Beginner Back Tracks

Showing the popular patterns for whole notes only

Pattern 1 (Sorted by Popularity)

Root Notes: G, C, A, & B

Root Notes: A, D, B, & E

Root Notes: D, G, E, & A

Root Notes: G, C, A, & D

Root Notes: A, D, B, & E

• Stick to the root note at the right intervals, but mix it up in between.

• Use the drumbeat as your metronome.

• Don't stress about what to play next or play too fast.

• Think about how you would play backward. Whatever way is your natural way to play, think of how you could mix it up the other way.

• Some actions to mix in:

  • Slides

  • Vibratos

  • Bends

  • Pull-offs

  • Hammer-ons

  • Power chords

  • Muted notes

  • Use the whammy

  • Use a pedal

  • Throw in some chords

• When you start to get good, switch pattern positions at the root note and continue playing.

• Don't do this at first, but the flat note to the right (if you are right-handed) of the double box pattern of the furthermost note of each box (thinking of the pattern as three complete boxes) can be mixed in easily with the furthest most note.

  • Essentially, you can keep adding any notes to the pattern, but then remembering the pattern dynamically for every scenario becomes confusing because not all notes sound good on each pattern. However, these flats I mentioned go well with this rule of the furthest most notes in almost any case.

  • Visually, this is what I mean (below). If you do this, you mix up a bit of the major scale with the minor and now the pattern becomes a little more snazzy/bluesy.