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Posts for harmonic minor

Scale Study and Theory: Harmonic minor for 8 string guitar

Scales & Modes - Joe

In this lesson we’re going to look at Harmonic minor for 8 string guitar and its Modes. We’re using standard tuning: F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. Each mode pattern will be 3 notes per string.

Before looking at Harmonic minor for 8 string, first we need to understand the difference between the Natural minor Scale and the Harmonic minor Scale. Natural minor, or just minor, is the 6th mode of the Major scale, also called the Aeolian Mode. In order to get the Harmonic minor scale we need to raise the pitch of the 7th note by a semi-tone.

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String of Rage: Single String Scales & Modes

Intervals, Scales & Modes - Joe

Understanding the differences between the scales and modes can feel like a daunting task. What makes a scale Major or Minor? Why do we get different chords from different scales? Understanding the intervals which make up each scale or mode can help. One way to do this is to learn the scales across a single string so that you can more easily see the distances between notes.

In this post we’re going to look at 11 different scales/modes, all starting from the root note A. We’ll play these single string scales on the A string to keep things simple. Moving these patterns to other strings will give you different key centers as will moving the patterns up the fretboard. We’ll start by looking at all twelve intervals in relation to the note A:

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Power Up! ep.2: Tapping in B minor

Quick Licks - Joe

Tapping in B minor cover image

In this episode of Power Up! we’re going to look at a simple tapping lick in B minor. This will help you to perfect the technique before moving on to more complex tapping ideas.

Tapping in B Minor – We’re going to tap with both hands rather than pulling off from the picking hand to the fret-board hand, although feel free to play it that way too. This will give us a slight “staccato” feel. Check out the video below:

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Expander! – 3 Octave Harmonic Minor Modes

Scales & Modes - CJ

Today we’re going to take the next step in modal freedom. 3 Octave Harmonic Minor Modes! If you’re visiting this post you’ve most likely got the 3nps Harmonic minor modes under your fingers & under control!

These 3 octave harmonic minor modes cover much more ground in a linear fashion across the neck. You’ll have probably noticed that these versions of the modes switch between 3 and 4 notes per string. Each of these shapes have a repeating 7 note pattern across two strings. Once you know these, they become really easy to play because they repeat in octaves.

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Shred On The Nile – Exotic Modal Sweep Picking

Sweep Picking - CJ

Welcome to this very first instalment of advanced modal sweep picking! In this series we’re going go beyond the realms of anything considered ‘normal’ or ‘standard’ sweep picking. These ideas will take your sweep picking ability to the next level. Summon your inner Anubis! Let’s Go!

We’ve yet to see or hear many other players doing these type of ideas so this is pretty exciting stuff! Most common sweep picked shapes are usually very basic major and minor tonality. You’ll hear some of the more advanced players take it further with some basic 7th extensions but it doesn’t often go beyond this. In this series we’re going to show you how to create new sounds using a highly versatile advanced sweep picking approach. Get warmed up and get your shred on because these are going to test your dexterity!

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More Harmonic Minor Madness! – A Rippin’ 3 and 4nps Descending Picking Idea

Alternate Picking, Quick Licks - CJ

Here’s an interesting descending harmonic minor picking lick that incorporates 3 and 4 notes per string. This one is particularly challenging because the 4 note pattern uses a minor third > half > whole shape which is unconventional for this type of lick.

We’ll be using a 3 and 4nps pattern for most of the lick, finishing up in the Dorian#4 position of the harmonic minor modes. Get warmed up and get your shred on because this Harmonic Minor Picking Lick is a ripper. 

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3 and 4nps Alternate Picking in B Harmonic Minor

Alternate Picking, Quick Licks - CJ

Alternate Picking Lick in The Key of B Harmonic Minor

This week we’re going to look at a rippin’ alternate picking lick that switches between 4 and 3 fingers per string. We’re going to be using sequences of sevens and fives to play through this lick in octaves across all 6 strings. In this alternate picking lick we will be utilising the Harmonic Minor scale

Typically an alternate picking sequence of 5’s or 7’s will be using a 3 finger shape, however because we are switching between 3 and 4 fingers per string, a sequence of 7’s now becomes a 4 finger shape. You’ll notice that when you start over on the next octave you begin again with your pinky. The really unique thing about this lick is that the sequences start at opposite ends, this makes for an unconventional sound to a picking lick.

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Harmonic Minor & Its Modes. 3 Notes Per String

Harmonic Minor Modes 3nps - CJ

In this lesson we’re going to look at the basic 3nps forms of the Harmonic minor modes. We’ll aim to identify what makes these modes unique so we are able to use them in our playing.

Similar to how the modes of the major scale refer back to the major scale as a point of reference, the harmonic minor modes refer back to the major scale modes too.

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