Songwriting Simplified How to create endless melodic content for songwriting In this lesson we’re going to look at how to take a very simple idea, and shape it into something we can use for songwriting. This exercise can be done with any idea you have, and is a great way to brainstorm little snippets…
Making The Most With What You Know: Part 2 To continue from the last article, we’re going to check out some more licks, and how to start practicing them with purpose. The hardest part of learning new material is how to integrate it into your playing thoughtlessly. It should slowly become second nature, like…
Major 7th Phrasing Part 2 Check out part 1 if you have any questions about the theory and basic approach to these exercises. Check our our video showing all of the exercises from part one and part two here: https://youtu.be/YVstW7o3v6I When practicing these on your own, the easy way to think about applying them is…
Major 7th Phrasing Part 1 In this article we’re going to talk about using major 7th chords over minor chords, and minor chord progressions. We’ll talk a little about the theory, how to apply it, and provide some examples. There is also a short video of each example https://youtu.be/YVstW7o3v6I take a look and listen, it’ll help give…
Dominate your Scales! Examples of practice routines for scale studies: In this article we’re going to look at just a few ways you can take a single scale and drill it various ways into really useful exercises. These techniques can be applied to nearly every facet of the guitar. With a little creativity, you can…
Sweep Picking – Easy Variations Sweep Picking! This article will discuss basic ways to get more out of basic sweep picking, particularly 3 string arpeggios. All examples shown are based on the A minor arpeggio and are usually the first sweep picking exercise a student learns. Pay careful attention to the pick direction, as notated…
Practice Better! An approach to learning Jazz Standards Pt. 3 We’ve got two ways to play it? Now, after this is mastered, shoot for FOUR ways. Attached again are two more ways to play the same chords. Because of the nature of the guitar, and how the notes are arranged, we have to be more…
Practice Better! An approach to learning Jazz Standards Pt. 2 In part one we looked at the first step towards mastery of a standard: the chords. As and example, I’m going to post what are most likely the chords the average guitarist will use, especially if they’re just getting started with Jazz. Now over…
Should I Stay or Should I go – The Clash Pt. 2 Posted below is the second page of Should I stay or Should I go from The Clash. In part 1, we talked about ways to tackle some the difficulties, namely the F chord, the rhythm, and the one A7 that pops up. Here…
Should I Stay or Should I go – The Clash Pt.1 This is a classic tune that every guitar player should know! Especially after the popularity of Stranger Things! This one may be tough for a 1-2 year student, but there are ways to make it a little easier. You’ll need to know your basic…