Minor Triads & b3 to 3 Movement
Shift between major and minor triads across E, C, and A shapes while tackling a I–vi–ii–V progression to develop smooth voice leading. You’ll also explore the expressive b3 to 3 melodic motif—an essential ingredient in bluesy phrasing and melodic improvisation.
3 Against 4 Cross Picking, A-Shape Major to Mixolydian
This shorter routine packs a punch with cross-picking, rhythmic displacement, and funky triad work inspired by Want You Back. You’ll also dive into the A-shape dominant scale and explore four creative licks to kickstart your phrasing.
“I Won’t Give Up On You” Pt. 1
We dive into triads through a full song form, using the “la pompe” rhythm to drive classic progressions like I–V, II–V, and gospel-style turnarounds. Each section builds harmonic awareness, helping us hear and feel how chords function across a tune.
“I Won’t Give Up On You” Pt. 2
We reshape triads into dominant 7 chords using two streamlined methods, creating rich harmonic motion without adding complexity. Applying these sounds to a song progression trains our ears and hands to hear functional movement and play with greater harmonic intent.
Review Session
This week we hit pause to reflect, reconnect with the material, and reassess our progress across 35 routines. Using triads from Signed, Sealed, Delivered as a musical anchor, we’re reminded that practice is about depth, not speed—and real growth comes from truly knowing, not just doing.
Major & Minor Triads
We lock in closed-voiced triads across E, C, and A shapes, shifting between major and minor to build fretboard fluency. By applying them to real progressions, we uncover how simple triads imply richer harmonies and function musically beyond their shapes.
Chromatic Superimposition
We explore how placing a simple C major triad over different bass notes transforms its function and color, revealing rich harmonic possibilities. From dominant sus to Lydian and modern fusion sounds, this approach deepens our fretboard awareness and unlocks creative voicing options.
I to IV Chord Change Pt. 1
Triads and pentatonic scales come together to illuminate the I–IV progression across multiple positions. By outlining chord changes with melodic clarity and rhythmic flair, this session builds confidence in both soloing and harmonic navigation.
I to IV Chord Change Pt. 2
This session expands the I–IV progression across keys, blending triad movement with rhythmic vamps and major pentatonic lines. By cycling through fourths and layering in extended note choices, the material pushes both fretboard fluency and expressive phrasing.
I to V Chord Change
This routine sharpens your grasp of I–V movement by connecting triads, pentatonics, and dominant arpeggios across familiar shapes. With a focus on targeting chord tones and hearing harmonic function clearly, the material bridges rhythm and melody in both practice and improvisation.
I to ii Chord Movement
Major triads become minor with a single note shift, and this session explores that transformation across E, C, and A shapes to unlock the I–ii progression. Through triad-based licks, arpeggios, and chord applications, melodic phrasing becomes more intentional and harmonically grounded.
The MONEY Note: Adding the 9th
This session adds a fresh color to minor pentatonic vocabulary by weaving the 9th into all five positions. With lush harmony and fusion-inspired phrasing, the material strengthens fretboard fluency while opening up melodic options that are both tasteful and expressive.
I ii III IV V vi/VI Chords
Week 52 wraps the year with a deep dive into functional harmony, focusing on recognizing and navigating progressions like I–vi–IV–V across keys. By mapping interval relationships and applying triads to familiar forms, this lesson strengthens your transpositional fluency and harmonic awareness—just in time for the next chapter.
What’s A Drop Chord?
This lesson breaks down drop 2 voicings and teaches how to construct, invert, and apply them across the neck. By the end, you’ll be voice-leading through II–V–I progressions with fluidity and fretboard awareness.
Treasure (Bruno Mars)
This lesson blends rhythmic precision with functional harmony, using triads and real-world groove applications to lock into 16th-note time. By the end, you’ll be able to comp through an entire tune with feel, form, and tasteful voicings.
Maj/Min/Dim Chord Scales
This workout builds mastery of major, minor, and diminished triads by connecting them into full chord scales along the neck. Through shape transitions and melodic drills, you’ll strengthen fretboard awareness and sharpen your ear for harmonic movement.
7th Chords and Modes from Triads
This routine expands triad practice into real harmonic and modal territory, using lowered roots and raised 5ths to imply 7th chords. By mapping triads to modes, you’ll start hearing deeper musical possibilities hidden inside familiar shapes.
Dorian Workout
This week’s routine puts the spotlight on Dorian, using triads and arpeggios to uncover the mode’s true sound—not just its shape. By targeting the 6th and blending it with minor harmony, you’ll train your ear to hear what makes Dorian feel distinct and musical.
Let’s Get LYDIAN!
This session kicks off our exploration of Lydian—a bright, expansive sound built from the major scale with a #4 twist. You’ll learn how to build the mode around triads and maj7 arpeggios, while training your ear to target that signature raised 4th.
Mixolydian Pt. 1
Explore the soulful sound of Mixolydian by combining dominant arpeggios, full-scale patterns, and expressive triad connections. This week’s routine focuses on three core positions to help you internalize the mode’s flavor and phrasing potential.
Aeolian Pt. 1
This week we dig into Aeolian—the natural minor scale—and explore its pure, unembellished minor sound across E, C, and A positions using chords, arpeggios, scales, and triad-based phrases. Simple concept, powerful results.
Diminished Scale
We’re kicking off a deep dive into the whole-half diminished scale—your secret weapon for both inside and outside playing. Symmetrical, slippery, and surprisingly versatile, this week’s routine sets the foundation for making it a real part of your voice.
Descending Diminished Scales
We’re taking last week’s diminished scale work and flipping it upside down—literally. This week is all about descending diminished lines, applying them to a classic jazz blues move, and training your brain to resolve them musically from anywhere on the neck.
Dominant Diminished
This week’s routine reveals a powerful shortcut: treat dominant 7 chords as 7b9s and use diminished 7 shapes to simplify your scale choices. We apply this to a ii–V–I–VI progression, using diminished substitutions to unlock new sounds and clean fretboard logic.
Locrian Pt. 1
We’re wrapping up the modes with Locrian—a tense, unstable sound built on the m7♭5 chord. This lesson helps you hear and play Locrian clearly, using arpeggios, scales, and targeted melodic shapes.
A MAJOR Arpeggio Workout
This week shifts our focus from learning to practicing, with 12 arpeggio-based workouts designed to build rhythmic clarity and control. It’s all about deepening your groove, not just adding more information.
The EASIEST Routine So Far?
This routine may look simple, but it reveals whether your fundamentals are truly solid. If the basics still trip you up, don’t rush ahead—this is the perfect chance to build real fluency.
LOTS of D Major
This festive workout puts your triad chops to the test by drilling D major shapes up and down the neck using inversion slides. It’s a focused routine in seeing barre chords as moveable frameworks and unlocking smooth, creative voice movement.
Practice Motivation
New year, same mission: deeper fretboard fluency. This week, we’re reconnecting triad shapes around D major to strengthen your chordal instincts and build true on-the-fly adaptability.
