On The Beat - Episode 855 - Weekly Guitar Video News Wrap Up June 12, 2026
June 12, 2026
This week I had a couple students working with 3-string triads on the top strings (1st, 2nd & 3rd), and I thought to combine ideas on the three families (E, A & D), and how they can be used for progressions using chords I, IV & V. It turns out the key of D, and opening to And You And I by Yes opened a door that I hope everybody can look into a bit. So not much playing this week, just some Guitar Geometry. Much more along these lines can be found in our Lead Secrets - Using Triads Package.
A couple new lessons crossed our path this week thanks to Nesh: Welcome To My World by Jim Reeves and Choosin' Texas by Ella Langly.
Neil
Howdy:
I always enjoyed learning fretboard geometry and many ways to look at it exists. On strings 1-3, I had learned the A shape is root position (CEG), E shape 1st inversion (EGC) and D shape is second inversion (GCE). You began to delve into the use of the different inversions to get the notes you want but also fretboard economy; I hope you continue to expand your explanations. Your lessons on Lead secrets added some depth to my understanding and I appreciate that.
I really enjoy your lessons and weekly presentations. Thank you.
I always enjoyed learning fretboard geometry and many ways to look at it exists. On strings 1-3, I had learned the A shape is root position (CEG), E shape 1st inversion (EGC) and D shape is second inversion (GCE). You began to delve into the use of the different inversions to get the notes you want but also fretboard economy; I hope you continue to expand your explanations. Your lessons on Lead secrets added some depth to my understanding and I appreciate that.
I really enjoy your lessons and weekly presentations. Thank you.
Hey,
Thanks for the input on these theory excursions, and I will keep them coming.
I prefer to think of the 3-string triad reductions as to the order of chord numbers, rather than inversions. When talking inversions your classification is based on the bass note. I never think of these as having bass notes because somebody else is in charge of that (rhythm player, bass player, keyboard...)
It is more useful to know where the root is - 1st string for E, 2nd string for D and 3rd string for A. Then, where the 3rd is... (I'll let you process that). Then, by process of elimination, where the 5th is (and nobody cares until we venture into the diminished and augmented world).
This is how I usually approach playing along with others, and love that you, and hopefully other folks are into it.
Neil
Thanks for the input on these theory excursions, and I will keep them coming.
I prefer to think of the 3-string triad reductions as to the order of chord numbers, rather than inversions. When talking inversions your classification is based on the bass note. I never think of these as having bass notes because somebody else is in charge of that (rhythm player, bass player, keyboard...)
It is more useful to know where the root is - 1st string for E, 2nd string for D and 3rd string for A. Then, where the 3rd is... (I'll let you process that). Then, by process of elimination, where the 5th is (and nobody cares until we venture into the diminished and augmented world).
This is how I usually approach playing along with others, and love that you, and hopefully other folks are into it.
Neil