Chord Families
This one uses so much modulation but having an understanding of the basics is imperative if you want to learn how to deviate from the rules.
Review lesson: Chord Families
Building Chords
Chord inversions are a great way to add some texture to your “basic” chords. No new theory, just re-ordering the notes in your chords to give you a different sound. Start learning the basics here!
Review lesson: Building Chords
Extensions
Extensions are a great way to add a lot of color to your chords and arpeggios. Think of your root, third, fifth as your sketch outline and anything else is a pallet of colors.
Review lesson: Extensions
Bending
Bending strings is something that can add a lot of flavor to your playing if done right! Check out this lesson to learn more.
Review lesson: Bending
Landing Tones & Creating Tension
Part of every great story is the “tension” and “release”. Same with music - hitting landing tones over the appropriate chords sounds nice but sounds even nicer when you “resolve” from a “tension” note.
Sweep Picking
Sweep Picking is one of those things that seems scary at first but once you get it under your fingers (pun intended), it flows easily. Start learning more here!
Review lesson: Sweep Picking
Arpeggios
Arpeggios are basically playing the notes that make up the chord.. Just one at a time. So a C Major arpeggio can be played over a C Major chord, a D minor arpeggio can be played over a D minor chord… make sense? Learn more here!
Review lesson: Arpeggios
Economy Picking
Economy picking is combining the idea of sweep picking and alternate picking. A little tricky to initially implement into your playing if you’re used to just alternate picking but once you start putting some gas to it, it can really elevate your chops!
Review lesson: Economy Picking
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is a must when it comes to shredding. You can literally play things twice as fast taking advantage of the upward motion of your pick. Start learning this concept here!
Review lesson: Alternate Picking
Melodic Minor
Melodic minor is one of those scales that will get people saying “What was that?!” Used a lot in jazz and classical music and can add a tasteful element to your playing.
