3 Shape Fretboard

A method for guitarists to work towards being able to figure out guitar scales & arpeggios for themselves. Why? because understanding the logic and universal principals that apply to what are normally seen as dissimilar shapes & patterns gives a better understanding, making them more meaningful, and importantly; easier to learn in the long run.

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Print length: 134 pages
Print Dimensions: 8.27" wide x 11.69" high

3 major scale shapes

All other scales and arpeggios are defined in comparison to the major scale. This is reflected in practical terms by categorising the major scale into 3 different fundamental shapes, which can be used as templates. Once understood, they an be altered to make other scales. Arpeggios too.

the caged system

The 3 shape system can be used to see the logic behind the CAGED system, breaking it down into single octave components. For example; 5 CAGED major scale shapes each containing between 15 to 18 notes, can be seen as what they really are; simpler patterns of only 7 notes, which are joined at their octaves.

600+ fretboard diagrams

Over 600 clear Fretboard diagrams for all types of scale and arpeggio. Shade coded with Black, Grey and White to distinguish between the 3 fundamental shapes and those that derive from them, with root notes clearly indicated from one octave to the next.

modes for guitar

Modes can be learnt directly on the fretboard by being compared to the fundamental major scale shapes in order to identify the differences, and therefore the unique structure of each mode.

scales & arpeggios

Major, minor, pentatonics, Harmonic minor, Phrygian Dominant, Melodic minor and many more (for a full idea view the contents page at bottom of this webpage). All presented in terms of the 3 Shape system.

chord harmony

The basic reasoning behind how chords are arranged in music is explained for major and minor keys, after which, musical examples of chord sequences are given. Also see the CAGED system applied to chords, and how basic major and minor chords are formed from within scales.

Questions, Answers & audio

All answers are accompanied by an audio example track and musical demonstrations are given for the chord sequences. Listen to samples below.

F minorArtist name

Harmonised C major, 7th chords Artist name

Answers 7 - 12Artist name

“3 Shape Fret-board by Gareth Evans is a thorough workbook for learning to understand and play scales on the guitar. The sheer number of different scales and modes may seem overwhelming, but the knowledge of the three basic shapes and a basic understanding of intervals will help a lot in seeing through the jungle. A tour de force of fret-board and scale knowledge.”

Mathias Lang

Guitar Teacher & Composer (Netherlands)

“A logical and thorough approach to understanding scales, intervals and arpeggios on the guitar. All related to the universal CAGED idea of fretboard layout. Plenty to study and apply to your playing.”

Hedley Timbs

Grad.Dip. Teaching (New Zealand)

"I think the 3 pattern approach is very interesting and well documented. There is lot’s of good material and I like the approach. Very well organised, complete and clear with plenty of diagrams."

Fabien Aubry

Composer, Arranger & Producer (Switzerland)

"There is clear evidence of many hours of dedication, organization, and piece-by-piece construction resulting in a detailed and extremely practical guitar instruction / reference manual. Be forewarned – you will not digest this in a day or two.....a wealth of information and a unique, pattern-based key that will open the door to endless musical possibilities. You only have to invest the time in order to earn the key that will allow passage."

Webmaster

Conifer Guitar Website