Jazz lesson 1
In jazz music, and particularly in “Be-Bop”, there is a harmonic cadence called the “II-V-I”. This is by far the most widely used cadence. It is found in virtually all standards. But what is an II-V-I? They are just degrees in Roman numerals of the major scale harmonisation (intervals of thirds). The II-V-I cadence in.. read more →
The Blues Scale
The blues scale is very similar to the minor pentatonic scale, except that it contains one extra note- the flattened fifth degree (b5). The scale formula is as follows; 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7 8(1) If we compare this with the major scale, in this instance we will use Bb Major, and we can.. read more →
The “CAGED” System
The “CAGED” System- Unlocked C-A-G-E-D – Open Forms There are five basic forms (formations or patterns) that are used to build chords on the guitar in the open position, they’re known as open C, open A, open G, open E, and open D. Placing these letters together, they spell CAGED. These shapes or formations can.. read more →
Practice Hints and Tips
How we practice our guitar is about as individual and unique as we are ourselves, there are however some practical guidelines that will make us more productive and progressive with our time. Firstly let us consider some quotes from a few famous musicians: “If I don’t practice one day, I know it; two days, the.. read more →
Getting the Most Out Of A Lick
Here’s another useful trick for playing lead licks without learning hundreds of phrases. Sometimes all you need to do is make a different use of a phrase you already know. Remember the important rule: the musical value of a lead phrase or note depends upon the harmony that supports it. The practical effect of this.. read more →
Know Your Relatives
There is a special relationship between the first and sixth step of the major scale which is called RELATIVE. The third step of the minor scale is called the RELATIVE MAJOR. The sixth step of the major scale is called the RELATIVE MINOR. To find the relative minor when given a major scale you would go.. read more →
Comparing Minor Scales
Comparing minor scales is a useful way to visualise the raised degrees of the Harmonic and Melodic scales, you will notice that the ascending and descending melodic scale differs in that the 6th and 7th degree are raised when ascending they are then lowered or naturalised when descending. check out post ” Kowing your relatives”.. read more →
How to Play Lead Pt.2
Try Using these scales over a 12 bar sequence in A major or A minor. And here’s the magic bit: you can also use them for anything in the key of C major. Why? Because every pentatonic minor scale is also the pentatonic major of the note three semitones higher (A to C = 3.. read more →
How To Play Lead
So, you’d like to start playing solos, but don’t know how to go about it? Here’s a quick way to get you started. These three scales represent –A pentatonic minor. This has five notes: A C D E G. The scale is situated at the 5th fret. The second is basically the same except there.. read more →
10 Benifits of Learning Music
The Volunteer Projects (TVP) Musical Outreach Programme 1. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. Brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the.. read more →