Lesson Files

Classic solo demonstrated in a couple of positions

Take your time and explore other possible places to play it.

I start on the 4th string.

Using the 3 notes per string concept to create a scale shape, within which you pick out the arpeggio for each starting interval.

This shape is starting from the seventh note in the scale and is therefore position 7.

These multi-octave arpeggios are great for testing your dexterity, understanding of the fretboard. The aim is to play the shape anywhere on the fretboard.

3 notes per string shapes allow you to find chords, melodic runs, arpeggios and other patterns, plus really fast solos!.

Using slightly different chords.

This is related to Gypsy Jazz Chord Sequence Warm Up.

Mucking around with a consistent picking pattern over Annies Song, with a Capo at the 2nd Fret.

• D chord is in the C Shape
• G chord is in the E Shape
• A chord is in the G Shape

Get a chord, add an interval = new chord and new shape = new ideas.

Using shape 4 which is D shape, and using the key of D (D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#) I demonstrate adding the 4th in places near my current chord.

This lesson file compliments Applying 4ths to Shape 2.

I asked a student to name a song or artist that sounds like the direction he would want to go in...

...His reply was ' Ryan Keen'. I thought ok, I'll check him out. So I did, and I transcribed his song 'Interlude', form his EP ' Aiming for the Sun'.

This is actually a 2nd edition. The 1st edition was my guess at the tuning (which I got wrong - come on, it could have been anything!). I emailed Ryan and he very nicely told me the tuning, which is DADDAD, or open D5:

• 6th String: D
• 5th String: A
• 4th String: D
• 3rd String: D
• 2nd String: A
• 1st String: D

I like it when artists just put out short tracks or little ideas. No need to pad it out to make it 5 minutes, just keep it as it is. Short and Sweet. Nice.

I have included my thoughts on the fingers used to play the notes. See if you agree.

An example of using parts of a chord to create different ideas.

Whenever you play something, it is always good to try and see the underlying chord shape.

Not the full song, but a version for beginners.

This song is all about power chords. Power chords are ubiquitous in rock music.

This Lesson File extends 3 Notes Per String Shape 1 - Triads.

View that if you haven't already.

To extend the chord to include the 7th interval, I simply add the triad that would start from the 3rd interval, 1,3,5,7.

This lesson file shows 5 pentatonic shapes, referencing them as Major and minor.

Using the 3 notes per string concept to create a scale shape, within which you pick out the arpeggio for each starting interval.

This shape is starting from the fourth note in the scale and is therefore position 4.

These multi-octave arpeggios are great for testing your dexterity, understanding of the fretboard. The aim is to play the shape anywhere on the fretboard.

3 notes per string shapes allow you to find chords, melodic runs, arpeggios and other patterns, plus really fast solos!.

This is an example of how to stimulate creativity, plus get you playing riffs and ideas that you might not have come up with ordinarily.