Symmetrical chords have a unique place in music theory, which results in a unique application to the guitar (and fretted instruments in general). This article is the first in a series, that is will take a look at symmetrical chords, where they come from and how we can apply them to guitar. To start with, we will look at a little bit of theory. In the next few parts we will … [Read more...] about Symmetrical Chords on Guitar
How to Write Guitar Riffs Using the Harmonic Minor Scale
It's been said that you can't be a great lead player, without first being a great rhythm player. And if you are writing your own material, part of being a great rhythm player involves having great riffs. Today, we'll look at how we can write riffs using the harmonic minor scale. Let's look at a little bit of theory The Harmonic Minor Scale The harmonic minor scale has the … [Read more...] about How to Write Guitar Riffs Using the Harmonic Minor Scale
How to Integrate Scales and Arpeggios on Guitar
A key skill for making your scales and arpeggios sound musical, rather than sound like playing a scale and an arpeggio, is to learn how to integrate scales and arpeggios on guitar. When I first started learning modes and scales, I had this idea that I had to know everything, in all positions, all over the neck. That's cool. But when it came to arpeggio integration... well it … [Read more...] about How to Integrate Scales and Arpeggios on Guitar
How to Professionally Record Your First Album
So you’ve put years into learning your instrument. Into learning music. And you want to record an album. You’ve had ideas for your riffs. Recorded them. Re-recorded them. Then finally recorded them in time. You started turning those riffs into songs. You’ve put everything you have into your songs, into writing, re-writing, editing... and then started the whole process … [Read more...] about How to Professionally Record Your First Album
Arpeggio Analysis – Yngwie Malmsteen – Liar
This is a pretty killer lick. It is just before the main solo in Liar by Yngwie Malmsteen. Take a quick listen to the arpeggio section before the solo here: https://youtu.be/GaUCs3SoD0g?t=1m58s Yngwie uses the arpeggios: G#o G#o A- A- G#o G#o A- A- A∆ D- G∆ C∆ Bb∆ A- F∆ E∆ And we get the impression that the sequence is split into the following three … [Read more...] about Arpeggio Analysis – Yngwie Malmsteen – Liar