three two one
Lesson: Four-Note Sequential Pattern in G-Ionian
In previous lessons, you learned how to locate tones and move through a mode from beginning to end. That approach is useful, but it can make the scale feel like one fixed path.
In this lesson, we change perspective. Instead of moving straight through the scale, you will use a four-note sequence that repeats and shifts forward.
This helps you understand how each tone connects to the next, no matter where you are on the fretboard. The goal is to make the mode feel continuous, not limited to one start point and one end point.
Here is the pattern concept.
Pick four notes in order. Then repeat the same pattern, starting one degree higher.
For example:
one
two
three
four
two
three
four
five
three
four
five
six
The shape stays the same. Only the starting point moves.
Start over, and begin the sequence on one again. This time we're going all the way to the first string with the sequencing pattern.
Start on one. Use the the guitar pick. Some people say pluck the string, like you pluck a feather. Some people say pick the string.
So pluck it.
Or pick it. You decide! But do it something like this:
One — two — three — four.
Then move to two.
Here’s the pattern:
Two — three — four — five.
Shift to three.
Pick:
Three — four — five — six.
Next, begin on four.
Like this:
Four — five — six — seven.
After that, go to five.
Pick:
Five — six — seven — eight.
Now move to six.
Here’s the sequence:
Six — seven — eight — nine.
From there, start on seven.
Pick:
Seven — eight — nine — ten.
Next, begin on eight.
Like this:
Eight — nine — ten — eleven.
Now shift to nine.
Pick:
Nine — ten — eleven — twelve.
Start on ten.
Here’s the pattern:
Ten — eleven — twelve — thirteen.
Then go to eleven.
Pick:
Eleven — twelve — thirteen — fourteen.
Now begin on twelve.
Like this:
Twelve — thirteen — fourteen — fifteen.
Finally, start on thirteen.
Pick:
Thirteen — fourteen — fifteen — sixteen.
Now apply this to G-Ionian.
Set your starting point so degree one is on the third fret of the sixth string.
Begin slowly. Stay aware of the degree number you are on at all times.
BONUS:
Once you've gotten used to the way the pattern goes from tone degree one on the sixth string, all the way over to the first string a few times, you're ready to start practicing the technique of Alternate Picking. Alternate picking is just as it sounds. You'll alternate the direction that you pick the string. You've probably been picking everything in a downward motion. The trick to gaining skill in playing scales and other individual note patterns, like in a guitar solo, you'll need to learn alternate picking.
The concept is simple. Down, up. Down, Up. or Up, down, up, down. Imagine how much faster you could pick notes on the string with alternate picking, vs picking down all of the time. It's literally two times faster. And eventually, much more accurate once you get used to it.
That's your homework! Practice the sequencing patter using the alternate picking technique.