Single Note Runs
A distinct characteristic of Jazz fingerpicking guitar is the use of single note runs. In order to play a single note run you will need to be familiar with several popular scales or patterns.
The Major Scale
The major scale is a useful scale you should become familiar with. Two common major scale patterns are shown in the following diagrams. One pattern can be referred to as a root six pattern with the key notes located on the sixth, fourth and first strings.
The other pattern can be thought of as being in a root five position with the key notes located on the fifth, third and first strings. The first diagram demonstrates the root six major scale in A, the second, the root five major scale in C. Both of these patterns are movable, i.e., they can be moved up or down the fretboard to be played in different keys.
Major scale - root six
Major scale - root five
Right Hand - First Position
It is essential to use correct right hand technique when fingerpicking single note runs. Generally there are three or four positions for the right hand. The right hand first position, as used in many of the earlier examples, is used when a lick is based around the first three strings. Allocate the right hand thumb (p) to the 3rd string, the right hand index finger (i) to the 2nd string and the right middle finger (m) to the 1st string.
The following example is played within the A major scale - root six.
Right Hand - Second Position
The next lick is played with the right hand in the second position. The right hand thumb (p) is allocated to the 4th string, the right hand index finger (i) to the 3rd string and the right middle finger (m) to the 2nd string.
The Natural Minor Scale
Another common scale used in Jazz guitar is the natural minor scale. This scale has a distinctive classical and sometimes haunting sound to it. Study the following diagrams as they illustrate the most commonly used patterns for the natural minor scale.
The first diagram demonstrates the root six natural minor scale in A, the second, the root five minor scale in E. As with previous patterns both of these patterns are movable.
Natural Minor scale - root six
Natural Minor scale - root five
The natural minor scale in the key of Am is used for the next example.
Changing Right Hand Positions
When playing a lick that uses four or more strings it will be necessary to change the position of the right hand. There is no rule to when the right hand will change position. Changing the position will depend on which strings and notes are played. The following lick is played on the first four strings.
The right hand first position is used first before changing to the second position midway through the lick. Try using the suggested right hand fingering but feel free to vary the fingering to suit yourself.
Right Hand - Third Position
When playing single note runs there will be times when the fifth string is needed. This will require the right hand to play in the third position.
The right hand thumb (p) is allocated to the 5th string, the right hand index finger (i) to the 4th string and the right middle finger (m) to the 3rd string. The following lick is in C major. The right hand moves between the second and third positions.
More Scales and Patterns
To finish this lesson, here are a selection of useful scales and patterns that you should learn. For a complete knowledge of scales, patterns and modes see Progressive Scales and Modes for Guitar.
The minor pentatonic scale is one of the most common scales used in Rock music so this scale will prove to be useful when playing a Jazz-Rock feel.
Minor Pentatonic scale - root six
Minor Pentatonic scale - root five
The major pentatonic can be substituted for the major scale. This scale is also commonly used in all forms of Country music.
Major Pentatonic scale - root six
Major Pentatonic scale - root five
The Blues scale will prove to be useful when playing a Jazz-Blues feel.
Blues scale - root six
Blues scale - root five
The harmonic minor scale can be substituted for the natural minor scale.
Harmonic Minor - root six
Harmonic Minor - root five
Example 199 is played within the root six G minor pentatonic scale. The right hand uses positions three and four.
The last example in this lesson is a Jazz-Blues run played within the root six A Blues scale. All six strings are played so the right hand uses all four positions.
