Month: July 2023

Posted in Pedals

Why you need a Boss Super Octave OC-3!

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Title: Why the Boss Super Octave OC-3 is a Must-Have for Your Music Setup!

If you’re a musician looking to enhance your sound and explore new possibilities, then the Boss Super Octave OC-3 pedal might just be the perfect addition to your setup! In this blog post, we’ll delve into why this pedal is a game-changer, especially for duo performances in genres like Funk, Pop, and even Jazz.

The Boss Super Octave OC-3 pedal is a versatile tool that brings new life to your guitar and bass playing. It is designed to fatten up the lower end of your sound, adding depth and weight that is perfect for certain musical styles. While it might not always be suitable for organic and acoustic sounds, it truly shines when used in genres like Funk and Pop or when you want to spice up your bluesy tunes.

The Three Modes:

This pedal comes with three distinct modes, each offering unique octave effects:

  1. Drive Mode: This mode provides some saturation, ensuring your original sound remains unaffected. It’s excellent for when you want to add just an of octave without altering your core tone.
  2. Octave 2 Mode: In this mode, the pedal introduces a sub-octave effect, two octaves below the input signal. Bass players often use this mode for modern R&B and Drum and Bass grooves, providing that deep, rumbling foundation to the music.
  3. Polymode: This is where things get interesting! The Polymode allows you to split the frequency spectrum at a user-defined value, selectively adding an octave down to specific strings. This mode opens up new possibilities for fingerpicking, basslines, and even unique chord voicings.

Perfect Companion for Duo Gigs:

The Boss Super Octave OC-3 truly shines in duo performances. If you’re playing alongside a singer, saxophonist, or another instrumentalist, this pedal can be your secret weapon to create a fuller, more dynamic sound. It’s a great addition for R&B, Funk, Pop, and even Jazz duos, where the low-end weight and presence can make all the difference.

Acoustic Guitars and Beyond:

Not just limited to electric guitars and bass, the Super Octave OC-3 can also work wonders with acoustic guitars. It adds a touch of that acoustic bass vibe, bringing a new dimension to your acoustic performances. However, it’s worth noting that this effect works best with fingerpicking and specific basslines rather than strumming.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Boss Super Octave OC-3 is a must-have pedal for any gigging musician looking to explore exciting sonic possibilities. With its ability to fatten up the lower end and add depth to your sound, it’s a perfect companion for duo performances in various genres. Whether you’re into Funk, Pop, or Jazz, this pedal is sure to unlock new creative avenues in your musical journey.

If you found this blog post helpful or have any experience with the Boss Super Octave OC-3, subscribe to our blog for more exciting content, and if you have any questions about playing guitar, music theory, or sound techniques, drop us a message, and we’ll be happy to help!

Posted in Pedals

“Cloud” Delay Preset Line 6 HX Effects+Momentary Footswitch

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link to my Line 6 community presets page: https://line6.com/customtone/profile/gianchiar

Hey guys, today I wanted to share some cool presets for the HX effects that I uploaded to the Line 6 Community. These presets were inspired by some gigs I played with a singer-songwriter in the UK, and they feature grungy fuzz and overdriven guitar sounds.

One particular sound I was trying to recreate was a unique Reverb effect called the Cadavenous by Blackout Effectors. It has this cool hold or freeze effect, but I couldn’t find the exact pedal online. So, I tried using the Cosmos Echo and the Line 6 to get a similar sound, and it worked quite well.

Here’s how I set it up in HX Edit:

Cosmos Echo on a quarter note with a ramp of 7.1.
Feedback controlled by a latching footswitch, which automatically sets the feedback to 58 when engaged and 26 when released.
I found that this feedback level worked best to avoid overwhelming volume when playing live. It’s a simple setup, but it sounds great, and I’m planning to upload these presets to my page on the Line 6 Community for HX effects and the Stomp XL.

I hope you find these presets helpful! Share them with others and let me know if you have any questions.

Posted in Special Topics

Unleashing the Power of Pentatonic: Creative Approaches and Versatility

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Today, I want to take a moment to explore the timeless and indispensable concept of pentatonic scales. As guitarists, we all begin our musical journey with the Old Faithful pentatonic shape. It’s the go-to scale for rock and the starting point for improvisation. However, there’s another pentatonic shape that I believe is equally essential, and it offers even more creative possibilities.

Now, let’s introduce the “1-3-1-3 Slide” pentatonic shape. This unique pattern consists of five notes played on two strings and then repeated one octave higher on the lower and higher strings. Starting from the flat seven of a minor scale, the pattern goes 1-3-1-3, and you’ll quickly recognize this iconic sound from guitar legends like Eric Clapton. This shape, with its sliding motion, brings a bluesy and expressive quality to your playing.

You’ll notice that this shape offers a lot of freedom for rhythmic variations, making it ideal for blues and funk-inspired playing. For different tonalities, you can easily switch to major by moving three frets down from the root, playing the major pentatonic shape. It has a bright and soulful vibe, perfect for infusing a Clapton-esque sound into your guitar solos.

Next, let’s explore how we can alter the pentatonic scale by changing some of the notes, creating new and exciting variations. For example, the “Jog” pentatonic involves replacing the minor third with the major third. This modification results in a more ’60s-jazz-inspired sound. Here’s how it sounds in action:

This variation opens up a world of musical possibilities, and you can confidently apply it in different contexts to add a fresh touch to your solos.

Another intriguing alteration is the “Flat 7 to Flat 6” pentatonic, where you lower the flat seven to the flat six, providing a funky and soulful flavor. This shape pairs well with dominant chords, like E7 or minor 13 chords, and creates a funky Prince-like atmosphere. Let’s hear it in action:

The “Flat 7 to Flat 6” pentatonic offers rhythmic flexibility and is perfect for those looking to infuse funk and blues into their playing.

By experimenting with these various pentatonic shapes and incorporating them into your playing, you’ll notice a significant expansion in your musical expression. Remember, the beauty of pentatonic scales lies in their simplicity and versatility, allowing you to effortlessly move between different styles and tonalities.

So, take some time to explore these creative approaches, and don’t be afraid to mix and match them in your solos. As you progress on your guitar journey, you’ll find yourself confidently navigating these captivating pentatonic shapes and creating your own unique musical voice.

For more in-depth lessons and personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to me. Until then, keep practicing, keep exploring, and let your guitar sing with the power of pentatonic! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this video with your fellow guitarists. Happy playing, and take care!

Posted in The Jazzy stuff (but good for every style!)

Mastering Diminished Harmony: A Comprehensive Guitar Guide PT1

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Hey there, fellow musicians! Today, I’m excited to delve into the fascinating world of diminished harmony, exploring both arpeggios and chords. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to deepen your knowledge or a beginner eager to expand your repertoire, this guide has something for everyone.

Let’s start by understanding the essence of diminished harmony. It’s based on symmetrical scales and arpeggios that repeat the same interval, specifically the minor third, from a starting note. This unique characteristic is what sets it apart and forms the foundation for its distinctive sound.

When tackling diminished arpeggios and chords, I like to visualize them in blocks rather than traditional roots. For instance, instead of viewing a C major chord from a root perspective, we approach it as a block containing C, E-flat, G-flat, and A. This approach allows for easier inversions and a better grasp of the harmonic structure.

To get you started, let’s explore a basic diminished arpeggio shape on a single string. Starting from C, we move in minor thirds (three frets) to create the following sequence: C, E-flat, D-flat, and A, ultimately ending back at a higher octave of C. This pattern applies to other starting notes as well, like D-flat (D-flat, E, G, and B-flat) and E-flat (E-flat, G-flat, A, and C). Notice that the inversions are symmetrical, making the sound consistent regardless of the starting note.

Now, let’s dive into some useful shapes for diminished chords and arpeggios. For chords, a common shape with the root on the A string includes notes E-flat, G-flat, and A. By moving this shape across the fretboard, we can easily form different diminished chords, such as F-sharp or C diminished, maintaining the same inversions.

Another common shape, with the root on the E string, contains notes C, E-flat, G-flat, and B. This shape is prevalent in jazz and is widely used by guitarists like Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery.

When it comes to arpeggios, a beginner-friendly pattern involves the sequence C, E-flat, G-flat, and A. Practice this sequence diligently to build a solid foundation. Advanced players often incorporate picking techniques, such as alternate picking or economy picking, to enhance the fluidity of their arpeggio playing.

To challenge yourself further, experiment with shapes in position. By practicing these patterns in minor thirds, you’ll gain versatility and agility across the fretboard. Remember, these shapes are just starting points; feel free to explore and personalize them to suit your style.

To wrap up, let’s revisit a helpful exercise to internalize these concepts. Take three shapes of a diminished chord and move them up the fretboard. This exercise will assist you in discovering the various diminished shapes hidden within this system of four notes.

Posted in Special Topics

Do you need Music College or just a Mentor in 2023?

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In this video, I share my thoughts on the value of attending college for musicians in 2023. Recently, I went out with some friends to a gig, and we started discussing whether colleges are still relevant nowadays, given the abundance of online resources for learning music. Back in 2000, I attended Berklee College of Music, which was a big and renowned institution. However, times have changed, and with the internet, there are now numerous ways to learn music online.

During the conversation with my friends, we explored the differences between going to college and seeking mentorship. Going to college can provide academic credentials, which might be essential if you want to pursue higher education or academic positions. On the other hand, mentorship is like an apprenticeship, where you learn directly from experienced professionals in the music industry. This practical approach might be more suitable for those who want to dive straight into the music business.

One significant advantage of attending college is the networking opportunities. Meeting and connecting with a diverse group of people can lead to valuable collaborations and potential career opportunities. However, the downside is that college can be expensive, and not everyone may find it to be the best fit for their musical goals.

For those considering mentorship, it offers a more focused and quicker route to learning specific skills. Finding a mentor who excels in your desired field can provide personalized guidance and insights. Moving to a city with a thriving music scene is often recommended, as it exposes you to a wider range of opportunities and connections.

Ultimately, the decision between college and mentorship depends on your musical aspirations and financial capability. It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about what you truly want and need. Whichever path you choose, be sure to invest time in networking and building meaningful connections with fellow musicians and industry professionals.

Please note that these are my personal thoughts, and your experience might differ based on your individual circumstances and goals.