By Ken Volpe
This is Lesson #9 in a series on Guitar Improvisation. Last week in Lesson #8 we started working on rhythm. In this week’s lesson we will continue with that discussion.
We started out by playing our scales with the metronome. I suggested setting the metronome at 80 BPM and playing 1 note per click. Hence, only playing on the downbeat.
Now, we will slow down the metronome to 60 BPM. This time however, we will play the 1st scale note on the downbeat and the 2nd scale note on the upbeat. Then continue by playing the 3rd note on the downbeat and the 4th note on the upbeat. Finish the scale following this pattern. In addition, you should continue to tap your foot but count out loud saying, “1and 2 and 3 and 4 and.” The “1” is for the downbeat, the “and” is for the upbeat, the “2” is for the downbeat, the “and” is for the upbeat, the “3” is for the downbeat, the “and” is for the upbeat, the “4” is for the downbeat and the “and” is for the upbeat. You should also continue playing with alternate picking. This actually works out very well because the down strokes will occur on the downbeat and upstrokes will occur on the upbeat. Soon this rhythmic pulse will become second nature to you. Again, I’d like to emphasize that counting out loud and tapping your foot along with the metronome will be very beneficial for your musicianship.
As I mentioned in last week’s Lesson #8, push up the metronome tempo gradually to build your chops. Don’t force it or rush your playing. Playing with accuracy should be your number one goal.
In next week’s lesson we will start learning our first licks. I’ll see you all at the next lesson.
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