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Hi Everyone,
I'm a beginner in playing the guitar,my books are "al di meola a guide to chords...& Leavitt's Melodic rhythms" And I also have some Standards but I'm looking for an organized plan to use these books.i've been studying some standards for sightreading recklessly and I am scared from Scales!please help if you have any ideas on a good plan to learn chords and scales and also improving the technique and sightreading.I mean Any helpful tips one shoud know before a real start on learning everything together?
Thank you all.
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03-21-2012 11:04 AM
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Join these threads and start here:
https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/getti...ges-1-8-a.html
Make sure to post recordings. Recording yourself and posting it to the group... I think that gives you a lot of the elements that you would get from a private teacher without the cost. This is a great way to learn.
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Originally Posted by fep
thanks,I also have to say that I don't have enough time for practicing the "A modern method for guitar".Is it possible to do sth with those materials I just mentioned?(Al's guide to chords...,Leavitt's classical studies for pickstyle guitar & Leavitt's Melodic rhythms and some jazz standards with different difficulty levels).I also need a guidance to see how we shoud study melodies,I mean what are the steps we must take to perform a sightreading action?And the main question is what to study first?scales?standards?both of them together?(I'm mixed up!)
Thank you.
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Sight read standards. That way you are killing two birds with one stone.
If you do not know your neck well, (chords arps scales etc..) you will ultimately get frustrated. Having a structured regime that switchs it up daily is important to keep things fresh and interesting. I know from my reading, which sux, I do not spend more than 20 mins at the actual practicing of it. But being able to figure out heads is a must and is something you will do a lot of. It is not hard once you start. Pick easy tunes at first.
And yes, a private teacher is the best thing you could do, even if it is for a few lessons to get you started on the right path. Make sure the teacher is really a jazz musician, not just a guitarist that sounds good.
Also visit the site in my signature. Matt Warnock is a member of the forum and an excellent teacher. If you look for "jazz guitar resources" on the home page you will see tones of chords, scales and arpeggios that will keep you busy for a long time..
Hope this helped...Good luck!Last edited by brwnhornet59; 03-22-2012 at 04:15 PM.
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Thanks so much my friend,
I'm really scared from scales!and this may make me avoid getting close to them!my question is how should I practice scales??I think practicing scales/chords /arpgs And standards together will work.I also have a lot of other questions like:What is an interval?What do roman numerals want to say?what's the relation between a scale's notes and the chords we can use with that scale?what are modes?what does a whole tone scale mean?which notes in a major scale have a minor or a dim chord?and Is this a good way to learn the scales:First learn a fingering of a major scale then apply it in other positions to create the other major or any other scales while writing down the keys?In a book I have it is said that play "this tune" in other positions,is'nt that difficult?!How to make such a thing easier?
Thanks.Last edited by P.S.94; 03-23-2012 at 07:15 AM.
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P.S.94.I really do think you need to learn some basic music theory,such as how the major scale is constructed,the intervals it contains and how chords can be derived from it.The questions you are asking are the right ones,however to answer them all would take a huge post.You can begin by checking out the lessons on this site,or as already mentioned Matt Warnocks fantastic free site.You dont have to be a music professor to play jazz,but some basic theory is quite important.I will however attempt to explain your first question about intervals.An interval is the distance between two notes.On your guitar the frets go up in half steps or semitones,two frets equal a whole tone or whole step.From here things get a bit more involved so go check out some sites,there are twelve intervals in all each one with its own name.Each interval has its own unique sound when both notes are played together,it is important to learn to recognize these by ear,this is called ear training and will take some time to learn.You mentioned that you did not have time to study the modern method book,this confused me a bit.Unfortunately the truth is that jazz takes a lot of work to reach any level of competency,there are no short cuts despite many books claiming to have them.It is simply a case of the more work you put in,the faster you will progress.I also think it is better not to think that learning jazz has a definate end goal,it is better to look at it as a journey with no end that just gets better the longer you stay on it.Hope this helps a bit.
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thanks very much,so "a modern method" helps for theory?and could you please give me some links for the site's lessons?Thanks. Originally Posted by gingerjazz
Last edited by P.S.94; 03-23-2012 at 09:53 AM.
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These are the mentioned links: Originally Posted by P.S.94
Free Jazz Guitar LessonsLast edited by Franklin52; 03-23-2012 at 04:36 PM.
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Welcome from Indiana. You are the first person I've communicated to from Iran. Originally Posted by P.S.94
You mentioned you own Di Meola's Chords, Scales and Arpeggios and this is one of the books you are presently studying from.
Have you been following his lesson plans in the book? Which parts are giving you trouble? I'm working from the book on a daily basis presently to try and acquire a good foundation in all three of the above mentioned. Also, does your book have a list of recommended books that you should buy at the end? If so, could you share that list with me, particularly the books related to music theory that Di Meola recommends. The copy I have does not include that part.
Lastly, I'm not certain I understand your fear of scales. Are you afraid of them because Di Meola's book presents them in standard notation and all those dots lined up are intimidating?
My tip would be to work on the material systematically on a daily basis if you are planning to work from Di Meola's book. The first part is FORM I chords. Start there. All 27 of them have the root on the sixth string but three or four of them are described as having an "invisible root" because the root note is absent from the chord but is a device for locating the chord on the fretboard. When you get to FORM II chords (root on 5th string) you will not have to jump around the neck near as much if you are trying to apply these voicings to tunes from say the Real Book.
Since later material like scales, arpeggios and tunes are communicated through standard notation then learn to read standard notation by studying Leavitt's Modern Method of Guitar Volume 1 or some other sight reading text.
If you are having trouble playing/memorizing the first set of FORM I chords GMaj, GMaj7, G7 and GMaj6 then try using the information in this video. Hopefully it will help. It did for me personally.
Take care,
Will
Last edited by Franklin52; 03-23-2012 at 03:12 PM.
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Hi Will, Originally Posted by Will Glen
thanks for your attention.
I do have that missing part I'll see if I can send it to you.but it's a pdf file and I can't divide the pages so I'll send you the whole book!
Actually I'm not scared from the notation!the trouble is"applying them to other positions"I mean memorizing other key signatures would be a bit difficult.But I've learnt the chords very good,the strategy of sixth and fifth string roots is fabulous.My main problem is theory and i've been searching the site for some good stuff about theory.Unfortunately I can't get a copy of one of those books he has mentioned which is "Al's Picking techniques" I think it would be a great book.After all,Thanks.Last edited by P.S.94; 03-23-2012 at 03:58 PM.
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Hey man, as a side note...did you memorize his (E) fingering pattern for the major scale where he does the shifting beginning from the fifth fret up to the twelfth. I would be curious to know how you did the pattern descending? DId you descend the identical way you ascended? Im finding the shifts awkward and to be honest not sure if I'm following the right direction. Originally Posted by P.S.94
I'm at Lesson II presently but memorized the major scale fingering patterns to incorporate them into my daily warm up routine as suggested in his book in the section on warm up.
I keep telling myself I"m going to write out the major scale exercises in all keys but I end up just playing through them as a memorized pattern which will probably come back to bite me in the ass.
Also what did you think when he said that each lesson should take about two weeks time practicing an hour per day?Last edited by Will Glen; 03-23-2012 at 04:33 PM.
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That's exactly what I'm experiencing! Originally Posted by Will Glen
Do you mean sixth string form E?or fifth?if fifth,I haven't reached there yet But I assume It would be just like the ascending.If sixth,Just like ascending.
You know I'm not in the mood for applying in other positions and writing down the keys!!!:-)Last edited by P.S.94; 03-23-2012 at 04:38 PM.
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I'm referring to page 44. Originally Posted by P.S.94
The key of A, fingering pattern (E) for the major scale which has the root on the 6th string. This is the one where he teaches shifting through multiple positions. It was odd because he taught during the warm up section to begin applying these fingerings but they were not covered in any of lesson 1. I occasionally practice fingering (E) in the hopes more information will come up on it later. Presently, I just take the (A) through (D) fingering patterns root on 6th string and play them using eighth notes, triplets, sixteenths and broken thirds in the patterns shown in the notation. Applying these sequences to the (E) fingering is going to be a real *&$^^ and I'm not sure if that is what he even intended.
I know what you mean about taking the time to memorize all twelve keys and focusing on learning the notes rather than the patterns but to the best of my knowledge there is no shortcut. The work has to be done.
By the way, did you pick up a pair of rubber gloves!
I hope you know what I'm referring to...the part where he talks about wearing rubber gloves to help you increase speed when practicing the arps and scales..hehehehe.
Last edited by Will Glen; 03-23-2012 at 04:47 PM.
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I know about your doubt but of "applying in other positions",he means starting on a sixth string or fifth string root but the form E is not started on a sixth string 12th fret.It goes through the 12th fret.I mean the pattern is this way it starts from sixth string fifth fret and goes down to 17th fret first string.We have to memorize both the fingering pattern and the notes.And what about a"pair of gloves"?do you use?are they effective?! Originally Posted by Will Glen
I'm referring to page 44.
The key of A, fingering pattern (E) for the major scale which has the root on the 6th string. This is the one where he teaches shifting through multiple positions. It was odd because he taught during the warm up section to begin applying these fingerings but they were not covered in any of lesson 1. I occasionally practice fingering (E) in the hopes more information will come up on it later. Presently, I just take the (A) through (D) fingering patterns root on 6th string and play them using eighth notes, triplets, sixteenths and broken thirds in the patterns shown in the notation. Applying these sequences to the (E) fingering is going to be a real *&$^^ and I'm not sure if that is what he even intended.
I know what you mean about taking the time to memorize all twelve keys and focusing on learning the notes rather than the patterns but to the best of my knowledge there is no shortcut. The work has to be done.
By the way, did you pick up a pair of rubber gloves! I hope you know what I'm referring to...the part where he talks about wearing rubber gloves to help you increase speed when practicing the arps and scales..hehehehe.
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I think it is going to come down to hard work and devoting focused time and attention in memorizing the notes both within all twelve keys and then on the fretboard. Originally Posted by P.S.94
I'm tracking with you and know what you mean about starting on the 5th fret 6th string root A to play the A Major scale for what he calls the (E) fingering but playing this fingering using the various sequences is where I fall apart not to mention being able to instantaneously recall any given note and any given location when I'm playing. This is going to take me years to be able to do if I ever even get there.
I bounce back and forth from playing the major scale in all twelve keys using A thru D fingerings very slowly saying the notes aloud as I play them versus just playing the major scale patterns faster and faster. I think I'm almost to the point of ceasing to try and play faster and instead do what I know is right and learn the notes I'm playing through better. I'm really liking how my dexterity and flow is improving just in spending time learning the AMaj, Amin, AMaj7 and Am/Maj7 arpeggios in the A, B and C fingerings.
No I didn't get the pair of gloves...yet!
I've thought about trying them just out of curiosity to see what happens. Hell if rubber gloves are good enough for Di Meola then what the heck. From page 8 entitled Warm Up and Developing Speed Exercises I quote:
Over the years, guitar players have developed certain tricks to help strengthen their fingers and develop speed. As crazy as they seem they do work. The first trick is to practice all scale fingerings wearing a tight rubber glove on your left hand...
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Well,I think We will simply die at the end of these exercises! Originally Posted by Will Glen
I think it is going to come down to hard work and devoting focused time and attention in memorizing the notes both within all twelve keys and then on the fretboard.
I'm tracking with you and know what you mean about starting on the 5th fret 6th string root A to play the A Major scale for what he calls the (E) fingering but playing this fingering using the various sequences is where I fall apart not to mention being able to instantaneously recall any given note and any given location when I'm playing. This is going to take me years to be able to do if I ever even get there.
I bounce back and forth from playing the major scale in all twelve keys using A thru D fingerings very slowly saying the notes aloud as I play them versus just playing the major scale patterns faster and faster. I think I'm almost to the point of ceasing to try and play faster and instead do what I know is right and learn the notes I'm playing through better. I'm really liking how my dexterity and flow is improving just in spending time learning the AMaj, Amin, AMaj7 and Am/Maj7 arpeggios in the A, B and C fingerings.
No I didn't get the pair of gloves...yet! I've thought about trying them just out of curiosity to see what happens. Hell if rubber gloves are good enough for Di Meola then what the heck. From page 8 entitled Warm Up and Developing Speed Exercises I quote:
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PS94, welcome to your journey!
You have a lot of questions and they can't all be answered at once. Some of them have fairly straight forward answers and your curiosity could be resolved with a little bit of google and wikipedia if you know what to search for. For example: whole tone scale - not too hard, eh?
However, if you can afford to, I'd highly recommend investigating to find a good teacher and studying personally with somebody even if only temporarily. A good teacher will have the answers to all of your questions and will help you pace your progress, tackling only a few things at a time. You can find decent information on the net but the task is on you to organize all of it, which is difficult. At your stage I think nothing beats just sitting down with an experienced teacher and hashing all of this out even just for a few weeks...
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Jake has hit the nail on the head,you seem to be trying to learn too much in one go.This can lead to you drowning in all the information.Try to take it a bit slower.If you could ask one question at a time you will get more focused help on this site.If you need any help with this ask away.I would start with learning the major scale,how it is made and the intervals it contains,try learning it on one string first,this is a great way to see it in a more linear and visual way,and is great for seeing the intervals within it.(Start with the c major scale as there are no sharps or flats in that key).You must get the basics down before moving on,everything you learn is built on or related to the major scale.
Last edited by gingerjazz; 03-24-2012 at 09:57 AM.
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Please correct me if I'm wrong everyone:Every scale(Minor,pentatonic,modes,diminished and etc.)are made on a major scale. Originally Posted by gingerjazz
Thanks.
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Leave diminished out of it. Start with C major, root on 6th string. Then A natural minor. Then A minor pent (from which you derive A blues) and C major pent. That's a good start. Originally Posted by P.S.94
Do not, under any circumstances, mention modes on the internet, or google them, until (1) you have a teacher, or (2) you know your basic theory ie major and minor scales. That is a route to complete confusion.
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PS.Just to clarify hat i mean i will give you an example,after learning the major scale you would normally learn a natural minor scale.You can view a natural minor scale as a major scale with the 3rd,6th and seventh degrees flatted by a half tone.Or a melodic minor scale as a major scale with a flat third.When i say flat third i mean the note is lowered by a half tone,it does not necessarily mean it is a flat note.If this is not making sense i really would recommend that you start to learn some music theory,starting with a study of intervals and learning how a Major scale is built.All western music is built on and around the Major scale.I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the major scale down before moving on.To do that would be like building a house on sand.Peace.
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Thanks man, Originally Posted by gingerjazz
I understand.You gave me a clear view.
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+1 on modern method for guitar. Its by far the best guitar course I've ever used, and goes really complex at the end too. I'd recommend picking up that book
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03-29-2012, 11:14 AM #24Nuff Said Guest
Be patient, be dedicated and work methodically. Complex new areas can take months to really sink in.
Nuff
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I have a question around theory.In The site's lessons It is said that if we wanna make a minor triad we can use:1 b3 5.can you explain about that flat sign?(b)the problem is,in Dm triad we have D F A and we don't have a half-tone flatted third note.Does It have something to do with minor and major thirds?
Thanls
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