Octave Shapes and Links Concept
We're going to use the note "F" for this excercise.
The diagram below depicts the 2 basic octave shapes (see Octave Shape 1 and
Octave Shape 2 below) and the 2 Linking Shapes (see below). If it's too distracting
to "page down" over and over again, it might be easier for you to
print this out, and then look at it. If you would like to see the layout improved,
or anything else improved, please feel free to write me at DrBop@DrBop.com
, and I'll be glad to re-structure it.
Notice that Octave Shape 1 (named so because it contains the
1st string) encompasses the 1st, 4th, and 6th strings. Practice playing and
visualizing this shape from the perspective of each of these individual strings.
In other words, if you know the name of any note on the 1st, 4th, or 6th strings,
you should be able to locate the same note on the other two strings in this
shape.
Notice that Octave Shape 2 (named so because it contains the
2nd string) encompasses the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th strings. Practice playing and
visualizing this shape from the perspective of each of these individual strings.
In other words, if you know the name of any note on the 2nd, 3rd, or 5th strings,
you should be able to locate the same note on the other two strings in this
shape.
At this point, if you know the name of any note on any string,
it will fall into one of these two categories (Octave Shape 1 or Octave Shape
2). The problem becomes one of being able to visualize these two seemingly disconnected
shapes quickly and in relation to each other. This is where the Links come in.
Notice that Link 1 and Link 2 are identical shapes, but each
is located on a different set of strings (Link 1 contains the 1st string, Link
2 contains the 2nd string). Link 1 connects the note on the 3rd string in Octave
Shape 2 to the note on the 1st string in Octave Shape 1. Link 2 connects the
note on the 4rd string in Octave Shape 1 to the note on the 2nd string in Octave
Shape 2. Be able to see this pattern as one giant loop, starting from any point.
The pattern is: Shape, Link, the OTHER Shape, then the OTHER Link.
Re-read the previous paragraph again, if you're not clear.
It's not nearly as confusing as it first appears to be. When you get control
of this concept, you'll be able to INSTANTLY see ALL of the "F" notes
(or any other note, for that matter) on the entire neck of the guitar.
