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Guitar lesson 10
Learning to play the guitar in time. Guitar timing and exercises.

In this lesson, I would like to introduce some guitar timing exercises. We will also play an exercise covering 5 different positions of the Am pentatonic scale. We will play over a rhythm using the Am F and G chords. Sound files have been included. The first sound file will play a few measures of the rhythm.

The second sound file has just the rhythm with counting to get the timing down, using the Am F and G chords.

The third sound file uses the same rhythm, but I've played an exercist positions of the Am pentatonic scale. This exercise uses the Am pentatonic scale root note position, this is played at the 5th fret. The next position starts at the C ne using 5 differenote 8th fret. The next position starts at the D note, 10 fret. Then the E note, 12th fret and then the G note 15th fret. I have used an acoustic guitar for this exercise, but an electric guitar will work fine and should be a bit easier playing the exercises.

Look at the illustration below. This is the rhythm we will now use to play the Am pentatonic scale over in our next lesson. I will be introducing a few different positions to play this Am pentatonic scale. I didn't plan for the lead we will be learning to have any melodic value, but more of an exercise to get you moving around the fret board. The Rhythm below plays through twice. You start by playing the Am chord. You play the Am chord for 8 beats and then the F and G chords for 4 beats each. You will need to learn this rhythm now and if possible, record it to a CD. Play it for as long as possible, like it was a complete song. Listen to it and begin to train your ear for each note and chord being played. I've only played it through twice here, I didn't want it to take too long to load. So play it over and over until you can play it smooth and with out looking.

Rhythm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Am chord 1 an 2 an 3 an 4 an 1 an 2 an 3 an 4 an

F chord 1 an 2 an 3 an 4 an

G chord 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and repeat to the Am chord once more.

I usually get the heal of my foot rocking to the beat.

(Heal of the foot down = 1) (heal of the foot up = An)

It would really be a good idea to get a metronome to keep your timing. A metronome is a device you use to learn timing. They come in various styles, from wind up to electric styles. You can find them in most music stores. The metronome allows you to set the speed to which you feel comfortable with. I will always try to demonstrate the lessons at the lower speed or beat. 

In our next lesson we will play 5 different positions of the Am pentatonic scale over the rhythm above. It is a good idea now to review all of the positions of the Am pentatonic scale.

Tune your guitar

Once you finish this assignment, you will need to review everything covered up to this point.

You should know or be studying all the notes of the fret board including the Sharps (#).

You should have each finger number memorized.

You should be doing the fingering and picking exercises everyday.

Review the open chords chapter, just get an idea, but don't worry yet.

Review the tablature chapter it will be coming up soon.

Blues rhythm and lead guitar riffs in A minor

Review the next position of the Am pentatonic scale starting on the C note, 8th fret.

Have any questions, drop us a line

Good luck,

Guitar Secrets