How to Understand the L System or Pattern to Find Guitar Scales

Understanding guitar scales can feel like trying to decode an ancient language. One method that can offer some clarity is the L System or Pattern. This approach breaks down the fretboard into manageable chunks, making it easier to navigate and understand. Today, we’re going to unravel the mystery behind this system, focusing on how it can help you find guitar scales more efficiently.

The Basics of the L System

The L System is essentially a way of visualizing the fretboard in a more structured manner. It gets its name from the way the patterns look on the fretboard—resembling the letter “L.” This method helps guitarists understand where notes and scales are located, making it easier to improvise or compose.

Think of the fretboard as a grid. The L System organizes this grid into smaller, more digestible segments. Each segment corresponds to a specific pattern or “box,” which contains the notes of a particular scale. By learning these boxes, you can easily transition between different scales and positions on the neck.

This system is particularly useful for genres like metal, where speed and precision are crucial. By understanding the L System, you can quickly find the notes you need without getting lost in the sea of frets.

Identifying the Patterns

The first step in mastering the L System is identifying the patterns. There are generally five main patterns that you’ll need to learn. Each pattern is a shape that repeats across the neck, allowing you to play scales in different positions.

• Pattern 1: This is the most basic pattern and usually covers the first position of any scale. It’s a great starting point for beginners.
• Pattern 2: This pattern typically follows pattern 1 and allows you to continue the scale up the neck.
• Pattern 3: As you move up, this pattern becomes crucial for connecting the lower and higher notes.
• Pattern 4: This one often covers the mid-neck area, providing access to some of the higher notes.
• Pattern 5: The final pattern usually completes the scale, bringing you back to the starting note an octave higher.

These patterns are not set in stone but serve as a guideline. As you become more familiar with them, you’ll start to see how they interconnect and overlap.

Practicing the Patterns

Once you’ve identified the patterns, the next step is to practice them until they’re second nature. This involves a lot of repetition, but the payoff is worth it. By ingraining these patterns into your muscle memory, you’ll be able to play scales effortlessly.

Start by practicing each pattern individually. Focus on accuracy and clarity, rather than speed. Use a metronome to keep time, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Once you’re confident with each pattern, start linking them together. This will help you understand how the patterns connect and allow you to move seamlessly across the fretboard.

If you’re looking for structured lessons to aid in this process, Riffhard offers video lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. These lessons provide valuable insights into the L System and other techniques that can enhance your playing.

Applying the Patterns to Scales

Now that you’ve practiced the patterns, it’s time to apply them to scales. The L System can be used for any scale, but let’s start with the most common one: the pentatonic scale.

The pentatonic scale is a five-note scale that’s widely used in many genres, including metal. By applying the L System to this scale, you can easily find its notes across the fretboard.

• Pattern 1: Start with the root note and follow the shape of the pattern.
• Pattern 2: Move up the neck, maintaining the same intervals.
• Pattern 3: Continue upward, connecting the lower and higher notes.
• Pattern 4: Cover the mid-neck area for access to higher notes.
• Pattern 5: Complete the scale, reaching the octave.

By practicing these patterns, you’ll be able to play the pentatonic scale in any position, giving you greater flexibility and creativity.

Improvisation and the L System

One of the biggest advantages of the L System is its application to improvisation. By understanding the patterns, you can easily find the notes you need to create solos or riffs on the fly.

Improvisation is all about expressing yourself musically, and the L System provides a framework to do just that. By mastering the patterns, you can focus on phrasing and dynamics, rather than worrying about where the notes are.

For those interested in honing their improvisation skills, Riffhard offers lessons that cover everything from basic improvisation to advanced techniques. These lessons can help you take your playing to the next level.

Connecting the Dots: Intervals and the L System

Understanding intervals is crucial when working with the L System. Intervals are the distances between notes, and they determine the character of a scale or chord.

By learning the intervals within each pattern, you can better understand how the notes relate to each other. This knowledge can help you create more interesting and complex musical ideas.

For example, knowing that a minor third interval gives a scale a darker sound can help you choose the right notes when creating a riff or solo. Similarly, understanding how a perfect fifth interval provides stability can aid in building strong chord progressions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the L System is a powerful tool, it’s not without its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the Basics: It’s easy to get caught up in the patterns and forget about fundamental techniques like timing and dynamics. Make sure to practice these basics alongside the L System.
• Over-reliance on Patterns: While the patterns are helpful, they shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on. Use them as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own voice.
• Skipping Practice: Like any skill, mastering the L System takes time and effort. Make sure to practice regularly to keep your skills sharp.

If you’re looking for a way to avoid these mistakes, consider checking out Riffhard. Our lessons provide a structured approach to learning the L System and other techniques, helping you avoid common pitfalls and become a better guitarist.

How the L System Fits into Metal Guitar Playing

The L System is particularly useful for metal guitarists. The genre often involves complex riffs and solos that require a deep understanding of the fretboard. By mastering the L System, you can navigate the fretboard with ease, allowing you to focus on technique and expression.

Whether you’re playing thrash, death metal, or progressive metal, the L System can help you find the notes you need. It provides a framework for understanding complex scales and modes, making it easier to create the intricate riffs and solos that define the genre.

Many of our instructors at Riffhard use the L System in their playing, and our lessons offer insights into how they apply it to their music. By learning from these experts, you can develop your own style and take your metal guitar playing to new heights.

Final Thoughts

The L System offers a practical way to navigate the fretboard and find guitar scales. By understanding and practicing the patterns, you can improve your improvisation and composition skills. If you’re looking for a structured approach to learning the L System, check out Riffhard. Our lessons provide valuable insights and tips from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you master this technique and elevate your playing.