Roman numerals To make life easier, this formula is also notated in Roman numerals where upper case numerals are followed by the quality of the chord: I IImi IIImi IV V VImin VIIdim A variation of this is using upper case numerals to indicate the major chords and lower case numerals to […]
Guitar chords by key (and how to use them in songwriting) Read More »
The power chord is present in the majority of Rock guitar riffs. Punk Rock is probably the style that uses it most, and bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols have numerous songs with riffs made up exclusively of power chords. Rock, Blues and Metal riffs also use power chords a lot though they
As the saying goes, practice is the way to Carnegie Hall, and I have yet to meet a successful guitarist who claims he has acquired his abilities without putting in a lot of practice. However, practicing a lot alone does not guarantee access to Carnegie Hall or the achievement of any high-level musical goal. Quality is as
5 Things You Should Practice Less On The Guitar Read More »
In this article, we’ll go over the fundamental theory of guitar arpeggios for beginners, look at a few practical uses for arpeggios, and finish with a few tips on how to practice arpeggios on the guitar at this stage. What Are Arpeggios? Arpeggios are chord notes played one at a time rather than all at
An Introduction to Guitar Arpeggios for Beginners Read More »
Becoming a creative songwriter, rather than a gift a few inherit through their genes, is a skill that can be trained and developed. There are theoretical aspects that can be learned (such as the elements of music), but it also requires a lot of time training your mind to create. In today’s songwriting exercises, we will
10 Essential Songwriting Exercises to Hone the Craft Read More »
What are guitar arpeggios? Why you should learn them, and how?
What are guitar arpeggios? Why should you learn them, and how? Read More »
Guitar scales vs modes: Which should you use and when? In my earlier stages of learning the guitar, I used to think that modes were scales for experienced players and hence harder to learn and master. While it is true that advanced guitar players tend to use modes more often than beginner or intermediate players,
What is the difference between a scale and a mode? Read More »
In this lesson I explain what guitar scales are and why you benefit from learning them. In today’s lesson, I’ll give you 5 easy guitar scales you can learn and start using right now. Each scale will also come with a short guitar lick based on its notes. Keep in mind that, while learning scales on guitar has many benefits such as improving finger independence and dexterity, the ultimate purpose of scales is to
Blues music has many defining characteristics such as song structure, rhythm, chord progressions, scales, as well as the blues turnaround. The turnaround is most commonly used in the final two bars of a 12-bar blues, but it can also be used as an intro and in other structures such as the 8-bar and 16-bar blues.
I began studying music theory alongside the guitar because it seemed like the right thing to do. That if you want to become a musician, you should also learn the theory behind it. I’m glad I studied music theory, but as you’ll see in the music theory tips for guitar players below, I didn’t learn it in the most efficient way possible. The following music theory tips are aimed at correcting misconceptions I had, and ineffective methods I used when I started playing 28 years ago, as well as those I frequently notice in new students. “Why should I learn to read notes when I can use guitar tabs?” I’m sometimes asked when introducing music theory to guitar students. While the answer to this question deserves
