Guitar Chromatic Scale 2

In Part 1 we dealt with the Guitar Chromatic Scales beginning on the low E and A strings. We will conclude our discussion with the chromatic scales which traverse the higher strings - D G B and high E.

Following along with our approach to finding patterns, let's get straight to the pattern for the D string.

EXERCISE 1.

Aim: to play the chromatic scale from the first fret of the D string (D sharp).

Practice.
Use this pattern starting at different places on the D string.

Note: as for all the exercises practice the chromatic scales up and down.

EXERCISE 2.

Aim: to play the chromatic scale from the first fret of the G string (G sharp).

Practice.
Use finger 1 (the long one) for the notes C and C sharp.
We use this one incidentally, to double up, because it's stronger and faster than the others.
Use this pattern starting at different places on the G string.

EXERCISE 3.

Aim: to play the chromatic scale from the first fret of the B string ( = C).

Practice.
Use the obvious pattern derived as part of the previous exercise.
Use this pattern starting at different places on the B string.

EXERCISE 4.

Aim: to play a chromatic scale like lightning.

Practice.
Place your first finger on the first fret of any string.
Pick that string and as the note is still sounding move your first finger up the frets as fast as you like. This actually is called a glissando.

You can get a similar effect on a keyboard, but it is not as accurate. On keyboard you generally gliss over the white notes only, which is not a full chromatic scale; it is more like the scale of C. (So that's one up for guitars !)

EXERCISE 5.

Aim: to play a glissando going in the opposite direction.

Practice.
Place your first finger part way up any string.
Pick that string and as the note is still sounding move your first finger down the frets as fast as you like.

GUITAR CHROMATIC SCALE - FINAL OBSERVATIONS

The chromatic scale has no key, that is, when you play it it does not of itself resolve into any final note.
You cannot convince someone that a certain note is the "final" note.

One advantage of the chromatic scale is that, because it does not belong anywhere, it can appear pretty well anywhere in a piece irrespective of the key of that piece.
It can be just 4 or 5 notes, or can be a long run of say 20 to give a certain effect.

Hence it is useful now and again for fillers. Boring if overdone !

created 13 july 05