Music theory Archives - Page 2 of 3

What makes the 12 bar blues a staple in modern music?

Learn what makes the 12 bar blues a standard progression that is used throughout popular music along with various ideas on how to play it

Learn about the harmonized scale, how to create and play it in any major key, and how to use its power in many important ways

Learn how to use the guitar chords E minor and A minor with a bar to create two moveable shapes that give you all other minor chords

Learn what dominant 7th chords are, how to make them on guitar, and why they serve such a critical function in modern music.

Playing over the chord changes is another approach to soloing

Learn how to let the underlying chord changes guide your solos by changing the pentatonic scale that you use to choose your notes

Clamp a capo in place to change key using the same chords

Learn what a capo is, why you would want to use one, what the alternative is, and why you should get one for your accessories kit

Open A minor: very common and very versatile

Learn how to play three open-shaped minor chords that you can use to lead your listeners into different emotional territory.

Minor triad...like a major triad only brooding

Learn how to use three simple shapes for minor triads and play minor chords in all areas of the neck to bring interest to rhythm and leads

Feeling sad? The minor scale will speak to you

Learn the minor scale, its characteristics, emotions, and patterns. Find examples of songs that use it, and learn to play it on your guitar.

Of course you need to read music if you're a musician...don't you?

Answer the question most beginner guitarists have about whether or not to learn to read music if you’re to become the player you want to be.