A Simple Descending Melodic Scale Pattern

Can Be Use a Lot of Different Ways

This is actually working out of a G melodic scale, but starting on the D note. It works so good over a D chord when playing in the key of G(G A B C D E F#) If you are in the key of D(D E F# G A B C#) you might want to modify it by one note. Change the C note(5th fret G string) to a C#(6th fret G string.=) Done. Also, if you are just hanging on the D chord you could play the C note. It just gives a different flavor.

Not only can this lick work great over D chords in tunes like Groundspeed, John Hardy and Katey Daley, it can also work great over G chords in tunes like Groundspeed, John Hardy and Katey Daley! It's basically the melody for the A part for Groundspeed. Perfecto!

Descending Melodic Scale Pattern

To hear this lick in action take a listen to the banjo tab link below for Groundspeed. After listening to that, select the melodic lick for measure 2, and the melodic #2 lick for measure 10. This way you'll hear this descending melodic scale pattern being used over both a G chord and a D chord. It's a versatile lick!

• 

  Song

  Scruggs Style

  • Difficulty
    
  • Key
    G
  • Tuning
    gDGBD

  Learn to play Groundspeed on the banjo - Scruggs Style . This version features that iconic descending phrase with some other great...

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Next up, melodic variations.