GENERAL INTENTION:
Simply to demonstrate options for connecting the colored diagrams
(shown) together in different ways to form countless variations
of chord progressions. Use the following instructions and diagrams
to see which chord colors in their respective locations on the
fret board would follow any of the given colored diagrams at
any time. Once you've grasped the simple idea, you may be inclined
to think that it's too simple to be worthwhile, however, the
system is organized in a way that it does a lot of thinking
for you. If you can become familiar enough with the system to
give it a fair try, you'll get the idea. As with any improvisational
style, how far it's developed is a personal matter. We begin
by learning what seems like a mechanical process but the music
will of course come from that place inside you 'where "your"
music comes from'.
Here goes:
Intermediate
Guitarists Begin Here
USE 7 DIFFERENT COLORED
DIAGRAMS:
Please note that the YELLOW & VIOLET diagrams look
the same in shape but are independent of each other in this
system. (The darker shade of blue, which may look black on some
monitors, is for this lesson, identified as the color INDIGO).
Simply
Treat the numbers as 'dots' that indicate where to put your
fingers.
LEFT HAND FINGERS
TO USE:
Always use your pinky to hold down the two (and only 2) highest
pitched strings. . . Except for while fretting the INDIGO colored
diagram who's two highest notes are not in the same fret. AND
always use your index finger to play as many of the lowest notes
as can be played within one fret. Then your other fingers will be
in position for additional options that are described under "MORE
OPTIONS"
in the main menu.
AVAILABLE CHORDS
WITHIN EACH COLOR:
Six 'different' notes comprise each diagram facilitating within
each, 15 possible 4 note chords. Use right hand finger-picking to
play any 4 notes simultaneously or in sequence. Simply fret 6
notes with left hand and chords accessible to right hand are
logical substitutions for each other.
*Rhythm and right hand technique is not addressed here. There
are suggested fingerpicking patterns in the
HELP area
IMPROVISING
DIFFERENT SEQUENCES OF COLORED DIAGRAMS:
The most frequently played and useful chord options that should
mastered are simply described by Columns at the left. The Column
at the far left shows the correct options for ascending stepwise
(toward guitar body). The Column closer to the text shows
descending (away from guitar body). WITH A SOME EFFORT YOU SHOULD
BECOME ABLE TO ALTERNATE ASCENDING THROUGH THE 1ST COLUMN &
DESCENDING THROUGH 2ND COLUMN WITH SEQUENCES OF 2, 3, 4, or MORE
CHORDS, CHANGING DIRECTIONS FROM ANY DIAGRAM WHILE PLAYING AT
LEAST 2 CHORDS PER MEASURE (about a chord every 2 beats or more).
SECONDARILY:
Note that larger jumps that are described in the MORE OPTIONS
category are more difficult but not impossible to maintain melodic
integrity through.
Arriving at a chord
that is located one fret lower in tone than any option in this
system can be valid. Don't over do it.
PAUSE WHILE
PLAYING:
Most players will think (musically) in phrases of varying lengths.
Stopping to think is not unusual and having something to do while
thinking is an asset. To address this, there are alternative
colored diagrams that correspond with the 7 shown here. The use of
the alternative diagrams during pauses is not absolutely
necessary. Their just enhancements and recommended only for those
who have gained at least some fluency with improvisation through
these basic options. The alternative diagrams are offered to
registered users.
With development of
skill, the Ear begins to participate.
After your satisfied with your own fluidity of movement through
the Columns at the left, for structure, create 3 & 4 chord
sequences and follow with other 3 and 4 chord sequences that
start from the 2nd, 3rd & 4th diagrams of your original
sequence. With this technique, you should be doing pretty well.
copyright©1999-2006
Frank Spagnolo
