Hi Efe!

Here’s what to work on this week.

Em pentatonic jam

Over this year, we’ve covered most of the guitar positions of the Em pentatonic scale. You can use anywhere within this scale to improvise alongside a track. For this week’s track, use “Lonely Boy” by the Black Keys. — Just listen to the song first. Then go ahead and play alongside it.

Tips for improvisation:

  • Start by using 2 notes only. Like we did in class. — You’ll soon be “bored” of it, and want to use new notes from the scale to add to your playing.
  • Play rhythmically. — Even just 2 notes played in a snazzy or snappy way can make for a good rhythm. You’ll be able to feel it when playing alongside the above track.
  • It would help to start on only one string at a time. For example, frets 3 and 0 on the high E string.

Scale positions:

Look through the past homework notes of the year. You’ll find pictures on Google Drive that include the positions of the Em pentatonic scale.

New shape:

See the attached PDF. It has the new scale shape. Same notes, different shape. Let me know in the Client Comments if it refuses to open. EX 1a & 1b

  • Play random notes on it for fun.
  • Use this shape to help yourself improvise, too.

Our aim:

For you to start feeling the music and being able to do simple improvisation. I want to grow your ability to jump in and play alongside if you hear something playing. Without this, you’ll feel lost on the guitar for way longer.

Memorize the chords C, A, G, E, and D

By now, you’ll know these chords. If you need references, there are pictures throughout our past homework notes and/or the Google Drives therein. I want you to be able to play them when I name them. I’ll test you on this next class ;)

Thanks Efe. See you at 10AM next week!