Guitar Imitation: Effective Octave Shifting Exercises with Alternate Picking:

Hi Guys,

Today, a quick look at employing imitation, through the registers of the guitar fingerboard.

This is a useful device for imitating bits of scale by shifting the fingering [[the same fingering in a lot of cases] up an octave each time.

In the first example we will take a 3 note triplet figure and “Copy/Imitate” it up an octave each time.

The key is to hold the shape/fingering and slide the hand up without taking it off the guitar fingerboard onto the next position [up an octave].

So, here we have the pitches E F G and we take that fingering and slide it up to the next position.

Sheet music notation displaying downstroke and finger positions for alternate picking guitar playing.

Here, is the next position, an octave higher:

Musical notation showing a 3-note triplet figure on the guitar fingerboard.

Now, we copy/imitate it again, up another octave higher:

Sheet music showing guitar fingerings and notes, with a focus on triplet figures and octave transpositions.

Finally, I don’t have enough notes on the guitar to copy it exactly, so, I play something similar to finish the phrase.

Here, is a variation of the above, but, with an upbeat on the open D string. This, also starts on an“Up” stroke.

Sheet music diagram illustrating a guitar lesson with notations for triplet figures and up-beat alternate picking technique sequences.
Musical notation example illustrating an upbeat and open string technique for guitar playing.

Finally, we have another variation but this time we do this by employing 16th notes and two open string connections.

Musical notation example showing 16th notes with arrows pointing to specific notes for alternate picking guitar technique.
Example of 16th note guitar technique, showcasing notes and finger placement.

In this last example, we will go the other way.

This time, we will start high and descend lowering the phrase.

Guitar sheet music showing a descending phrase notation, with labeled sections indicating 'Descending'.

Master “McLaughlin” style Hexatonic Guitar Techniques for Smooth Playing

Modern Jazz Fusion Chords part 2. Steely Dan, Dan Chord and Slash Chords

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hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

Hi Guys,

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 position then it will fall apart: So connecting SMOOTHLY from each 6 grouping to the next= The Key

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

Because we have the 2 extra notes Hexatonics work well at a slower tempo’s like 100 to 120 Bpm for Fusion double timing:

Here is the first Exercise/Example: This starts on a down stroke with strict alternate picking:

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

Notice, that in the second bar we have an arpeggio/triad figure:

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

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.

Here, we have an ascending exercise that connects together easily and naturally.

Again, it starts on a downstroke with strict alternate picking.

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

Here is the same exercise, but, with a VARIATION at the end:

Finally, we have an example that employs the downstroke and the upstroke:

Here is the first part starting on a downstroke:

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

Next, we have a rest and then start the next part on an upstroke to complete the exercise:

hexatonic-guitar-exercises-alternate-picking-examples

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Modern Jazz Fusion Chords part 2. Steely Dan, Dan Chord and Slash Chords

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Indo-Jazz-Fusion Guitar Techniques with Shakti Examples

Hi Guys,

Here, are the Shakti/John McLaughlin Guitar examples of Indo-Jazz-Fusion lines and chordal approaches.

Repeated note: “Raga” style line and scale development.

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

From here, we have a descending pentatonic scale:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Shakti style “Chordal Voicing” for chordal arpeggio picking. [See video]

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Ascending and Descending alternate picking guitar line.

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

To answer the ascent, we will now descend to complete the phrase:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Here, we have some more harmony to create with chordal picking guitar technique:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Next we have a variation of example 3.

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Once again, to complete the phrase we will employ a scale. This time though, it’s an A Major Dominant scale in descent:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

First inversion chord, slash chord, 3rd inversion:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson

Variation line once again, this time starting with an Em arpeggio:

shakti_indo_jazz_fusion_guitar_lesson