Today, you’re going to learn some 4 notes per string exercises for guitar that:
- Are useful in many contexts
- Look advanced
- Sound awesome
So let’s check them out!
Note: These may also be referred to as 4 NPS (Notes-Per-String).
Table of Contents
4 Notes Per String Exercises Guitar Tab & Notation
Exercise 1: G Major Scale with Chromatic Passing Tones
Start with your normal 3-notes-per-string G major scale shape.
Then add chromatic passing tones to turn it into a 4-notes-per-string pattern.
To play it, use all four fingers in order on your fretting hand: 1-2-3-4 (index–middle–ring–pinky).
Exercise 2: A minor Scale in 3 Octaves
This exercise uses a 4 NPS A minor scale shape that spans three octaves.
You’ll hit a repeating D note in each octave, but that’s what makes the scale shape sound interesting.
Because the pattern repeats every octave, you’ll use the same left-hand finger order every time, making it easy to memorize and play. Just like Exercise 1, use all four fingers on your fretting hand.
Exercise 3: Descending Tapping Lick
This lick uses a classic tapping pattern in the style of EVH (Eddie Van Halen).
Tap the 12th fret, then pull off to 8, 7, and 5. Do this on the 4 highest strings (e-B-G-D).
It’s simple, but it sounds great when its played fast.
Exercise 4: Chromatic Mayhem
This exercise runs through the chromatic scale, which is easy to remember because every note is only a half-step apart.
On each string (E, A, D, G), you’ll start on frets 8-7-6-5. As you move across the strings, the shape looks and feels like a backwards staircase, making it easy to remember.
Exercise 5: G Major Scale On 2 Strings
This final exercise gives you 4 notes per string by sliding from the first note into the second note on each string.
And since it’s a lick played on 2 strings, it’s easy to move across octaves.