Today a quick look at connecting “Hexatonic” groupings together with strict alternate picking guitar technique.
The key is to glide or slide or let the fretting hand fall naturally into each position. This way the connections are made smoothly.
If the fretting hand panics, or releases from the positionthen it will fall apart: So connecting SMOOTHLY from each 6 grouping to the next= The Key
This is the same process as connecting 4 note groupings “Tetrachords” but we have 2 extra notes to contend with:
Because we have the 2 extra notes Hexatonics work well at a slower tempo’s like 100 to 120 Bpm for Fusion double timing:
EXERCISES:
Here is the first Exercise/Example: This starts on a down stroke with strict alternate picking:
Notice, that in the second bar we have an arpeggio/triad figure:
This arpeggio can throw your alternate picking because it breaks up the scale momentum. So, you have to prepare for it and be aware that there is a quick change of movement in the fretting hand as you cross the strings.
Exercise 2:
Here, we have an ascending exercise that connects together easily and naturally.
Again, it starts on a downstroke with strict alternate picking.
Here is the same exercise, but, with a VARIATION at the end:
Exercise 3:
Finally, we have an example that employs the downstroke and the upstroke:
Hence, we start on adownstrokeand then have a short rest and then commence starting on an upstroke:
Here is the first part starting on a downstroke:
Next, we have a rest and then start the next part on an upstroke to complete the exercise:
This is a response video to the previous video/blog. This is to explain and demonstrate the application of “Tetrachords” a bit further.
Here, I will add the video examples in Tab/Notation:
RECAP= What are Tetrachords:
“Tetrachords” are 4 note groupings to connect harmony/lines together for improvisation [and composition]
When mastered they can be broken up into musical phrasing/punctuation:
Broken up/Shifted: Thus creating an upbeat
Notes chopped off in the bar: Creating space and rhythmic interest.
Breaking up the tetrachords like this helps to create smooth syncopations, anticipations or go the other way and play on the beat:
Now, let’s follow this through to a short extension of the phrase
Counting Time
As always it’s essential to count the time when doing this so that you know where you are in the phrase.
Alternate Picking Guitar Technique:
In this video and for these examples I am employing strict alternate picking starting on a “Down Stroke”. Down Up Down Up etc.
TETRACHORD EXERCISES EXAMPLES
Practicing ii V7 I’s and iii Vi ii V7 I’s in various guises will really help you connect and nail the changes with your alternate picking: Below is an example with II V7 I:
Connecting the “HARMONY”
Now, let’s connect the harmony/chords together via tetrachords: This first example is in the style of John McLaughlin.
Notice, how smoothly the pentatonic 4 note groupings connect together
This time we will take a more basic approach with very simple fretting/fingering:
In Conclusion:
So, even through these basic examples it’s easy to see how to exploit these 4 note groupings to nail the changes and then break them up into musical phrasing/punctuation: As a further resource I would recommend John McLaughlin excellent DVD called “This is the way I do it”
