The Triad Blueprint for Guitarists: The Randy Vincent Way

Hey guys! Marc from Jazz Guitar Lessons here. Welcome back! Today, I’m excited to share a simple blueprint for mastering guitar triads—something you can do in less than a minute. Grab your guitar, and let's dive in!

What is a Triad?

A triad is a three-note chord. For example, an open C chord is a triad. If there's no number, it's a major triad (e.g., C). If there's a little "m" or "minor," it's a minor triad (e.g., Cm). A C major triad consists of C, E, and G. No matter how many of each note you have, as long as you have only these three notes, it's a triad.

The Magic of Triads

Some jazz players think they need to learn every string, fingering, position, and inversion of triads on the guitar. While that can be helpful, there's a shortcut method I picked up from the great guitarist and teacher Randy Vincent. Here it is:

We'll use two inversions per string set before moving to the next string set. This approach allows you to cover the entire fretboard without memorizing every possible fingering.

How to Apply This Method

Let's start with the lowest available C major triad on the fretboard:

1. G-C-E (2nd inversion: G is the lowest note).
2. Move to the next inversion: C-E-G (root position).

Continue this pattern up the fretboard:

• Play G-C-E
• Move to C-E-G
• Then move the bottom note up an octave and repeat.

Demonstration

Here’s a quick demonstration:

1. Bottom Strings: G-C-E
2. Next Inversion: C-E-G
3. Move Up: Repeat this process up the fretboard, string by string.

By using this method, you can journey up the entire fretboard efficiently. It's not a cure-all, but it's a fantastic starting point for jazz guitarists.

Why Practice Triads?

You might wonder why you should practice triads if you're already playing complex jazz chords. Triads are the building blocks of all other harmonies. For instance, if you know all C major triads, you can play an Am7 chord by playing C-E-G over an A bass note. The same concept applies to other chords, such as Cmaj7 (C-E-G-B) or Cmaj9 (C-E-G-B-D).

Advanced Tips

For advanced players, try working on spread triads. This means spacing the notes across different octaves, like C-G-E instead of C-E-G. This adds variety and richness to your playing. You can apply the same inversion method to spread triads, enhancing your fretboard navigation.

Final Thoughts

This approach allows you to integrate triads seamlessly into your playing. Whether you're practicing major, minor, augmented, or diminished triads, the method remains the same. Randy Vincent's books, especially "Three-Note Voicings and Beyond," are excellent resources for deepening your understanding.

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Until Next Time

Keep practicing, integrate these triads into your playing, and explore new harmonic possibilities. Improve your jazz guitar skills with a real teacher at JazzGuitarLessons.net. Talk to you soon!

Take care and happy playing!