Groovy Triad Improv w/ Basic Fills (Key of A Major)
Lesson #405 • Dec 21, 2021
Video lesson
Instructional PDF 1 page
Editor’s notes
Hey there, friends! In this lesson I’m excited to share a fun 8-measure riff, which came out of me practicing “The Weight” by The Band. While working out the basic A-C#m-D-A chord progression of that song, I found myself exploring triad chord voicings – and took things even further by coming up with a few original licks n’ fills to fill in the gaps. An hour later, I had worked out this original riff – which I had a blast settling into. I think you’ll dig it, so let’s check it out!
Video timestamps:
- 0:00 Preview & Lesson Summary
- 1:04 How I Came Up with this Riff
- 3:33 Learning the Triad Chord Shapes
- 10:41 Main Riff Tab, Part 1 of 2
- 14:00 Main Riff Tab, Part 2 of 2
- 17:27 Final Tips & Advice
Similar lessons I’ve made that use fills between strums
Adding pentatonic fills over D-Cadd9-G
Lesson #348. View my notes & get the PDF.
A-minor pentatonic walk-down groove
Lesson #189. View my notes & get the PDF.
Need Help with CAGED chord shapes?
CAGED Chord Shapes, Explained
Lesson #385. View my notes & get the PDF.
Major Scale Positions and CAGED Chord Shapes
Lesson #384. View my notes & get the PDF.
Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!
If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
June 3, 2023
Pentatonic Fun with Billy Strings' "Lonely At The Top" Riff
-
June 2, 2023
Major Pentatonic Scales in Open Position
-
May 27, 2023
"Fast Car" Riff, Explained Step-by-Step!
-
May 23, 2023
Uncle John's Band
-
May 16, 2023
Learn the Percussive Slap Strum, Step by Step
-
May 12, 2023
Tips for Writing Guitar Tabs (on Paper and iPad)
-
May 8, 2023
First Steps with the "Amie" Intro Riff
-
May 3, 2023
Easy-Going Fingerstyle Blues! A Step-by-Step Guide.