One-Note Improvisation
This lesson is designed for maximum fun! (We can all use more of that, right?) If you really dive into the exercise I describe, you may be surprised at how creative and flexible you can be. If you’re not accustomed to using the entire fretboard, this exercise will give you the opportunity to expand your mobility. If, however, you already navigate the fretboard easily, you’ll enjoy the challenge of creating with no more than a single note.
The note you will use for your creation is the most “guitaristic” note, E. The first thing you’ll need to do to prepare for your improvisation is to find all of the E’s on your guitar. You should be able to find at least nine: two on the 1st string, one on the 2nd string, one on the 3rd string, two on the 4th string, one on the 5th string and two on the 6th string. Practice moving randomly and quickly from one E to another, making sure you’re using all of them.
Next, find or make a recording of a simple chord progression or song in the key of E. If you’re making your own recording, you may choose to use only chords in the scale harmony that contain the note E, which would include E, F#m, A and C#m. Alternately, you could simply set up an interesting rhythm pattern and play only the E chord. Whatever song or progression you choose, though, remember to use a metronome when you record!
Once you have your recording, all that’s left is to start making stuff up! In addition to using all of the E’s on the fretboard, try these ideas to make your improvisation interesting:
Create a strong “melodic” rhythm
Use techniques such as slides or bends
Vary and exaggerate your dynamics
Experiment with different ways to strike the string
Alternate between staccato and legato
Remember, the idea is to be adventuresome and have fun!