Let’s keep exploring different ways to make chords sound like a beautiful melody and how you can use your fretboard knowledge to transform simple chords into melodic weapons.
Today’s video is about creativity, fingerstyle, melody, chords, and the number one thing that will make you sound different from any other guitar player around. Musicality.
Chords are just a bunch of notes that sound good together. They are not musical unless you learn how to make them sing, and today, I want to share with you what I know about this wonderful way of playing guitar.
Grab your instrument and play along.
Let’s get started.
The Video
How to Create Melodic Chords
Intervals and Open Strings
Melodic chords are chords that sing.
Learning how to use simple triads melodically is a weapon that every guitar player should know. Not only because your chords will sound amazing and “different” but because you will learn more about the stuff you play.
Knowledge makes you a wiser guitar player.
With knowledge comes creativity, momentum, and fulfillment.
Let’s analyze the chord progression that you are about to learn.
Chord Progression
We are working on a very simple and “popular” chord progression.
Em, D, Am, B7, D# Dim
Each chord will be played in a different position that allows me to make it more melodic.
Open strings are significant!
Check the diagram to learn the chords.
The Fingerstyle Pattern
Chords are just a bunch of notes played together unless you find a way to make them sing.
The number one technique you can use to do that is fingerstyle.
Plucking the strings individually will make this chord progression extremely melodic and enjoyable to play and listen to.
This is how it is going to look like on paper.
Good Luck!
I hope you will enjoy this lesson, guys.
Creativity is essential in music, and I hope to help you become a better guitar player.
Is it simple to play licks in-between chords? How do I get started?
I get this question all the time, so I spent the last few days thinking about a way to explain that in simple steps.
Improvising over a chord progression is an easy task if you have a backing track playing along, but how can we combine playing chords and soloing at the same time?
One of the things that I find interesting about this topic is that the majority of teachers out there talk a lot about chords and scales.
They give you the chord progression and the relative scales; then they ask you to come up with your phrases and licks … as it was easy.
The one missing piece is rhythm and repetition.
You can become better at playing licks between chords if you understand the importance of rhythmic pattern, structure, and repetitions.
Playing a ton of notes isn’t the answer, and knowing the scale and chords isn’t enough to truly understand how to combine chords and guitar licks.
We will be focusing a lot of getting your rhythm right so that you can slowly learn how to improvise over a chord progression using fingerstyle acoustic guitar.
Let’s get started.
The Video
Step 1
The Chord Progression
The first step to get started is memorizing the chord progression perfectly.
We will be playing the exercise in the key of D major, and the chord progression is pretty simple and “famous.”
D major, B minor, A major and G major.
Simplify the Chords
Let’s simplify the chords to the bone so that you can truly focus on your goal, which is getting the licks between the chords.
I like to get rid of the entire chord so that I only end up playing the root note of each chord.
The Bass note should always be played at the beginning of each bar and only on the first beat so that you can leave the remaining three beats for the solo.
Step 2
The Scale
Start familiarizing yourself with the relative scale we will be using over this chord progression.
We are in D major key, so the scale we will be using is the D major scale. We will only be playing the scale on three strings and in just one position.
I like to organize the scale that way, so it is easy to play the chord and solo within the same position.
The number one mistake you can make is to try to play the solo up and down the neck without any reference, and that would make the whole exercise difficult.
Check the D major scale here.
Play the Scale over the Chord Progression
One thing you should to really familiarize yourself with the scale and chord progression is to play the scale on each chord.
This exercise is essential because it helps you to understand the space between the chords and how to fit in the scale and eventually, the licks.
Go ahead and practice the scale with the chord progression.
Make sure the chord is always on the first beat and the scale on the third beat.
Step 4
Musical Ideas
This step is exciting and musical. You will probably find yourself spending a lot of time practicing this musical concept.
As we said at the beginning of the lesson, rhythm is the key and so let’s transform this scale into licks by using different rhythmic patterns and melodic ideas.
Keep the Same Rhythm
The first thing I usually recommend doing is to play the same lick over the chord progression. By doing that, you start training your fingers to switch between playing the chord and the phrase.
Same phrase over different chords
Diversify the Phrase
The next move should be playing the same rhythmic idea but over a different set of notes.
In this example, the rhythm is the same for each note, but the notes are different and played around the chord.
Step 5
Play the Full Chord and Use different Techniques
Step 4 provides you with enough material that you can use to start developing your improvising skills. I highly recommend you stick to step 4 for a while.
The last step is more about putting it together and improvise using the chords and guitar techniques that are more difficult and advanced.
I will play a few examples on the video to show you how to do that.
Enjoy this lesson, and as always, guys, take things step-by-step.
Another day to work on our technique and musicality.
Honestly, guys, the more I am recording this type of video, the more I think this is such an awesome way to practice and play guitar.
Working hard to find a musical way to practice any guitar playing aspect is becoming my mission!
Today we are checking out how to practice the hammer-on technique in the most musical way possible.
The problem I have with the 90% of the hammer on exercises out is that they are the same old mechanical and boring exercises that guitar players have been practicing for years.
I think it’s time to find a new musical solution to practice this useful technique, and today’s hammer on exercise will blow your mind.
Really important!
I will break it down so that most of you will find this exercise simple to play, but if you are a day one beginner, you might want to come back in few months and start with an easier exercise.
And now, without further ado, here is the musical hammer-on exercise on fingerstyle acoustic guitar.
The Video
How to Practice
There are three things that you really have to consider while practicing this hammer on exercise. These three things work together, so missing one point will make the technique hard to achieve.
You will have to consider the way your left hand should be positioned to perform the hammer-on technique correctly.
Keep the palm very close to the bottom neck with the finger close to the frets. This position allows you to smack the fret powerfully you’ll need to do to hammer.
Also, keep the left-hand thumb straight behind the neck so that you can fully control the fingers when performing the hammer.
Start by practicing the movement first without plucking the strings. Do that until the point you feel comfortable, then start plucking the strings.
2. Hammer on approach
The hammer on should sound as loud as a picking note.
There are two movements that you really have to focus on when practicing the hammer-on technique.
The first movement is the hammer on itself, which should be precise, strong, and performed with control. The second movement is the ability to hold the hammered note so that it rings out nicely.
Try to land the finger close to the fret so that the notes ring out fully and hold the fingers down.
3. Plucking Pattern
The way you pluck the strings is of paramount importance if you want to make the hammer sound smooth.
For this example, the right hand will pluck the strings alternating the index and middle finger throughout. The only exception is the hammered note, which isn’t plucked.
The only way you can achieve a good plucking control is to practice the pattern slowly. Try to play everything as evenly as possible.
Let me show you the 6 fingerpicking patterns that I played nonstop since I started playing guitar.
No matter how many new things I learn, I always find myself going back to the same few fingerpicking patterns I have played for years. It could be because they are my favorite or because I know them really well.
The fact is, you don’t need to know hundreds of fingerpicking patterns. I honestly think you don’t even have to know fifty or even thirty patterns.
Ten fingerstyle patterns are the number that really works for me. If you add a few variations for each pattern, you can develop a lot of useful fingerpicking weapons that you can use every time you need it.
In this video, I am going to show you the six fingerpicking patterns I love the most.
I am not only going to show you the pattern. You know I wouldn’t say I like this type of teaching approach.
Instead, we will put it into practice and play something musical that you can learn immediately. The tabs are on the screen and a close up on the right hand to show you the fingerpicking pattern.
Let me tell you. This is probably one of the lessons I love the most.
Definitely, one of the most important fingerpicking patterns you will ever learn. This pattern is of paramount importance if your goal is to get started with fingerstyle or improve your plucking technique.
The secret sauce isn’t the pattern itself but the chord progression you are about to play with the fingerpicking pattern.
Fmaj7(#11) – Amadd9 – Am/G
This chord progression works perfectly with this fingerstyle pattern for two reasons.
The chords maintain a constant spaciness that really makes this pattern sound different and more complex.
The open strings also make this chord progression great for a simple fingerpicking pattern like this one. Clusters and semitones sound harmonically beautiful, so there is no need for busy plucking.
Thumb, and – mid – rin together, Thumb slap, Thumb.
This is one of my favorite fingerpicking patterns for many different reasons.
First of all, it’s a happy pattern that sounds quite jumpy and groovy even if you play it with muted strings.
The thumb slap adds a lot of rhythm and fancy percussion without really changing the dynamic and integrity of the chord progression.
I honestly think that one of the most difficult things to control when using fingerstyle is the ability to stick with the pattern and try to reproduce the same dynamic and tone for each chord or melody you play.
This fingerpicking pattern is an example of how important it is to balance the thumb movement with the fingers and the percussive approach.
Did you ever try to play Asturias by Isaac Albeniz? If yes, you will notice that this pattern is the same one used at the beginning of the piece.
I personally love this fingerpicking pattern because there are so many things you can play with it, from Pop chords to Classical music, all done with one pattern only.
In this example, I am using a thumb, index, thumb, index, but you could also make it more interesting and go for a thumb, middle, thumb, index, which allows you to work on a wider pattern.
I struggled a lot with flying fingers, and it took me a while before I was able to fix it.
I figured out that playing a melody while holding the bass note could really help me fixing this horrible problem, so at that time, I spent a reasonable amount of time practicing short classical guitar ideas.
In today’s video, I will show you one of these little classical guitar ideas that really helped me a lot in fixing this problem.
We will be using a fingerstyle, so this lesson is not suitable for strummers.
Will it Work for You?
I did my best to explain the exercises slowly, and I focused a lot on the key points that could help you fix your flying fingers problem, however as every guitar player is different, you might find that this isn’t the right thing for you.
Depending on your style and musical skills, you might need a different type of exercise.
How Guitar Players Rearrange Fingerstyle Songs on YouTube
One of the questions I get asked the most is about how guitar players rearrange fingerstyle songs.
Over the past 10 years, YouTube has been flooded with Fingerstyle covers.
From simple to difficult arrangements, beginners, with loops or backing tracks, solo or with a singer at some point, almost any fingerstyle acoustic guitar player has posted a cover.
There are also many guitar lessons and fingerstyle tutorials that teach you how to play songs, so guitar players started to learn how to play fingerstyle songs on YouTube.
The number one question I get the most is how to arrange a fingerstyle song just like guitar players do on YouTube?
Today I am going to show you how to do that in 4 simple steps.
Find the chord progression and reorganize it.
Learn the scale related to the key.
Combine the chords with the scale.
Add rhythm
Let’s get started.
Step 1
Define the Chord Progression
The first step to rearranging fingerstyle songs (or melodies) is to define a chord progression.
This is a crucial step because the chords must be reorganized and memorize differently.
The chord progression we are working on today is Am – F – C and G.
Once you know the progression, you should then memorize the root note of each chord and practice the chord progression by playing the root note only.
Step 2
The Scale
Once you familiarize yourself with the chord progression, it is time to add a melody over the fingerstyle chords you just learned.
This is a crucial step because the scale will then become a melody.
You really want to learn the scale perfectly and from memory, as things will get more challenging once we combine the scale with the chord.
For this chord progression in A minor, we will be using an A minor scale on the top three strings.
Here is the guitar tab of the scale
Step 3
Combine Chords and Scale
One of the most exciting moments of learning how to rearrange a melody or a song is when you will start combining the A minor scale and fingerstyle chords.
Remember to always visualize the chords and the scale as two separate things.
The first approach could be playing the scale along with the chord. I am giving you a straightforward musical example to show you how the scale sounds over the chord progression.
In the example above, you can see how the bass note is played every two counts and the A minor scale.
How to Escape the Scale and Build Musical Concepts
Once you are familiar with the step above, you can start playing the scale using different intervals.
This is indeed a very complex step guys so you should always start with few notes for each chord.
In this example, I am playing a more challenging pattern based on different intervals. The fingerstyle chords are still played with the root note only, but the melody sounds more articulated.
Let me give you another example to avoid the scale pattern and play a much more melodic phrase.
This approach is a little bit more difficult because the notes don’t follow a repetitive pattern. Instead, the melody is more of a “singing” line.
Check the example below.
More ups and down phrases for the last example.
Here I am playing a lovely melody that sounds perfect over these fingerstyle chords.
Remember to keep the Root note down as you play the melody and let it ring out.
This is definitely one of my favorite guitar phrases for step 3.
Step 4
Add Rhythm and Musicality
The last step is to start playing melodies that sound like a song, finally.
So far, you learned the chord progression and memorized the root note for each chord.
You learned the A minor scale that can be used over this chord progression.
The scale and chords can be combined to create song-like melodies.
With this step, we will be playing more difficult and musical ideas, so warm up your finger and let’s get started.
Today I am going to show you one of the easiest chords on the guitar.
This chord is so easy that you can learn almost instantly, and it only requires two strings. I call this chord the “1-5 chord” due to its interval construction.
We will not consider any of the basic guitar chords that you already know. In fact, I think we had enough of always playing the same chord shapes.
This guitar chord is easy, effective, and can be transposed in any key. Only possible if you play Fingerstyle guitar.
Let’s get started, and let me show you how to make build this easy chord and use it over three different chord progressions.
The Chord Shape
How do you play a chord that only has two notes?
In this section, I will show you the chord shape and interval that the chord is made of and how you can easily transpose it up and down the neck.
Root and 3rd
As you look at this diagram, you realize that the chord only has two notes: the root note, which could be played on the 4th, 5th, and 6th string, and the 3rd, which could be either major or minor.
The chord in this diagram is a G major chord. The 4th string fret 5 is the Root note G and the 1st string fret 7 is the major 3rd B.
Once you memorize the chord shape and the distance between the root note and its 3rd, you can then transpose it up and down the neck to play any major chord.
How to Transpose
Once you familiarize yourself with the chord shape, you can move on to the next step, transposing the chord on the 5th string and 6th string.
The chord played with the root note on the 4th and 5 string share the same shape.
The Exception
There is only one exception when we transpose the chord with the Root note on the 6th string. The chord shape will be slightly different with the major 3rd one fret closer to the Root note.
Check the diagram to learn the guitar chord shape.
How about the Minor Shape?
Once you feel comfortable playing the major shape, you can easily play the minor shape by lowering the major 3rd of one fret.
A few days ago, I recorded a video called 5 Sweet Chord Progressions that will Make you Wanna Hug Someone, where I play a bunch of sentimental/sweet chord progression in different keys that should sound sentimental or sweet.
I really love this approach on guitar because it forces you to write a melody based on your emotions rather than just your fingers.
This is an exercise that everybody should improve their creativity, musicality, and overall music skills.
What will you Learn
Today we are checking out the first sweet chord progression from the 5 Sweet Chord Progressions that will Make you want a Hug Someone, and I am going deep into details to show you the chord progression and melody I used.
This is a fingerstyle guitar lesson for Intermediate guitar players who want to try new ways of playing basic chords.
If you are a beginner guitar player, I suggest you come back when you feel ready. Check some of the easier fingerstyle lessons here.
The Video Lesson
The 5 Sweet Chord Progressions
Chords and Melody
Let’s get into details and talk more about the chord progression and melody.
We can split the chord progression into two parts.
The first two bars are C – G/B – Am – F. The melody is played in the high position of the neck. As a result, the sound is “tiny” and sentimental.
The second part is C’E – F – C/E – F – Am7 – Em – F – Gsus – Cadd9. Here the melody is played in 1st position, where we have more bass and the chords sound bigger.
My favorite chord is the C’E, which sounds amazing after the F major chord.
Let me know if you like it!
Let me tell you more about the fingerstyle guitar lessons you’ll find here!
BlitzGuitar Mini-Course: I personally love challenges. With this beginner mini-course, I want to challenge you to learn a chord progression, a rhythmic pattern, and a melody in less than 60 minutes. This guitar course is super good for beginners and enjoyable to try.
BlitzGuitar Melody lab: This is my favorite melody laboratory. Here you will learn simple fingerstyle melody for beginners. Each melody you learn will help you improve your alternate fingering, thumb plucking movement, simple chords, musicality, and dynamics.
Fingerstyle Engine: This guitar program is perfect for intermediate fingerstyle guitar players. There are more than 30 fingerstyle exercises available, and each one of them is a killer! Please take it step by step and learn one exercise at a time. Good luck.
The first thing to say, I was inspired by the Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. I personally loved this music since I was 10 years old and I feel blessed I can actually record a lesson today, which is inspired by this music.
We will be working on an extraordinary emotional chord progression in D major key, which sounds beautiful and sentimental.
The chord progression is D – A – Bm – A – G – A – Bm – A/C# – D – D/F# – G, but we will not be playing the fundamental chords you already know.
Instead, we will be focusing on playing a few notes from each chord and improvise a beautiful sounding melody.
Enjoy this lesson.
The Video
The Tab
The 6 Emotional Chord Progressions that will Make you want to Cry.
The E major key is probably the most amazing place for open strings chords and beautiful sounding chord progressions.
The chord progression goes like this: Emaj 7 – Aadd9(6) – C#m7(6) – B
The Emaj7 chord is a beautiful sounding open chord. It isn’t a difficult chord to play as the notes are pretty close. Make sure you let each open string ring out nicely.
The C#m7(6) is an amazing, a beautiful chord that you will love playing. It’s a really stretchy chord so learn it slowly and stop immediately if your fingers hurt.
