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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making a living through your passion for music, you’re not alone. Many aspiring musicians hope to turn their notes into dollars. In this post, I’ll share some valuable insights from my nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry. These tips can help you generate income and build a successful music career.
1. Gigs: Where It All Begins
Gigs are the lifeblood of any musician’s career. Starting from small bar performances and working your way up to festivals and corporate events is a common trajectory. The key here is to be clear about details like timing, payment, and expenses, whether you’re booking the gig or just playing it. Over time, aim to increase your earnings per gig and prioritize quality over quantity.
2. Teaching: Share Your Knowledge
Teaching music can be a rewarding source of income. Whether you opt for one-on-one lessons or workshops, there are opportunities to teach various music skills, reading sheet music, and even offering career advice. Just be cautious about delving into areas like tax advice unless you have specialized knowledge.
3. Writing Charts and Notation: Create the Blueprint
If you have a knack for musical arrangements and notation, this skill can prove valuable. From creating charts for orchestras to arranging tracks for cruise ship acts, your services can save time and money for others. Ensure you are fairly compensated for your efforts, especially if someone wants to use your charts after a gig.
4. Recording: Capture Your Sound
Recording sessions offer a different avenue for musicians to earn money. While rates can vary widely, it’s crucial to negotiate a fair deal based on factors like project scope, budget, and your experience. Recording from home has become increasingly viable, providing more flexibility.
5. Royalties and Sync Music: Get Paid for Your Creativity
Explore royalty opportunities and sync music licensing. Even small amounts can accumulate over time, particularly with platforms like YouTube. Be diligent about understanding the legal aspects and potential revenue streams.
6. Backing Tracks and Library Music: Sell Your Sounds
Creating backing tracks and library music can be a lucrative venture. You can sell packs of samples or backing tracks online or work with libraries. Collaborate with others who are already in the business to gain insights into this market.
7. Your Own Music: Record, Release, and Sell
Recording and releasing your own music is a classic way to generate income. Whether you sell CDs at gigs or offer digital downloads online, consider bundling music with merchandise like T-shirts or vinyl for a unique appeal.
8. Share Your Knowledge Online: Monetize Your Expertise
Consider creating ebooks, PDFs, templates, or video courses related to music. You can offer them as one-time purchases or subscription-based services. Repackaging your knowledge in this way can provide a steady stream of income.
9. Gear and Merchandise: Your Brand, Your Profits
Developing your own line of gear, such as pedals or instruments, can be a profitable endeavor. Additionally, you can sell merchandise like T-shirts and posters, particularly at live performances.
10. Consistency Is Key
No matter which income streams you pursue, consistency is essential. Whether you’re consistently performing, teaching, creating content, or selling your music, maintaining a steady presence in the music industry can lead to long-term success.
In conclusion, the journey from musician to money-maker is diverse and multifaceted. The key is to explore various income streams, adapt to changing market trends, and always strive to improve your craft. Remember that success in the music industry often requires a combination of talent, hard work, and savvy business skills. So, take these tips to heart, march to the beat of your own drum, and transform your musical passion into a lucrative career.
When it comes to iconic guitarists, Mark Knopfler is undoubtedly a name that tops the list. Known for his distinctive fingerstyle playing and melodic solos, Knopfler’s guitar style has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. In this blog post, we’ll explore five essential guitar licks from Knopfler’s repertoire that every aspiring guitarist should learn. And, as a bonus, we’ll reveal one surprising technique that sets him apart.
“Single-Handed Sailor” Intro Lick
One of Knopfler’s signature licks can be found in the intro to “Single-Handed Sailor” from the “Communique” album. This lick is based on the D minor pentatonic scale and features a unique plucking pattern. Start on the 10th fret of the G string with your index finger, hammer onto the 12th fret with your ring finger, and then bar the B and E strings with your index finger. Pluck the strings with your index and middle fingers and finish with a slide from the 13th to the 15th fret on the B string.
Volume Pedal Magic
Knopfler’s second essential lick involves using a volume pedal to create a pedal steel-like effect. He often uses this technique in songs like “Tunnel of Love.” In this lick, you’ll play in D minor and F major, emphasizing the 10th fret of the G string and the 10th fret of the B string. The volume pedal helps soften the attack, creating a smooth and ethereal sound.
“Sultans of Swing” Picking Technique
Knopfler’s picking technique is a hallmark of his style, and it’s beautifully demonstrated in the famous “Sultans of Swing.” Using primarily the index and thumb, he achieves a distinct sound. Try the thumb-pull-thumb-index pattern on the 10th fret of the B string, followed by a pull-off to the 10th fret of the G string. This pattern repeats, creating a captivating and intricate melody.
Triads: The Songwriting Secret
Another aspect of Knopfler’s style is his use of triads, which can be heard in several of his songs. These three-note chords are versatile and add depth to his compositions. For instance, in “Sultans of Swing,” he uses D Minor, C, and B flat triads in various inversions to create a rich harmonic texture. These triads also appear in “Tunnel of Love” and “Lady Writer.”
The “Walk of Life” Groove
Last but not least, Knopfler’s classic “Walk of Life” groove is a testament to his rock ‘n’ roll influence. This technique, reminiscent of Chuck Berry’s style, involves strumming up and down with your nail while using your left hand to fret the fifth and sixth strings. In the key of E, it creates a catchy, rhythmic groove that’s impossible not to tap your foot to.
The Surprising Bonus Technique
Now, for the surprise! One of Knopfler’s lesser-known but equally fascinating techniques involves reusing the same material in different ways. He often employs the same triad patterns but arranges them with different bass notes to create entirely new songs. A prime example of this is “Private Dancer” by Tina Turner, where you can hear the same triads used in a different context, showcasing Knopfler’s ingenuity as a songwriter.
In conclusion, Mark Knopfler’s guitar style is a treasure trove of techniques and creativity. By mastering these five essential licks and understanding his songwriting secrets, you can not only pay homage to this guitar legend but also infuse your own playing with his distinctive flair. So, grab your guitar, dive into Knopfler’s world, and start crafting your own musical journey.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of Mark Knopfler’s guitar style.
If you’ve ever grooved to the infectious rhythms of funk music and wondered how to play those tight and complex guitar patterns, you’re in the right place. In this in-depth funk guitar tutorial, we’ll explore the essential techniques and exercises to help you nail those funky grooves.
The Funky Foundation
Funk music is all about rhythm and groove. It’s characterized by its signature tight, syncopated rhythms and the use of ghost notes, which add depth and texture to the music. Before diving into the exercises, let’s build a solid foundation.
The 16th Note Funk Pattern
Funk often revolves around a 16th-note-based rhythm pattern. Your right hand is crucial here, as it alternates between strumming the strings and making muted “ghost” strokes.
Left-Hand Technique
While your right hand handles the rhythm, your left hand plays a vital role in creating the distinctive funk sound. Begin with a simple chord shape, like a barre chord on the fifth fret, and practice pressing and releasing the strings to create those funky ghost notes.
Four Essential Exercises
Now, let’s put it all into action with four exercises to develop your funk guitar skills:
Exercise 1: Press down on the first 16th note and follow it with ghost notes for the rest of the bar. Exercise 2: Press down on the second 16th note of the pattern and continue with ghost notes. Exercise 3: Focus on the third 16th note, pressing down and muting the strings accordingly. Exercise 4: Finally, work on the last 16th note of the pattern. Each exercise will help you get comfortable with different placements of the 16th notes and the coordination between your right and left hands.
Unleash Your Creativity
Funk guitar is not just about copying existing patterns but also about creating your own. You can experiment by combining different rhythmic melodies and patterns. Consider all the possible combinations of pressed and ghost notes within each quarter note pattern, and you’ll have endless opportunities for creating your unique funk grooves.
Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered these fundamentals, you can explore more advanced techniques like creating chord progressions to further enrich your funk guitar playing.
Conclusion
Funk guitar is all about the groove, and with practice and creativity, you can develop your own funky style. Whether you’re into classic James Brown tunes or modern funk by artists like Corey Wong, these foundational techniques will serve as your gateway to the world of funk guitar.
Remember to take your time, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
