L E V E L II
Module I
In this module, you’ll begin playing barre chords, learn new scales, refine your accompaniment playing, and more.
Lesson
1
Because the interval between the 2nd and 3rd strings is not the same as the interval between the other string sets, it can take some time for your hand and your brain to understand the relationship of sounds across the fretboard. Practicing the chromatic scale will help with this and, if you say the notes at the same time, it will also help you to learn the note names. Be sure to use a good hand position and play with sustain to ingrain correct technique, as well.
You can learn this simple 12-tone scale here: LP1 The Chromatic Scale
Lesson
2
The moment you’ve been waiting for! When you can play barre chords, your chord vocabulary explodes! Be patient and persistent—it can take time to achieve clarity and find just the right feel. Make small adjustments as necessary, and practice every day to build your strength gradually and safely. Learn about barre chords in R7Barre Chords. Then, learn when to use them with R1Barre Chords – When to Use
Lesson
3
The major scale is the most common scale in Western music, but it will mean even more to you as you use it, as it will serve as the basis for every other scale you learn. Before playing it, study this lesson: Lp11The Major Scale. Watch me explain it in this video: LP26Scale Pattern #1
Lesson
4
Once you’re clear on the construction of the scale, it’s time to learn your first movable scale pattern. Study both of the following lessons and add the practice into your daily routine. You can’t know this scale too well! LP6Movable Scale Pattern #1 ; SLP26Scale Pattern #1
Lesson
5
That cool chime-like sound people get from their guitars is call a harmonic. These lessons will explain how to achieve it. T2Harmonics ; T3Artificial Harmonics
Lesson
6
The video for this lesson comes from my Comprehensive video, and it covers a lot. It begins with barre chords, combining the principles in Fretboard Familiarity. It then goes into adding texture and variety to strumming through dynamics, slapping or muting, rhythm from the fretting hand, syncopation, and more. The lesson concludes with fingerpicking. Take your time with it and return to it frequently over the next few months.
Lesson
7
The biggest reason to learn scales is to use them in playing music! Of course, you won’t just play straight scales in your songs or leads—you’ll play the notes in the scales in various combinations.
The first combination or pattern that’s good to learn is thirds. This lesson will teach you how: LP9 Thirds Within the Scale Once you learn it, add it to your daily practice, just after you practice the scale pattern.
Lesson
8
In this lesson you’ll start exploring the scale from the inside out. You’ll probably feel awkward at first and you may miss notes, but just go slowly, focusing on the scale tones only. If you get in a hurry and practice wrong notes, it will take a lot longer to achieve your goals, so take your time! This is one of those things that is powerful if you do it a lot, over a long period of time. It’s one of the most important things you can practice toward playing melodies and leads.
Good work! Ready for Module II? Click here!
