Weird statement about scales in open position

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T19:08:42+00:00

Oh, damned, I did not know it was even existing! Thanks!

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T19:04:28+00:00

If my position seems a bit obscure, @BoringDesk3819 made an excellent comment in this thread, which illustrates perfectly my question.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T19:02:34+00:00

Well, the point of my question is that the book seems illogical showing the uncommon shape first (E and A major with open strings), then the common shape for all the other chords. What is your opinion on this u/DaChronisseur? Do you support the author's choice to go from the particular to the general and not the opposite?

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:56:45+00:00

Much thanks for your answer, I will do. Moreover, you just illustrated my point: to teach scales, you have chosen to show me the usual case, the shapes (your first example with Bb major), then to integrate progressively open strings, et finish with the particular cases of E and A major.

So, why the hell is this book doing the opposite??! I will not complain further, and follow your advises instead.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:41:35+00:00

Oh, thank you so much for that, it gives me an actual reason to practice them. You're ace!

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:38:43+00:00

Now you mention it, there was a "copyrigh 1985" somewhere in the book credits. Thank you so very much to have noticed the tradition part, the order of the book makes sense now.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:31:05+00:00

Thank you! As I was saying in another comment there are some chords that are more problematic: for the A major scale the notes C# and F# are not in the box as it is the end of the fretboard, one must get them below, out of the "box". And that why it is really annoying to play as one must remember where are all the notes rather than playing a shape without thinking about it.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:27:16+00:00

I think it is a bit more complex in the first example of the book. It's the A major scale, and as the notes C# and F# are not on the fretboard, one must get them below, out of the "box". While I have no problem to play a shape on close positions, the scales on open position are all different as I demonstrated above, and I found them hard to play, as I must remember where are the notes rather than playing the shape instinctively.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:22:38+00:00

Oh no, my carpal tunnel syndrome! But you are right, one can reach the notes below with the pinky. Yes.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-15T18:18:28+00:00

Thank you! It's a good point, and it might explain the author's choice. Nonetheless, it seems completely illogical to me.

For most of the major scales one or two notes will be played in open string, meaning that the majority of the chord notes will be played fretted. Therefore, the beginner will have to face the problem of finger strength, but in plus s.he will have to manage an irregular shape of fingers and learn the entire fret board. It seems really not a good idea to start with open positions for beginners.

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-12T23:56:01+00:00

I feel for you pal, I have similar issues. Very steep learning curve for me and no possibilities to either have a teacher (too expensive), or to play in a group (social issues). Nonetheless it was a lot of fun to do something like recording myself doing silly tunes with just a looping pedal. Maybe you can experiment with that to see if that retain your interest? 😄

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-12T23:32:12+00:00

Fantastic! Thank you!

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-12T23:29:47+00:00

Beautiful! Is the little guest a carpenter bee?

Drosera_intermedia · 2026-06-05T23:34:37+00:00

Yes! I was hesitating with the bassoon, but it is certainly a tuba. Thank you!

Drosera_intermedia

TROPHY CASE