I tracked the guitars, bass and drums for this theme song over the past week.  It’s coming along nicely!  http://www.markjohnsonmusic.com

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2010 September – Soundtrack Idea from Learn MJ on Vimeo.

2010 May: Random Filter Thing from Learn MJ on Vimeo.

2010 April: Acoustic Country Lick from Learn MJ on Vimeo.

I created two guitar tracks using different pad sounds. The first using a PHASER + DELAY + REVERB. The second using an AUTOWAH + DELAY + REVERB.

2010 March – Heavy FX Space from Learn MJ on Vimeo.

2010 March – Am G Rock Idea from Learn MJ on Vimeo.

As with any language, you have to learn the vocabulary to form sentences and communicate.   It’s no different with the “language” of music.  As a starting point for playing guitar, we’ll learn some basic chords and chord progressions.  They are some of the common “open” chords.

Memorize these chord shapes and patterns.  Make sure your fingers are in correct position with all notes sounding clearly.  If a fretted note doesn’t sound out properly, it is due to imprecise fingering or lack of pressure.  If an open string does not sound, one of your fingers could be getting in the way and needs to be repositioned.

The 15 beginning chords we will use are: E, E7, Em, A, A7, Am, D, D7, Dm, C, C7, G, G7, B7 and F.

A mode is a series of notes, like a scale, in which there is one principal note in any mode.  It is the note that establishes the “tonality” of the mode, and it is the step-pattern of tones or semi-tones that establishes its “modality”.  The names of the different modes come from the Greek tribes.

THE C MAJOR SCALE

1 = Ionian = from C to C = C D E F G A B C

2 = Dorian = from D to D = D E F G A B C D

3 = Phrygian = from E to E = E F G A B C D E

4 = Lydian = from F to F = F G A B C D E F

5 = Mixolydian = from G to G = G A B C D E F G

6 = Aeolian = from A to A = A B C D E F G A

7 = Locrian = from B to B = B C D E F G A B

NOTE: Scales determine harmony and modes express melodic variations.

Head

Tuners

Headnut

Neck

Fretboard

Frets

Position Markers

Body

Pickguard

Pickups

Pickup Selector

Tremolo Arm

String Saddle

Volume and Tone Knobs

Input Jack

Head Stock

Tuning Pegs

Nut

Fingerboard

Frets

Position Markers

Neck and Truss Rod

Body

Sound Hole

Pick Guard

Saddle

Bridge

Bridge Pins

Soundboard