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

In this lesson, “How to Play Triad Shapes in Pattern Three of the Major Scale”, we start our first triad in the third major scale pattern.

This major scale pattern is in the key of G and starts on the seventh fret.

As you may know, the key of G has one sharp in it, F#.

Harmonizing the Major Scale in Thirds

If we combine this pattern with pattern one starting on G, you will be playing the triads/scale in thirds.

For example, you play your main melody from pattern one of the G major scale found here. Next, harmonize the melody higher up the guitar neck in pattern three of the major scale.

Memorizing the notes of these patterns will help you with harmonizing.

For example, if you need to harmonize the G note from pattern one, start on G, skip A, and play B from pattern one or the B from pattern three.

Skipping every other note gives you this playing in thirds.

So knowing the names of the notes in each pattern will help since you will not always be on the same string set harmonizing.

Triad Shapes in Pattern Three of the Major Scale

Starting on the lowest note of the pattern we will start on the B note sixth string.

Triad Roots on the Sixth String

Triad Roots on the 5th String

Triad Roots on the 4th String

Triad Roots on the 3rd String

Triad Roots on the 2nd String

How To Practice and Play Triad Shapes

• Practice going up and back down
• Practice going up one triad and down the next triad
• Practice starting on the third or fifth
• Play triad shapes as triplets
• Pick a backing track from YouTube in the key of G major or any mode derived from G major.

Pattern Four and Five

Next time we will continue on with pattern four triads of the G major scale.

Until then, memorize these triad shapes from major scale pattern three.