Showing posts with label intro to playing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intro to playing. Show all posts
Oct 7, 2015
The Forgotten Scale
The Chromatic scale is the parent of all the other scales as we know them, at least in this part of the hemisphere's modern music. We have spent too much time trying to dissect this scale and make it conform to the way our ears hear music. However, there are many places in the world where the chromatic scale is the short version and not the parent 12 tone scale as we know it in the Western hemisphere.
Jazz? Rock? Blues? Pop? Yes! They all use forms of the chromatic scale one way or another! If the formula is applied correctly, then you may have a major or some form of minor tonality. However, we must not forget that the whole Chromatic scale is there for us to use! How do I know? Just look at your guitar strings. All of the frets are important and play a role. From its open position to its 12th fret, each of the strings run a chromatic scale if played fret after fret. Same applies to the piano if we play all the white keys as well as the black key from one root note to another root note (i.e. A to A).
Therefore, let us not forget that it will never ever be a sin to make use of the Chromatic scale. It's begging to be used, and it will add much color to any composition/improvisation!
Jazz? Rock? Blues? Pop? Yes! They all use forms of the chromatic scale one way or another! If the formula is applied correctly, then you may have a major or some form of minor tonality. However, we must not forget that the whole Chromatic scale is there for us to use! How do I know? Just look at your guitar strings. All of the frets are important and play a role. From its open position to its 12th fret, each of the strings run a chromatic scale if played fret after fret. Same applies to the piano if we play all the white keys as well as the black key from one root note to another root note (i.e. A to A).
Therefore, let us not forget that it will never ever be a sin to make use of the Chromatic scale. It's begging to be used, and it will add much color to any composition/improvisation!
Jun 26, 2015
Putting it all together...
Soloing or playing lead guitar is about putting all of the guitar in your mind. Of course, you won't use it all, or think about it for that matter (while playing)...but still, it needs to be there at practice time!
How do we make sense of all of the guitar? Well, here is a method that has worked for me. You (and me included), will need a lot more that this in order to play lead and solo well. But, this is a great start. Here is a simple exercise I do:
First write out all of the notes in the circle of 5ths...these are (beginning with C)...C-G-D-A-E-B-F#-Db-Ab-Eb-Bb-F....
Second, after you have done that, start with C and find all of the C's in all strings starting with the 6th string...
Third, repeat second step with all the notes that follow, with the difference of starting with the opposite string as the note you played before.
This will open your mind, eyes, and ears into the world of navigating in the neck of the guitar...it will come in handy especially when figuring out the starting notes of modes across the neck!
How do we make sense of all of the guitar? Well, here is a method that has worked for me. You (and me included), will need a lot more that this in order to play lead and solo well. But, this is a great start. Here is a simple exercise I do:
First write out all of the notes in the circle of 5ths...these are (beginning with C)...C-G-D-A-E-B-F#-Db-Ab-Eb-Bb-F....
Second, after you have done that, start with C and find all of the C's in all strings starting with the 6th string...
Third, repeat second step with all the notes that follow, with the difference of starting with the opposite string as the note you played before.
This will open your mind, eyes, and ears into the world of navigating in the neck of the guitar...it will come in handy especially when figuring out the starting notes of modes across the neck!
Jun 23, 2015
A simple way of playing the blues scale.
Here is the musical formula for playing the blues scale: m3 - M2 - m2 - m2 - m3 - M2...in notes on A this is the same as...
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A simple way of playing the blues scale.
Here is the musical formula for playing the blues scale: m3 - M2 - m2 - m2 - m3 - M2...in notes on A this is the same as...
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A simple way of playing the blues scale.
Here is the musical formula for playing the blues scale: m3 - M2 - m2 - m2 - m3 - M2...in notes on A this is the same as...
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A simple way of playing the blues scale.
Here is the musical formula for playing the blues scale: m3 - M2 - m2 - m2 - m3 - M2...in notes on A this is the same as...
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A simple way of playing the blues scale.
Here is the musical formula for playing the blues scale: m3 - M2 - m2 - m2 - m3 - M2...in notes on A this is the same as...
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
A - C - D - D# - E - G - A
A simplified way of seeing it, is the same as a minor scale w/o the 2nd degree and the 6th degree to start with. And then, this could be translated into a Pentatonic (minor derived) scale with an added minor second between the 4th and the 5th degree...and there you have it! The Blues Scale.
Keep playing :)
Update to original post:
Here is a short video detailing the mechanics of how to play the A blues scale as mentioned above:
How to practice the major scale and the minor scale?
When we begin to play guitar, we all start learning our own way of practicing different pieces of music. Whether or not this music is popular, classical, or jazz we end up practicing things our way but using techniques learned from our teachers.
However, a particular sample that is very specific to our practice time has to do with the idea behind practicing guitar scales. Whether major or minor five notes six notes, or seven notes scales become an integral part of our musical vocabulary.
Now, this can become a very tedious process. However I will try to teach a method that will keep us in a unique egagement with our instrument.
This is not a perfect message but it is one that's worked for me! So here goes:
Step one: practice the scale ascending in any position you like and starting with any one of its modes. For example, pick the Ionian mode, which is the first one of the scale.
Step two: practice the following mode of the scale in a descending format in the following position going from left to right
For example, in this case the following mode will be the Dorian mode, and in this case, it should be played in the next adjacent position.
Step three: follow this format all across the neck until you have reached the same mode in which you started.
Step four: begin backwards and repeat steps one through three but in a backward format. No the same modes will be played but if you went up in the mode from left to right now you will play the same but you will go down this time
In conclusion, the idea is a zig zag motion across the neck of the guitar.
Trust me, this will keep you engaged at a physical and mental level! On top of that, you will save half the time of your practice routine.
Subscribe to my blog in order to receive a video on this technique!!!
Jun 22, 2015
Electric guitar vs. Acoustic
How many times have we battled with the question of whether to buy an electric or acoustic guitar? This issue is so common, that a lot of people even mistake the differences and similarities from one kind of guitar to the other.
So, which one to buy? And more importantly, which one to play?
The answer is simply to subject of to try and make a final conclusion of it. For the first question, one should buy that kind of guitar that one wishes to play according to the kind of music we would like to be playing. Now, an important note here is that both acoustic and electric guitars have more in common than we think.
As a matter of fact by which ever one you like. The reason being, that both electric and acoustic share the same strings and notes. So the decision should be made more on a stylistic approach.
Therefore, that answers the second question. Which one should we play? The fact of the matter is that it all revolves around what type of music we are inclined to playing. There are great songs that were meant to be played electrically and ended up on and unplugged somewhere and they also made for great unplugged music, or simply acoustic music! The same argument could be made for the opposite issue. There are great pieces of music that were composed and even played acoustically that made it to some of them somewhere where the player was playing the same piece on his or her electric guitar!
Therefore, you do have a free choice to make. Whether or not to play an acoustic guitar versus an electric guitar simply involves some decision-making. I myself, based that decision on budget. When I first started playing, I only had enough money to buy myself an acoustic Spanish style guitar. And, all of the great classic rock from the 60s and 70s sounded great on my first guitar. Therefore, again, it will really be up to you to decide. One thing is for sure: you could really accomplish a whole lot on either an acoustic or an electric guitar!!!
Jun 20, 2015
Practicing makes perfect???
This is a follow up to the following prior post made a few months ago...below you will find suggesting practice methods to mastering scales with some added material to help you understand it better...
Interestingly enough, scales are played over and over in a very repetitious way. How to change that? Well, figure out the way you want to play your modes and also figure out a way to connect these across the neck.
Once you do that, DO NOT do what everyone else does (unless you really want to spend the time!).
Here is what you do in a step by step format. Let's suppose that the first mode you are starting with is not the Ionian but the Dorian since you might be practicing the key of Eb major, and their is no Eb below the open 6th string (which is low E already). Therefore, lets keep thinking about the idea that you may feel forced to start on your lowest sounding note, which in the case of the Eb major key, it will be F dorian (6th string 1st fret).
So, here are the practicing steps (these are practical too):
#1 -- Play the F Dorian mode ascending
#2 --Play the G Phrygian mode descending
#3 --Play the Ab Lydian mode ascending again
And, continue to do the same by "connecting" the last notes you play on each mode (whether on the first or sixth string) to the following mode...then, you would have ended up playing all the modes in Eb or whatever the key in half the time you would have spent in the traditional mode.
Traditionally you would have played the modes up and down, up and down, up and down, etc., etc.,...here, you just cut the time in half while playing all you had to play efficiently.
Another benefit is that you really got a more continuous sonic (ear training) sense of the scale, and you also built dexterity across the neck...so you could turn the scale exercises into meaningful practice in way less time and more mastery.
The idea is to bring all of the concepts that have made guitarists sometimes give up, to a science or a closed system. This leaves no room for learning mistakes. And, learning something well, in a closed systematic manner, will make you remember it forever. Most importantly, you will be able to pass the knowledge on!
Interestingly enough, scales are played over and over in a very repetitious way. How to change that? Well, figure out the way you want to play your modes and also figure out a way to connect these across the neck.
Once you do that, DO NOT do what everyone else does (unless you really want to spend the time!).
Here is what you do in a step by step format. Let's suppose that the first mode you are starting with is not the Ionian but the Dorian since you might be practicing the key of Eb major, and their is no Eb below the open 6th string (which is low E already). Therefore, lets keep thinking about the idea that you may feel forced to start on your lowest sounding note, which in the case of the Eb major key, it will be F dorian (6th string 1st fret).
So, here are the practicing steps (these are practical too):
#1 -- Play the F Dorian mode ascending
#2 --Play the G Phrygian mode descending
#3 --Play the Ab Lydian mode ascending again
And, continue to do the same by "connecting" the last notes you play on each mode (whether on the first or sixth string) to the following mode...then, you would have ended up playing all the modes in Eb or whatever the key in half the time you would have spent in the traditional mode.
Traditionally you would have played the modes up and down, up and down, up and down, etc., etc.,...here, you just cut the time in half while playing all you had to play efficiently.
Another benefit is that you really got a more continuous sonic (ear training) sense of the scale, and you also built dexterity across the neck...so you could turn the scale exercises into meaningful practice in way less time and more mastery.
The idea is to bring all of the concepts that have made guitarists sometimes give up, to a science or a closed system. This leaves no room for learning mistakes. And, learning something well, in a closed systematic manner, will make you remember it forever. Most importantly, you will be able to pass the knowledge on!
Jul 8, 2014
Make the most out of your practice time!
We all learn in different ways, but the common issue to everyone is the lack of time. Finding that time to practice our craft of playing or composing, or whatever it is, becomes challenging. For example, some of the most efficient composers and musicians have made it a point to make a daily or weekly routine. In any case, planning ahead and consistency is key. This should tell us that perhaps practicing a 30 minutes per day is perhaps more efficient than practicing the for 3 hours 2x per week. Again, consistency and repetition are key. Therefore, just as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. However, practice should not be confused with quantity of time. Rather, it should be looked at as a systematic routine that we perform with the utmost care and dedication!
Jul 3, 2014
How to practice your scales effectively: LESS time and MORE mastery!
Interestingly enough, scales are played over and over in a very repetitious way. How to change that? Well, figure out the way you want to play your modes and also figure out a way to connect these across the neck.
Once you do that, DO NOT do what everyone else does (unless you really want to spend the time!).
Here is what you do in a step by step format. Let's suppose that the first mode you are starting with is not the Ionian but the Dorian since you might be practicing the key of Eb major. Obviously, the first mode you will play from the lowest note on the guitar is F Dorian or the second mode of Eb major. So, here are the practicing steps:
#1 -- Play the F Dorian mode ascending
#2 --Play the G Phrygian mode descending
#3 --Play the Ab Lydian mode ascending again
And, continue to do the same by "connecting" the last notes you play on each mode (whether on the first or sixth string) to the following mode...then, you would have ended up playing all the modes in Eb or whatever the key in half the time. Another benefit is that you really got a more continuous sonic sense of the scale and you also built dexterity across the neck...so you could turn the scale exercises into meaningful practice in way less time and more mastery!!!
Once you do that, DO NOT do what everyone else does (unless you really want to spend the time!).
Here is what you do in a step by step format. Let's suppose that the first mode you are starting with is not the Ionian but the Dorian since you might be practicing the key of Eb major. Obviously, the first mode you will play from the lowest note on the guitar is F Dorian or the second mode of Eb major. So, here are the practicing steps:
#1 -- Play the F Dorian mode ascending
#2 --Play the G Phrygian mode descending
#3 --Play the Ab Lydian mode ascending again
And, continue to do the same by "connecting" the last notes you play on each mode (whether on the first or sixth string) to the following mode...then, you would have ended up playing all the modes in Eb or whatever the key in half the time. Another benefit is that you really got a more continuous sonic sense of the scale and you also built dexterity across the neck...so you could turn the scale exercises into meaningful practice in way less time and more mastery!!!
Jul 2, 2014
When to use the major scale?
Here are 2 simple solutions to: when to use the major scale? Although there are many many many more uses and applications, this is a good starting point to understanding the application of this concept.
Example 1: Use the major scale in order to come up with a lead guitar phrase or simple improvisation whenever you see a major chord. For example, if you see an A-major chord you may play off of the A major scale.
Example 2: This is a bit more out there and creative but here it is...USE the Major scale when you see a minor chord but use it a whole step down. Example: if you see an A-minor chord, go a whole step down to G, and use the G major scale in order to improvise some lead over an A-minor chord.
Keep playing!
Example 1: Use the major scale in order to come up with a lead guitar phrase or simple improvisation whenever you see a major chord. For example, if you see an A-major chord you may play off of the A major scale.
Example 2: This is a bit more out there and creative but here it is...USE the Major scale when you see a minor chord but use it a whole step down. Example: if you see an A-minor chord, go a whole step down to G, and use the G major scale in order to improvise some lead over an A-minor chord.
Keep playing!
Jun 30, 2014
Why practicing chords using "songs" you want to learn is a very effective use of your time!
A guitarist will usually end up playing either lead, rhythm, or a combo of the 2 roles. The book "Chord Chemistry" written by Ted Greene could be called the chord bible. But, rather than memorizing chords, you should always aim to understand the construction of the chord on the theoretical and form sides of the problem. This could be overwhelming...However, if you tackle this issue of learning and practicing your chord vocabulary with objectiveness, the rewards will be immense.
One of the most effective ways is by learning tunes or songs (no matter the genre). This will make great use of your practice time. Now, why is it that practicing chords using "songs" you want to learn is a very effective use of your time? Simple...you will be obtaining 2 things: song repertoire AND chord vocabulary all at the same time. You can also expand this study by then going back to the chords and breakdown their construction. So, by doing this you can probable have extra time to master other parts where your playing might need assistance, like for example, improvisation. More on that topic in a different post!
One of the most effective ways is by learning tunes or songs (no matter the genre). This will make great use of your practice time. Now, why is it that practicing chords using "songs" you want to learn is a very effective use of your time? Simple...you will be obtaining 2 things: song repertoire AND chord vocabulary all at the same time. You can also expand this study by then going back to the chords and breakdown their construction. So, by doing this you can probable have extra time to master other parts where your playing might need assistance, like for example, improvisation. More on that topic in a different post!
Jun 29, 2014
How to play a 2 octave scale?
Many guitar method books detail various ways in which to play a 2 octave scale. For review purposes, 2 octaves means to play one complete scale from root to root and then the following register of the same scale...therefore, 2 octaves or 2 sets of 8 notes with the middle root serves as the last note for the first octave and the first for the second octave.
Therefore, how to play this 2 octave scale? The 2 octave scale should be played in position. Why? Well, there is no point in shifting much around positions if your focus is to "practice" the scale and get it in your ears.
Taking a major scale as an example, the following is an example...it is not a definitive...but what is definitive? So here goes in a synthesized format that lets you see the string you are on, the frets you should be playing on that string, and the fingers to be used:
String - Frets - Finger
6 1,3,5 1,2,4
5 1,3,5 1,2,4
4 2,3,5 1,2,4
3 2,3,5 1,2,4
2 3,5 2,4
1 1,3,5 1,2,4
Keep playing!
Therefore, how to play this 2 octave scale? The 2 octave scale should be played in position. Why? Well, there is no point in shifting much around positions if your focus is to "practice" the scale and get it in your ears.
Taking a major scale as an example, the following is an example...it is not a definitive...but what is definitive? So here goes in a synthesized format that lets you see the string you are on, the frets you should be playing on that string, and the fingers to be used:
String - Frets - Finger
6 1,3,5 1,2,4
5 1,3,5 1,2,4
4 2,3,5 1,2,4
3 2,3,5 1,2,4
2 3,5 2,4
1 1,3,5 1,2,4
Keep playing!
Jun 28, 2014
Learning to tune your guitar...
One of the very first requirements before you start playing is: tuning your guitar. Here are the number of strings and the notes that each should have according to the "standard" way of tuning. Beginning with the thickest string (6th) and working yourself down to the thinnest string (1st) here are the notes:
6-E
5-A
4-D
3-G
2-B
1-E
An online tuner (Google one) provides a very accurate pitch to each of these strings which you could listen to on your computer and match the pitch to your guitar strings. However, the best is to use a chromatic tuner that lets you "visually see" when you are in tune in each of the strings at a time. There are all sorts of variations to this tuning, but this is considered standard tuning. Have fun playing!
6-E
5-A
4-D
3-G
2-B
1-E
An online tuner (Google one) provides a very accurate pitch to each of these strings which you could listen to on your computer and match the pitch to your guitar strings. However, the best is to use a chromatic tuner that lets you "visually see" when you are in tune in each of the strings at a time. There are all sorts of variations to this tuning, but this is considered standard tuning. Have fun playing!
Jun 27, 2014
Why the Chromatic Scale is so important and so overlooked?
The chromatic scale for guitar players is simply playing all of the notes in any string from its open position to its 12th fret. So, 12 notes plus the repetition of the root makes it a 12 note scale or the major scale plus 5!
First and foremost, this scale is so important since all of the other scales used come from it. The chromatic scale is the godfather of all of the other sequences that come from it (major, minor, augmented, diminished). So, knowing this well will give you a command over the rest of the musical alphabet.
Second, it is greatly overlooked since it sounds pretty weird to our ears and there is really no sense of tonality. The ear will need to hear resolution at some point and the chromatic scale has to be played with a plan in mind in order to get such resolution.
But, a good command of it sets the foundation for good musical training!
First and foremost, this scale is so important since all of the other scales used come from it. The chromatic scale is the godfather of all of the other sequences that come from it (major, minor, augmented, diminished). So, knowing this well will give you a command over the rest of the musical alphabet.
Second, it is greatly overlooked since it sounds pretty weird to our ears and there is really no sense of tonality. The ear will need to hear resolution at some point and the chromatic scale has to be played with a plan in mind in order to get such resolution.
But, a good command of it sets the foundation for good musical training!
Getting the most out of your "blues scale"...
The blues scale is just the minor scale without the 2nd degree and 6th degree and an added half step between the 4th and 5th note. The formula is as follows: Root - minor 3rd - Major 2nd - Major 2nd - minor 3rd - Root.
Exploit this formula every time you see a minor chord. It sounds great over any minor chord. Keep in mind to use the root/1st note of each chord as the root for the scale. Therefore you will be modulating as the chords change but it will add spice to your playing and you will sound a bit "out"...which is a good thing in order to make the solos interesting.
Keep playing !
Exploit this formula every time you see a minor chord. It sounds great over any minor chord. Keep in mind to use the root/1st note of each chord as the root for the scale. Therefore you will be modulating as the chords change but it will add spice to your playing and you will sound a bit "out"...which is a good thing in order to make the solos interesting.
Keep playing !
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