To be a true shredder, you have to understand the whole concept of arpeggios and sweep picking. And, there is always the fact that sweeping arpeggios sound awesome. This first video that I include below, draws on your knowledge of diatonic progressions. And even though Siggi may not be as smooth as many other guitar teachers, I think the ideas he is demonstrating in his video are quite useful for those trying to break into the whole arpeggio domain.
SIGGI MERTENS: ARPEGGIOS
Okay, that chord that Siggi was struggling to identify is actually a minor 7 flat 5 chord, or otherwise known as a half diminished chord in the diatonic progression. Remember, the diatonic progression is
Major 7th, minor 7th, minor 7th, Major 7th, Dominant, minor 7th, and minor 7th/flat 5
As a guitar player, you want to be extremely familiar with this progression, and Siggi’s incorporating this in his lesson on arpeggios is a great way to reinforce the study of the diatonic progression.
To clean up your arpeggios, it is a good idea to use a metronome to help slow things down and gradually build your playing back up to speed over time. So, if you do not own a metronome, I highly recommend picking one up. Using a metronome can take months and even years of frustration out of your playing, because it helps you to execute exercises properly in time.
This next video by Tom Hess is far more advanced than the last, in that it aims to focus in on how to approach sweeping a specific arpeggio. Tom stresses the importance of paying attention to what your picking hand is doing as he walks you through this superb exercise.
TOM HESS: SWEEP PICKING GUITAR MASTER CLASS
Tired of working up a sweat when playing guitar? Check out the new iAirGuitar for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Visit:
You are probably wondering why I am bothering you with jazz. What does jazz have to do with becoming a great shredder or even a great guitarist for that matter? In all honesty, jazz is the doorway to moving beyond the ruts and boredom of everyday repetitious playing. Some of the most exciting passages I’ve created in my rock instrumentals came from being able to add a touch of jazz to the mix to give the work that much needed spice. Though you may not want to become a full blown jazz guitarist, what jazz helps you to do is to think more coherently about how you are approaching the use of chords and notes in your playing. Here is a simple example of how to approach chords differently than in, say, a strict rock setting, which can help you to start thinking outside of the box.
JAZZ ANTICIPATION
This next video gets more into the heart of jazz and helps you to focus in on working in a walking bass line with your chord changes, which could be used as a nice break from the normal rock approach, to demonstrate that you have more to offer with your playing than just a jumble of quick notes.
WALKING JAZZ BASS
So, I hope this little introduction to jazz technique has helped you to recognize not only how jazz opens the door to greater freedom in your playing, but also how it can make a piece sound more interesting, even if used in a subtle way to enhance your songs.
Would you like to become a promoter for bands in your area? It’s relatively easy to do. Find out who is playing at what clubs and venues in your area and post that information to the bulletin board at www.roadierage.com. It’s as simple as that.
