In this lesson we’re going to look at Harmonic minor for 8 string guitar and its Modes. We’re using standard tuning: F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E. Each mode pattern will be 3 notes per string.
Before looking at Harmonic minor for 8 string, first we need to understand the difference between the Natural minor Scale and the Harmonic minor Scale. Natural minor, or just minor, is the 6th mode of the Major scale, also called the Aeolian Mode. In order to get the Harmonic minor scale we need to raise the pitch of the 7th note by a semi-tone.
Continue Reading
We’re Levelling Up! In this advanced multi finger tapping lesson we’ll break down a Phrygian Dominant tapping lick that switches between a 5 and 6 finger pattern across two strings. We’ve written a short piece of music for this solo which you can download as a backing track to practice these ideas. Player 1 Press Start!
There’s some cool ideas packed into this multi finger tapping lesson so lets get into it! This 5 & 6 finger tapping T2 T3 tapping idea using the three octave Phrygian Dominant mode. For reference; Phrygian Dominant is mode #5 of its parent scale which is Harmonic Minor. Using and adapting three octave scales makes licks really easy since they simply repeat across the neck in big octave jumps every two strings. This also means you can cover a large part of the neck really quickly.
Continue Reading
Welcome to this very first instalment of advanced modal sweep picking! In this series we’re going go beyond the realms of anything considered ‘normal’ or ‘standard’ sweep picking. These ideas will take your sweep picking ability to the next level. Summon your inner Anubis! Let’s Go!
We’ve yet to see or hear many other players doing these type of ideas so this is pretty exciting stuff! Most common sweep picked shapes are usually very basic major and minor tonality. You’ll hear some of the more advanced players take it further with some basic 7th extensions but it doesn’t often go beyond this. In this series we’re going to show you how to create new sounds using a highly versatile advanced sweep picking approach. Get warmed up and get your shred on because these are going to test your dexterity!
Here’s an interesting descending harmonic minor picking lick that incorporates 3 and 4 notes per string. This one is particularly challenging because the 4 note pattern uses a minor third > half > whole shape which is unconventional for this type of lick.
We’ll be using a 3 and 4nps pattern for most of the lick, finishing up in the Dorian#4 position of the harmonic minor modes. Get warmed up and get your shred on because this Harmonic Minor Picking Lick is a ripper.
Continue Reading
In this lesson we’re going to look at the basic 3nps forms of the Harmonic minor modes. We’ll aim to identify what makes these modes unique so we are able to use them in our playing.
Similar to how the modes of the major scale refer back to the major scale as a point of reference, the harmonic minor modes refer back to the major scale modes too.
Continue Reading
