Harmonizing Scales Using Triads

This lesson does two things:

It gives you full horizonatal coverage of the guitar fretboard in any given key (we use A major as an example) using economical, three-string triad shapes.

It also shows you how chords are intrinsically connected to a scale and key, by visualizing the scale pattern underneath your triad shapes. This is known as scale harmonization.

By seeing the fretboard in this way, you'll be able to create more dynamic melodic expression with your chord playing and add in embellishments from the scale wherever you are on the neck.

This is your first practical step in combining melody and harmony - a convergence that many guitarists fail to see.

It'll also allow you to explore the fretboard more intuitively and freely, using your ears to pick out melodies that exist through your chord movements. This is a powerful skill to develop as a musician because you'll no longer just hear chords in disconnected "blocks" - you'll start to hear a naturally flowing melody through the chord changes.

Get diagrams, tabs and more on the lesson page...

[randelltuttle]

Fretjam has the very best guitar lessons out there.  I watch just about everything available but this channel is me fav.

[jeremym]

best guitar teaching on the internet, every lesson is a revelation

[scrapkingfilms]

This is an excellent way of opening up voice leading as once the chord scale is mastered, all this familiarity with inversions opens up alot of possibility. I really like the “grid” and orientation with root marked. Clear instruction with ample
Figures and no “fluff” talking. Well done.

[stephanepoirier]

This is EXACTLY the lesson I've been looking for for WEEKS - pouring over dozens and dozens of videos. The material contained herein does indeed explode my view of the fretboard and helps demystify what the likes of Warren Haynes is doing lots and lots of. This is frickin' awesome - thanks dude!

[henryalvarez]

After years of being self taught, getting bits and pieces from YouTube videos. This video really has help me to put it all together and finally have some kind of understanding. Thank you so much!

[birajpoudyal]

This is exactly what I was searching for years and finally got it. BEST LESSON YOU CAN FIND ANN PEOPLE VERY LUCK TO COME FIND THIS CHANNEL

[damien]

I really appreciate that these lessons are still available although posted over six years ago

[skintslots]

I love coming back to these lessons as I increase my music theory knowledge on the guitar. I have picked up most of these shapes in the last year or so but I hadn't realised how they fit together. These diagrams are very helpful.

[hockleyrambler]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, not knocking anyone else but you are easily the finest teacher on youtube.

[louiscapra]

Been playing for awhile have some knowledge looked at a variety of guitar lessens from different online teachers but this one has put the some of the mystery of how to put it together. Want to go to the next level.

[carlyprinz]

I am mind-blown that I'm only seeing this video now...beautifully explained. I've always felt like a noob always playing open chords on my acoustic. Now I can go side to side.
I want to know all the chords, but not strictly rhythm, cos I want to make my guitar cry and sing. Thanks fretjam

[jlam]

This site has the most thorough explanations on guitar music theory... thanks Mike for putting in your personal time!

[HeavyInstinct]

This is exactly the lesson I was looking for. Extremely well done. Thank you!

[rishimukherjeeGuitarlessons]

No words... Just wonderful... Great job to provide actual application based music knowledge to all the Guitar aspirants.. Thanks & gratitude!!

[HernanHH]

This is one of this eye opening videos. A wow moment

[redsoxlife]

I love these lessons. I find these lessons very practical.

[soultylive]

Can't thank you enough for literally demystifying music theory in a such meaningful way.

[asamiyashin]

I don't play the guitar, I make music with the computer but those theory videos are unveiling a lot of interesting things that they didn't teach me in the music school.

Western music education is full of misleading stuff and it's good to see someone who knows how to actually explain things.

Thank you.

[lleaves]

This was the most enjoyable lesson I have had yet!

[fi]

Wow! Thank you so much!!! What a simple approach! You are great a great teacher!