Boogie-Woogie-Scale Licks

from: Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning

This lesson is part of the course Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning.

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Learn the basics of music theory as it relates to four-string instruments tuned in fifths. Chad’s practical approach will deepen your knowledge of chords, scales, and arpeggios, and help you integrate them into your playing.

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Major Chord Arpeggios

Learn how major chord arpeggios are constructed and how to find them on the mandolin/fiddle fingerboard. Chad explains that major chords are constructed of roots, thirds, and fifths: the first, third, and fifth notes in a major scale. Then he shows you different finger patterns for major arpeggios in bluegrass keys, giving you handy ways to visualize each pattern and advice about practicing them in different ways.

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Boogie-Woogie-Scale Licks

Chad refers to the five-note scale that consists of the 1, 3, 5, 6 and b7 of the major scale as the “boogie-woogie scale.” It’s very handy for playing bluesy licks and lines. In this lesson Chad shows you a two-measure boogie-woogie-scale lick starting on each note of the scale and how to play the lick on all the chords of “bluegrass chord progression #1” in the key of D. This is a great way to become aware of the different places you can start your ideas from using this scale. After showing you licks starting on all five scale tones and playing through them on “bluegrass chord progression #1” with guitarist Scott Nygaard, so you can play along, Chad gives you advice on making up your own licks starting on different scale tones and using this idea in other keys. He finishes by playing each of the licks in the keys of E and G.

Boogie-Woogie Scale Licks (Available to subscribers)

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← “Bluegrass Chord Progression #1” Play-Along Track: Key of E

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Minor Pentatonic and Blues Scales →

Previous Lesson

← “Bluegrass Chord Progression #1” Play-Along Track: Key of E

Next Lesson

Minor Pentatonic and Blues Scales →

Previous Lesson

← “Bluegrass Chord Progression #1” Play-Along Track: Key of E

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