3rds Sequences. Interval Sequence Lesson

Sequences are on of the most effective way of learning new scales and improving your technique. Another great thing about sequences is that they sound a lot more musical than simply running straight up and down the scales and should make your practice time more interesting and rewarding. In this lesson I will show you the thirds sequence which is a very commonly used practice tool and musical device.

Let’s start off by looking at how we apply the sequences of 3rds to our good friend the C major scale.

C, D, E, F, G, A, B

The idea when doing these kinds of sequences is to start off on the root note, move up a third and then do the same for each note of the scale. Our sequence of thirds in C major would look like this:

C, E, D, F, E, G, F, A, G, B, A, C, B, D

Example 1

Example 1 shows you how to play the C major scale in thirds and contains guitar tab and standard notation.

Notice that we use both major and minor third intervals in this sequence. You can apply the same ideas to any scale you like. I recommend that whenever you learn a new scale you try and play through it in thirds. By practicing scales in this way you not only improve your technique but also your knowledge of the scale and aural skills.