This live lesson was about how to loosen up the rigid measure line chord switches we all gravitate toward by using push beats and varying when you change chords. We also talked about how you don't need to play JUST one chord even if everyone else is!

Live LessonScott JohnsonApril 9, 2024Live Lesson 1-30

Live Lesson | 21

Music Theory From Zero to Intermediate

Live LessonScott JohnsonApril 2, 2024Live Lesson 1-30

Office Hours | 154

Live Stream Q&A

Live Stream ArchiveScott JohnsonMarch 27, 2024live streams 151-180

Live Lesson | 20

Live LessonScott JohnsonMarch 26, 2024Live Lesson 1-30

Office Hours | 153

Live Stream Q&A

Live Stream ArchiveScott JohnsonMarch 20, 2024live streams 151-180

Live Lesson | 19

Songwriting Stuff

Hi Everyone,
I am feeling so much better and I'm ready for a live lesson at 4PM pacific time TODAY.

I'm doing a lesson about songwriting - feel free to fire off songwriting-related questions below! Save your other questions for the Live Q&A on Thursday!

Live LessonScott JohnsonMarch 19, 2024Live Lesson 1-30

Office Hours | 152

Bassline and Strumming

- I address Darko's question about playing basslines and strumming patterns simultaneously

- Recommended my bass guitar crash course on Patreon

- Highlighted the challenge of maintaining a drum beat while doing both

- Suggested starting with a bassline on the fourth beat and incorporating it at the end of a phrase

- Advised mastering the bassline first

Harmonics

- Emma asked about pinch and natural harmonics

- Demonstrated natural harmonics at the 12th fret and discussed their ease at 12th, 7th, and 5th frets

- Explained artificial harmonics using the 12th fret technique

- Mentioned Chad Atkins' fingerstyle technique and how distortion amplifies harmonics

Jazzy Rumba Backing Track

- Jeff inquired about a "Jazzy Rumba" style backing track

- Described the key features and demonstrated using a previous track

- Stressed recording drums first for rhythm consistency and demonstrated quantizing

- Emphasized the G chord with a root-fifth pattern for a Rumba feel

Rhythm and Singing

- Alj Son struggles with rhythm while singing and playing

- Suggested repetitive practice of the song's first part and breaking down difficult sections

Music Theory

- Pentatonic shapes are great for beginners and versatile

- Explained scales as music's foundation and the basics of triads

- CAGED shapes specific to guitar and suggested learning order

- Recommended octave shapes for memorizing the fingerboard

Applying CAGED System

- Rick struggles with moving the CAGED system to different keys

- Suggested mastering the key of G after C

- Recommended learning chord sets and focusing on keys that suit the lead singer's voice

Melody Making

- Yana seeks advice on melody making after finding a key and chords

- Advised watching my Melody Making series and Music Theory Monday series

G Pentatonic Scale

- Explained the G pentatonic scale using the CAGED system and demonstrated corresponding shapes on the fretboard

Live Stream ArchiveScott JohnsonMarch 6, 2024live streams 151-180

Office Hours | 151

Bass Techniques and Vintage Guitar Insights

Pete Dawkins' Bass Journey: Pete bought a bass to enhance his timing and is working on string muting with adjustments to his bass setup.
Bass Muting Techniques: Muting bass strings using the left hand to press down on strings below the fretted note and the right hand for additional muting.
Guitar Action and String Buzz: Low action can cause string buzz and rattle, particularly on acoustic guitars. High action is preferred by louder players to avoid fret buzz.

Round Wound vs. Flat Wound Strings: Round wound strings produce a distinct sound, while flat wound strings are smoother and more muffled. The choice depends on the desired sound and genre.
Playing in Alternate Tunings (Drop D): Drop D tuning shifts the fretboard up two frets, offering unique sonic possibilities and requiring adjustments in chord shapes and finger positions.
Guitar String Gauges and Tone: I use various string gauges. Heavier gauges are forgiving but harder to play softly, while lighter gauges are easier to bend but need careful tuning.
Gibson ES-125: A Vintage Guitar Gem: The Gibson ES-125, especially the 3/4 size model, is valued for its vintage appeal. The speaker highlights its rarity and affordability compared to current market prices.
Vintage Guitar Prices and Preferences: Prices for vintage guitars like the ES-125 and ES-120 are high, though beat-up models might be more affordable. The speaker notes the significant cost of professional models like the ES-140.
The Quest for a Five-String Bass: I'm looking for a five-string bass for lower-range basslines, preferring models like the Fender Squire or Rick and Baker.
Duo Sonic Memories and Octave Pedals: I have memories of a Fender Duo Sonic with different pickguards and mention using an octave pedal to lower tones on a four-string bass.

Live Stream ArchiveScott JohnsonFebruary 28, 2024live streams 151-180

Live Lesson | 18

Navigating Self-Doubt and Finding Fulfillment in Musicianship

Self-doubt and lack of motivation are common among musicians, and it's important not to dismiss oneself during these times. To reconnect with music, it helps to identify what aspects are meaningful, whether it's specific techniques, melodies, or listening experiences, and to focus on personal engagement rather than external validation.

Avoiding comparisons with other musicians and the pressure to constantly be productive is crucial to preventing self-doubt and fostering growth. Instead, focus on what brings joy and authenticity to the musical journey. Playing with others can be more engaging than playing alone, and developing intuitive skills alongside conscious thought can lead to more fulfilling performances. Musicianship is a personal path with no fixed route, and the most authentic music comes from expressing one's true self rather than following rigid rules.

Live LessonScott JohnsonFebruary 27, 2024Live Lesson 1-30