Scott Paul Johnson - Guitar Lessons in Seattle

View Original

Live Stream | 40

Office Hours, Q&A

Question 1: Leah Nicole was wondering if there were anything to consider or watch out for when writing a melody over a walking bass line.

Question 2: Taco s wanted to know about jamming with someone and if there was a quick way to figure out the chords in a minor key, like A Minor. I gave a little demonstration of the concepts I laid out in Moveable Chords-in-a-key finder. 

Question 3: Rene was wondering about the pros and cons of a particular fingerpicking technique AND about the minor iv chord that ends up in a major key like in Creep by Radiohead. 

I paused to give a book recommendation. For those of you feeling timid, scared, or unworthy of being an "artist" or calling yourself a "musician," I highly recommend you check out this book, The Artists Way. 

Question 4: Leo was wondering - can you just use ANY voicing you want anywhere on the neck for any song (essentially) - the answer is fun and complicated. Check out SPJ Rhythm Jam Tracks for practicing.

Question 5: Kevin wants to know when we can use 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords - and we also end up talking about sus chords.

Question 6: Andy would like to know how to practice Rubik's Cube stuff. I also recommend SPJ Jam Tracks. 

I start writing a little music. Just something simple to jam out on for a bit.