Today, we will look at 2 “Shakti” Indian Raga-esque John Mclaughlin guitar lines. They both employ strict “Alternate Picking” starting on a “Down” stroke.
Indian Raga GUITAR SCALES John Mclaughlin SHAKTI STYLE
Remember to “Accent” the 1st note of each 4 note grouping.
Indian Raga GUITAR SCALES John Mclaughlin SHAKTI STYLE
Indian Raga Line #1
Indian Raga GUITAR SCALES John Mclaughlin SHAKTI STYLE
Indian Raga Line #2
Indian Raga GUITAR SCALES John Mclaughlin SHAKTI STYLE
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Moving on from our last lesson on simple 2 finger alternate picking guitar scales we will now look at applying it to “Raga-Esque” improvisations. We will do this by using repeated notes to set up the fluid Raga like scales/motifs to hold time together in the beat cycle.
Both examples in this blog employ strict alternate picking guitar technique starting with a “Down” stroke.
INDIAN GUITAR SCALES RAGA EASY 2 FINGER “SHAKTI” MCLAUGHLIN STYLE
Below we can see the whole bar of repeated notes ready to set up the 2 finger scale.
INDIAN GUITAR SCALES RAGA EASY 2 FINGER “SHAKTI” MCLAUGHLIN STYLE
EXAMPLE 1: Indian Raga Guitar Alternate Picking with “Repeated” Notes employing simple 2 finger guitar pentatonic scales.
INDIAN GUITAR SCALES RAGA EASY 2 FINGER “SHAKTI” MCLAUGHLIN STYLE
This “Teen Taal” 16 beat John Mclaughlin guitar tune employs alternate picking. This is a shakti guitar concept. This tune is based around the idea of a 16 beat cycle for guitar and Tabla, Shruti, Tanpura etc.
Below is the music notation and tablature lasting 4 bars. This makes a 16 beat cycle. From this we can make an Indian Raga tune nicely on our guitars!
16 Beat Cycle
keep the alternate picking rhythmical and count in groups of four 16th notes “1 e and a” [“Tetrachords”]. Or use the Konokol rhythm system counting “Ta Ka Di Me”. Try to accent the first beat of each 4 note grouping as you alternate pick with the guitar plectrum.
