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6 Basic Major Scale Sequences / Melodic Patterns
When I first learned to play sequences I didn’t know what all the fuzz was about. Why was it so important to learn all these “sequences” or as some prefer to call them “melodic patterns”?
Anyhow, I did enjoy playing them because after a while I got into this flow and it sounded kinda cool.
Once I really got the hang of it I came to learn the benefits of mastering sequences
Sequences will improve your technique and ability to improvise and create melody on the spot.
Your playing becomes more flexible, creative and it’ll keep you from sounding like someone who is playing scales all the time. :-)
In other words… Want to improve your technique or want to improve your improvising skills?
Go ahead and work hard on these assignments.
Enjoy!
Assignment #1: Memorize the G Major scale and play it using alternate picking.
Assignment #2: Memorize the 6 sequences below (ascending and descending) and play them through the cycle of fourths. (in the key G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G)
Assignment #3: Incorporate bits and pieces of each sequence into your improvisation.
Assignment #4: Try to make melodies from the patterns, play with the notes, experiment with timing and rhythm, turn things around, extend or shorten the duration/length of some of the notes, create pauses, etc.
These assignments will keep you busy for a while. Be patient and take your time!
G MAJOR SCALE e:-----------------------------2-3-2------------------------------------| B:-------------------------3-5-------5-3--------------------------------| G:------------------2-4-5----------------5-4-2--------------------------| D:-----------2-4-5-----------------------------5-4-2--------------------| A:-----2-3-5------------------------------------------5-3-2-------------| E:-3-5-------------------------------------------------------5-3--------|SEQUENCE #1 ascending e:----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------| B:----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------| G:----------------|-----------------|---------------2-|-----2-4---2-4-5-| D:----------------|-------2-----2-4-|---2-4-5-2-4-5---|-4-5-----5-------| A:-----2-3--2-3-5-|-2-3-5---3-5-----|-5---------------|-----------------| E:-3-5-----5------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------| Read the rest of this entry »
Finding Confidence in Your Guitar Playing
Photo by Ashley Webb
When you learn to play guitar there are moments when you’ll feel insecure or frustrated about your playing one way or another.
You might doubt if your ever gonna learn a particular piece as well as you would like to. You may feel hopeless about your technique or you might be disappointed about your overall results.
I had many doubts, I guess I was as much insecure about my playing as I was confident.
One way I overcame most of these insecurities is when I started reading and learning about how the mind works. The wisdom obtained from Zen and Taoism can make a huge difference in your playing. The other way to find solid self asteem has to do with how you practice.
Let ‘s take a look at the keys to becoming a true confident guitar player:
As you are so is the world ~ Ramana Maharshi
What does this quote teach you about guitar playing? Read the rest of this entry »
The Most Important Scales to Learn on Guitar
Photo by Michael Mooney
The first scale I learned as a teenager was the minor pentatonic scale. That was a good starting point for me cause I was really into rock music and metal.
I only learned the first and classic position that most guitar players know, but l did learn it thoroughly though.
I also figured some blues boxes like the “Albert King box” and the “B.B King box”. (they are not official names).
They are just little pieces of postion 2 and 3 of the blues scale. I learned how to connect the minor pentatonic scale and some of these blues boxes together and tried to improvise over these scales in every possible way I could. (by creating licks, applying sequences, learning solos to gain input, building a vocabulary to understand soloing and improvisation, etc.)
Much later on I learned to use the other 4 postions of the pentatonic / blues scale. Then I moved onto the major scale and it’s modes, harmonic minor, melodic minor etc. But not all those scales are important or necessary for every guitar player.
So the big question is: What is the most important scale for you to learn? Read the rest of this entry »
20 Guitar Classics You Sure Want to Know How to Play
Photo by John W. Tuggle
Guitar players (beginners and intermediate) ask me from time to time which songs they really should know how to play on the guitar.
Sure there are a lot of songs you can mention but there are always certain songs that stand out from the rest and which most guitar players want to know how to play when they start out.
I still know how great it felt and what a victory it was when I could play “Sweet child o’ mine” and “More than words” for the first time. The golden days of learning your classics you will never forget.
To give you an idea of what guitar songs have really made a name for itself I put together a list with 20 guitar classics with help and many thanks of guitar players on twitter and in real life.
I appreciate every song you want to add to this list. I know the list is far from complete and not each and every song may suit your taste, but it’s here to give you some inspiration. You might want to learn to play some great classics that have made musical history.
Here they are:
1 Hotel California – The Eagles
2 Nothing else matters – Metallica
4 Wonderwall – Oasis Read the rest of this entry »
3 Juicy Blues Chord Progressions to Be Prepared
When I learned my first blues progression it wasn’t something I really got excited about.
It was okay but it didn’t make me want to play it over and over again.
I would rather prefer cool or mind blowing. Later when I started adding a sprinkle of jazz to it things became more interesting.
Blues chord progressions start to change from mediocre to superb.
So why should you learn blues chord progression in the first place?
Well first off, blues chord progressions are the foundation of blues rhythm and essential for accompanying a great blues solo.
Or you could put it the other way around, where would a great lead guitar player be without some awesome accompaniment?
This is where you come in.
So now anytime you’re in front of a lead guitar player you are cool, confident and prepared because you’ve mastered these 3 juicy blues chord progressions.
Being able to play the blues is a great tool for guitar players and musicians in general to get together, jam, explore, evolve and have a great time.
I urge you to practice these chord progressions in every key through the cycle of fourths.
Experiment with playing different rhythms, different key signatures and tempos.
It’s important to learn all 3 chord progressions by heart.
You will develop a great skill you will use the rest of your musical life.
Enjoy!
Major Blues Progression: Read the rest of this entry »
The 4 Great Benefits of the Travel Guitar
I just spend a wonderful 14 days in Italy with my wife and two kids enjoying the La Dolce Vita at the Garda Lake.
We took our travel guitars with us and we had such a blast.
In the evening we jammed together in the front garden of our apartment while drinking Italian wine.
At noon I would sometimes go to the beach on my own (My zen moment), sitting down on a rock with my feet in perfect water playing my favorite Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Damien Rice songs. The sun burning on my skin and a tremendous view of the lake and the mountains. Just euphoric.
It was just great to have our travel guitars with us wherever we went.
At home I’m also totally head over heels in love with my travel guitar. I don’t know, but there is just something about it that wants you to play it all the time.
But then again, maybe I do know…
Let’s take a look at some benefits I think are really interesting: Read the rest of this entry »
