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The Box Pattern - Pentatonic and Dorian Scales
Filed Under (Practice, Practice Session, Scales) by Frank on 02-08-2008
Tagged Under : Dorian, Pentatonic, Scales, The Box Pattern, The Box Position, TuxGuitar
As I said in a previous post, for scale practice, I’m working on learning the box pattern.
After going back and forth a little bit with Kenski (The Fillmore Five Project), I think I understand what the “Box Pattern” is. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to try to explain it right now, as I don’t think I could write something that in depth — and its not even a complicated topic…
Anyway, I’ve been learning the Box Pattern as defined here: http://www.myguitarsolo.com/sc_box.htm
I’ve already got the Pentatonic scale down; no problems there but I needed to do some work on the Dorian scale as MyGuitarSolo.com has it defined. I think I have it down, but I created some TuxGuitar files to practice with (for rhythm and timing practice).
I’ve placed the TuxGuitar files for download below:
The source, MyGuitarSolo.com, has the scales written out in a way to show you which notes on the fret board to play, they do not show an order or direction to play the notes in. The TuxGuitar files are my interpretation of what order to play the notes. (Of course, it doesn’t really matter what order you play the notes in and if you are not familar with what I’m talking about keep an eye out here — much more will be coming about this topic).
Below are images of the TuxGuitar files (click to enlarge):
A Pentatonic (Minor)
A Dorian
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Frank, check out this link on my site about the box positions: http://www.pickstroke.com/?cat=25
Don’t confuse the box positions with the modes.
Also, you’re site is my pick of the week. Thanks for sharing as you’re learning.
Is your bike a 750? I’m considering purchasing one. How do you like it?
Tims last blog post..Pick of the Week
Hey Tim,
Thanks a lot for both the info on the box positions and for making my site your pick of the week… It really is an honor, thank you.
The bike picture (about page) is a 750. But I’ve since purchased a VTX 1300R. So I have both the 750 and a 1300. The 750 is a 2004 Shadow Aero. I love them both. Depending on your experience level, I’d recommend either. If you are just getting started, start with the 750; that will hold your interest for more than a season and yet be easy to handle. If you have a few years under your belt (or if you rode in the past) I’d be incline to recommend the VTX1300. If you want more info, feel free to e-mail!
(I actually just got back doing a Motorcycle run with Morton’s steakhouse for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It was a wonderful ride and run and I ended up taking the 750 as the wife prefers the sissy bar. I’ve not had a chance to install one on the VTX yet.)
Regards,
Frank
Franks last blog post..The Box Pattern - Pentatonic and Dorian Scales
Frank and Tim,
Thanks for helping out a NewBee like me. While I am about to practice the Box patterns, does it matter what Fret I start on, or should I just start with one Fret and work my way up and down the neck? Thanks again for helping those that need help…
As I understand it, but I may not be 100% right, the fret you start on is the root note. (And that does depends on certain things, such as the scale you are playing, etc, etc.)
So for example, when I play the pentatonic major (or minor) I start on the 5 fret of the low E string. That is an A note. So that scale is an A Pentatonic Major (or minor, depending on which scale I’m playing [I forgot whether the one above is major or minor, please forgive me]).
Take the first scale (image) that I have posted above. Notice that it starts on the 5 fret? If you shift (what they call “Up the neck” (closer to the body of the guitar) to the 7th fret, you’d be playing a B Pentatonic.
Does this make sense?
Also, different patterns will make different scales. The pattern I have posted above (in the first image) is one of many Pentatonic patterns.
I will have a lot more coming up about the “box pattern“. I think I’ve had an epiphany in regards to what the “box position” is and how to apply it. I want to do a post regarding my new thoughts on this concept; so keep an eye out!
Regards,
Frank
Franks last blog post..The Box Pattern - Pentatonic and Dorian Scales
I’ve doubled checked the A Pentatonic scale, it that is A Pentatonic Minor. I’ve corrected the blog entry.
Regards,
Frank
Franks last blog post..The Box Pattern - Pentatonic and Dorian Scales
Ok and thanks for the reply. I am starting on this and the Scale Cards that my misses gave me. As a for instance, the Ionian scale from the Cards, starts on the Low E string 5th fret and is the note A. I guess it comes down to what scale you are using and it will come with … time and practice.
Hi MJK,
I’m not sure what I wrote applies to all scales such as the Ionian. In the Ionian scale, for each key the fingering may change. I’ve not explored that yet.
Right now, I’d honestly suggest, based on what I know right now, to start with the pentatonic minor and major scales.
If you’ve already learned the Ionian scale it won’t hurt (learning all scales are good and can help), but I’m getting the impression that the Pentatonic minor and majors are more flexible and versatile.
Regards,
Frank
Not to beat a dead horse, but this site also seems like a good reference: http://gosk.com/scales/. Not sure if you have seen this but wanted to pass it along.
The more the better, thank you very much MJK.
Regards,
Frank
Franks last blog post..The Box Pattern - Pentatonic and Dorian Scales
cool
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