speed – The Jazz improviser and modern music theory application

How to do a tremolo on the guitar: Right hand technique

Posted on April 19, 2023April 23, 2023 by Jazz fusion guitar Improvisation lessons and modern music theory

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How to “TREMOLO PICK” Basics Guitar Technique

PLEASE WATCH VIDEO ABOVE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION:

Hi Guys,

Today we will look at the basics of doing a tremolo with the pick on the guitar.

For this basic overview we will start by pivoting our palm on the bridge of the guitar.

tremolo-picking-guitar-technique- how-to

Now we will alternate pick “Down Up Down Up” continuously whilst counting 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and in simple 8th notes on an open string.

Now we will double the time with 16th notes and count: 1 e and a 2 e and a 3 e and a 4 e and a and “Accent” the first note in each four note grouping.

We will now double this with 32nd notes: Below is a music notation diagram to see the tempo build up for a tremolo;

PDF DOWNLOAD:

tremolo-pdf-wp Download

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2 keys “Shifting Positions” alternate picking guitar lesson/exercise

Posted on April 11, 2023April 15, 2023 by Jazz fusion guitar Improvisation lessons and modern music theory

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2 keys alternate picking guitar lesson/exercise: “Shifiting Positions”

PLEASE WATCH VIDEO ABOVE FOR DETAILED ANALYSIS:

Hi Guys,

Here is the analysis for the Youtube “Shorts” 2 keys alternate picking video that I uploaded a few weeks ago.

The key to this exercise is the ability to “Connect” at the point of changing scales/keys:

Here is the chart and diagram:

As you can see there is a change of harmony and scale. This in turn affects the fingering of the fretting hand and wrist as this quick change happens.

So, there is a tilt or pivot [Please watch video above to see this] as the wrist/hand gets into position:

alternate-picking-right-hand-guitar-technique-pic

alternate-picking-right-hand-guitar-technique-picture

FULL EXERCISE:

This exercise employs strict alternate picking starting on a down stroke:

The use of 4 note groupings [Tetrachords] is to keep the line solid rhythmically. Notice that the 3rd note in each 4 note grouping is accented.

Next we come to the “Connection” part. As stated earlier and in the video presentation above the pivot and tilt of the wrist and hand is essential in order to make the smooth connection.

Next we have the“Shifting Position”as the hand holds the same shape but just moves/slides down into the next position.

shifting-position-alternate-picking-guitar-technique

PDF DOWNLOAD:

ap-2-keys Download

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Alternate Picking John Mclaughlin Style v7 1 EXERCISE.

Posted on April 6, 2023April 11, 2023 by Jazz fusion guitar Improvisation lessons and modern music theory

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Alternate Picking John Mclaughlin Style

PLEASE WATCH VIDEO ABOVE FOR DETAILED ANALYSIS:

Hi Guys,

Today we will look at a ii V7 extension in the improvisational style of jazz/fusion guitarist John McLaughlin.

HARMONY/CHORD SEQ

This is a cadential ii V7 I, but before the chord I resolution there is an added chord. This is chord Vii as a Dominant 7th. In this case this is B7:

john-mclaughlin-guitar-improvisation-technique

So, this is the chord sequence/cadence that we will improvise over.

I start this with an up-beat employing strict alternate picking.

I start the phrase on an “Upstroke” so that when I start on the 1st beat of the 1st bar I can start on a “Downstroke”for familiarity.

The first bar is basic pentatonic scale movement. But, notice that the 2nd half of the bar encapsulates the classic McLaughlin guitar fingering signature phrase.

The next part employs pentatonic movement again. The key is in shifting positions in the second half of the bar.

john-mclaughlin-guitar-jazz-improvisation-technique

Lastly, we have the B7 chord. We start with a second inversion F#9 outline and then we establish the 7th with the A natural. We finally cadence by landing on the note G natural the 5th of CMaj7.