How to read the scale blocks
© Synaptic Systems Inc., 2000
Scales: A Minor Pentatonic ( 5 positions )
One of the most commonly used scales in improvisation is the Minor Pentatonic scale. Shown below are 5 positions of the A Minor Pentatonic scale. The second position shown is probably the most commonly used shape of this scale. While learning all five is highly recommended, start off by learning the adjacent positions (1 and [...]
Quick reference to all the chords at Synaptic Studios
This page is a quick reference to all the chords at this site. Click here if you’re not sure how to read the chord blocks. Basic Open Chords Click on the diagrams for an MP3 audio example. Chords with their roots on the E (6th) string Click on the diagrams for an MP3 audio example. [...]
Chords with roots on the A string: C Major 7 and D Minor 7
C Major 7 and D Minor 7 are two very commonly used chords. Notice the ellipse around the 1st finger in the chord diagrams. It should be laying flat on the neck, as a bar, playing the notes not sounded by the other fingers. If you move the Dm7 chord down 2 frets (towards the [...]
Chords with roots on the E string: G Major 9 and G 6/9
Major 9 chords have a lovely open and spacious sound to them. The 6/9 chord is also spacious but has a more resolved feel to it. These shapes are very similar with only the 4th finger being the difference between them. They can both be a little tricky. Notice the ellipse around the 1st finger [...]
Chords with roots on the E string: G Major 7 and A Minor 7
Here are 2 very commonly used chord shapes. The Am7 shape can be a little tricky. Notice the ellipse around the 3rd finger in the chord diagram. It should be laying flat on the neck playing those 3 notes as a bar. If you move this chord down 2 frets (towards the tuning pegs) , [...]
Technique: Proper Thumb Positioning
A question that always comes up is where should my thumb be? Over the neck or behind it? The answer depends on what you are playing. If you are playing scales, there is a great benefit to having your thumb behind the neck as it allows you a much greater stretch. Conversely, having the thumb [...]
Some Thoughts on Improvisation
Literally, volumes have been written on the subject of improvisation. These are some of my thoughts on what I find to be one of the most pleasurable and satisfying aspects of playing music. Be Musical: Being musical is a very difficult statement to try to quantify for everyone. The reason of course is that there [...]
Finger Picking: Comping to a walking bass line
This lesson will show you how to play a walking bass line accompanied by little chords. This is a 12 bar blues progression in Bb with a swing feel to it. To play this, you will use your thumb (P) to play the bass line and your index (I) and middle (M) fingers to pluck [...]
Finger Picking Pattern 1: part 2, Dust in the Wind
Please note, due to graphics issues, you are best to view this page here (Click Here) In part 1, you learned how to play the picking pattern that is used in the song Dust in the Wind. Did you notice that all of the picking was done on the middle four strings. In part 2, [...]
