Month: October 2023

Posted in Jazz Standards

Dive into “Sticky July” by Butcher Brown

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Butcher Brown is a jazz-funk band known for their eclectic style and improvisational flair. Their song “Sticky July” showcases their talents, with an especially impressive guitar part and solo. In this tutorial, I’ll break down the chords and scales used in the guitar part and offer tips for improvising over this funky tune.

Chords

The chord progression follows a simple AB pattern, with the A section consisting of:

  • F#m7 – Classic minor 7 chord shape with a hammer on from A to B on the B string
  • Bm7 – Minor 7 chord, playing the root on the B string twice
  • A7/Bb – Interesting voicing with the A7 on top and Bb bass note
  • Esus2/G# – Played with thumb, sus2 chord without the A string
  • Gmaj7(9/13) – Basically a G major 7 with added 9th and 13th
  • Db7 – Hendrix-style chord barring B and E strings
  • Dmaj7 – Standard open position D major 7

The B section uses:

  • Bmaj7 – Same shape as the Gmaj7 chord
  • Em11 – Minor 11 voicing
  • Abm9 – Unique voicing like a Gb/Ab
  • G/A – Simple sus chord
  • Dmaj9 – Classic jazz Dmaj9 sound
  • C#sus – Barre or B/C# voicing
  • C7b5 – Dominant 7 flat 5 resolving to F#m

Scales for Improvisation

The A section is straightforward, just using the F# minor pentatonic scale. For the B section, target the chord tones of each changing chord while avoiding dissonant tones. Useful scales include:

  • Bmaj7 – B major, avoid the #11
  • Em11 – E minor or D major
  • Abm9 – Ab dorian (Db major scale)
  • G/A – G major
  • Dmaj9 – D major
  • C#sus – C# or F# minor pentatonic
  • C7 – C mixolydian

Soloing Over the Changes

When soloing over “Sticky July,” aim to smoothly connect the chord tones through each section. Outline the F# minor tonality over the first part, and switch scales measure-by-measure in the second section. Pay close attention to the chords and avoid dissonant tones.

Posted in Getting it all together

Unlock the Fretboard: How Box Mapping Can Improve Your Guitar Knowledge

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Learning guitar can seem overwhelming at first. There are so many notes and chords to memorize across the fretboard. However, using a technique called “box mapping” can help you better visualize and understand what’s happening on the guitar neck.

In this video, I demonstrate how to map out scale and chord shapes by writing down the fingering, notes, and function/degree within each “box” position. For example, when mapping a G major scale pattern:

  • Fingering: Write down the fingers used – 2 4 1 2 4 1 3 4 etc. This helps with technique.
  • Notes: Write the note names – G A B C D E F# G. This helps you know the scale tones.
  • Function: Write the scale degrees – Root 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th Root. This shows how the notes relate to the tonic.

The same mapping process can be applied to chord shapes. By labeling the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th etc in a given chord voicing, you understand both the notes and function.

Over time, mapping out common scales, arpeggios, and chords in various areas of the neck trains your brain to visualize these patterns. You develop fretboard knowledge instead of just memorizing mechanical finger movements.

Mapping reinforces the intervals and music theory underlying guitar. It lets you modify chords more easily by knowing where chord tones and extensions are located near a given shape. You gain control and fluidity across the fretboard.

In short, box mapping is an excellent technique for guitarists looking to level up their fretboard mastery. By taking a more analytical approach, you can unlock the guitar neck and boost your skills dramatically. Try applying this to your own practice and watch your guitar knowledge improve.

Posted in Tips and Online finds

Mastering Bar (Barre) Chords Made Easy: 5 Tips for Beginner Guitarists

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Learning barre chords can be a daunting task for beginner guitarists, but fear not! With the right techniques and some practice, you can conquer these challenging chords effortlessly. In this post, we’ll explore five valuable tips to help you master barre chords and enhance your guitar playing skills.

  1. Perfect Your Finger Technique:
    One of the key challenges with barre chords is finger positioning. Instead of pressing the chord flat, use your index finger slightly on the outside. Position the first knuckle on the sixth string to harness your finger’s strength effectively.
  2. Play Close to the Fret:
    To produce a clean sound and prevent buzzing, play as close to the fret as possible. Keeping your fingers near the fret reduces the pressure required and ensures your chords sound crisp and clear.
  3. Angle Your Guitar:
    Tilt the top of your guitar away from your body. This not only elevates your wrist but also utilizes the guitar’s weight to assist in pushing the strings onto your fingers. This technique can significantly ease the pressure on your fingers.
  4. Optimize Your Guitar Setup:
    A well-set-up guitar can make a world of difference. Adjust the action, the distance between the fret and string, for easy playability. Additionally, consider using lighter gauge strings (such as 11s or 10s) to reduce strain on your fingers and build strength gradually.
  5. Utilize Capo and Song Adaptation:
    An invaluable tool for simplifying chord shapes is the capo. Experiment with using a capo to find easier chord positions. Additionally, adapt songs to capo-friendly chords whenever possible. This not only makes learning songs easier but also reduces the need for complex barre chords.

Remember, mastering barre chords takes time and practice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these techniques and find what works best for you. With dedication and patience, you’ll soon find yourself playing barre chords with confidence and ease.

Posted in From the major scale to (hopefully) understanding how things work.

Mastering Movable Seventh Chord Shapes on the Guitar

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Today, we’re diving into the exciting realm of movable seventh chord shapes on the guitar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how these shapes can unlock a world of possibilities, allowing you to play any major, minor, diminished, or dominant seventh chord anywhere on the fretboard. Say goodbye to the limitations of fixed chord positions and embrace the freedom of movable shapes.

Understanding Movable Seventh Chords

Not all chords are created equal, especially on the guitar. Movable seventh chord shapes are a game-changer. Unlike their non-movable counterparts, these shapes involve only fretted notes, typically around four or five, providing a compact yet rich sound. They exclude the chunky folk chords and instead focus on versatility.

Exploring the Shapes

In this tutorial, we’ll cover four essential seventh chord shapes: major 7, dominant 7, minor 7, and minor 7 flat 5 (half diminished). Each shape is meticulously explained, ensuring you understand the nuances of their finger placements. The beauty lies in their mobility. By understanding the root notes on the E, A, and D strings, you can effortlessly transpose these shapes to play any chord in any key.

Harmonizing the Major Scale

To truly grasp the power of these movable shapes, we’ll explore harmonizing the major scale. By stacking the notes in a specific way, we derive a series of chords that harmonize perfectly within a key. We’ll see how these seventh chord shapes seamlessly fit into the harmonized scale, opening up endless musical opportunities.

Practical Application: Playing a Jazz Standard

The real test of any technique is its practical application. We’ll take a jazz standard, dissect its chord progressions, and apply our newfound knowledge of movable seventh chord shapes. Witness how these shapes enhance your ability to navigate complex chord changes, giving you the freedom to express yourself fully.

Conclusion:

Mastery of movable seventh chord shapes is not just a skill; it’s a gateway to musical freedom. Whether you’re into blues, funk, jazz, or contemporary pop, these shapes form the foundation of countless songs. So, grab your guitar, practice these shapes diligently, and watch as your playing reaches new heights.

Remember, music is a puzzle, and movable seventh chord shapes are your pieces. With dedication and practice, you’ll not only solve the puzzle but create beautiful, harmonious masterpieces.