3 Notes Per String Major Scale Exercises
In this lesson we’re going to dive into some guitar exercises for the 3-notes per string major scale. These exercises will help you learn the scale patterns and improve your ability to play them fluently. They’ll also expose you to some common note patterns that can be applied to guitar solos and other scale exercises.
3NPS Exercises
For these exercises, we’re just going to be working out of the first position. However, you can adapt these to all positions. I’ve included diagrams for the remaining six positions at the end of the lesson.
Exercise 1
For exercise one, we’re using a 4-note pattern to ascend and descend the scale. As always, start slow and utilize a metronome to play at a consistent tempo.
Exercise 2
For exercise 2, we’re utilizing a triplets pattern, which creates a different feel for the exercise. If you’re playing to a metronome, you may need to reduce the tempo.
Exercise 3
In this exercise we’re playing through the scale in 3rds, which essentially results in skipping a note as you ascend and descend the scale.
Exercise 4
Here we’re using a “step-back” pattern where you play a note of the scale followed by the note that precedes it in the scale. Personally, this is one of the most fun patterns to play, particularly for runs up and down the fretboard.
Additional 3NPS Major Scale Positions
The exercises above can be adapted to all positions of the 3-notes per string major scale. The remaining six positions can be referenced below. These exercises can also be applied to the 3nps minor scale.
Wrap Up
In lesson we took a look at some exercises to get the 3-notes per string major scale under our fingers. These types of exercises are great for committing scale patterns to muscle memory while developing technique. These note sequences are versatile and can be used across other scales and for creating musical lines and runs.
Cheat Sheet: 3 Notes Per String Major Scale
Download the cheat sheet for this lesson:
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