Weekly Workout: Patterns in Thirds

Most guitarists are accustomed to playing scales to warm up or improve their overall technical proficiency, but many restrict their practice to one particular scale or pattern, ascending and descending from root to root. While this has benefits, players who only practice scales in this way are missing out on some big rewards that can improve many facets of their playing. One effective approach that is popular among violinists and cellists is to practice scales in intervals of thirds, with a variety of patterns and variations.