Lecture

Augmented and Diminished Triads - Guitar Lesson

This module introduces augmented and diminished triads, essential for adding complexity and flavor to your rhythm guitar playing. Michael Williams will guide you through the process of integrating these triads into your favorite blues progressions.

Key points include:

  • The theory behind augmented and diminished triads.
  • Practical examples of using these triads in blues music.
  • Exercises to enhance your rhythm playing with these techniques.

Course Lectures
  • In this module, you will learn various A minor and A major chord licks and phrases. Berklee instructor Michael Williams will guide you through the intricacies of these essential blues concepts.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding the differences between major and minor licks.
    • Practicing these licks to develop fluidity and expression.
    • Incorporating these licks into your own playing style.
  • This lesson focuses on the sliding 9th chord technique, a fundamental aspect of blues guitar playing. Berklee Professor Michael Williams will demonstrate how to effectively incorporate this technique into your playing.

    In this module, you will learn:

    • What sliding 9th chords are and how they enhance your sound.
    • Practical exercises to master the sliding technique.
    • How to integrate sliding 9th chords into your blues progressions.
  • This module covers 3 note per string modes of the major scale, taught by Berklee instructor Joe Musella. This technique is essential for achieving fast legato playing, similar to rock guitar legends like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

    You will gain insights into:

    • The importance of modes in improvisation.
    • How to practice 3 note per string techniques effectively.
    • Strategies to incorporate these modes into your playing.
  • In this lesson, Berklee instructor Danny Morris demonstrates how to combine the major and minor pentatonic scales with the blues scale. This combination creates a rich, versatile sound essential for blues and rock music.

    Key concepts covered include:

    • Understanding the differences between major and minor pentatonic scales.
    • How to effectively merge these scales with the blues scale.
    • Practical exercises to incorporate these scales into your solos.
  • This module explores how to create ambient, open-sounding chords by experimenting with triads over bass notes. This technique adds unique emotions and overtones to your playing, enriching your sound palette.

    In this lesson, you will learn:

    • The theory behind ambient chords and their emotional impact.
    • How to construct triads over bass notes.
    • Practical applications of these chords in various musical contexts.
  • This lesson provides essential practice tips for blues guitarists. You will learn how to lead your band confidently and maintain a steady groove during performances by utilizing a metronome for practice.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Developing a practice routine with a metronome.
    • Incorporating licks and progressions into your practice sessions.
    • Tips for maintaining rhythm and groove in performance settings.
  • This module offers advanced picking exercises designed to help you play iconic guitar riffs like Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai. You will develop your chops and refine your technical skills through these focused exercises.

    Topics covered include:

    • Advanced picking techniques.
    • How to practice efficiently for skill development.
    • Incorporating these techniques into your playing style.
  • This lesson introduces the Dorian scale, focusing on creating intriguing melodies and solo lines. You will learn about the Dorian scale's relationship to the minor pentatonic scale, enhancing your improvisational abilities.

    Key learning points include:

    • The structure of the Dorian scale.
    • How to use the Dorian scale in solos.
    • Connecting the Dorian scale with the minor pentatonic scale.
  • In this module, you will learn how to add tension notes to your dominant chords, creating a sound reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. This technique will enhance the emotional depth and attitude of your playing.

    Key concepts include:

    • The role of tension notes in chord construction.
    • How to integrate tension notes into your existing chord progressions.
    • Practical examples and exercises to reinforce this technique.
  • This lesson introduces drop-2 voicings, a technique essential for creating rich harmonic textures in your guitar playing. Rick Peckham, Assistant Chair of the Berklee College of Music Guitar Department, provides expert guidance on this topic.

    You will learn about:

    • The theory behind drop-2 voicings.
    • How to apply drop-2 voicings in various musical contexts.
    • Practical exercises to master this voicing technique.
  • This module focuses on essential guitar chords, providing a comprehensive overview of chord shapes and their applications. Rick Peckham, an experienced instructor, will guide you through the fundamentals of chord construction.

    You will explore:

    • The importance of mastering essential chords.
    • Different chord shapes and their fingerings.
    • How to incorporate these chords into your playing style.
  • This lesson covers drop-3 voicings, another essential technique for enriching your guitar sound. Rick Peckham will provide detailed insights on how to effectively use drop-3 voicings in your playing.

    Key topics include:

    • Theoretical background of drop-3 voicings.
    • Practical applications in different musical genres.
    • Exercises to help you master this voicing technique.
  • This module introduces augmented and diminished triads, essential for adding complexity and flavor to your rhythm guitar playing. Michael Williams will guide you through the process of integrating these triads into your favorite blues progressions.

    Key points include:

    • The theory behind augmented and diminished triads.
    • Practical examples of using these triads in blues music.
    • Exercises to enhance your rhythm playing with these techniques.
  • In this lesson, you will explore various acoustic guitar techniques designed to improve your overall playing. Abigail Aronson Zocher, an Associate Professor of Guitar at Berklee, will share in-depth exercises aimed at enhancing your skills.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Techniques for improving fingerstyle and strumming.
    • Exercises to develop timing and rhythm.
    • How to apply these techniques in different musical contexts.
  • This module provides a sneak peek into a lesson from Abigail Aronson Zocher's Acoustic Guitar Techniques course. You will learn about open D triad tuning and how it can enhance your acoustic playing.

    Key learning points include:

    • The benefits of open D tuning for acoustic guitarists.
    • Practical applications of open D triads in your playing.
    • How to incorporate this tuning into your practice routine.