
You could also of course hit 4 strings: intervals on 2 strings in combination with 2 open strings to create richer sounding lush chord voicings.

Or playing 3rd intervals on the A and D string with an open G-string. In addition: you can do this in any key that has that open string as a scale note.įor example with 3rds in the key of C on strings 2 and 3: This works on any string set and you can incorporate any of the open strings to the intervals you’re practicing. Songs in Different Keys to Use As Your Backing BandĪll open strings on the guitar are tuned to notes of the C major scale.Īs a result, you can practice intervals on 2 adjacent strings and add open strings to whatever string set you are practicing intervals on, to come up with ethereal sounding lush chords. Here’s a list of songs in all 12 keys that you can use as your backing track. Start practicing different keys (moving up the circle of 5ths) once intervals in the key of C become lesser of a challenge. Since the drill now only takes 12 minutes, maybe you can do 2 sessions a day: practicing a different string set or interval in each session. Narrow the drills down to 2 minutes per interval or string set when it gets easier. ĕ sets of 2 strings X 3 minutes = 15-minute drill.You could also organize your interval practice like this: 3 minutes per interval, adding up to an 18-minute daily drill.Do 3rds next, then 4ths, 5ths, then 6ths, and finally 7ths.Practice in the key of C only to give yourself time to get used to the interval.The Study of Musical Intervals Part 2: The 2nd Interval Here’s the previously posted video explaining this: This interval exercise has been discussed in past blogs on intervals. (If this doesn’t make sense: review this blog on 3rd intervals The Study of Musical Intervals Part 3: The 3rd Interval) (Fingerings look different on the G and B strings)įor example: if you’re soloing with 3rd intervals, on the top 2 strings (B & E), you will be playing a major 3rd fingering on top of the notes C, F, and G on the B string, and a minor 3rd fingering on the other 4 notes. Which interval you’re practicing at that time.Pick a string set and solo with intervals over songs or backing tracks in the key of C (for now).Īfter all: the idea is that you only pay attention to the notes on the lowest of the 2 strings you play on, and apply the right interval fingering on top of that note.

The exercises described in this blog will help you with that. You will be able to memorize ALL 12 intervals in a reasonable short amount of time, AND have tons of fun in the process. Fun Exercises To Practice Musical Intervals
