How to Play Triad Shapes in Pattern Five of the Major Scale

In this lesson “How to Play Triad Shapes in Pattern Five of the Major Scale”, we will start with triads in the major scale pattern number five found in my article “Pentatonic Scale Plus Two Equals Major Scale”.

Playing in the key of G, this pattern is located at the 12th fret area starting with the E note on the 6th string.

The Fifth Major Scale Pattern

To me, this pattern is the one that I would use to reproduce the Aeolian mode, also called the E natural minor scale.

For E aeolian the notes are, E, F#, G, A, B, C, and D. These notes are also found in the G major scale in which we are playing in the fifth pattern of the scale.

Its formula is 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, and b7 when compared to the major scale formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

A common chord progression for this mode would be im-b7M-b6M. In the key of E minor, the chords are E minor, D, and C.

One popular song that uses this progression is Jimi Hendrix’s version, “All Along The Watchtower”, by Bob Dylan.

Another riff-based example would be Ozzy Ozbourne’s “Crazy Train”.

Triad Shapes in Pattern Five of the Major Scale

Once again start on string six, with the E note located on the twelfth fret.

Triad Roots on the Sixth String

Triad Roots on the Fifth String

Triad Roots on the Fourth String

Triad Roots on the Third String

Triad Roots on the Second String

How To Practice and Play Triad Shapes

• Practice going up and then back down
• Move them chromatically up and down each string
• Go up one triad and back down the next triad
• Start each triad set on the third or fifth instead of the root
• Pick a backing track from YouTube in the key of G major or any mode derived from G major like E Aeolian.

What Next

Review patterns 1-4 if you have not already. Be able to play them from memory.

And until next time, have fun practicing this last post on pattern five’s triad shapes in the key of G.