Intervals Of thirds
The first part of this warm-up exercise is to play the C major scale in intervals of thirds (ascending and descending). Playing a scale in thirds means that each note is followed by another note a third away (major and minor).
Example in C major : C (the tonic) is followed by E, D (second note of C) is followed by F, E by G, and so on. Notice that In bars 1, 2, 3 and 4 the C major scale is played in ascending thirds, whereas in bars 9, 10, 11 and 12 it is played in descending thirds.
Drop 3 Chords And Walking Bass Lines
The second part of this tutorial provides an easy walking bass line built around four drop 3 chords :
- Cmaj7 (C - B - E - G) and its two inversions :
- Cmaj7/E (E - C - G - B). Which is a Cmaj7 with third in the bass.
- Cmaj7/G (G - E - B - C). Cmaj7 with fifth in the bass.
- A7sus2 (A - G - B - E).
These four chords are connected with bass notes from the C major scale, excepted F# in measure 6 and 14 which is a chromatic approach tone to G, fifth of Cmaj7.
You'll find the related "Short YouTube Video" at the top of this page and two PDF methods (below) to developp and improve your walking bass lines and knowledge in scales on the guitar.