite boat. I've been using 3 shapes for the scales with this method and I lay my fingers on scale tones that look like chords (which easily allows me to play in key chords that I don't even know) or are chords I already know that fit directly on the scale tones. I have watched a few CAGED videos and it looks like a great technique that I do plan on incorporating into my approach soon.

[@lentas08]

@@voronOsphere Check out Brian Kelly on You Tube, great down to earth teacher.

[@rauljosegarcia]

Hands down the best presentation on this topic. Thank you!

[@josemarin9196]

Amazing insight. Thank you Sir.

[@maxberlin5000]

I feel the same like most of you already said: this piece of guitar theory is pure gold. What do you guys think: wouldn’t it be a nice and fair gesture, when everyone of us would give a few dollars to Michael to thank him for his big service to the guitar community? I’m so glad I was mindful enough not to pay for Jonathan Boyds crap.. Michael would you give us your PayPal?

[@MichaelPillitiere]

Thanks! I don’t have PayPal, but I appreciate the sentiment.

[@MichaelPillitiere]

Please be sure to watch the entire series to get the complete algorithm. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qILJZ5xugK6qgLc It includes playing patterns backwards and vertically along the neck in a way that you can never get lost on the fretboard again. We will also explore a number of useful ways to 'slice' the Grand Unification Pattern into easily digestible chunks that help us to move seamlessly across patterns horizontally and vertically. The underlying theory behind this method and other information can be found in the description.

[@auto1nfanticid3]

hey, nice video. I actually learned this from the 7 string bass perspective, which, due to its tuning, has a bit of a neater repeating pattern in terms of vertical shifts. I am considering tuning my guitars this way, as I feel it will make for overall better feel, probably only suffering in terms of chord voicings. heres where I learned this first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmiXdaN6nLKHsNk the pattern content starts at about 20 minutes in. this is a more rudimentary explanation of the idea than yours, but it may help people who can't get their minds around it.

[@marksimmons4428]

This was that "I get it finally"moment for me ... I bought it on Amazon so I could print it... thank you sir

[@gernblenstein1541]

Brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing the content! This will be assimilated.

[@somedude5414]

OMG!! This is OUTSTANDING!! Thank you, sir!

[@heatnationwpb]

This is invaluable. Thank you!

[@ashleywinter6620]

Thank you, like you say, this is not everything you need to know, but this puts hours of other videos showing pointless shit into 13 packed minutes. This was extremely helpful!

[@user99tube]

Hey thank you... Great key information about scales in such a great presentation..

[@redmoonspider]

Absolutely fantastic..i cant thank you enough, so i bought your book.

[@tractorbooty15]

Quite astounding as I have never come across such an explanation at all. Awesome!!