Diagonal Shapes: The Difference Between Wes Lines and Django Lines
What was the question?
Buford, having finished the introductory lessons, asked about the practical application of the skills he learned. specifically regarding diagonal scales. He wanted to know the utility of these shapes and how to distinguish between the concepts of the "Wes Line" and the "Django Line."
(17:10)
The core idea (in plain English)
The guitar is a harmonic instrument, not just a single-line melodic instrument. Diagonal shapes allow us to see the voice leading across the neck, similar to how a pianist sees harmony. The distinction between a "Wes Line" and a "Django Line" comes down to harmonic function:
Tonic Function: When the chord is at rest (home).
Non-Tonic Function: When the chord creates tension (away).
You switch your approach based on whether the chord is acting as a Tonic or Non-Tonic.
(36:39)
Fretboard breakdown (what to play)
Here is how to map this on the fretboard:
Identify Function: Determine if the chord you are playing is Tonic (stable) or Non-Tonic (unstable).
Apply the Line:
If you apply a Wes Line to the Tonic, the Non-Tonic chords will naturally fall into a Django Line.
If you swap them, the reverse happens.
Diagonal Movement: Use diagonal shapes to connect these two states. This allows you to navigate disjointed chord changes (like 2-5-1s) using smooth, connected lines. (38:01)
Common mistake to avoid
A major error is treating the guitar like a classical 4-string instrument or memorizing vertical "dots" on a grid. This leads to playing scales that don't outline the harmony. You must visualize the harmonic movement (voice leading), not just the scale pattern.
(21:07)
A 10-minute practice assignment
Take a simple Circle of 5ths progression (e.g., C to F to Bb). Identify which chords are Tonic and which are Non-Tonic in the moment. Practice moving between them using diagonal shapes, ensuring that you physically shift your hand position to follow the voice leading rather than staying in one vertical box.
(47:12)
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