I Can't Help Myself - The Four Tops

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The song "I Can't Help Myself" from The Four Tops is a good easy song to learn to use triads. The chords that are written below are a suggestion, you could use any other shape of triads with the same rhythm and it would work. It's a very simple song in terms of chord progression.

The song is in the key of C, so the chord progression in the verse is I - V - ii - IV - V. So, if you wanted to improvise a melody or a solo, you could use C Major, A minor natural and A minor pentatonic or blues.

I Can't Help Myself - The Four Tops Guitar Music Sheet

We hope you enjoyed this song. If you have any comments or questions, you can contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Triads

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Triads are a way to play each major and minor chords with the root on either of the three first strings. Below is a diagram of the three shapes of both minor and major chords. Simply find the root note of the chord you want to play and try to find each variations of it.

Triads Ukulele

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Drop 2 Chords

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Drop 2 chords are a way to play different variations of the chords with a 7th. In theory, drop 2 refers to the second note from the top of the chord that you drop to the bottom of your original chord. Then, you do the same process for the three inversions of the chord as shown below.

Drop 2 Chords

Below are the different fingering for each of these chords. You can use them in different genres where you will use chords with a 7th extension. Each diagram shows the four different variations of shapes for each chord.

Drop 2 Major 7th Chords

Drop 2 7th Chords

Drop 2 Minor 7th Chords

Drop 2 Minor 7th Chords

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Drop 2 Chords

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Drop 2 chords are a way to play chords with a 7th within the first four strings of the guitar. In theory, drop 2 refers to the second note from the top of the chord that you drop to the bottom of your original chord. Then, you do the same process for the three inversions of the chord as shown below.

Drop 2 Chords Theory

Below are the different fingering for each of these chords. You can use them in different genres where you will use chords with a 7th extension. Each diagram shows the four different variations of shapes for each chord.

Drop 2 Major 7th Chords

Drop 2 7th Chords (Dominant Chords)

Drop 2 Minor 7th Chords

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Bass Clef

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The bass clef is used to read music for instruments that have low sounds like bass, upright bass, baritone saxophone, etc. Each line and between line represents notes on your instrument as shown in the diagram below. Notes can keep going higher and lower by adding lines manually.

Bass Clef

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Treble Clef

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The treble clef is the original way to read music. It is used to read notes for instruments that play high notes like the right hand on piano, flute, guitar, ukulele, violin, etc. Each line and between line represents notes on your instrument as shown in the diagram below. Notes can keep going higher and lower by adding lines manually.

Treble Clef

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Intervals

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Intervals are distance between two notes. The name of the intervals (Unison, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Octave) describe the distance letter to letter from the root note (C to D: second; C to E: third; etc). The adjectives (minor, major, perfect, diminished, augmented) are determined by the number of tones from the root note.

When you want to figure out an interval, like a minor 6th. Start by counting the number of notes (don't be afraid to count on your fingers, it is more visual that way), so starting from C: C, D, E, F, G, A. So A is the note we are looking for. Then, figure out the number of tones to know if it is minor or major. C to A has 4 1/2 tones, but we want a minor 6th which only has 4 tones, so we change or A to an Ab (A flat). Even though it is the same note as G#, the 6th is A, so we have to call the minor 6th of C is Ab. G# would be the augmented 5th.

Below is a diagram showing the different intervals up to the octave. Note that some of the intervals overlap the other like the augmented fourth and the diminished fifth which are using the same note in theory (F#/Gb), but will be used in different context.

Intervals Diagram

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Barre Chords

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Barre chords are very versatile, they give you the possibility to play every chord that exists. A barre chord simply means that at least two notes are played with one finger. 

In this lesson, we will look at barre chords based on the E string and A string. These barre chords are played using the shape of an A chord and the shape of an E chord. Find the root note of the chord you are looking for on the string of your choice, than put your fingers in the appropriate shape.

Below is the fingering for the barre chords. When you play those, make sure that your thumb is directly behind and parallel to your first finger (index) on you fretting hand. Barre chords take a long time to get good at, because you need to develop the strength in your thumb and index. It's not a comfortable position either, so practice often, but not for long periods of time. Be patient with those, but practice them often.

Barre Chords on E String

For major barre chords on the A string, you can try either fingering. You might prefer to barre with your index and your third finger depending on the size of your fingers.

Barre Chords on A String

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Triads

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Triads are basic chords (root, third and fifth) played on the three first strings of the guitar. There are three shapes for minor and major chords. The three shapes are based on barre chords on the E string, A string and D string.

Triads A Shapes

Triads D Shapes

Triads E Shapes

Below are the three shapes of triads in major and minor.

Triads

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Circle of Fifths

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The Circle of fifths is divided in two parts, the key signature with sharps and the ones with flats. These two circles are used as cheat sheets to figure out all the key signatures.

The Circle of fifths in sharp works clockwise. Start from the key of C, because it's the only key signature with no alterations (# or b). Then you go a perfect fifth higher, which takes you to the key of G. Find the major 7th of G and you'll find the first alteration, so in this case F#. Then, you keep going clockwise. The perfect fifth of G is D and the major 7th of D is C#. So, the alterations in the key of D are F# and C#. Keep adding on to the alterations you find at the beginning of the circle until you have seven sharps.

Once you know what are the sharps in the key signature that you were interested in, you simply write your scale one note at a time, but adding the sharps. Per example, if you are looking for the key of E. You know that E has four sharps, therefor the scale is : E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E.

Circle of Fifths (#)

If you notice, at the top right of the circle of fifths in sharp, you can find the order of sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#. If you have your key signature written on a staff and you are wondering which key it is. Check the last sharp and add half a tone to it, it will tell you what key you are in. Per example, if you know that your last sharp is A#, then you know you are in the key of B

The circle of fifths in flat works counter-clockwise. So, you start from the key of C, then you find the perfect fifth before. So, from C, the perfect fifth before is F. To figure out what flat will be part of the key signature of F, you simply find our what the next perfect fifth before is. So, the alteration in the key of F is Bb.

Circle of Fifths Flats (b)

The order of flats is : Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb. If you look closely, you might notice that it is the complete opposite of the order of sharps, which means that if you memorize one of the two orders, you can simply reverse it to get the other one.

Here is how to write the order of sharps and flats on a staff with a treble clef and bass clef. 

Key Signatures on staff

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Creating Major Scales

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The major scale is the most important scale in music. It is the scale that every other scale gets compared to. So, here is the way to figure out a major scale from the root note. 

To create the major scale briefly, you simply find the root note, then find the notes in this order: Tone, tone, semi-tone, tone, tone, tone, semi-tone.

Creating Major Scale (C)

So, if you ever forget what the order is, simply go back to the scale of C and try to figure out the distance between each note. Below is an example in the key of E.

Creating Major Scale (E)

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Chords

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In music, a chord is the combination of several single notes that sound good together. Basic chords are build of a root note, which is the note that defines the name of the chord; a third, which is literally the third note of the scale and the most important note, because depending on the distance (number of tones) between the root and the third, the chord will be major or minor. Then, you need the fifth to complete the chord. You can refer to the Intervals lesson to help you.

The example below uses the scale of C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B). The example shows the name of the chords that were created from the root, third and fifth of each note of the scale. 

Creating Chords

Lets break down the process of creating chords from a scale. Looking at a keyboard is very useful to count the tones between each note.

Keyboard

To create chords, start out with the root of each chord.

Creating Chords (Root)

Then, you add the third of each chord. With the chord of C, the third will be E, as you always count the root. The distance between C and E is 2 tones, so it is a major third. Therefor, the chord of C is a major chord. The chord of D is minor, because the distance between D and F is 1 1/2 tones, therefor it has a minor third. The lower case "m" is used to describe the chord as a minor chord.

Creating Chords (Third)

Finally, you add the fifth of each chord. If the fifth is not perfect (3 1/2 tones) you need to add (b5) to the chord name. It simply means that the fifth is diminished (lower than a perfect fifth).

Creating Chords (Fifth)

This way of creating chords works the opposite way as well. If you are wondering what are the notes in a chord of Fm, you start with the root which is F, then find the minor third which is Ab, then the perfect fifth which is C. So, the chord of F is composed of F, Ab, C.

Below is how the chords should look like on a staff with the treble clef

Chords on Staff with Treble Clef

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Minor Scale

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The minor scale is a very important scale, as it gives you that dark sound that the major scale won't provide. This scale is considered as: 1, 2, 3b, 4, 5, 6b, 7b. The "b" next to the notes mean flat, which is related to the major scale. So, compared to a regular major scale like C Major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B; the minor scale would be: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb. If you were in the key of E Major you would have: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#; but if you were in the key of E minor, you would have the notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Notice, that having flats next to the numbers in the minor scale doesn't necessarily mean that your notes will be flat, but rather that they will be one half tone lower than its major counter part.

Below is a graphic showing what the minor scale looks like on the ukulele. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Minor Scale (Ukulele)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Major Scale

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The major scale is the most basic scale in music and it is the one that every other scales get compared to. This scale is considered as being: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. What that means is that this scale has no modification and it has seven notes. This scale, just like every other scales, is used for melodies, solos, riffs, etc.

If you were in the key signature of C, the notes of the scale would be: C, D, E, F, G, A, B

Below is a graphic showing what the major scale looks like on the ukulele. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Major Scale (Ukulele)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Minor Scale

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The minor scale is a very important scale, as it gives you that dark sound that the major scale won't provide. This scale is considered as: 1, 2, 3b, 4, 5, 6b, 7b. The "b" next to the notes mean flat, which is related to the major scale. So, compared to a regular major scale like C Major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B; the minor scale would be: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb. If you were in the key of E Major you would have: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#; but if you were in the key of E minor, you would have the notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Notice, that having flats next to the numbers in the minor scale doesn't necessarily mean that your notes will be flat, but rather that they will be one half tone lower than its major counter part.

Below is a graphic showing what the minor scale looks like on the bass guitar. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Minor Scale (Bass Guitar)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Major Scale

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The major scale is the most basic scale in music and it is the one that every other scales get compared to. This scale is considered as being: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. What that means is that this scale has no modification and it has seven notes. This scale, just like every other scales, is used for melodies, solos, riffs, etc.

If you were in the key signature of C, the notes of the scale would be: C, D, E, F, G, A, B

Below is a graphic showing what the major scale looks like on the bass guitar. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Major Scale (Bass Guitar)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Minor Scale

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The minor scale is a very important scale, as it gives you that dark sound that the major scale won't provide. This scale is considered as: 1, 2, 3b, 4, 5, 6b, 7b. The "b" next to the notes mean flat, which is related to the major scale. So, compared to a regular major scale like C Major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B; the minor scale would be: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb. If you were in the key of E Major you would have: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#; but if you were in the key of E minor, you would have the notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Notice, that having flats next to the numbers in the minor scale doesn't necessarily mean that your notes will be flat, but rather that they will be one half tone lower than its major counter part.

Below is a graphic showing what the minor scale looks like on the guitar. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Minor Scale (Guitar)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Major Scale

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The major scale is the most basic scale in music and it is the one that every other scales get compared to. This scale is considered as being: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. What that means is that this scale has no modification and it has seven notes. This scale, just like every other scales, is used for melodies, solos, riffs, etc.

If you were in the key signature of C, the notes of the scale would be: C, D, E, F, G, A, B

Below is a graphic showing what the major scale looks like on the guitar. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Major Scale (Guitar)

Practice going up and down this scale to remember it well.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Major Pentatonic Scale Positions

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The notes of the major pentatonic scale can be found everywhere on the neck of the ukulele. Therefor, there are positions to help you remember where the notes are. 

Below is a graphic showing what the pentatonic scale positions looks like on the ukulele. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Position 2 starts on the second note of position 1; position 3 starts on the second note of position 2, etc. Each position is connected with the following one, position 5 being connected with position 1. 

Major Pentatonic Scale Positions (Ukulele)

To remember all those positions, practice them individually going up and down. Once you feel comfortable with each of them, try to combine them to help you remember them and understand how to use them in solos. You can go up one position, then down the next position. Be creative!

You can try to practice improvising using this blues track below. The Blues is in E, so use E major Pentatonic.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com

Minor Pentatonic Scale Positions

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The notes of the minor pentatonic scale can be found everywhere on the neck of the ukulele. Therefor, there are positions to help you remember where the notes are. 

Below is a graphic showing what the pentatonic scale positions looks like on the ukulele. The green colour is the root note. So, you simply need to find the root note for the key signature you are playing in and start the scale from there.

Position 2 starts on the second note of position 1; position 3 starts on the second note of position 2, etc. Each position is connected with the following one, position 5 being connected with position 1. 

Minor Pentatonic Scale Positions (Ukulele)

To remember all those positions, practice them individually going up and down. Once you feel comfortable with each of them, try to combine them to help you remember them and understand how to use them in solos. You can go up one position, then down the next position. Be creative!

You can try to practice improvising using this blues track below. The Blues is in E, so use E minor Pentatonic.

If you have any questions, please contact us at patrice@paliatsky.com