How to Play Triads on Strings 2, 3, and 4
Continuing on from playing triads on the first three strings, to how to play triads on strings 2, 3, and 4.
Before moving on though, just a few oversights.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
If you start to see complete chords when playing these triads, you are right. These simple triads are just that, smaller parts of bigger chords.
Add these triad shapes to the ones you learned in my last post, “How to Play Triads on the First Three Strings“.
Use for Accompaniment
Being more on the inside of the strings, these can serve as an accompaniment to the bigger chords while also being used to solo with.
Inversions of Triads
One way to add some variety to these triads for accompaniment is to play inversions of the same triad. I will write a future article soon on how to do this, but for now, I will try to explain below.
For example, instead of playing the G major triad from the root as in the first picture, play it from the third or fifth.
1st Inversion
Instead of G, B, D for the G major triad, play B, D, G for 1st inversion. This inversion would be on the same string set and not on strings 1, 2, and 3.
2nd Inversion
The next inversion D, G, B, on the same set of strings, is considered 2nd inversion.
Any order of the notes G, B, D equals a G major triad.
Same with the rest of the triads in this scale, minor and minor b5 (diminished triad).
Now onto the triads on strings 2, 3, and 4
Triads on Strings 2, 3, and 4
How to Practice
- Use fingers or pick and fingers
- Practice playing each triad over a different bass note
- Add these to strings 1, 2, and 3 for a more complete arpeggio
- Mix these triads with string sets 1, 2, and 3
- Use them on a backing track from YouTube
These are a few suggestions on how to practice and use these more “inside” triads.
If you missed my previous post be sure to check that one out “How to play triads on strings 1, 2, and 3” linked above under “Seeing the Bigger Picture”.
Look for my next post as I continue to build on these last two triad posts.