Welcome to System 8. System 8 completes the intermediate series. Once you finish System 8 you will have gained mastery of guitar technique that few guitars have.

System 8 Finger Gymnastics–4-3-2-1

For System 8 Finger Gymnastics, we are going to look at an exercise that is similar to the first two systems of Finger Gymnastics, but with a twist. The first Finger Gymnastics used 4-on-a-string picking patterns. This was extremely useful for synchronization of left and right hands, strengthening of fingers and finger independence. But, it is uncommon to play consistent 4-note-per-string patterns as an improviser.

Rather, guitarists most commonly use a mix of all finger patterns in melodic playing. So, they may play a phrase that uses four notes-per-string attached to a 2-note-per-string pattern, finishing with a 3-note-per-string pattern. Rarely would we encounter phrases that were matched in their patterns for very long.

This particular exercise mixes all finger patterns, using 4 notes per string, then 3, then 2, then 1. Though this would also be unrealistic in using a consistent pattern, it does force us to change our picking for each iteration, thus training our hands to play inconsistent picking patterns.

Arpeggios

In this system, we will continue our studies of 7th chords but will now play them in just one position. This is vital for improvising. We need, as improvisers, to be able to see chord shapes in one position. That way, as you make melodies, you do not have to jump to the next position to execute the phrase but can play it in the position you are in.

This exercise simply expands upon the previous arpeggio exercises by adding the 7th note. You will notice that the top 3 notes of each arpeggio are simply a triad that is a third above the root. So Cmaj7 is like an Em with a C root. Dm7 is an F Major triad with a D root. It is important to be able to see this. It allows you to expand your harmonic vocabulary by using information you already know!

For playing jazz, this exercise is indispensable.

Extended Pentatonics

In System 8, we will expand our pentatonics to combine 2 different forms of the pentatonics. As we play in one form, we will attach the next form of the CAGED system to it. So if you begin with the C form, you will include the next form (A) with it; if you are in the A form, you’ll combine it with G; and so on. This means that every other note is a doubled note, which makes for some very interesting sounds. Note that it can be played very fast. Since it is a three-on-a-string pattern, it can be really useful in legato playing, but it will make for some difficult stretches. You may be glad that you went through the Finger Gymnastics Stretch exercise in System 7, especially if you have smaller hands!

Major and Minor Hexatonics

In System 7, we introduced the Major and Minor hexatonic scales. Hopefully, you are beginning to see the usefulness of these scales. In many situations, they will work much better than your normal Major scale or pentatonic. In System 8, you will go through all 5 forms of both scales each week, traveling through all 12 keys.

Good luck with System 8 and again, congratulations for all your hard work!! God bless!