Playing
in the Box
in
a Major Place
(Nothing
General, Private, we's talkin' Majors!)
Blues/Rock
Improvisation
PART
FOUR
You've
seen this first box twice before now and I
recycle it here yet again just for the sake of
continuity for those who may cruise past this
page first. This is the basic minor
pentatonic box with the addition of passing tones
and other chromaticisms. I may have said this
before, but the guitarist should experiment with
other notes surrounding the 'pattern' as the
guitarist's own aesthetics and musicality -- and
creativity -- may find other sonic gems outside
my little diagrams.
 
To the right is a
new wrinkle. I call this a major box. Starting on
second fret, you will see two black dots and a
red dot on the fourth, third and second string.
This is an a major chord that every guitarist
uses on a daily basis, and is the locator point
for the diagram. In other words, if I wished to
use this pattern in the key of C major, I would
move that entire pattern up to the fifth fret. I
reluctantly say that you can tie this box to the
"A" position barre chord (which it
truly does) but confusion may arise since
although the three notes on the fifth fret
indicated by the black dots on the fourth and
second string and the red dot the third string
outline the triad, the guitarist most often cues
this chord by the position of his first finger on
the third fret. Once again, looking at this
diagram, black dots indicate pattern notes, the
red dots are tonic and blue dots are what I
consider to be good passing and color tones.
 To the
left is the 'transitional' d major box that I
used as a suggestion of a place to run when the
I, IV, V progression move to the IV chord. It can
be also moved up two frets when the progression
swings to the V chord. Not always, and not always
necessary, but it is available in certain
circumstances. Analyze the three diagrams,
overlaying the diagrams in your mind. It is
easier (though more confusing) to plot out the
notes that can't be
used in the key of A major and minor. Think about
it though. There really aren't any 'wrong' notes.
Even a strong dissonance is musical and useable
if it is prepared and resolved correctly!
Okay,
here's your freedom from the box: Use these box
patterns when the pressure is on and you have
almost no ideas flooding into your head. Don't
get all condescending and sneer, every real
guitarist will tell you they've had brain-fade at
the wrong moment--like at the start of a long
ad-lib section of a tune. On stage.
Take
these diagrams as very sketchy roadmaps and use
them to help work out your own signature riffs
and licks that you can then use as building
blocks to craft an interesting, tasty and
apparently spontaneous 'ad-lib' solo.
Learning
the box is a necessary discipline to help the
guitarist play around the box, through the box
and ultimately totally outside the box.
Next week's session will be once again geared
towards the classical guitarist. Topic? Stamina
and avoiding physical problems such as tendonitis
and carpal tunnel syndrome.
That's
it!
 |
LOW END
By Harry George Pellegrin. The
first in the Gary Morrissey series of mysteries. Dealing
with modern subject matter in the classic style of the 1940's
Mystery Noire masters--think Raymond Chandler in New York in the
1980's... LOW END is the story of a drug addict who is
murdered after he believes he has found evidence of a major
government conspiracy. Is it only drug-induced paranoia?
Might be, except his paranoia could be considered justified: he
was murdered, after all. Friend Gary Morrissey takes it
upon himself to find out just what happened and lands himself in
the crosshairs.
See more info...
|
 |
Classic Guitar Method
Composed,
written, transcribed, edited and arranged by Harry G. Pellegrin: Now in one volume, much of what the novice classical guitarist will need to know to lead him or her to the recital stage. From proper instrument care and maintenance to the necessary technical skills, musical mind-set, and the standard repertoire—all exposed and explored with enough detail and insight that the student will wish to keep this book handy years to come as a ready reference source.
See more info...
|
 |
DEEP END: The Wreck
of the Eddie Fitz
By
Harry George Pellegrin. A mystery novel. Involving a
semi-professional musician and a Kreyol death cult, DEEP END
takes the reader from the bottom of Long Island Sound to the
steamy streets and Blues clubs of New Orleans. Alternative
spirituality does battle with the common working man. Published by
PAB Entertainment Group in association with LULU.com.
See more info...
|
 |
Reflecting Pools
Original Music by Harry G. Pellegrin:
Reflecting Pools is a departure for me
as it is totally keyboard. Well, the guitar did show up on one
track...
"...Reflecting Pools is a notable first album [for
Mr. Pellegrin]. A dramatic sense of tonality and mood are
propelled by exemplary musicianship and exciting compositional
exploits."
...And containing nine tracks that are relaxing, inspirational
-- sounds like a snooze. Not really, this is great stuff to
listen to on a rainy afternoon, while with your significant
other (nudge, nudge, know what I mean?)
Please visit the Reflecting Pools
page on this site or
www.bathtubmusic.com.
|
Enjoy
these sessions of technique builders! Come back
next week for more.
Hey, if
you feel you've benefited by these pages, please
consider buying my novel LOW END through
Amazon.com
Site
Design ©2003-2007 Pound Sterling Graphics
|
