The 1-3 pattern

We’ll now add a pattern in which we skip a step as we move up the scale. If you’re playing a 7-note scale (like D Major or D Dorian), then this variation jumps up a third from each note of the scale.

G major lower octave


G major upper octave


D major

Same finger pattern as G major lower.


C major

Same finger pattern as G major upper.


Full sheet music


Practice Suggestions

Once you understand and feel the pattern, try to do these on other scales you know using the drone tracks below. You can also try other types of scales, like Dorian scales.

A drone

F drone

Bb drone


As you practice these, be open to different ways of doing them. Add variations and tinker with the order of the notes. You can accidentally write a tune (that’s how I’ve written most tunes). Be receptive to this possibility and record your ideas if you like them.

Two lines of practice:

  • One scale / different variations. Play one scale with all variations you know. See how creative you can be with this limitation.
  • One variation / different scales. See how creative you can be with this different limitation.

Layer two variations

This is a nerdy way of saying that you can add additional variations to the melodic patterns (once you can play them with confidence).

  • Slur patterns
  • Rhythmic (hoedown, triplets, swing, etc.)
  • Dynamics (volume)
  • Texture (tremolo, plucking, staccato)

In the next lesson, we’ll learn how to make new patterns from the 1-3 pattern…


Course Progress

Lessons complete in Art Of Fiddling: 


Melodic Scale Variation 4 >>

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