Visualizing Modes For The Guitar
Overview
Welcome to this month’s tutorial! I want to talk a bit about a method of fretboard visualization that I’ve developed to get me away from using “box patterns” and other fretboard visualization methods, like the “CAGED System” and the repeating "3 note per string cycle".
I'm a Progressive Metal guitar player at heart. I simply love complex harmonies and theory. However, a great deal of the music I study revolves around fusion and funk as well.
I’d spent years learning modes and though I understood the harmony and what scales to play over whatever chords, I often found myself stuck when trying to improvise. Although I had a very well trained ear I still found myself running into dead spots on the neck. Even if I tried to visualize the box, another chord would fly by as I fumbled around trying to find the root! Major problem.
Long story short, I needed a solution that gave me a seamless road map to my desired destination on the fretboard, without trapping me in box patterns that make me afraid to step out. I needed freedom to roam wherever my ear took me.
Well, I found an incredible solution that works for me and I hope it will do the same for you!
I like to call this method “The Root Connection Study”.
In a few short steps I’m going to teach you how to use whatever theory knowledge or techniques you may have (beginner to advanced) and directly connect it to your instrument in a comprehensive way! If you haven’t much theory knowledge, it’s ok! In fact, this couldn’t be a more perfect time to start your development in theory!
This tutorial is built in a way in which you can use your knowledge to truly map out harmonies, scales, chords, arpeggios, blazing guitar lines, and compositions all over the neck!
So without further ado, let’s get started!