Learn the 3:2 System in 10 Days

We're with you every step of the way in this 2-week challenge. In every lesson, Spencer will break down a new concept and run through guided practice exercises with you so you can lock it into your muscle memory. To cap off each day's work, you'll put what you learned in a musical context with a guided jam session.

‍

‍Day 1. What's the 3:2 system?

Play three notes on one string, move a string up, and play two more notes. There. Class dismissed. (Just kidding. There’s more to it!)

The 3:2 system offers a unique approach to playing the pentatonic scale with several advantages over traditional box shapes:

1) It consists of only two positions.

2) It applies to both major and minor pentatonic scales.

3) It unlocks diagonal fretboard movement.

4) All notes on the same string are spaced two frets apart.

In Day 1, you’ll learn the first position.

‍

‍Day 2. Position 2

The 3:2 system only has two positions for the major pentatonic. In this lesson, you’ll learn the second one. You’ll play the same scale as in Day 1: the F major pentatonic. However, instead of starting on the low E string, you’ll play the scale from the F to the A string.

‍Day 3. Applying 3:2 to chord changes

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to “play the changes”. You might’ve heard about this in relation to jazz guitar, but it’s useful for lead guitarists in all styles.

‍

Playing the chord changes involves:

1) Choosing notes that match the underlying chord instead of using one blanket scale for the entire progression.

2) Orienting yourself around a new root note for each chord.

‍

‍Day 4. The 3:2 system (Maj. pentatonic)

In this lesson, you’ll learn three licks inspired by iconic guitar solos designed to show you the power of the pentatonic scale:
1) Let It Be – George Harrison via The Beatles
2) The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
3) The Wind Cries Mary – Jimi Hendrix

‍

‍Day 5. Major 3:2 workout

At this point, you’ll have made it halfway through the lessons of this 2-week challenge. This guided workout is designed for you to revisit as much as you need until the material is feeling solid under your fingers.

‍Day 6. 2:3 minor pattern – Position 1

Here, we're flipping to the other side of the coin to look at the minor pattern of the 3:2 system.
That’s right! For the minor pentatonic, you’ll play 2 notes and then 3. You’ll learn the first position in the key of D.

‍

‍Day 7. 2:3 minor pattern  – Position 2

In this lesson, you'll continue mapping out the 2:3 system. The higher octave has some neat double stop-portunities on the high E and B strings. As you work through this lesson, it's important to visualize where those are in relation to the root note.

‍

‍Day 8. Applying the system to minor chord changes

Just like you'll have done on Day 3, you'll explore "one-scale-per-chord" playing with the minor 2:3 system.