I strongly urge anyone new to this channel to grab a pen and paper and watch every upload, even if you think you already know the subject under revue. This man is an international treasure.
I agree. I've never found another instructor that can teach the ins and outs of the instrument like Chris. And the way he explains it makes everything so easy to understand and absorb....as long as you put in the work. 'Sustained effort over time'
Wow! Really enjoying this channel! I've been playing for 20 years but like a lot of folks, I have always found theory a bit daunting to learn. These videos make it seem much easier than I had thought previously and I'm actually enjoying learning theory. Great job Chris and thank you for taking the time to educate us.
Wow, thank you so much Chris! I have been playing guitar for 48 years and apart from a few years of classical guitar theory I did when I was about 10, I have shied away from learning guitar and music theory. Now in my late 50's, I'm trying to pluck up the courage to get started in finally mastering the instrument that I've loved all my life but have never been free to express myself on. I have watched 100's of videos on guitar systems from some very clever people but yours is the first video that clearly explained what all these guys are talking about when they say "the four" or "the six". This is the very first time I understand what that means in theory. I subscribed immediately and will now have a look at your other videos. Thank you!
🎸✌️🤨🤨🤠🤙even the age spots in my back are all but gone ,, join so many dots , I’m never going to b the THING or DUDE guitarist but aspired in my teens (nearly wrote ‘tents’ ,, to be able to play what I can hear , say off the tv,, and with u dudes and my original guitar teacher (thanks mum rip , for lessons I got 4 me ) ,, I’m bloody happy with buying guitars cheap or looking for nice guitars along with my little home studio I’m slowly creating as my last quest in life ,.haa
Chris, now I can understand why Marty has becoome such a wonderful teacher himself. You have guided and influenced him tremendously, Now I have two people I can go and learn from Thank you.
I definitely found this information useful. You don’t just show us how to do something, but to figure it out for ourselves. Definitely something that sticks with you. Thank you for all of your great lessons!
I, like many others on here have been playing most of my life..., 40 plus years. and have been discovering new things the entire time! Your lessons and tutorials have continued to show me that this journey will forever come with great discoveries. like a bottom-less treasure chest. I like that at this juncture in my life I consider myself a great player. Yes, there are better players than me in my area, but I'm a great player by all who know me. and it's nice to know that after a lifetime of playing I can write and play pretty much everything that interests me. Not bragging!! but hard work, study, and plain old stick-to-attivness have got me here! Your help and knowledge always play a part here! another great lesson Chris! Thanks!
Wow Tone, that means a lot to me. And I concur, completely...it never ends and when you focus on the now, you never feel like you're chasing something you cannot catch.
I pretty much echo what Tone Glide has said here. I'm an old guy who hit my 10,000 hrs long ago, performed, recorded, but I'm still and always a beginner and realize sometimes that I honestly suck. Not to compare in any way (no, no, no!) but even Jeff Beck says the same thing. Chris invokes Steve Vai on this- very same humble attitude and 'beginner's mind' while being one of the recognized Masters. Check your ego, whatever level we're at we never stop learning and there's always room for improvement. As a teacher and scholar, Chris is a humble student who places himself above no other. I learn, relearn and am inspired every episode. I'm so thankful for music. Can't wait to play later!
Ok,my brain found something what is perfect for Your YT channel ;) it is simple and for all of us,mostly for beginners ;D - what is/are,most problematic hands/fingers movements on guitar during chords changes of course? Your top 10 :)...better 30 :D show us please :>
Thank you I hope your well this is my first time seeing 1 of your videos and it struck a chord with me pun intended. I have been playing for several years and had a very good buddy who taught me here and there some theory nothing I would say foundational it was and is very useful and invaluable to me it was in the army and had a limited time with him and have self taught myself up till recently where RUclips has given me a little more insight but nothing has made more sense to me than your explaination I am going to learn the major scales spacing when I think of scales I don't know I think of this elaborate chart and it puts me off right away I may even know the major scale all ready the scales he taught me the 1 is the minor pentatonic but he showed me a scale that was similar but had quite a few added notes in it any way thank you again
I plateaued for years until I finally learned the major scale. Boom. Modes, chords, theory, ear, figuring out solos - all started to make more sense. Still working on all those things but never made so much progress so quickly since learning that damn scale.
I've been playing for 17 years and am pretty decent. I've had some teachers who have helped me but watching your videos takes this to a whole new level of understanding. Much appreciated!! btw has anyone ever mentioned that you resemble Pep Guardiola?
I’ve been diving into music theory on guitar for a while and I’ve never seen these concepts laid out in such a straightforward way. I love my teachers and mentors but teaching is hard! And you, sir, have gone a long ways towards mastery. I’ve subbed and will be watching closely. Thanks
Many different shapes starting from the same point. Same Key, Different Scales. Many different starting points using the same shape. Same Scale, Different Keys.
@@curiousguitarist keep up the good work boss! Thnk 2 u i had the light bulb go off for me when it comes to scales ! Love it! Merry xmas sir 2 u & yours!
To compare my rection to this video versus others... I know NO Greek, some Spanish, and speak English fluently. Other videos on this range of theory subjects pretty much start and end in Greek. This man, God bless him, was speaking Spanglish to me! I'm taking another commentor's advice and listening again with pen and paper. I'm 68 and retired, revisiting my guitar playing ambition after wasting decades being responsible and productive. Now retired, I'm working on being the idiot my parents feared most! Thanks, Chris, very much.
Just a fabulous lesson Chris! As are the many other lessons you do. I thank you for that. This one is particularly great because it's so crystal clear to me and as you say it provides an anchor point that I can use. Forever! Thank you so much for what you do!
Crucial question is: who compose music like this? :) I mean IV-V-I etc etc etc Songs are melodies, phrases, verses, choruses, transitions between them if everyone played music just IV-V-I or ii-V-I we'd have one song and a billion plagiarism :D
But you'd have well-trained musicians who could then take and bend the rules. This channel is not an advanced theory channel Kuku. It is aimed at long-term intermediate guitarists who are finally ready to "BEGIN" to understand the instrument. For folks like you, with an advanced knowledge of music, this channel may seem basic, and that is simply because I am designing it that way. Thank you for being here kuku, I appreciate it!
This is an “oh that’s how it works” moment. I can’t even begin to tell you how many hacks have sent me on a wild goose chase confusing the hell out of me with improper explanations. Obviously this just made the neck explode wide open for me.
My problem is that I can play leads from like megadeth and Metallica but now I wanna learn how to write solos but I don’t even know where to start or even understand how scales help writing solos
EVERY scale's formula references the Major scale formula. So if you see a scale formula that has a "flat 3" it means you can alter the major scale's 3rd note down a half step and BAM! You're playing that new scale! Does that help?
Thanks Chris, I recently picked up the guitar again after many years and started working on the major scale and its 5 positions and trying to join them all up into some kind of fluidity, as well as linking them to the octave shapes etc. This video gives me the enthusiasm to keep up with it.
So true! The 5 note structure is indeed missing some color, but it's that exact attribute that makes the pentatonic scale(s) so very flexible and useful!
Finally. You were able to explain it in a way that I'm starting to understand the circle of 5ths better. Thank you. I'm going to watch it probably a few more times. Thanks again, Pal
Absolutely correct on becoming one with the instrument. I started playing when I was 66, 6 years ago. I really didn't start to feel comfortable until about the late 4th year. Since I play only chord-melody, I was kind of learning everything backwards, revolving everything around the melody note. Took a little extra time but made a huge difference once it clicked. Learning all my inversions on the top 3 strings in all 5 scales seemed to really help the process of blending with the guitar. It's no longer a foreign object that I'm just holding.
What a great story, Don! Thanks. I need to work on some chord melody...it's a niche that I've left unattended on my journey!!! Thank you for the reminder!
@@curiousguitarist NP. I played tenor sax for 40 years before switching. So I could read and had some music foundation. But I fell in love with guitar, especially learning music theory. BTW. Is that a custom paint job on your LP? It looks too orange for Fiesta Red but I can't find that in the Gibson color family. Is that a Peaceful Orange? Very soothing.
BTW. I find it much easier to play altered or extended chords with chord melody. The fingering is much easier because you're always building underneath the melody note. I find it much, much harder when the bass note is on the 5th or especially the 6th string. Be well.
@@donlessnau3983 the color is called “Sweet Cherry” but it has been fading (beautifully) for a while now. I’ve never seen a Les Paul turn this color before.
Man these theory videos are great! He does a great job of simplifying concepts that have always been a thorn in my side. Time to practice some major scales :)
Wow, that was great. I always knew my guitar teachers were useless. They had no lesson plans and poor communication skills. I may dust off my mint ‘72 ES-335TD and get back to it.
THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, CHRIS!! YOUR EXCELLENT LESSONS, ARE SO HELPFUL!!! i THINK THAT i HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE "BASICS, BUT, I'M WONDERING HOW GOOD MUSICIANS HAVE SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS, TO "INSTANTLY" KNOW WHAT NOTES ARE IN ALL OF THE "CHORDS", AND THEIR INVERSIONS!.. WHERE DO WE NEED TO LOOK, TO BREAK OUT OF THE "BASIC" LEVEL?!...
That "instant" capability came from years of study really...there isn't a real short cut. But if you really integrate the major scale, and all the chords it creates, that's the core "fabric" that all musicians (on ANY instrument) use and alter to create and perform music
If you can remember a phone number, then you can remember the major scale intervals, the intervals being W,W,half and W,W,W,half so the phone number as relates to the fret board is 221-2221, ..........2 frets, 2 frets, 1fret - 2 frets, 2 frets, 2frets, 1 fret. Try it starting on the A string at C and proceed up the string.
Understood everything you said....great video.....how long do you reckon it takes to put this understanding onto the neck in actual playing, and how would you recommend to achieve this.....thanks.
Chris thanks so much for your guitar tuition,,, you are teaching incredible fundamentals on the fretboard 😂 you have helped me so much,,, I play lead guitar in a Clapton Mayall blues breaker band but basically no sweet F A about theory but you are without doubt the best teacher explain ing so clearly best wishes for 2024 Andrew from Warrington 😂
Chris, Do you offer one -on-one video lessons? I'm an intermediate player and have found your teaching to be the most practical and comprehensive out there. I would love to set up bi-monthly lessons if that's possible.... Thanks. Dan
I’ve read that it’s not necessarily important to remember every note on the fretboard, but without that, how would I know which to begin in a scale when jumping to a different string (ex d to g string somewhere in the middle of the fretboard to then continue playing that scale. I just feel like I’m not picking up on something…
@@joescatton-np8xr I think being able to find any note on the fretboard is far more valuable than knowing all of them. Understanding the scale’s formula means you can build it anywhere you want, that’s valuable!
Great lesson and thx for sharing. I'm a bass player and we use the Nashville number system. I always play the three on the A string but I like how you play it on the E.
Sorry, but the G minor pentatonic scale is not build from the G major scale. The Em pentatonic is. What you say is confusing and will only make things harder to understand to beginners.
No need to be sorry, I only demonstrated that the numbers we reference as scale degrees, or scale formulas (of any scale) relate to the numbers of the major scale. I point out very explicitly in the video that the G major and G minor pentatonic scales are indeed totally different. But the connectionI'm striving to make for folks here is that the numbers all originate from the major scale.
Natural Major is Western music harmonic minor is Eastern but hamonic Major is alien,Martian humans can't use it,they can't talk about it they don't use it ionian b6 is paranomal dezactivity which human being know song in harm.Major?
@@curiousguitarist :D or maybe harm.Major = Reptilian b6 :> first mode of harmonic Major is? ... Taboo mode :D What can we do with that mode? It is simple: nothing! Don't you dare use is, human! Second mode of harm.Major is Sacrilegium Third mode of harm.Major is Phrolitical Incorrectness b4 in short, all modes of harm.Major are the Seven Deadly Sins. So human,take your Ecclesiastical Modes and play but do not touch the fruit of the forbidden tree.
The most powerful use of scale study is in chord harvesting. Every scale generates chords, and THAT's where it gets really interesting and musical. Thanks for being here!
PS, I love your Les Paul. I have Les Paul sale regret every day of my life since I sold mine. Looking to buy one to replace it so I can stop the pining. Do you find the wrap tail piece makes any sonic difference compared to a through tail piece?
*Wow man you meals great videos, I mean fist of all I loved the orange Les Paul second ur videos are cool I’m subbed now, Ima watch other videos too, as I am 17 I’m gathering lotta knowledge*
Hey Chris, been a long time player, have multiple records to my credit and produced scores of others. For some reason, the fretboard has always puzzled me, but you have finally given me a shiny lightbulb moment on how to progress with my triads and actually remember how they work and how to connect them. Yesterday I spent the whole day, 8 plus hours, working on the circle of fifths with these progressions and now I have a new tool to learn. Thank you so much, your teaching style really speaks to me. So much so I was happy to pay for the lesson. Look forward to more of your lessons.
Your explanations are very clear and easy to follow. Showing how the harmonic minor scale compares to the Major scale was very helpful to me as a visual learner. Thank you from Australia 👍🙏🦘
Thanks Chris, I have known how to use numbers in finding chord shapes, but the way you shined the light how to find scales has turned my lights on. I've always pittaled around with a guitar for years. I feel motivated once again to pull out my tele and begin a new journey. I got so far along and felt giving up was the best thing for me. I appreciate your way of teaching.
Can someone please tell me how to get a rare color such as that ? Gibson LP .. is that refinished or limited ... I've exhausted my search lol .. Tell me about the instrument damn it lol
Wow, wow, wow! You just opened my mind to the fretboard! amazing. While you did not say it out loud, this explains why the guitar strings are EADGBE! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! This is the most important lesson I have had so far in my first month of learning the guitar and music theory. This dovetails right into the Circle of 5ths or vice versa. Cool stuff! Now I can play all major scales on the first 3 strings for the first time!
Very cool for sure... I've watched a lot of guitar educational videos, but this one and the one about continuing the minor scale off the octave down the neck, really hit home for me. Thank you.
Totally agree, Mike! There are SO many ways to look at the scale itself, and eventually, as you incorporate more and more ways to view it, all of the smoke lifts and it all appears to be one thing. Thanks for all your support!
ok, so.. the first note of gmaj is not the root note sooo... when building the chord,... how des this relate to 1st 3rd 5th.. 1st not being root? gahhhh halp.
The root is indeed G. The 3rd note of the G major scale is B and the 5th note of the scale is D. That's how we get the notes of a Gmajor chord: GBD or R35 of the scale. Hope that helps!
Thanks Chris. That was really useful to me. While studying diagrams around the three note per string scale you demonstrated, I realised that a specific note can be found 5 frets up on the next string. So ‘E’ on the A string 7th fret, can be found on the 2nd fret of the D string, and so on. Of course when you jump to the B string, it becomes 4 frets up. Every little bit helps.
Exactly, and yes, every bit counts. Especially if you can build on the things you already know and attach the new stuff to that. It helps to really cement the info onto the fretboard.
I’m an old sax player so I only understand scales that start on the root note . Thats easier for me because then the shapes are the same and the scale is based on what note i start on . I couldn’t get with the 5 pentatonic patterns ??
Hi Chris thanks for the lesson ... Watched this video in prior several times but my knowledge in harmony was minimal didn't know much of the constructions of diminished augmented intervals. After studying those and recognizing every note on the fretboard all this came clear as water. Thanks a lot .... My left hand has become more melodic after practicing this ideas. The music in me comes out on my fingers a lot easier . Strengthened my muscles on my left hand by playing the major and minor pentatonic in different positions of the neck and now music starts flowing ....
In fact it seems that if you play the D shape on strings 2,3,4 you can find the diminished chord anywhere by keeping the root on the 3rd string. E.g. Cdim = D shape, root on 5th fret string 3.
@@Nicholas-dreamlove yeah this guitar is pretty wonderful. The original color is “Sweet Cherry” but it has faded into this kind of orange and red color. I really love it. Thanks for the comment.
@@curiousguitarist I am telling "Everyone" to get on board with you. You explain things in the most clear, concise and easily-digestible manner. Happy Holidays brother from NYC
Chris could you tell me what would be a good set of single coils strat style guitar for heavey blues and southern rock, its a LUXXTONE choppa s or a h s s. Like your sgow by the way awesome job sir
I'm not really a gear guy to be honest. I really love my two Fender Custom Shop strats...one has "Texas Specials" in it, and the other one has a "Pearly Gates" at the bridge and two Custom Shop single coils.
Does anyone know what guitar he is playing I’m sure it’s a Gibson but the color is amazing. I can’t find one that same color. Closest I found is the cherry classic les Paul .
@@curiousguitarist thank you for reply I watched Marty and when I saw you taught him went right to your channel and love your Gibson the color is perfect. Thanks again !
I strongly urge anyone new to this channel to grab a pen and paper and watch every upload, even if you think you already know the subject under revue. This man is an international treasure.
Thank you, Mike, I really appreciate that.
I agree. I've never found another instructor that can teach the ins and outs of the instrument like Chris. And the way he explains it makes everything so easy to understand and absorb....as long as you put in the work. 'Sustained effort over time'
Agreed 👍 👍
Agreed. Chris is definitely a must watch. I try every chance I get
I second this.
I thought this was going to teach me a Metallica song but instead I became a musician.
Haha! Best comment ever.
I’m always learning guitar and I watch a lot of these type videos. This is one of, if not best, explanation of major scale. Great teacher.
Thank you very much, I appreciate that and I'm glad you're here.
Wow! Really enjoying this channel! I've been playing for 20 years but like a lot of folks, I have always found theory a bit daunting to learn. These videos make it seem much easier than I had thought previously and I'm actually enjoying learning theory. Great job Chris and thank you for taking the time to educate us.
And indeed, it IS quite easy. But it is important to control the context as you digest it. very glad you're here, Joe~
Lame
Wow, thank you so much Chris! I have been playing guitar for 48 years and apart from a few years of classical guitar theory I did when I was about 10, I have shied away from learning guitar and music theory. Now in my late 50's, I'm trying to pluck up the courage to get started in finally mastering the instrument that I've loved all my life but have never been free to express myself on. I have watched 100's of videos on guitar systems from some very clever people but yours is the first video that clearly explained what all these guys are talking about when they say "the four" or "the six". This is the very first time I understand what that means in theory. I subscribed immediately and will now have a look at your other videos. Thank you!
Thanks for your trust in me, Paul. I'm glad you're here.
🎸✌️🤨🤨🤠🤙even the age spots in my back are all but gone ,, join so many dots , I’m never going to b the THING or DUDE guitarist but aspired in my teens (nearly wrote ‘tents’ ,, to be able to play what I can hear , say off the tv,, and with u dudes and my original guitar teacher (thanks mum rip , for lessons I got 4 me ) ,, I’m bloody happy with buying guitars cheap or looking for nice guitars along with my little home studio I’m slowly creating as my last quest in life ,.haa
The way you teach is great. Clear and direct. Thank you very much for great content!
You bet, Tyler, I'm glad these videos resonate! And I'm glad you're here.
Chris, now I can understand why Marty has becoome such a wonderful teacher himself. You have guided and influenced him tremendously, Now I have two people I can go and learn from Thank you.
Hey Bruce. Thanks for the compliment. Marty and I remain in touch often, I'm glad you get inspiration from both of us!
Please dont stop teaching,your teaching method is gold
Thanks, I have no plans to stop, and I'm glad you enjoy it!
I definitely found this information useful. You don’t just show us how to do something, but to figure it out for ourselves. Definitely something that sticks with you. Thank you for all of your great lessons!
Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed this one.
I, like many others on here have been playing most of my life..., 40 plus years. and have been discovering new things the entire time! Your lessons and tutorials have continued to show me that this journey will forever come with great discoveries. like a bottom-less treasure chest. I like that at this juncture in my life I consider myself a great player. Yes, there are better players than me in my area, but I'm a great player by all who know me. and it's nice to know that after a lifetime of playing I can write and play pretty much everything that interests me. Not bragging!! but hard work, study, and plain old stick-to-attivness have got me here! Your help and knowledge always play a part here! another great lesson Chris! Thanks!
Wow Tone, that means a lot to me. And I concur, completely...it never ends and when you focus on the now, you never feel like you're chasing something you cannot catch.
@@curiousguitarist I totally agree! With you on that!
Yes I agree
Tone-glide , you said it all right there. My life exactly. Big thanks to Chris.
I pretty much echo what Tone Glide has said here. I'm an old guy who hit my 10,000 hrs long ago, performed, recorded, but I'm still and always a beginner and realize sometimes that I honestly suck. Not to compare in any way (no, no, no!) but even Jeff Beck says the same thing. Chris invokes Steve Vai on this- very same humble attitude and 'beginner's mind' while being one of the recognized Masters. Check your ego, whatever level we're at we never stop learning and there's always room for improvement. As a teacher and scholar, Chris is a humble student who places himself above no other. I learn, relearn and am inspired every episode. I'm so thankful for music. Can't wait to play later!
Amazing. The frets just turned from roadblocks into pathways.
Now THAT'S a great comment!! Love it, Sam!!
Well....THIS blew my MIND...very nicely communicated....I had my first "AHA" moment. Thanks for that.
Aha! Hopefully there are a few more around here for you.
Ok,my brain found something what is perfect for Your YT channel ;)
it is simple and for all of us,mostly for beginners ;D
- what is/are,most problematic hands/fingers movements on guitar
during chords changes of course?
Your top 10 :)...better 30 :D show us please :>
Thank you I hope your well this is my first time seeing 1 of your videos and it struck a chord with me pun intended. I have been playing for several years and had a very good buddy who taught me here and there some theory nothing I would say foundational it was and is very useful and invaluable to me it was in the army and had a limited time with him and have self taught myself up till recently where RUclips has given me a little more insight but nothing has made more sense to me than your explaination I am going to learn the major scales spacing when I think of scales I don't know I think of this elaborate chart and it puts me off right away I may even know the major scale all ready the scales he taught me the 1 is the minor pentatonic but he showed me a scale that was similar but had quite a few added notes in it any way thank you again
You bet, Jeff, I'm glad you're here. Thanks for your service!
Chris, thank you for a wonderful lesson, this lesson was a great leap forward in my control of the keyboard
Glad it was helpful, Thomas!
I plateaued for years until I finally learned the major scale. Boom. Modes, chords, theory, ear, figuring out solos - all started to make more sense. Still working on all those things but never made so much progress so quickly since learning that damn scale.
Exactly! Thanks for posting this, it’s perfect comment for this video :)
Pure Gold!
It's like you put a shortcut (but it isn't) for us to the journey of the guitar instrument .brilliant.
Thank You Chris.
You're very welcome, Roi, thanks for the views, comments, and just for sharing your journey here.
I've been playing for 17 years and am pretty decent. I've had some teachers who have helped me but watching your videos takes this to a whole new level of understanding. Much appreciated!! btw has anyone ever mentioned that you resemble Pep Guardiola?
Glad to help, and Pep, he's a handsome devil! I'll take it!!
Thanks, Marcus!
@@curiousguitarist you are very welcome and the other similarity is that he's also a great coach!
Subscribed. This the best guitar lesson I’ve seen across you tube. I only wish I had watched this 10 years ago!
Wow, thanks, Matthew! I’m glad you’re here now!
I have watched this channel grow 10-fold over the past year or so (and no, it wasn’t just because of Marty Schwartz). Love it.
Thanks Area! I really appreciate the support and engagement. I'm glad you're still here!
Totally still with you.
I’ve been diving into music theory on guitar for a while and I’ve never seen these concepts laid out in such a straightforward way. I love my teachers and mentors but teaching is hard! And you, sir, have gone a long ways towards mastery. I’ve subbed and will be watching closely. Thanks
Glad you're here and the channel is providing some value. Thanks for the views, comment and sub, Adam. I appreciate it.
Many different shapes starting from the same point.
Same Key, Different Scales.
Many different starting points using the same shape.
Same Scale, Different Keys.
Bloody brilliant mate!
The major scale just became the "rosetta stone" for me for unlocking other scales!
Great style of teaching!
So glad you enjoyed this one, Adrian. Glad you’re here!
@@curiousguitarist keep up the good work boss!
Thnk 2 u i had the light bulb go off for me when it comes to scales !
Love it!
Merry xmas sir 2 u & yours!
To compare my rection to this video versus others... I know NO Greek, some Spanish, and speak English fluently. Other videos on this range of theory subjects pretty much start and end in Greek. This man, God bless him, was speaking Spanglish to me! I'm taking another commentor's advice and listening again with pen and paper. I'm 68 and retired, revisiting my guitar playing ambition after wasting decades being responsible and productive. Now retired, I'm working on being the idiot my parents feared most! Thanks, Chris, very much.
Ha! SO great to have you here!
Just a fabulous lesson Chris! As are the many other lessons you do. I thank you for that. This one is particularly great because it's so crystal clear to me and as you say it provides an anchor point that I can use. Forever!
Thank you so much for what you do!
My pleasure, Oscar. Thanks!
Crucial question is: who compose music like this? :)
I mean IV-V-I etc etc etc
Songs are melodies, phrases, verses, choruses, transitions between them
if everyone played music just IV-V-I or ii-V-I
we'd have one song and a billion plagiarism :D
But you'd have well-trained musicians who could then take and bend the rules.
This channel is not an advanced theory channel Kuku. It is aimed at long-term intermediate guitarists who are finally ready to "BEGIN" to understand the instrument.
For folks like you, with an advanced knowledge of music, this channel may seem basic, and that is simply because I am designing it that way.
Thank you for being here kuku, I appreciate it!
I found my guitar teacher. Appreciate for sharing the information. Thank you Chris.
You are welcome, Kai!
This is an “oh that’s how it works” moment. I can’t even begin to tell you how many hacks have sent me on a wild goose chase confusing the hell out of me with improper explanations. Obviously this just made the neck explode wide open for me.
Man that’s great news, Joel! Glad you found your way here!
My problem is that I can play leads from like megadeth and Metallica but now I wanna learn how to write solos but I don’t even know where to start or even understand how scales help writing solos
Between Chris and Griff, what more raw inspiration does a rank beginner (with 50 years of wishing!) need?
Are you saying all other scales are related to the major scale or is that just some basic information to get us started in the world of scales ?
EVERY scale's formula references the Major scale formula. So if you see a scale formula that has a "flat 3" it means you can alter the major scale's 3rd note down a half step and BAM! You're playing that new scale!
Does that help?
@@curiousguitarist yessir thank you
Thanks Chris, I recently picked up the guitar again after many years and started working on the major scale and its 5 positions and trying to join them all up into some kind of fluidity, as well as linking them to the octave shapes etc. This video gives me the enthusiasm to keep up with it.
That's great news Steve, stay curious about it...don't let it remain just a blob of dots!
The major scale is music. Guitarists often focus solely on the pentatonic scales, but are missing out on the other two crucial notes.
So true! The 5 note structure is indeed missing some color, but it's that exact attribute that makes the pentatonic scale(s) so very flexible and useful!
Finally. You were able to explain it in a way that I'm starting to understand the circle of 5ths better. Thank you. I'm going to watch it probably a few more times. Thanks again, Pal
You bet Michael!
Absolutely correct on becoming one with the instrument. I started playing when I was 66, 6 years ago. I really didn't start to feel comfortable until about the late 4th year. Since I play only chord-melody, I was kind of learning everything backwards, revolving everything around the melody note. Took a little extra time but made a huge difference once it clicked. Learning all my inversions on the top 3 strings in all 5 scales seemed to really help the process of blending with the guitar. It's no longer a foreign object that I'm just holding.
What a great story, Don! Thanks. I need to work on some chord melody...it's a niche that I've left unattended on my journey!!! Thank you for the reminder!
@@curiousguitarist NP. I played tenor sax for 40 years before switching. So I could read and had some music foundation. But I fell in love with guitar, especially learning music theory. BTW. Is that a custom paint job on your LP? It looks too orange for Fiesta Red but I can't find that in the Gibson color family. Is that a Peaceful Orange? Very soothing.
BTW. I find it much easier to play altered or extended chords with chord melody. The fingering is much easier because you're always building underneath the melody note. I find it much, much harder when the bass note is on the 5th or especially the 6th string. Be well.
@@donlessnau3983 that’s great context, I’ve been procrastinating around building a chord melody for too long!
@@donlessnau3983 the color is called “Sweet Cherry” but it has been fading (beautifully) for a while now. I’ve never seen a Les Paul turn this color before.
This is one of the best videos I've seen. It's slow, methodical, and easy to follow. Perfect for my brain to learn from. Thank you
You are welcome, so glad it was helpful!
You look exactly like Pep Guardiola on the thumbnail 😄
Pro performing drummer expanding my horizons .
Need to unlock the unit mysteries of the scales.
Thanks for your help.❤🎉
You bet
Great information thank you for your thoughts
My pleasure, Prog. Thanks for being here~
Man these theory videos are great! He does a great job of simplifying concepts that have always been a thorn in my side. Time to practice some major scales :)
So glad you’re enjoying these! The major scale is the glue for it all…once you really get it down, everything starts to fall into place
Wow, that was great. I always knew my guitar teachers were useless. They had no lesson plans and poor communication skills. I may dust off my mint ‘72 ES-335TD and get back to it.
Now you're talking!
THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, CHRIS!! YOUR EXCELLENT LESSONS, ARE SO HELPFUL!!! i THINK THAT i HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE "BASICS, BUT, I'M WONDERING HOW GOOD MUSICIANS HAVE SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS, TO "INSTANTLY" KNOW WHAT NOTES ARE IN ALL OF THE "CHORDS", AND THEIR INVERSIONS!.. WHERE DO WE NEED TO LOOK, TO BREAK OUT OF THE "BASIC" LEVEL?!...
That "instant" capability came from years of study really...there isn't a real short cut. But if you really integrate the major scale, and all the chords it creates, that's the core "fabric" that all musicians (on ANY instrument) use and alter to create and perform music
Love me a bit of exotic Harmonic Minor!!!
Fab lesson Chris, as always!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Thanks JG!
Hi Chris, thank you for the nice video. I tried to play along to a G major backing track; the G minor pentatonic seems not to fit somehow? Any advice?
@@gnatiu try to accent the roots of each chord where you can. That should help!
If you can remember a phone number, then you can remember the major scale intervals, the intervals being W,W,half and W,W,W,half so the phone number as relates to the fret board is 221-2221, ..........2 frets, 2 frets, 1fret - 2 frets, 2 frets, 2frets, 1 fret. Try it starting on the A string at C and proceed up the string.
Haha, nice!
Understood everything you said....great video.....how long do you reckon it takes to put this understanding onto the neck in actual playing, and how would you recommend to achieve this.....thanks.
Focused drills for a week or so, 10-15 minutes a day. That will start showing up in performance/playing.
Chris thanks so much for your guitar tuition,,, you are teaching incredible fundamentals on the fretboard 😂 you have helped me so much,,, I play lead guitar in a Clapton Mayall blues breaker band but basically no sweet F A about theory but you are without doubt the best teacher explain ing so clearly best wishes for 2024 Andrew from Warrington 😂
Thanks and happy new year, Andrew! I’m so glad to help! Would love to hear the band, any videos out there?
Chris, Do you offer one -on-one video lessons? I'm an intermediate player and have found your teaching to be the most practical and comprehensive out there. I would love to set up bi-monthly lessons if that's possible.... Thanks. Dan
Email me at Chris at curiousguitarist dot com for details
Beautifully explained, thank you so much!
You are welcome! Glad you’re here.
I’ve read that it’s not necessarily important to remember every note on the fretboard, but without that, how would I know which to begin in a scale when jumping to a different string (ex d to g string somewhere in the middle of the fretboard to then continue playing that scale. I just feel like I’m not picking up on something…
@@joescatton-np8xr I think being able to find any note on the fretboard is far more valuable than knowing all of them.
Understanding the scale’s formula means you can build it anywhere you want, that’s valuable!
ARGH!! Why did all me teachers start me on the Pentatonic scales??! This context-based method is what I’ve been missing, and needing! Cheers!
Cheers!!!
Awesome lesson brother. Very well presented. I can build from this information. Thanks so much 👍
Yeah, you bet, Steve!
Great lesson and thx for sharing. I'm a bass player and we use the Nashville number system. I always play the three on the A string but I like how you play it on the E.
Each choice of where to play the note you need opens up a new opportunity
Brilliant video an relating scales to math has just opened whole new door for me makes so much more sense now
That's fantastic news, Chris! Welcome aboard!
Sorry, but the G minor pentatonic scale is not build from the G major scale. The Em pentatonic is. What you say is confusing and will only make things harder to understand to beginners.
No need to be sorry, I only demonstrated that the numbers we reference as scale degrees, or scale formulas (of any scale) relate to the numbers of the major scale. I point out very explicitly in the video that the G major and G minor pentatonic scales are indeed totally different. But the connectionI'm striving to make for folks here is that the numbers all originate from the major scale.
Natural Major is Western music
harmonic minor is Eastern
but hamonic Major is alien,Martian
humans can't use it,they can't talk about it
they don't use it
ionian b6 is paranomal dezactivity
which human being know song in harm.Major?
Great context for the advanced theorist kuku! Very cool comment!
@@curiousguitarist :D or maybe harm.Major = Reptilian b6 :>
first mode of harmonic Major is?
... Taboo mode :D
What can we do with that mode?
It is simple: nothing!
Don't you dare use is, human!
Second mode of harm.Major is Sacrilegium
Third mode of harm.Major is
Phrolitical Incorrectness b4
in short, all modes of harm.Major
are the Seven Deadly Sins.
So human,take your Ecclesiastical Modes
and play but do not touch the fruit of the forbidden tree.
So if we master the Major scale all over the fretboard, we can then learn the formula for any other scale and apply it quickly via the reference...
Exactly.
As a beginner I never understood The point of learning scales, thought it was dumb. Boy was I wrong!
The most powerful use of scale study is in chord harvesting. Every scale generates chords, and THAT's where it gets really interesting and musical.
Thanks for being here!
At 11:52 the a diminished chord I heard metallica call of ktulu lol.
PS, I love your Les Paul. I have Les Paul sale regret every day of my life since I sold mine. Looking to buy one to replace it so I can stop the pining. Do you find the wrap tail piece makes any sonic difference compared to a through tail piece?
I think it looks cool, and I feel like it allows for easier bending...but mostly I like the way it looks!!
*Wow man you meals great videos, I mean fist of all I loved the orange Les Paul second ur videos are cool I’m subbed now, Ima watch other videos too, as I am 17 I’m gathering lotta knowledge*
Welcome aboard and thanks for the sub!
Looks like I'm binging your lessons today...thanks!
Hey Chris, been a long time player, have multiple records to my credit and produced scores of others. For some reason, the fretboard has always puzzled me, but you have finally given me a shiny lightbulb moment on how to progress with my triads and actually remember how they work and how to connect them. Yesterday I spent the whole day, 8 plus hours, working on the circle of fifths with these progressions and now I have a new tool to learn. Thank you so much, your teaching style really speaks to me. So much so I was happy to pay for the lesson. Look forward to more of your lessons.
Thank you, very much, for your support. I am glad you're here and happy to help.
Your explanations are very clear and easy to follow. Showing how the harmonic minor scale compares to the Major scale was very helpful to me as a visual learner. Thank you from Australia 👍🙏🦘
Of course, Ot, it’s my pleasure and I’m so glad to hear these videos are concise. Thanks for the views and comments.
Thanks Chris, I have known how to use numbers in finding chord shapes, but the way you shined the light how to find scales has turned my lights on. I've always pittaled around with a guitar for years. I feel motivated once again to pull out my tele and begin a new journey. I got so far along and felt giving up was the best thing for me. I appreciate your way of teaching.
I can't tell you how great that is to hear Jackie, thanks, and welcome to the channel!!
I am going to RE Watch this as I know the Major scale and the Minor but need to know it better = Thank you
Yeah, I don’t think you can “over know” these scales. It’s always good to brush up!!
I just can’t watch this video enough.!
Probably the 6th time now.. Great stuff Chris.!👍🏼❤️
Thanks Joe! And thank you for all your support!
What model is that beautiful les paul,, love the orange
Can someone please tell me how to get a rare color such as that ? Gibson LP .. is that refinished or limited ... I've exhausted my search lol .. Tell me about the instrument damn it lol
Here ya go! My Guitars #4 1957 Gibson Custom Shop Reissue Les Paul
ruclips.net/video/HpI0KoV2SVw/видео.html
This has to be the first time theory has made sense and actually stuck with me. Brilliant video, thank you.
You bet, Ben. Im happy to help and glad you’re here.
You are a remarkable teacher. Thank you for these free lessons. They have been critical in my understanding of music theory on guitar.
You are so welcome!
Should have just left Jimi up there for the “not this kind of ruler” bit. :)
@@MarkEWallace love that!
Nice! What info do you have on this guitar? Color? Model? Looks like a custom color lp standard
Correct! Here's all the detail: ruclips.net/video/HpI0KoV2SVw/видео.html
Wow, wow, wow! You just opened my mind to the fretboard! amazing. While you did not say it out loud, this explains why the guitar strings are EADGBE! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! This is the most important lesson I have had so far in my first month of learning the guitar and music theory. This dovetails right into the Circle of 5ths or vice versa. Cool stuff! Now I can play all major scales on the first 3 strings for the first time!
Freedom! This is what it feels like. I'm so glad you're here, thank you for the views and comments.
I really wish that people would start from the major scale instead of the ubiquitous minor pentatonic.
Yeah, it’s the longer play for sure, but the 2NPS format is such an easy onboard it’s hard to resist.
Great lesson! Thanks. You've earned a "like" and a "subscribe"!!
Awesome, thank you so much, David!
Very cool for sure... I've watched a lot of guitar educational videos, but this one and the one about continuing the minor scale off the octave down the neck, really hit home for me. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, and I'm happy to have helped shed some light!
Chris great lesson I hope I cN keep pulling up your channel I understand your lesson voia
Great to have you here!
Great video Chris! I find the 3NPS patterns to be incredibly helpful tools for visualizing modes and alternate minor scales.
Totally agree, Mike! There are SO many ways to look at the scale itself, and eventually, as you incorporate more and more ways to view it, all of the smoke lifts and it all appears to be one thing.
Thanks for all your support!
Incredible video - thank you! New subscriber and fan right here
Thanks for the sub, Matthew! Good to have you on board.
ok, so.. the first note of gmaj is not the root note sooo... when building the chord,... how des this relate to 1st 3rd 5th.. 1st not being root? gahhhh halp.
The root is indeed G. The 3rd note of the G major scale is B and the 5th note of the scale is D.
That's how we get the notes of a Gmajor chord: GBD or R35 of the scale.
Hope that helps!
Thanks Chris. That was really useful to me. While studying diagrams around the three note per string scale you demonstrated, I realised that a specific note can be found 5 frets up on the next string. So ‘E’ on the A string 7th fret, can be found on the 2nd fret of the D string, and so on. Of course when you jump to the B string, it becomes 4 frets up. Every little bit helps.
Exactly, and yes, every bit counts. Especially if you can build on the things you already know and attach the new stuff to that. It helps to really cement the info onto the fretboard.
I’m an old sax player so I only understand scales that start on the root note . Thats easier for me because then the shapes are the same and the scale is based on what note i start on . I couldn’t get with the 5 pentatonic patterns ??
@@johnCjr4671 hope you enjoyed this one, what is your question about the pentatonic shapes, exactly?
Thank you Chris! All your lessons are amazingly informative. Can’t thank u enough. 😃
My pleasure, David. Thanks for the views and comments.
Wow! Some folks just have the knowledge and ability to unlock the mysticism. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Thanks for the views and comments.
Chris I'm new to guitar!!! Subscribed your a great teacher!!!!
Thanks, good to have you on board!
Dude seriously, You’re an Epiphany generator……
Thanks gru, that’s a great comment and I appreciate it. I’m glad you’re here.
Same thing happened to me the first day of algebra. I never did get it. Made straight F's.😢
But music theory is way more like geometry…how’d you do there Fermis?
Great advice. I need to go back a properly relate all to the major scale. Best way to help remember them 👍🏽
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Chris thanks for the lesson ... Watched this video in prior several times but my knowledge in harmony was minimal didn't know much of the constructions of diminished augmented intervals. After studying those and recognizing every note on the fretboard all this came clear as water. Thanks a lot .... My left hand has become more melodic after practicing this ideas. The music in me comes out on my fingers a lot easier . Strengthened my muscles on my left hand by playing the major and minor pentatonic in different positions of the neck and now music starts flowing ....
Flow baby, FLOW!
Forget the major scale, give me your guitar. That will make me play better.
Hahaha! It sure does help ME out from time to time!!
Probably the most played chord progression from the early 1960's, Chris!
I iv IV V forever :)
If Adim is R 3b 5b = A-C-Eb why not play the triad on strings 2,3,4 ("D" shape moved up one string)?
In fact it seems that if you play the D shape on strings 2,3,4 you can find the diminished chord anywhere by keeping the root on the 3rd string. E.g. Cdim = D shape, root on 5th fret string 3.
No reason not to! There are 12 different voicings for A Diminished (as a close voice triad) on the fretboard …use any one you’d like!
I love that Les Paul, esp it's color. Martin Barre has one like that.
@@Nicholas-dreamlove yeah this guitar is pretty wonderful. The original color is “Sweet Cherry” but it has faded into this kind of orange and red color. I really love it. Thanks for the comment.
Chris you are a phenomenal teacher. Loving your channel. I had no idea - you were Marty Schwartz guitar teacher. I can see why.
Thanks Michael, great to have you here and so glad you’re enjoying the channel.
@@curiousguitarist I am telling "Everyone" to get on board with you. You explain things in the most clear, concise and easily-digestible manner. Happy Holidays brother from NYC
@@michael_caz_nyc you too friend! thank you for spreading the word!
I have it on good authority that LENNY BREAU said “……..the C major scale is a BITCH on the guitar”
You’re channel is excellent.🎸🎼
They all look exactly the same to me, the only difference is where the open stings fall in the sequence.
Chris could you tell me what would be a good set of single coils strat style guitar for heavey blues and southern rock, its a LUXXTONE choppa s or a h s s. Like your sgow by the way awesome job sir
I'm not really a gear guy to be honest. I really love my two Fender Custom Shop strats...one has "Texas Specials" in it, and the other one has a "Pearly Gates" at the bridge and two Custom Shop single coils.
Thank you🎸🎸🎸
This should be titled, "so you don't think theory is worth learning?"
Brilliantly explained man
Thanks Randy! So glad you enjoyed it.
Does anyone know what guitar he is playing I’m sure it’s a Gibson but the color is amazing. I can’t find one that same color. Closest I found is the cherry classic les Paul .
Here you go! My Guitars #4 1957 Gibson Custom Shop Reissue Les Paul
ruclips.net/video/HpI0KoV2SVw/видео.html
@@curiousguitarist thank you for reply I watched Marty and when I saw you taught him went right to your channel and love your Gibson the color is perfect. Thanks again !