How to Play Triads on Strings 4, 5, and 6

Last but not least in this series of triads, “How to Play Triads on Strings 4, 5, and 6”.

This string set will have its root note on the fourth string, followed by the fifth on the 5th string and the third on the sixth string.

These shapes are a continuation of what was learned on strings 3, 4, and 5. Check out, “How to Play Triads on Strings 3, 4, and 5“.

1st Inversion

As you can see these triads are 1st inversion, meaning they all have the third in the bass.

If you thought the root note would be on the sixth string, you would not be wrong. You would just have to play the root on the sixth string in a different way.

For example, the G major triad in the root position would have the root note on the sixth string, the third on the 5th string, and the fifth on the fourth string.

Here, we have the third in the bass instead.

G Major Scale Triad Shapes

G major triad with the root on the 4th string — G major triad

Am minor triad with the root on the 4th string — Am triad

B minor triad with the root on the 4th string — B minor

C major triad with the root on the 4th string — C major triad

D major triad with the root on the 4th string — D major triad

E minor triad with the root on the 4th string — E minor triad

F# minor b5 triad with the root on the 4th string — F# minor b5

G major triad 12 frets higher with the root on the 4th string — G major triad

How to Practice Triads on Strings 4, 5, and 6

Play notes one at a time as in a bass line
Add the root on the sixth string
Play up one triad and down the next
Practice with a backing track on YouTube

That is all for now on “How to Play Triads on Strings 4, 5, and 6”. These are just a few suggestions as to what to do. Until next time have fun practicing!