“Riders on the Storm” by The Doors is a good example of Dorian mode and modal interchange. The song begins in the key of E minor, but with notes and chords relative to D major, which produces E Dorian mode. In the PDF guitar tab below, which is a guitar arrangement based on my own interpretation, you can see E-Gt 1 playing a bass line that outlines Em and A chords. Continue Reading
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“Reelin’ In the Years” by Steely Dan is probably best known for its electric guitar solos, but the chords played on the keyboard are a great example of using diminished chords and voice leading that guitar players can learn a lot from. Continue Reading
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“Hot Blooded” by Foreigner is a great example of using suspended fourth chords on guitar. The main guitar chord riff in the opening and chorus is based on the three major chords in G major, G, C and D. By number these chords make a I IV V (1 4 5) chord progression. A perfect fourth is added to each chord making Gsus4, Csus4 and Dsus4. Continue Reading
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most popular guitar songs ever. In it’s most basic form it’s just a simple three chord song. But there’s actually a lot more to it than that. Continue Reading
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After hundreds of hours of research and years of writing, the second book in the Fretboard Theory guitar series by Desi Serna is finally available for sale. Continue Reading
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The blog post Eric Johnson: The ultimate gear guide from The Red Dog Blog by Gavin McDiarmid is a superbly written guide to not only the sound of guitarist Eric Johnson, but what makes guitar equipment in general work well together. Continue Reading
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Here’s a great question and answer about rhythm, timing and counting music.
“Had a quick question I was hoping you could answer. Do you actively keep time and count while you’re playing? Continue Reading
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I occasionally get asked if I offer any music theory for ukulele. I don’t. In fact, I haven’t even played a ukulele much. But recently a ukulele player sent me this message about using the scale patterns and chord shapes taught in my guitar theory book, Fretboard Theory, for the ukulele. Continue Reading
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How to Learn Guitar Major Scale Patterns
Guitarists of all levels play melodies, riffs, lead guitar solos and bass lines using major scales. The notes of the major scale cover the whole fretboard. To learn this scale template, players break it up into smaller pieces. Continue Reading
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I’m often asked by guitar players what exercises are best to practice with. But, believe it or not, I don’t do exercises. I’m not a big fan of them and I rarely recommend them as a teacher. Instead, I play songs and tell my students to do the same. Continue Reading
