Are there any standard melodic and harmonic minor fingerings for guitar

Discussion in 'Playing and Technique' started by Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008.


  1. Jan 11, 2008 #1
    Frank Prince

    Frank Prince Member

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    similiar to the CAGED system?

    I have messed around trying to find a few, but have not yet hit on a system where I'm finding any consistency.

    The CAGED system helped a lot for learning the diatonic major modes in position, and then linking them together all over the neck. I was hoping for something similar for melodic and harmonic minor.
     
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
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  2. Jan 11, 2008 #2
    Super Locrian

    Super Locrian Member

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    Most "standard" fingerings for guitar try to keep the hand in one position, playing 3 or 2 notes per string. Play a C major scale in any position. Lower the E to Eb: Melodic minor. Then lower the A to Ab: Harmonic minor.

    Using 2/3-notes per string fingerings can make it hard to visualize the scale across the neck. Be sure to practise 4-note per string fingerings as well, as these will force you to find scale tones on the whole neck.
     
    Super Locrian, Jan 11, 2008
    Super Locrian, Jan 11, 2008
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  3. Jan 11, 2008 #3
    Frank Prince

    Frank Prince Member

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    So, I can just adjust the CAGED method by 2 notes? Brilliant!

    I like to have at least one solid fingering for a scale down before I start drilling the modes.

    I like to get the sound of each scale or mode down and then apply fingerings to it, instead of vice versa. I have never been one of those guys who says "OK, for Dorian, I will just play in C Ionian". The chord tones never line up right for me, and it never sounds melodic.

    For Dorian, I like to have drilled Dorian.
     
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
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  4. Jan 11, 2008 #4
    garyh

    garyh Member

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    The Berklee Series books by William Leavitt (I think #2 especially) have 12 positions mapped across the guitar for major chords and also does harmonic and melodic minor , diminished and wholetone, I believe. It's been quite a while for me but they are there, I'm sure.
     
    garyh, Jan 11, 2008
    garyh, Jan 11, 2008
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  5. Jan 11, 2008 #5
    Frank Prince

    Frank Prince Member

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    Cool, thanks, I'll check those out.
     
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
    Frank Prince, Jan 11, 2008
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