Adding Flat Thirds to Major Triads and Pentatonic Scales

from: Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning

This lesson is part of the course Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning.

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Learn the basics of music theory as it relates to four-string instruments tuned in fifths. Chad’s practical approach will deepen your knowledge of chords, scales, and arpeggios, and help you integrate them into your playing.

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Major Chord Arpeggios

Learn how major chord arpeggios are constructed and how to find them on the mandolin/fiddle fingerboard. Chad explains that major chords are constructed of roots, thirds, and fifths: the first, third, and fifth notes in a major scale. Then he shows you different finger patterns for major arpeggios in bluegrass keys, giving you handy ways to visualize each pattern and advice about practicing them in different ways.

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Adding Flat Thirds to Major Triads and Pentatonic Scales

The flat third to major third embellishment is a staple of blues, bluegrass, and jazz licks. In this lesson Chad shows you how to add the flat third to major triads and substitute the flat third for the second in the major pentatonic scale and boogie-woogie scale. He starts by showing how to add the flat third to the major triads in the key of A (A, D, and E) and gives you ideas on creating melodic phrases from this idea. Then he shows you how to replace the second step of the major pentatonic scale and boogie-woogie scale with the flat third, showing you a few licks and how to improvise using this idea.

Adding Flat Thirds to Major Triads and Pentatonic Scales (Available to subscribers)

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