Sessio n 5: Interval Madness

Diads on Pentatonic Forms

Just like a triad is a combination of three tones, a diad is a combination of two tones. Diads, like the 4ths on
the previous page, are pretty easy to play on guitar because they often involve the use of a small barre with
one finger to cover both notes as in the 1st example of the sliding 4th pattern.

If we apply the concept of diads to an A minor pentatonic scale you get combinations of notes that fall easily
on the fretboard and sound great on guitar.

Diads basing off of this form are the foundation for many of the great blues licks including the opening lick of
Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”. Experiment with this pattern and explore ideas of your own.

You don’t need to follow the pentatonic form exactly. One of the most characteristic sounds comes from
lowering the G note on the second string of the form and putting a barre on the 3rd and 2nd strings at the
7th fret--forming a D and F#. This creates a great sound when combined with the rest of the Am form.

3rds Blues Riff

Here is a great riff common in all types of blues guitar playing using 3rds built off of the 5th and flatted 7th.
This example is in the key of E as it was demonstrated in the session.

Playing Tip

Work the fingerings out for the 3rds Blues Riff in

other keys that do not include open strings. This riff

is commonly put all over the neck of the guitar.

Blues Guitar with Steve Krenz 60 http://www.learnandmaster.com/bluesresources