How to use Triads on Guitar! Essential progressions & exercises to master! Full lesson!

[@benbarckholtz8730]

I'm commenting one month after this video released. It's probably my tenth time watching it. I own perhaps two or three courses on triads, but they skip this sort of woodshed style foundations. So when I saw this video, I said, "Let's do this the right way, just like if I were getting lessons: 15 minutes every day, set mini goals, reach a goal and move on." It takes me about ten days to really go from nothing to 60 bpm. It might take me two more months to actually get to the end of the video competently. And that's okay. There are no short cuts. I think I just needed to show my appreciation. I'm also a teacher, and sometimes a single student can make my day if they show me that they are really paying attention.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you for the kind words Ben, I really appreciate it. I'm so glad you found this lesson to be useful! 🙏🏻

[@faridzayish]

lovin how dark and woody tones coming from that tele

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, I like that description 👌🏻

[@Movealongtherebuddy]

Really struggled with what to say or if I should even comment about your recent post. Just bringing it up somehow seems wrong...A couple years ago i lost my cat Choncho who was my literal best friend. I know of which you wrote all to well, and i could not have said it better. I made myself comment because i wanted you to know that it makes me grateful and happy that people like you are out there. Thank you for being you brother.

[@paulrhodesquinn]

❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, that means a lot to me. I’m glad you said it.. it’s a comfort to me for sure. So sorry to hear about Choncho, I’m right there with you buddy. 🙏🏻🧡

[@ATNivison]

Best video on triads! Thank you from one Alex to another! ✌️

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Alex, I really appreciate that! 🙏🏻

[@sukienukie551]

Really glad to see you back. Wishing you all the healing and strength. Hope you’re ok.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Sukie, I appreciate that. 🙏🏻🧡

[@Hoodrio]

Deep sympathy for your loss, Alex. Cats are the best, and seeing Louis’s cameos in your videos was one of the first things that attracted me to your channel. I thought, if this guy digs his cat that much, he must be OK. Healing thoughts to you in your time of grief.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you for the kind words, it’s a very tough time and I miss him dearly. 🙏🏻🧡

[@Trombonology]

Glad to find you back, Alex. All good thoughts to you from a pet-loving guitar player ... or guitar-playing pet lover.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I really appreciate that 🙏🏻🧡

[@ronb9700]

hey Alex, sorry for your loss... i guess things are still not great, it takes time... I'm happy to see you coming back with a great lesson... take it easy

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I appreciate that 🙏🏻It’ll certainly take time, I agree. Life can hand you these massive events to deal with out of nowhere! 💔

[@MatthewJBell]

A lifetime of material is right. Super helpful stuff.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Matthew, glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@abrigospardos]

Glad to see Alex Farran is back!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend! 🙏🏻

[@kisschicken]

I've always assumed I would just pick up all the triads through playing but these exercises made me realize that a systematic approach is much more effective. Thank you for this.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy! Indeed, sometimes these things do require an additional push 👍🏻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Great stuff brother…good to see u back!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy! 🙏🏻🍻

[@aminahmed2220]

Welcome back Alex my best friend how is tour your day going ❤😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, good to see you again! Life is challenging at the moment, hut we continue on. How are you? 🙏🏻🧡

[@robertfoose9453]

Alex, I've been using and teaching this stuff for years, but never so succinctly and musically as you do. I'm really loving watching how you present it all..and I'm even learning a new bit once in a while! kudos, all caps, bold type!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you Robert, that’s very kind of you my friend! 🙏🏻

[@benjamingoldenstein1682]

It's good to hear and see you back, Alex ! Sorry my english doesn't allow me to express my respect and appreciation of the way you play and share tour music, and the way you seem to live your musical journey as a XXIst century living human. Best wishes from France !

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Benjamin, that’s very kind of you 🙏🏻🧡

[@paulrhodesquinn]

Lovely to see you back Alex. Thinking of you. We lost our beautiful Twig over a year ago. He was run over at 19 years old and I still can’t bear to think about it. The most loving and affectionate cat I’ve ever met. I don’t think enough thought is given to how deeply we grief when we lose our beloved companions. I’m a pro keys player brushing up on guitar and your lessons are the best I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Just bought your People Get Ready pack. It’s excellent.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much Paul, your comment really means a lot to me. So sorry to hear about Twig.. it’s so hard to come to terms with, especially when it’s so sudden like that. Louis was also hit by a car and injured badly, the vet sadly said there was nothing we could do other than to put him to sleep and give him a peaceful end. It was the hardest day of my entire life. 🙏🏻🧡

[@taramilton8695]

sorry for your loss...it's true what you say, I feel your pain...

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

@@taramilton8695 thank you so much 🙏🏻🧡

[@jimc6687]

Look forward to this one buddy! I hope you're doing ok. Jim C.

[@chocablues]

Me too!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Jim, I really appreciate that. Things are hard, I won't lie.. but I'm getting there. 🙏🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@timraynor347]

Good to hear you’re voice again buddy 😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you mate, I appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@jonathanroyce9692]

Beautiful lesson! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you liked it! 🙏🏻

[@colinpiper4386]

I z. Zz. Z🤷🏻😢🤷🏻☺️🧐

[@ianbartrum842]

This is how to get to know the fretboard inside and out. Brilliantly presented.😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Ian, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻

[@jamesanderson9191]

Can't wait to make this my morning practice

[@chrism4948]

An excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! 👍🏻

[@circlemover]

What to say? concise and precise. Certainly this, but much more...its about passion and creative moves. Pleasure to watch and learn...even though I have be playing for some 60 years seems like there is still more work for me to do!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I appreciate the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@9outof10]

What I love about guitar is you can just learn one new thing every day and start applying it straight away. One move, one lick, one chord voicing. 7 minutes of your video watched and boom, new triad exercise to try, new little thing to add to the toolbox. Outstanding.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You’re so right! It’s all about learning a small chunk at a time and maximising your application of it 👍🏻

[@jukejointjack]

⁠@@AlexFarranGuitar Where do you buy your hats? I rock a similar one that Capas makes called the Gatsby and I’ve been looking for a dark brown version but they don’t make one. Lmk cheers 🤙

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

This is a H.W Dog "Newsboy" cap, one of my favourites for sure!

[@9outof10]

@@AlexFarranGuitar you make a good case for lower-string triads in this video, I feel like they're maybe a bit underused in general?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

oh yeah for sure, they’re one of my favourite little party tricks!.. check these two vids out for some solid examples of use.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJWQnmpviZ6Ej9ksi=1fl9N2HCTOUAnRBG And kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqTPp6etpaipoZIsi=GoWsnB141HE6lgO-

[@johnolenski]

Digestible tidbits with practical application. Wonderful. Many thanks for all you do.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks so much John, really glad you enjoyed the lesson! 🙏🏻

[@carterpaul2688]

Thank you sir 🔥🔥

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure!

[@johnolenski]

Forgot to say how much I liked the masking tape captions!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Noted!.. thanks buddy

[@angusmacdonald9484]

Well that just about covers, and more, what I'm currently working on Outstanding lesson Alex

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers Angus, I’m glad you enjoyed the lesson! 🙏🏻

[@1981SG]

Amazing lesson! Thanks! The lesson materials are great!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the lesson and the materials! 🙏🏻

[@mantax2431]

Thanks a lot. This Stuff is Gold. Warm Greetings from Germany! 🤘🏻🫶🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it buddy! Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@rafa_guitar]

Loved the lesson Alex, how to apply triads, augmented use trick with circle of four and learn with real music progressions and licks/fills, etc. Very complete and useful! Thanks a lot buddy, take care, have a good weekend ahead!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Rafa! Glad you enjoyed it.. one for the “fundamentals” category for sure 👍🏻

[@guitarplayer5805]

I’ve been playing for four years. Religiously, every day for four years. I’ve watched so many guitarists on KZbin and have progressed so much through hard work and persistence. I’ve only just discovered your channel but feel confident having watched just a handful of your videos so far, that my progress will be supercharged with your expert guidance. Thank you for such outstanding content. Absolutely brilliant and highly inspirational.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words! Your comment is music to my ears! Very glad to have you here with us buddy 🙏🏻🧡

[@utahprepper8925]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Well Alex, I've been playing for 55 years and I also get a lot of good stuff from your videos. Every time I watch one, I get some little tidbit of useful information out of it that I never had before. ps - I hope you are going to get a new kitten! I'm sad for your loss.

[@thelion27]

Good to see you Alex! Have had you on my mind recently...

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, that means a lot. Glad to be posting again 🙏🏻🧡

[@chocablues]

Wow, what Chu tryin' to do ,Alex? Make us into great guitarists, or what? Thanks so much! You certainly know what "complete" means.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thanks mate, really glad you enjoyed the video! 🙏🏻

[@iechena]

So great to see you are back at full speed!! This lesson, I should say a ton of lessons in one go, is superb!! Thank you very much super Alex. Take care.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, thanks for the lovely comment 🙏🏻

[@davetime5234]

This is likely the most powerful single guitar lesson video I have ever seen (efficiently, densely packed, with maximum usefulness). I can hardly wait to see how you integrate spread triads into the mix.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Dave, I really appreciate that! 🙏🏻 For a glimpse at some of the possibilities of uses for those spread triads, check out an older lesson of mine on vintage accurate swing and jazz voicings here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKfZepZvaMtge7csi=K0FxtulVkJErfBHj

[@bobfurlani3314]

Excellent lesson. As usual it will take months of study to digest it all. I've been working out all the arpeggios on all single strings and adding the triads on top or below. I always come away with something to improve my playing and fretboard knowledge from all your videos. Even if it's something I felt I already knew. Thanks again for your concise and deliberate approach to guitar instruction

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s so good to hear, thanks for the lovely comment Bob, I really appreciate it! 🙏🏻

[@matthewcasey892]

Loved the Cameo appearance🙏Great lesson, no excuses now to get those triads down

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Matthew 🙏🏻

[@srtandoh]

Welcome back @Alexfarran

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy! 🙏🏻

[@philipcampion386]

Incredible Alex. Top class. Thanks so much.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Philip! 🙏🏻

[@pawelmajor5548]

This is a lesson I was waiting for. Thank You.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You’re so welcome! 🙏🏻

[@karllongbottomguitars9192]

Pearls of wisdom my friend 👌 hope you're well 👍

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Karl! 🙏🏻 I’m getting there, day by day.

[@jimhamilton7959]

Thanks for this lesson Alex. Practising the first 3mins this week and enjoying the stacks and heft! There's enough here to keep me going for a while and looking useful for future lead work. All the best. Jim

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s great to hear matey, glad you’re still digging deep into triads. Will definitely prove essential for progressing the lead work 👌🏻

[@JazzStrat781]

Thanks so much Alex for the wonderful video 🎸🙏 God bless and keep you, hope you are well

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, I appreciate that. I’m getting there one day at a time 🙏🏻🧡

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

Another incredible lesson Alex. For someone who is pretty much self taught and was always afraid to approach triads and intervals, this is crucial stuff. I feel like I’m finally cementing my foundational knowledge of guitar. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate lessons like these. Thank you Alex!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you for the comment John, I'm so glad to hear you find these lessons useful! I also am fully self taught and worked hard to understand theory later on in my playing career.. but it was truly transformative and I'm now on a mission to help demystify this stuff for my fellow guitarists. 🙏🏻

[@christopheravant7906]

Seriously, the best lessons and you are getting us right to the goods. Thank you!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Christopher, I really appreciate the comment! 🙏🏻

[@BusyBoys-yf5ho]

Good to see you back mate 🤓👍

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy 🙏🏻🧡

[@simonmodig]

Can't get enough of material on triads. This comes perfectly in my learning journey. Really looking forward to it. I've been longing for your videos!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Simon, there should be plenty in here to dig your teeth into for sure!

[@DeGroove]

I think I started detoxing last week, I missed your video’s. Hope you are doing ok, and that making some masterclasses can deflect your mind and emotions a bit. So great to have you back. ❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@jimmygoguitar]

amazing as usual.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy 🙏🏻

[@briandevitt6903]

Alex, fantastic stuff brother. I hope you are doing better after your recent troubles.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, I appreciate that. It’s cliche to say, but I’m getting there one day at a time 🙏🏻

[@briandevitt6903]

@@AlexFarranGuitar time is a healer, you'll never forget but the pain eases and you will remember the good times fondly and take comfort from those memories.

[@MikeM-Colorado]

Great triad lesson, musical from the get-go!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Mike 🙏🏻

[@markfisher1215]

Great lesson as usual. And some especially cool little musical ideas I’ve never seen explained before that are so musically useful.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Mark, I’m really glad you enjoyed the lesson 🙏🏻

[@KRHGuitar]

fantastic lesson, thank you🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure mate, thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@MrKevivn]

This was very very valuable lesson thanks so much.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You're very welcome! 🙏🏻

[@magdalenazurawski2618]

Brilliant.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@jamesgaudette2036]

Great job as always!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you James 🙏🏻

[@macktk0256]

Thank you

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! 🙏🏻

[@mikerathgeber8057]

Your video on Sleepwalk is reminicent of the Beatles: Long Tall Sally album: This Boy.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah yes, a very similar progression and style for sure. No doubt The Beatles took a lot of inspiration from those early American hits of the 50’s 👌🏻

[@edwardellis6425]

i've been using your videos and transcriptions pretty regularly now, it's really changed my playing drastically for the better , so thanks a lot! i'd love to see some chet, particularly his version of jordu, or maybe something like a taste of honey. or maybe something more bluegrassy, would love to hear your bits of wisdom there. cheers

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the comment Edward, I'm so glad you enjoy my lessons! Good shout on the Chet thing.. I have a few of his pieces on my list of lessons to do. I might start with "Alone and Forsaken" just because I already uploaded a performance of that many years back; kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6rGcnV5iMR1jdUsi=5ALXhJlEhIYS9Imn I have added your ideas to the list :)

[@chucklatour1208]

THAT was good.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy!

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

Amazing. Think I’ll become a Patreon ❤

[@sukienukie551]

Do it! Best online music community ever!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thanks buddy, I really appreciate that! There’s so much material to dig into on there now.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Sukie! 🙌🏻

[@elrafa782]

Thanks Alex, I knew some about triads already, but a lot more to discover about with your video. I always have to think before finding the good triad, not in my fingers or muscle memory yet. I guess I don’t work them enough. I don’t like exercises, unless they’re musical. Yours are, so maybe I can see the light, in the horizon. Is the horizon reachable? Deep question right? Cheers

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

The horizon is definitely reachable!.. the ironic thing is that to really know these triads (and anything else for that matter), the exercise is simply to apply it musically!.. but you have to make a point of doing it everyday, with a number of different songs etc.

[@elrafa782]

@@AlexFarranGuitar thanks Alex

[@wrtoomes600]

HELL YEAH!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy!

[@guitartommo2794]

18:50 I’m going to work on that stretch….honest😊 In meantime I assume dropping the bass notes D to B on first diminished and the F to D the following diminished is effectively the same…? Just different (partial) voicing of the complete diminished 4 note chord…or not? Bass not movement not as good?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

@@guitartommo2794 hehe definitely worth pushing yourself to the more advanced voicings, but sure; feel free to modify (temporarily) 😋😉

[@pjorr3914]

Fab lesson mate … hey quick gear one… you leaning back to the fender vs ur nacho?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy. I love both guitars.. the two best teles I’ve ever played so it’s a joy to switch between them. I have my signature sunbear pickups in the Fender so that’s getting a lot of play/gig time lately. 👌🏻

[@michaelfriedman9029]

🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers buddy 🙏🏻

[@taossmith85]

I may have missed something but on the section about using the diminished for the dominant chord I am confused about something. On a G, if I take a play a diminished off the 5 (D diminished=D-F-Ab) or the b7 (F diminished=F-Ab-Cb) both of those, in relation to the G, have very dissonant minor 2nd (the Ab) and that doesn't sound good to me. You make a comment after that stating that if you know your diminished they are all the same thing but I thought that was only true for diminished 7th chords moved up in minor 3rds.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Hey buddy, thanks for the question. You’re correct, the Ab is a spicy altered extension.. the b9.. so, as commonly is the case in jazz, a dominant 7 (b9) chord is a sought after sound and creates extra tension to resolve back to the tonic. If you want to stay strictly diatonic to the key of C then you simply forgo the Ab. But I would recommend learning to apply that type of tension and focus on voice leading it to a smooth resolution. In this triad video I didn’t want to get deep into diminished so just recommended playing around with the idea. But, for a more thorough look at diminished, check out my dedicated diminished chords lesson at this link; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXaadYeMoNOejrcsi=uOecFVJ15z9g7QYO

[@mrchecox2206]

Just discover this channel!!! Was trying to book but the link is broken!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, currently taking some time off from the private online lessons but the link will be active again in just over a week from now 👍🏻

[@mrchecox2206]

@@AlexFarranGuitar thank you so much! This class is a masterpiece so I wonder how good private classes are!!! I’ll see you in Patreon

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I appreciate that! 🙏🏻 I’m extremely passionate about my teaching.. I’ve been doing it day in, day out since 2008 now 🙌🏻

[@mrchecox2206]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Thats amazing, Ive been playing for years my guitars and right now I feel stock, i dont know what to to play or where to go when I grab one of my guitars! looking for inspiration

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You find yourself in the same position as many other players for sure.. my main goal over on the Patreon is to inspire and push people out of comfort zones etc 👍🏻

[@herroglop7411]

Overwhelming? My blood pressure is to the roof. Every 5 seconds of specch means weeks of practice and learning. On the other hand is useful to see the scope of possibilities to mastering triads. I think I will see a video to learn cowboys chords just to level my blood pressure ( I already know them, cheating is good sometimes)

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha thanks buddy, I’m glad you see the depth and scope of learning triads.. they really are essential! 👌🏻

[@guitartommo2794]

What are the 3 most important things to learn on guitar? 1. Triads 2 Triads 3 Triads

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

.. accurate! 😜

[@MBRMrblueroads]

411👍

[@blase.tattoos]

It’ll awesome if you can do some lesson based on the style of Dom Martin 🙏🏼

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the comment buddy.. I don’t know who that is though I’m afraid!.. I’ll have a look though. 👍🏻

[@blase.tattoos]

@@AlexFarranGuitar thanks! Keep up the good work! Amazing videos

[@andrewblackard3369]

Can you get your Patreon to work with Paypal? I don't trust Google with my card info.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Hey buddy, yes indeed.. Patreon already accepts PayPal 👍🏻

[@andrewblackard3369]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Fantastic! I'm on board. I have been watching triad KZbins for a year and learned them but has absolutely no idea what to do with them before watching this lesson. You are a great teacher. I am really into the tasty rhythm guitar styles of 1971-1974 Fleetwood Mac with Danny Kirwin, Bob Welch and Bob Weston and there seems to be an overlap with the material that you teach. :)

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That's so good to hear Andrew, thank you so much! Ah yes, I'm also a big fan of Danny Kirwin.. in fact I plan to do a lesson on their "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" at some point as well as a couple of Shadows tunes ;)