Using flat-thirds and flat-sevenths to add GRIT to your walk-ups and walk-downs

Lesson #361 • Apr 25, 2021

Video lesson

Instructional PDF 3 pages

Editor’s notes

Hey there friends! New video today, where I return to the topic of walk-ups and walk-downs – and explain how add some gritty, raw, twangy-ness to your sound simply by using flat-third (b3) and flat-seventh (b7) notes. Everything I’ve taught you saw far (in related videos) has fully embraced the notes in the major scale… and today we’re going to break out of that box, just a little bit. The overall impact this makes to the vibe of your playing can be understated, but at the same time quite powerful!

Video timestamps:

0:00 Preview & lesson summary
4:00 Key of C example #1 (C-G-C)
8:59 Key of C example #2 (C-F-C)
11:36 Key of D example #1 (D-A-D)
13:39 Key of D example #2 (D-G-D)
15:07 Parting advice & farewell

What I cover in my video:

In the first 4 minutes I’ll explain the overall context and lay-of-the-land, playing the same riffs for you in both a “clean” style (only using notes from the major scale), and then a “gritty” style (selectively adding b3 and b7 notes).
Then, I’ll do a deep dive using the Key of C (4:00) and the Key of D (11:36) – where for each, I’ll use fretboard maps and tabs to walk you through a few examples within each key.
Finally, I’ll end with some parting advice (15:07)

What I cover in my PDF:

Page 1: Key of C examples, with tabs and fretboard diagrams
Page 2: Key of D examples, with tabs and fretboard diagrams
Page 3: 12-bar tab that I play in the opening to my video lesson #361

Be sure to check out these related videos I’ve made, if you’re interested in getting up to speed with some of the underlying principles this video relies on! Specifically, you’ll be interested in learning:

Understanding the 12 Notes (Lesson #356)

This one is vital just to understand how sharps (#) and flats (b) work, within the 12 note system. View details & get the PDF »

Walk-ups, Walk-downs, and the Fretboard (Lesson #354)

This one is essential just to understand how to read the fretboard, while learning common walk-up and walk-down phrases in 5 different keys. View details & get the PDF »

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Using flat-thirds and flat-sevenths to add GRIT to your walk-ups and walk-downs

Video lesson

Instructional PDF 3 pages

Editor’s notes

Video timestamps:

What I cover in my video:

What I cover in my PDF:

Related video lessons & PDFs

Understanding the 12 Notes (Lesson #356)

Walk-ups, Walk-downs, and the Fretboard (Lesson #354)

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Strumming & Rhythm

Fingerstyle & Travis Picking

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learning Lead Guitar

Beginner Chord Guide

Practical Music Theory

Using a Capo

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Capo Captain

Key Master

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons