Sequences and Practice Techniques

Description

In the previous lesson, we learned the basic fingering for the Minor Pentatonic Scale. In this lesson we'll expand our technique with eighth notes, triplets and 16th notes in order to build our technique and supercharge our picking.

Most Importantly: Always use a metronome. This is the most important tool you can use to progressively build up your speed, in less time.

Here's a quick cheat sheet on how to play each rhythm:

Eighth notes are two notes per beat. Count them "One and Two and Three and Four and".

Triplets are three notes per beat. Count them "One and a Two and a Three and a Four and a"

Sixteenth Notes are four notes per beat. Count them "One e and a Two e and a three e and a Four e and a"

As a general rule, 16th notes are faster than 8th notes. It takes greater technique and dexterity to play 16th notes than the "slower" beat subdivisions. The key to playing any of these subdivisions proficiently is using a metronome, practicing slowly, and counting as you play. If you understand the rhythm and place it within your muscle memory, then demon speed will follow.