Music: the big picture

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (video)

Details: Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 March 2016 01:44

Twinkle Twinkle is an example of how to develop melody playing on the guitar from the very first lesson, by playing a simple folk tune on one string.

Changing position on one string on the guitar - move quickly!

Scales on one String

Details: Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 November 2015 14:59

Anyone who has been exposed to Western music will be able to pick out the notes of the major scale by ear.

I suggest that this is a good starting point for guitar students for several reasons:

It reveals to them how much the basic language of music is already in their mind's ear.
They can immediately start creating tunes (I would suggest to disregard fingering concepts at this stage... let them use the 1st finger only). Once the desire to play melodies is developed, then the value of fingered scales is self apparent.
They start by concentrating on the melodic line, and it has been my experience that most guitarists are weak in appreciation of melodic intervals and melodic expression generally.
Having gained familiarity with the major scale on one string, it is then an easy conceptual leap to the basic arpeggio: Doh - Mi - Soh - DOH - Soh - Mi - Doh.

Major scales on one string

Details: Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 November 2015 14:59

I use the major scales to demonstrate varieties of expression, and the minor scales to demonstrate varieties of articulation.

You should apply any and all of the examples to all of the scales.

Play the scales slowly, with a singing, full tone and connected sounds.

Here is a quite standard musical expression:
C major scale

Learn the most common combinations of expression and dynamics first. Step out the scale.

Melodies usually get louder as they ascend, and usually get softer as they descend.
C major scale

Use dynamics.

Melodies usually get louder as they ascend, and then become softer as they descend.
F major on one string

Guitar Playing and how it Works, 5th edition
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Craft of Piano Playing by Alan Fraser

Details: Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 October 2015 10:12

The DVD "Piano Technique:The Craft of Piano Playing" from Alan Fraser shows a comprehensive knowledge of and practical ability with a wide spectrum of approaches to piano technique. You will notice a lot of common ground with my approaches to the guitar.

This DVD from Alan Fraser shows a comprehensive knowledge of and practical ability with a wide spectrum of approaches to piano technique.

Canadian pianist Alan Fraser