Category: Special Topics

Funk Guitar Comping Tips

In this video lesson I show some ideas for funk comping. The video is pretty self explanatory, so I’ll just sommarize by saying

1. try not to use massive chords with 6 notes, less is more.

2. break up bigger chords in smaller parts, double stops are great.

3. leave space for snare and think of your part as a piece of a bigger collage

4. look for 4ths inside chords and scales, those work great.

more tips to come in part 2…coming soon! Stay tuned.

Triad Combinations (also known as Triad Pairs)

You can get quite a modern sound by alternating and combining major and minor triads. In the video I use variuos combinations like C minor and D major that touch different degrees of the key of the moment.  Try different combinations and write down those that sound more interesting to your ears. You can find a pdf file with triads in different positions and inversions free to download HERE

The Impact of Guitar Picks on Tone and Playability

In the realm of music, every nuance matters, from the subtlest strum to the most intricate riff. Often, we lavish our attention and resources on pedals and other equipment, while overlooking one of the unsung heroes of our musical journey – the humble guitar pick. Recently, in a fascinating exploration, I delved into the world of guitar picks, realizing their profound influence on our tone and playability. Join me on this sonic adventure, as I tested 12 carefully selected picks to unravel their secrets.

The Quest for the Perfect Pick

Having amassed a collection spanning three decades, I meticulously handpicked 12 contenders based on their size, material, and shape. My go-to pick, the D’Addario Delrin 88.8, served as the benchmark for comparison. The selection varied from the robust 1mm triangular Gin Dollop to the feather-light Galley pick, each promising a unique experience.

Unveiling the Picks

  • Dunlop 1mm: A thick, triangular pick resembling Santana’s choice, offering a robust, pointed sound.
  • Ibanez Heavy: Bordering on a bass pick, this heavyweight contender struck a balance between thickness and maneuverability.
  • Dunlop 207 Jazz Pick: Crafted for jazz enthusiasts, this pick boasted a round edge and substantial thickness.
  • ’90s Ibanez Picks: A relic from the past, these metal picks exuded a jagged, velvety attack, favored by the likes of Steve Vai.
  • Dunlop 96: A standard, heavier pick in the Dunlop series, striking a chord between versatility and durability.
  • Tortex 60: A slightly thinner version of the classic Tortex, perfect for those seeking a balance between flexibility and control.
  • Nylon Pick: A flexible, medium-thick pick with a distinct character, offering a unique tonal flavor.
  • Gibson Thin: Delicate as a whisper, this paper-thin pick explored the subtleties of sound, challenging traditional norms.
  • Fender Thin: With its intriguing pattern, this mixed-material pick combined artistry with finesse, perfect for nuanced strumming.
  • Galli Super Thin: As thin as a wisp of air, this pick defied conventions, allowing effortless bends and harmonics, albeit at the expense of durability.

Decoding the Sonic Symphony

The experiment involved a symphony of arpeggios, single notes, and simple chords, each pick composing a distinct melody. Thicker picks serenaded with pristine single notes, while their thinner counterparts danced gracefully across chords, creating a harmonious blend.

Your Turn to Tune In

As our sonic expedition concludes, I invite you to share your thoughts. What picks resonate with your soul? Are you drawn to the bold resonance of thicker picks or the delicate dance of their thinner counterparts? Have you stumbled upon a pick that feels like an extension of your musical identity?

(old video on picks)

These are the picks I have used during this lesson:

picks

3 Notes Per String Pentatonic

I have always been inspired by lines played by funk sax players like Sanborn, Marienthal o Brecker, lines which are unique because of the characteristics of the instrument to produce the same note with two different fingerings (but this is possible on the guitar,too), together with their aggressive feel and a bluesy approach (= pentatonis, bends…). In this post you will find the fingerings for pentatonic scale three notes per string in position (to get the “false fingering” feel) and three notes per string trough the neck, to get fast and smooth lines.