Rick's Guitar School - Scales & Arpeggios Class: Learning Scale Positions

[@RickGraham]

I very rarely think note names. The informatin I feel is most useful to me is the interval in relation to what ever it is I'm playing.

[@guitarded222]

Been playing for 11 years and finally decided to start learning the theory part and this just blew my mind! Thank you so much :)

[@jeprox8000]

Nelson Coy haha same with me, ive been playing since 2005 and just two years ago decided to learn scale and guitar terms. it's not too late for us to learn more.

[@georgec6639]

Thanks Rick, Of all those I have watched through KZbin your help has been the best foundation. In the way and what you have taught has allowed me to excel at a sound and healthy way to play with a better lasting understanding.

[@tom434911]

This is exactly what finally helped me learn and remember the 5 box patterns of the Pentatonic scales, as well. After years of struggling, I thought to myself - a scale is a repeating pattern, so there has to be a pattern that is common to all scale positions of any given scale, even though all the box patterns look different. I took a piece of graph paper and, ignoring the tuning difference, mapped out a few octaves of a Pentatonic scale using its interval in formula. The one pattern that lies under those now familiar 5 box patterns was immediately obvious. All I had to do to apply it was account t for the half step "bump" on the fretboard as I visualize the scale. But the pattern of fingerings does not change. Learning and remembering the Pentatonic scales all over the neck was a breeze from there! And the beautiful thing is, it works with any scale! Thanks for all the amazing content, Rick! I wish I had seen this 20 years ago! I only figured this out for myself about a year ago!

[@tunjet1707]

lol that's exactly the same situation i was in until i discovered this video

[@shcxatter2]

Congratulations on this revelation, that a 6 year old could do! I seriously don't understand what's the matter with people whining about scales. All you have to do, is know the intervals of the scale and then map them on the whole fretboard!

[@ChingAbaygar]

All these years i’m struggling memorizing nodes and I found the answers here.. thank you!

[@MimicDaravon]

Great lesson. Never thought about the scale shapes this way before.

[@coche9009]

An interesting tip: The last fingering you played in a shape is the same that's going to repeat in the next. I.E. The first shape ends with the second time fingering number 3, and the second shape begins with the second time in fingering number 3 as well. This pattern works in every shape

[@Truth_Hurts_Bad]

It's the patterns like these I'm interested in, because it gives you a true understanding of the concept to transpose it in any situation. Learn the essence, master the art.

[@nizzamp]

This might be the single most helpful and useful idea/concept I have ever seen. This sequence of these repeating mini patterns and their order has completely unlocked all of the diatonic modes of the major scale for me and made connecting everything completely effortless. I had the first 3 patterns memorized but would occasionally flub when going up higher in the "sequence". This "hidden in plain sight" 3 pattern trick has finally unleashed everything for me. I can practice for hours now going up and down in any key diatonically and never hit a wrong note. This has made creating my own exercises, drills and sequences a cake walk. Holy sh*t. Thank you, Rick. Now there is one thing I do not understand after watching, absorbing, learning and basically having a revelation. What I do not understand is why 7 random internet people (who are obviously guitar players) vote this as a THUMBS DOWN? That concept is foreign to me. I mean, really. Thanks, Rick. This is a lifelong lesson learned and I will never forget this one.

[@Loutube2006]

Great lesson!! I use X for fingering 1, Y for fingering 2 and Z for fingering 3 so that it's less numbers to get confused with. So you would have X X X Y Y Z Z. The order is always alphabetical and you can call the first X or the second X without confusion. For example: starting on the second X gives you the major scale. Hope this makes sense.

[@ednaplate]

I commented earlier saying that this was a great lesson. Now that I've had a bit of time to digest the information I can honestly say this is probably one of the best ways I've ever come across to teach the major scale. You've made something that is difficult to remember into something that is very easy to remember with a bit if work. Simply brilliant.

[@renato_guitar2138]

Thanks Rick for this awesome class!!!! I'm so happy because I love guitar and I'm a English student and it's great to understand you man!!!!!

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

This is a tool that I'm implementing right now to solve my problem with learning the shapes. Thanks Rick

[@jackrobinson3106]

Awesome way of teaching the patterns. I've just drawn out all 7 and due to the nature of the high and bottom E the last pattern on the top E is always the starting shape of the next mode on the bottom E. Obviously you know this but its handy for me and would help others memorise it too. Cheers Rick

[@coffeemanR6]

Hey Rick , just passing buy to thank for your amazing work on youtube and on your website. I've been following you since a couple of years now, and all of your youtube material is always outstanding. thanks a lot, and I promis I'll be purchasing one of your HD lessons soon. Cheers from Colombia, South America.

[@Remnasts]

Finally coming back to modes with a healthy mind and a decent grasp on the concept. really cannot wait to implement these ideas into my playing

[@123Goldhunter11]

Too bad I didn't have something like this 40 years ago.

[@JD-li1xw]

Same here mate. About to turn 60 and running out of time! Wish I’d known this years ago too!

[@JD-li1xw]

Thanks Rick. Absolute gem of a lesson. I just had a Eureka moment. Wish I’d known this years ago.

[@stevelandsaw3132]

Very cool! Really liked the way you broke that down into bite-sized bits. Seems like the next beginning fingering pattern is the same as the previous ending pattern. If so, you wouldn't have to remember all that much.

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

I think the other important thing to note (besides the last "fingering" in any position is starting the next as you move up one position) is that the first finger shifts up a fret between "fingering" 1 and 2. Mind blowingly logical way to understand this. Thanks so much!!!

[@molomono]

I learned all the harmonic minor/major and diatonic scales by looking at the interval between frets from the nut to the 12th fret. That's a full octave, now based on my tuning i "D standard at the time" i just looked for all the D's on my neck. Every time you hit a D the scale repeats. Now you can count down from a D or up from a D to find all the notes in the scale very easily. Then just start jamming on them. That way you can instantly play them in any tuning just a little counting.

[@jeffbaker8074]

Genius!! It all makes so much more sense now.

[@dadude7]

Wow. Went off Rick for a while but my god I am back. This is brilliant.

[@AndrewTimothyMusic]

this is such a great concept. i've used it with several students now, and they all catch on quickly.

[@georgec6639]

What a GOLDEN key to pass on ....TY much

[@RickGraham]

Next lesson will use this basic principle for more advanced stuff :)

[@antimiko7816]

I really like your teachings man! Not only in this video but other vidz. I appretiated very much! Thanks man..keep it up..john from Philippines

[@ErnieLeblanc]

Absolutely Excellent! Outstanding!

[@zep68cd]

Awesome, I always had some questions about it, now is crystal clear, thatnks!

[@RickGraham]

This comment needs to go at the top. Awesome observation!

[@ridwanwimaswaramaulanafaja9805]

Finally found easy way to learn, it help me a lot! Thank you!

[@pafares]

I didn't knew that the pattern repeated itself through the entire fretboard... you just blew my mind

[@jwalpuck]

Great lesson! Intuitive way to look at the scales!

[@ToneD5150]

I guess I'm 8 years late..!!! Never looked st the scale forms in this fashion. Thanks a Million...!!!

[@LeeJCander]

Been playing a while and can play basic piano and I am comfortable with my scales and modes. This video is still useful!! Different way to think about it than I've been shown!

[@therealg9063]

Rick is a Hero!

[@Senira322]

this was so helpful man! thanks so much!

[@TheMisanthropist432]

great lesson, and also.. it's amazing how your sound feel the same in every piece of gear you use... it's like you have your gear locked in your fingers.. and trust me, your sound is a gorgeous sound mate!

[@raeldon]

i had that problem for a long time too ! just keep at it all it takes is time!

[@Mikemcjr]

BEST LESSON thank you 🙏 Rick

[@sebas00724]

@Rick Graham Thank you, legend

[@pdp7653]

Best lesson ever! Thanks, Rick!

[@SixStringStudies]

Very useful Rick, thanks!

[@MiniDaab]

Great. This lesson is fantastic by the way. Just what I needed at this point. Keep it up!

[@SerhiiBaskakov]

Very cool lesson, Rick! Thank you!!!

[@ChrisM-me3lq]

Good classes for picking! 🎸

[@stijnbos7614]

This is great, never thought of it this way!

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Freaking perfect video. So simple, so concise and so useful.

[@colouredfreeways]

you're the man rick! thanks for such good lesson, really beautiful guitar too.

[@ggbbddmm]

my mind is blown, thanks Rick !!

[@MrJonathanMarquis]

I know my modes but I think this is brilliant. and oh ... that shell pink classic sounds GREAT !

[@ThomasVammenJensen]

Hi Rick. Great lesson. I can see you use alot of economy picking. Can You make a lesson on how you would practise that. Tips, exercises etc.

[@razolandroullo9721]

thanks a lot. Very good lesson

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

Got one question, loving this so far, but how are we figuring out when moving down a string, how many frets over (if any) to continue the sequence? Other than using your ear, or counting out the scale intervals. Did I miss a step?

[@PavelSiberian]

Cool! Thanks for the tips, Rick!

[@Benill03]

I'd love to see a lesson on mixing 3 note per string scales with pentatonics & arpeggios. I'd also like to know how & when you choose to add chromatics. My opportunity for improvement arises when trying to play chromatic sequences other than 1234 fingerings. A lesson on creative chromatic improvisation would be AWESOME!!!

[@PopulationBirthCtrl]

incredible!

[@ednaplate]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@patriciooliva9944]

insane lesson, thanks rick

[@jnyc79]

Hey Rick, great lesson. Question, The first shape you do with the Gmajor....would that be the first shape for whatever key you are playing in? For example, if I wanted to play Fmajor starting on the first fret would that be the shape I start with? And If I play Cmajor on the 8th fret that's the shape right. So what is before that? Noob questions, I know!

[@RickGraham]

Thanks a lot man!

[@serkandovan]

great tips. thank you.

[@JesusWorship7]

man Awesome Lesson!! Thanx GOd Bless YOu!

[@emannuelsouza5306]

Thanks Rick

[@nobodyfromnowhere3061]

Amazing amazing technique, amazing guitar player. However the "starting on a random note and knowing exactly where you are" thing, has me completely lost. The repeating sequences makes sense, but are you jumping up a fret once you hit the B string in each position? Or did i just miss something?

[@STENCHOVDETH]

It's the way the guitar is tuned

[@Owotadero]

Hey Rick! I see the "FRACTAL ULTRA" on your desk. What you´re thinging abuot this? Is it really sooo awsome? Thanks for your answer! Keep on rockin´!

[@raeldon]

btw rick love your style love your playing !

[@justinrichards7194]

Your the best man:) hope you don't mind me stealing your way of teaching for my students!

[@pravu7]

Gold!

[@georgec6639]

Excellent

[@Murkedbymarx]

Thanks rick! Your THA man!

[@ckalas]

i know the shapes, i just suck at moving freely between them. thanks for the lesson rick.

[@Mikemcjr]

Best lesson

[@adarshmcool]

Hi Rick, I had a question regarding your right hand technique. Do you exclusively use economy picking or a swap now and then between different techniques? Something that you are more naturally inclined to do than other when it comes to playing runs that more linear in nature than arpeggios? Any tips you may have to develop a more fluid style of picking would be very awesome. :) Thanks, Adarsh.

[@erosar10]

Hey Rick, I'm catching on to this pretty quick but I have a question about this. From my understanding there are 7 positions BUT your Dorian, Phrygian, and Aeolian are minor keys so why would you play a major scale and not a minor scale over a progression that lands on a minor chord ? I know that some songs do have major 2nd and 3rd chords but I don't find it as common. For example if I had a progression such as: II, V, VI, I You would change to these scales per chord change or find common notes between the major chords of the progression when it's a major chord and the minor when it's minor. It would then be Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Ionian. Is this correct?

[@tom434911]

Don't think of these patterns as modes, like I used to. The Aeolian pattern, for example, is just how the major scale looks if the lowest note you can reach in that position (on the low E string) is the 6th scale degree. The major scale root would then be found on the E strings, 3 frets higher. You are playing the Aeolian mode if you center your playing around or focus on the 6th scale degree. You can be in this same area of the fretboard, using the same pattern, but focusing on the major scale root note, and you are playing the major scale. The key is to be able to visualize that entire pattern, but play only what suits the situation. Just as licks use parts of scale boxes all over the neck, you visualize the entire box in the position where the lick is played, but you aren't playing the whole box. The naming of these patterns is only relevant because IF you play them starting and ending on the lowest note in each pattern, you are playing that mode. You could just as easily call them pattern 1, pattern 2, etc. I hope that helps!

[@Madeuphandle]

Enjoy Cory!

[@coryjames9654]

Yetty is that you? You abondoned me at El Pollo loco 15 years ago.

[@stevenhernandez276]

Oh my god this video helped so much xD

[@ondinnonk]

Oh. My. God. Achievement unlocked / rut busted. Thank you, Rick

[@ondinnonk]

Honestly, holy shit, this was so helpful

[@aidanoliver8209]

First time I watched this video I thought it didn't make any sense, now I understand my mistakes. What a great watch, thanks you so much! I was wondering what position you'd start in if you were doing EMaj and you were doing standard tuning, would you just do the open and the find the other two notes on the low E string and then see it as being part of pattern one or?

[@Dcba964]

Aidan Oliver Awesome guitar player and very kind person. Thank you Rick!

[@metalliholic]

Damn, now this is a good lesson right hurr

[@volodymyrshalashenko6876]

Great!

[@oharawanhidayat5561]

thanks

[@MazenArafat]

Great

[@TheDeffend]

0:55 whoaaaa, like a window into the past. I guess YT had already stopped using the star rating system by then. ...I feel old.

[@stevelandsaw3132]

Meaning, if I end on the 2nd fingering # 3, my next shape will start on the second fingering pattern # 3. Hope that made sense. :)

[@veilofpaya]

Every time I hear that awesome into I think to myself "Now that's how you make a guitar sing".

[@guismth]

Damn dude!

[@sorcereous]

hey rick.. if i may know.. what kinda gear r u using live?

[@Guitariuga]

Check Steve Stine's Absolute Fretboard Mastery course. He is the best guitar teacher I've ever seen. All of those modes (steps of a major scale, positions and so on) it became much easier for me after I've complete his video lessons.

[@MiniDaab]

I don't know the notes on the fretboard. How important is it that I learn them? I struggle learning them and I can never imagine knowing them all instantly.

[@noeramirez578]

Can someone tell me if I could learn this as my first scale?

[@LeeJordanMusic]

+Noe Ramirez You can and you should

[@14AspenDrive]

❤❤❤

[@HusseinCovers]

is it movable? if i start the scale on a ? is it also the AMAJ SCALE?

[@bobbyhavoc26262000]

Wowwww

[@takeoff9216]

I need guitar....

[@josephmitchell321]

wait is this just covering modes?

[@trangofast9692]

so how about the arpeggios?

[@ruiko27]

Trango Fast The arpeggios should just be the tonality of the chord or scale 3 majors 3 minors and one diminished. Then you can spice up with their 7th shapes

[@tankerbrigade]

when I subscribe to your mailing list I don't get confirmation e mail.

[@eskocarl2321]

Clarence Kennedy of guitar

[@mutantkoffee]

Esko Carl lol, another lifting guitarist, nice to see two things connected

[@MichaelAveryMusic]

4:32 Rick has found himself at the McDonald's drive through, a rather unfamiliar place.

[@DigitalLoom]

lol

[@martabetania4598]

Alguém sabe o nome Dessa música que toca no começo???