String Combinations for Guitar

String Combinations for Guitar: Exploring the Possibilities

When it comes to guitar playing, understanding string combinations for guitar can be an eye-opening way to think about chords, scales, and intervals. With six strings on the guitar, there are a total of 63 possible string combinations. This number comes from counting each individual string, every possible two-string combination, and then every combination of three, four, five, and all six strings as one group.

Why Bother With String Combinations?

You might wonder if analyzing string combinations for guitar is necessary, especially if you’re just trying to learn to play music. The answer depends on your approach to learning. While some of these combinations are more musically useful than others, the fact remains: each of the 63 string combinations represents a unique relationship between strings and intervals.

Understanding these combinations goes beyond academic curiosity. It can be incredibly helpful for identifying patterns on the fretboard. For example, most guitar method books teach chords as full six-string shapes, but these can obscure the smaller, more manageable patterns on two or three strings. By studying these smaller combinations, you can uncover useful shapes and patterns that are often overlooked.

Practical Applications

Knowing string combinations for guitar can enhance your understanding of chords and scales in practical ways. It allows you to break down complex ideas into simpler components. For instance, you can practice the C Major scale or C Major pentatonic scale on just the highest three strings, or focus on the lower three strings. This approach helps you to visualize and play these patterns more fluidly across the neck.

In the three attached PDF documents, you’ll find the C Major Scale, C Major Pentatonic Scale, and C Major Triad laid out in all 63 string variations. It may seem like overkill, but for some guitarists, this deep analysis is a key to unlocking the full potential of the instrument.

Decide for yourself if this method of dissecting string combinations for guitar is useful. Whether you choose to explore all 63 possibilities or just a select few, understanding these combinations can open up new avenues for musical expression.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director

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