In Lesson Three, we’ll explore Second Form scales on the D string and A string.
Second Form scales are just like First Form scales except that the second finger plays on the THIRD fret instead of the fourth fret. So the first finger plays on the second fret, the second finger plays on the THIRD fret and the third finger plays on the fifth fret. Notice that there is no key signature at the beginning of the line. Because there are no sharps or flats the second finger plays on the third fret on both the D-string and A-string.
Second Form Scales D-A m1 (printable)
Second Form Scales D-A m1 (music file)
Once again as you go up the scale, keep you first finger down when you play the second finger, and both the first and second finger down when you play the third finger. If you have trouble reaching the fifth fret with your third finger when your first two fingers are down, try placing your third finger on the fifth fret first, then place your second finger on the third fret, and your first finger on the second fret. It’s surprising, but laying your fingers down in reverse order can help your hand understand how to fit your fingers into the shape of the form.
Try this exercise. It’s not very musical, but it can help show your fingers how to make this critical reach.
Second Form Stretch (printable)
Second Form Stretch (playable)
Here are a couple of great tunes that use just the Second Form on the D String and the A String.
The Lochaber Badger 2-2 k-D (printable)
The Lochaber Badger 2-2 k-D (playable)
Sleepy Maggie 2-2 K-C (printable)
Sleepy Maggie 2-2 K-C (playable)