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

This lesson “How to Play Triad Shapes in Pattern Four of the Major Scale”, starts with the triads in the major scale pattern number four.

Playing in the key of G, this pattern is in the 10th fret area starting with the D note on string 6.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Harmonizing the Major Scale in Fifths

If we apply what we learned from the last lesson heading, “Harmonizing the Major Scale in Thirds“, we can apply this pattern with pattern one and harmonize in 5ths.

Both patterns will line up nicely if you start on the G note sixth string from pattern one and this pattern D note on the sixth string.

The fifth string will line up with both patterns having 3 notes to play triads.

The fourth and third strings will do the same.

The second string will use only the first note from each pattern.

Triad Shapes in Pattern Four of the Major Scale

On string six, start with the D note located on the tenth fret.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Triad Roots on the Sixth String

D triad sixth string
D Major
E Minor

Triad Roots on the Fifth String

F# Minor b5
G Major
A Minor

Triad Roots on the Fourth String

B Minor
C Major
D Major

Triad Roots on the Third String

E Minor
F# Minor b5
G Major

Triad Roots on the Second String

A Minor

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.

Pattern Five

Check the last pattern in this series, coming soon, pattern five. This one will start on the 12th fret.

Until then, memorize these triad shapes from pattern four.