rusty cOOLey
Example 1. 1-2-3
Example 2. 1-3-2
Example 3. 2-3-1
Example 4. 2-1-3
Example 5. 3-2-1
Example 6. 3-1-2
FIERCE GUITAR
Three-Note-Per-String Variables
Welcome back, guitar fanatics! This month we’re going to talk about a cool way to bust out of those undesirable ruts we all encounter from time to
time. This is a concept that is still in the development phase; I call it Three-Note-Per-String Variables. The three-note-per-string variable concept takes
you through the six variations of three notes per string: 1-2-3, 1-3-2, 2-3-1, 2-1-3, 3-2-1, 3-1-2. These numbers refer to the directions of your fingers in
relationship to the three notes you will play in a scale as you ascend and descend through a single position. Make sense?
Let’s take a look at each example. A quick note: I’m just going to use an A Major scale, which consists of the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
Now for the technique: feel free to explore legato, alternate picking, economy picking and string-skipping. Also, be sure to try applying these to a more liner approach and be creative; the three-note-per-string variables will give you a more intervallic sound. Play them slow and scoop into
some of the notes using your wammy bar like Holdsworth or Malmsteen. These will also help you
to come up with more original sounding ideas, because it’s breaking you out of the normal ascending and descending traps. As a bonus, you will develop stronger finger independence because of
the initial shock your fingers will encounter. So explore the possibilities and have fun.
Rusty Cooley
Rusty Cooley has been playing and teaching for over 20
years, and has recorded as a solo artist, with his band
Outworld, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. He has six
instructional DVDs and a signature model 7-string guitar, the
RC7 by Dean Guitars. Visit Rusty online at rustycooley.com
