Here’s a lick that works well over both the I VI ii V section of rhythm changes and the ii V leading to the IV chord in bars five and six of the progression. Theres are a lot of reasons why this works but it’s more fun to play it than it is to dissect and analyze it. I was kind of surprised to see the relationships between the two sections. I sure hadn’t thought about it before! Maybe this will open up some new approaches to playing over rhythm changes in the future. Enjoy and let me know if you have any thoughts about it.
Until recently, I’ve never bothered to learn a respectable arrangement of “Happy Birthday.” Here’s a song that I never plan on performing, and yet receive more requests for than any other. When you consider that most folks go out to a bar or restaurant with friends and family to celebrate their special day, I guess it should come as no surprise that there’s a birthday in the room almost every night. So after faking my way through a few times, I finally sat down to create a solo guitar arrangement for myself.
Continue reading 'Happy Birthday for Solo Fingerstyle Guitar'
In part 2 of this series I outlined four methods for using the metronome to build speed. There’s nothing wrong with giving your technique a workout, but the metronome is much more than a musical speedometer! I’ve often heard students brag about how fast they could play their scales or a particularly challenging lick. To which I might reply: “That’s great! But can you play it in time?”
Continue reading 'Metronome Techniques Part 3'
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to use a metronome, you’re probably ready for some more advanced techniques. There are lots of approaches and I like to think they fall into two main categories: speed-building techniques and groove-building techniques. This time around we’ll be looking at four popular speed-builders that are especially great for working on those burning runs, sweep picking arpeggios, and just plain fast passages! If you need a metronome to practice with, visit my Student Resources page.
Continue reading 'Metronome Techniques Part 2'
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a giant metronome staring you in the face on my Student Resources page. I’m constantly telling my students about it. If I haven’t successfully badgered them into buying a metronome of their own just yet, then they can at least use the flash version at home. A real metronome is preferable though, as you really shouldn’t sit in front of the computer with all of it’s distractions while you’re practicing.
Of course, just having access to a metronome isn’t enough, you’ve got to use it, and you’ve got to know how to use it. So, in the coming weeks I’ll be sharing several metronome techniques designed to develop your technical prowess and enhance your sense of time.
Continue reading 'Metronome Techniques Part 1'
