Theory: Adding Color To a Chord

Kevin November 12, 2011 School Of Music

What does it mean when you see a chord that has a 2, 6, 13, or 9 #11 13?  In this lesson we discussion what color is and how to add it to a chord.  While I will be using the piano to demonstrate these chords, the principle applies to any instrument.

Scales, Triads, & Color Theory 1 – Playing “By Ear” Theory 1 -Worksheet

Guitar: Playing Common Notes

Kevin November 12, 2011 School Of Music

In this lesson you will learn how playing just a few common notes through a changing progression can add flavor and color.  As you can hear from the demonstration, the common tones blend well with the rhythm guitar.  While we demonstrated this on acoustic guitars, this works great on electrics.  You can hear many of the common tones arpeggios being played through many of my records.

Guitar: Alternative Methods for Playing Scales & Building New Licks

Kevin November 12, 2011 School Of Music

In this lesson we show how to play through scales using different intervals. This can be helpful in building new licks or soloing.

Cage System/Scale Diagrams

Piano: 1-5-8 Left Hand Roll

Kevin November 12, 2011 School Of Music

One of the most valuable tools my first piano teacher give me was the left hand roll.  If you are just starting out, this will open up a ton of possibilities for your piano playing.  This piano lesson is a beginning discussion for rolling the left hand into your right hand using the 1, 5, & 8 of the scale degree.