Category Archives: Music Theory for the Guitarist

Learn music theory as it relates to your guitar

Learning to use 3rds in your solo’s – ***
A supplement to Jamming on Jesse Cooks’ Tempest

What are 3rd’s? A 3rd (or an interval of a 3rd) is the distance between one scale note and the 3rd scale note for example… In the key of D minor the notes are: D E F G A Bb … Continue reading

Posted in *** = Intermediate, A+ Guitar Superstar Program, Jam Tracks - Charts & Lessons, Music Theory for the Guitarist | 1 Comment

Understanding the Modes

Understanding what modes are is quite simple however learning to apply them is a different story so let’s get down to business! First of all… To begin this lesson you should already know you major and minor scales very well. … Continue reading

Posted in A+ Guitar Superstar Program, Music Theory for the Guitarist, Scales | 2 Comments

G Blues Jamming for beginners to the advanced. **

This is a great lesson for learning to jam on the blues. I highly recommend this video lesson for all blues players! Let’s get started… #1 Print the lesson sheet. This sheet contains everything you need for the lesson. Click … Continue reading

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The Harmonic Minor Scale (what is it & how to use it)

This has to be my favorite scale however learning the scale can be difficult if we do not apply it right away. Any new scale is extremely hard to remember if we don’t have a reason to use it. In … Continue reading

Posted in **** = a little tougher yet, A+ Guitar Superstar Program, Music Theory for the Guitarist, Scales | 2 Comments

Major and Minor Arpeggio’s

Not only is it important to know how to create and play chords. It is also extremely important to play chords as arpeggio’s. Playing individual chord notes or an arpeggio (individual chord notes played in succession), is the best way … Continue reading

Posted in A+ Guitar Superstar Program, Music Theory for the Guitarist | 2 Comments

The Minor Pentatonic Scale (5 positions) (with jam track)

It’s very important to learn the 5 scale shapes included on this sheet. Play them every day until they are memorized. Then continue playing them to build technique and muscle memory by increasing your speed. Once you know these shapes … Continue reading

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The Major Pentatonic Scale (5 positions) (with jam track)

It’s very important to learn the 5 scale shapes included on this sheet. Play them every day until they are memorized. Then continue playing them to build technique and muscle memory by increasing your speed. Once you know these shapes … Continue reading

Posted in A+ Guitar Superstar Program, Jam Tracks - Charts & Lessons, Music Theory for the Guitarist, Scales | Leave a comment

The Major Scale (7 positions) (scale theory & jam)

It’s very important to learn the 7 scale shapes included on this sheet. Play them every day until they are memorized. Then continue playing them to build technique and muscle memory by increasing your speed. Once you know these shapes … Continue reading

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John’s Music Theory Rules

Here’s what I feel is the one page theory sheet that a guitarist must know by memory to become a great musician. This sheet is just the beginning and is the first key to creating a solid foundation for knowing … Continue reading

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Playing triplets, swing and shuffle rhythms

This video lesson will help you learn about triplets and how to play swing and shuffle rhythms. To play a blues shuffle or to swing in jazz is the kind of rhythm. Print out the lesson sheet and play along … Continue reading

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