Chromaticism Made EZ

This lesson represents a simple (but quite effective) way to incorporate chromaticism into your diatonic lines. When playing lines/licks built from 3 note-per-string scale patterns, you are most likely to play one of three left-hand sequences:

1. Whole step - half step
2. Half step - whole step
3. Whole step - whole step

With a few exceptions (harmonic minor and pentatonics to name two), these three left-hand fingerings will accommodate most 3 note-per-string scale forms.

Simply put, you take any 3 note per string scale form, and use the 'extra' finger (usually the middle or ring) to chromaticize the string you're on. (see examples).

The examples only chromaticize every other string, which I feel helps to make the 'extra' notes a little less obvious (as opposed to doing it on every string).

An added bonus is that this can get the player comfortable using 4 notes on a string, and thus open up new possibilities for playing ideas outside the 3 note-per-string format.

The four licks are built using these 'chromaticized' scale patterns, and can be played with any style you choose (picking, legato, etc...). These should give you some ideas to start incorporating the chromatic concept. The sounds are similar to those used by great players like Brett Garsed, Greg Howe and many other rock/fusion stylists.

MP3 - Example 1

MP3 - Example 2

MP3 - Example 3

MP3 - Example 4

Most of these lines are rhythmically 'ambiguous', meaning that they could be played with a triplet or sixteenth note feel (or any combination thereof). Experiment with different rhythmic feels, and starting the line on different parts of the beat.

Have fun!