Horizontal Or Diagonal Two String Patterns

-February 09, 2024

A useful method for organising fretting positions of single-note is to create a pattern using only two adjacent strings. Enabling a pattern where the fretting remains the same as it moves through different octaves. It could be scale or an arpeggio of a chord. The image below contains an example showing the notes of a pentatonic scale arranged in repeating horizontal patterns.

Notice how the pattern repeates on the strings, E – A, D – G and B – E.

Diagram of fretboard showing a G minor pentatonic with note pattern moving horizontally along the fretboard. — Notice how the pattern repeates on the strings, E – A, D – G and B – E.

Once a pattern has been created over two strings, it can be repeated simply by moving the pattern to the next adjacent pair of strings. The process needs to consider the direction of pitch and also the tuning system of the guitar. If moving from strings E – A up to D – G then the whole pattern moves up two frets. Whereas the reverse is true if moving down, the reverse. Whereas moving from strings D – G up to B – E the pattern moves up three frets to account for B string being tuned differently to the other strings.

The image below identifies the same example, but using dark coloured squares to highlight the repeating pattern.

Diagram of fretboard showing a G minor pentatonic with note pattern moving horizontally along the fretboard using black squares to highlight the pattern. — Notice how the pattern repeates on the strings, E – A, D – G and B – E.

Intrinsical Fretboard Knowledge

Arranging fretting in two string horizontal patterns is an intrinsic concept and applicable to any collection of notes, scale or arpeggio. It provides a foundation for technique as the the pattern is the same, the plucking hand can follow the process. Meanwhile, the fretting hand can also choose strategically advantageous opportunities for slides and speed. The concept can also be applicable to some Alternative or Open tunings, though it requires extra consideration and adjustment.

Final Thoughts

There are two modes Fretharmony uses for showing horizontal positions. Basic mode hides notes not included in the pattern, and highlight mode, which uses dark squares to identify circles included in the pattern.

For those who are beginning with this idea it may be worth spending some time with three-note or tetrad chords. If you’re already familiar with this concept perhaps it’s worth thinking about how you can create technical exercises to help learn technique. Or opportunities to move between different chords or positions.