One String Scales | Free Online Guitar Lesson

lesson summary

Lesson 37 of 54 in our Rock Series: One String Scales

Most beginner guitarists get stuck improvising in a single vertical position. For this reason, it is important to learn the guitar from a horizontal standpoint.
Chapter 1: (05:44) One String Scales In his book, The Advancing Guitarist, Mick Goodrick argues that one should first master the guitar from a horizontal standpoint rather than a vertical standpoint. This is contrary to how most beginning guitarists learn the instrument. Most beginners learn a handful of vertical scale patterns that can easily be transposed to a different key on the neck. Many of these beginners run into problems while improvising due to this approach. Many players get stuck playing in one vertical scale position. They lack the ability to move up and down the neck to access different notes and potentially, new ideas.

Mick Goodrick presents many specific arguments in his book to support this claim. "Playing on a single string helps to eliminate two potential problems: 'paralysis' (fear of movement) and 'acrophobia' (fear of higher frets), since the entire length of the fingerboard is utilized from the very beginning. Also, Mick notes that "this approach is conducive to learning note locations because you can't rely on a fingering pattern (as in position playing)."

For all of the aforementioned reasons, it is very important that you learn to play each scale across all of the six strings. Keep in mind that this process will take a very long time. It may take years before you can comfortably play all of the scales you know horizontally in all twelve keys. However, the results of this practice are well worth the wait.

In this lesson, Brad Henecke gets you started with this process. He demonstrates how to play the A minor pentatonic scale horizontally across a single string. Brad notes three advantages to learning scales in this fashion. First, sliding up and down a string horizontally allows you to seamlessly transition from one box of the pentatonic scale to another. Second, playing across a single string is quite conducive to playing tremolo picked licks. These licks serve as a great transition between different boxes of the pentatonic scale. Brad plays some licks using the pentatonic scale that accurately demonstrate this process. Finally, it is easiest to note the interval relationships between notes in a scale when they are laid out in a straight line.

The First String

The most logical place to begin is the high E string. Begin at the fifth fret on the tonic note of the scale, A. Using alternate picking, play this note for four sixteenth notes. Then, slide your finger up to the next note in the scale at the eighth fret. This note is C. Repeat the same picking pattern for this note. Repeat this process with the rest of the notes in the scale until you reach the tonic note again at the 17th fret. This completes one octave of the A minor pentatonic scale. Brad adds a final lick played in 17th position to demonstrate how playing across one string is an effective way to transition from one octave of the scale to another. Like Brad mentions, practicing this scale / lick is also a great way to build up speed and coordination between your hands.

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for transcriptions of all the musical examples demonstrated in this lesson. Chapter 2: (03:10) More on One String Scales The Second String

In this scene, Brad demonstrates how to play the A minor pentatonic scale across the B string. Once again, he repeats the same sixteenth note picking pattern on this string. Due to where the root note of the scale is located on the B string, Brad chooses to begin the scale on the fifth scale degree, E. This note is found at the fifth fret. He climbs the scale up one octave to the 17th fret. Once you reach the 17th fret, feel free to add your own improvised lick to the end of the scale.

When playing scales horizontally, you can begin the scale on any scale degree. For example, on the B string, you could begin the scale on the third, C. This note is located at the first fret.

Making Mistakes

If you happen to slide into a wrong note when playing a scale horizontally, don't worry about it! The best way to cover up a mistake is to make it appear that you meant to do it. For example, if you slide into a note outside of the scale, simply use it as a chromatic passing tone. Brad clearly demonstrates how this can be accomplished. Notice which notes he plays are outside of the A minor pentatonic scale.

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Phase 2, Genre-Based Guitar Lessons

Phase 2 of our teaching method focuses on genre specific techniques and skills. After you have mastered all of the lessons and topics covered in Phase 1, you then move onto your preferred genre of music. Our phase 2 lessons are taught with the overall idea that you are already equipped with a basic understanding of the guitar, how to play notes, read tablature, and position your finger correctly.

about Brad Henecke

Brad Henecke: Performing Classic Rock Guitarist

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