Mix and Match positions

Start in your favorite position, try to move smoothly to your least favorite position.

Get Comfortable

Find the lead sections that feel comfortable for you. Noodle around each pattern and find the phrases or licks that feel comfortable for you.

Find the Boxes

Find the shapes where there are boxes 2 or 3 frets apart on top of each other. These are great positions for hammer on’s, double stops and pull off’s.

Find Triads

Find some triads in each pattern. How can you use these triads in your soloing or chords?

Find Arpeggios

Find some arpeggios in each pattern.

3 Notes Per String

Play each box using 3 notes per string. There may be repeating notes.

Blend 2 Boxes Together

Descend one box then shift and ascend the adjacent box.

Find Phrases

Find the exact match in other positions.

Find Phrases

Use the same shape up and down the neck.

Break Things Down

Simplify things. How does everything interact with other patterns, shapes, etc.

Embellishments

What notes can I bend? Where can I add blue notes, or chromatics. Slurs, pull off’s and hammer on’s.

Explore More

Setup and Maintenance

Honestly, the best thing I ever did was find a person who works on guitars for a living. I bring all my instruments to them for setup, etc. It feels

Holding the Guitar

When you begin, whether you are playing acoustic or electric, you should be sitting down. Make sure you sit on a chair that doesn’t have an arm rest. Arm rests