In this lesson we will discuss combining different techniques into short moveable and transformable ideas.

The main example here uses both sweep picking (all down strokes with a single wrist motion) and a hammer on. (Following up a previously picked note on the same string with a strong downward hammer motion with your finger.)

I would suggest practicing this main example (1:00 in video) many times before moving on so you can understand and see how I take this simple idea through many different concepts.

Concept one - Scales (2:15 in video)

Here I show you how to fit that first example into a pentatonic scale. That same pentatonic “box” that every guitar player loves. Start by moving the original pattern to the 6th string off the 5th fret and moving through each string changing the notes as you go to fit with the pentatonic scale. This is an effective way to make older material you may know feel fresh.

Concept two - Triads (2:55 in video)

Now we move on to changing the notes of the original pattern to fit with a generic A major triad shape. What is cool about these 2 note per string triad shapes is they are very easy to move around in octaves as I show you in the example. TIP: Learn the minor triad shapes too! You just need to move the 2nd note in the triad shape down the neck 1 fret. So the 4th fret in the major shape now becomes the 3rd fret for the minor shape. Apply to all 3 octaves!

Concept three - Chord progressions (3:28 in video)

This may be a little tricky for those of you that don’t have much experience with building chords but that's okay just practice the tab!

So here I take the first idea through a series of chords, I make sure to change each note from the original 3 to fit the notes of each passing chord.

If you are new to triads, memorize the shapes I'm playing and the chord name that goes with it! These are all common moveable shapes that you will see over and over again.