Chord to Scale Relationships
If you know your chords, and you know your patterns, then this lesson will benefit your playing immensely. Knowing how chords and scales relate to each other helps you to find them more easily than […]
Articles by Patrick MacFarlane
Chord to Chord Relationships
In this lesson, I am going to show you how to find and form chords easily from the basic chords that most guitarists know. This lesson will show where chords are in relation to each […]
Jazz Progressions
Jazz Progressions are simply common chord progressions in jazz music. One of the most common progressions is the ii-V-I progression. The ii-V-I sounds at its best when you use seventh chords and their expanded voicings. […]
Flat Five Substitution
The flat five substitution is a chord that you can use as a substitute for any dominant chord. It applies very nicely to the 12 Bar Blues, because of the use of Dominant 7th chords. […]
Blues Soloing
This lesson is going to familiarize you with the chord tones within the scale patterns. Yes, that’s right now you have to learn the notes instead of blazing trough patterns. Why should you learn them… […]
Blues Scale
The Blues Scale is derived from the Minor Pentatonic Scale. It has an added #4th. This note gives the scale a bluesy feel. It is the only difference between the Blues Scale and the Minor […]
Pentatonic Scales
Learn the major and minor pentatonic scales, their patterns, when to use them, and why they’re the scale shortcut.
Diminished Chords
Learn diminished and diminished seventh chord grips, how they’re constructed, and when to use them. You’ll learn how dim7 chords form a fun pattern that can be played in many locations.
Slash Chords
Learn everything you need to know about slash chords in this quick and easy lesson.
Seventh Chords
To understand this method of figuring out seventh chords, you must have a basic knowledge of the degrees of the major scale. I will show you how to find every 7th chord you’ll ever need […]
Power Chords
Power chords are used in many musical styles, but Rock music may be the most common. These chords sound thick and raw. Power chords are easy to play because they are played using modified versions […]
Barre Chords
First let’s define Bar Chords. Bar Chords are chords that have your index finger holding down more than one string and not playing with any open strings. Confused? Well let me clarify things. I’ll show […]
Suspended Chords – No Thirds Apply
The neat thing about suspended 4 chords is that they are made up of this formula: I-IV-V. Now you’re asking what this means. I’ll tell you by showing you the degrees for the major scale […]
Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths is an easy way to find out the key a song is in. The Circle of Fifths tells you how many sharps or flats are in a given key. C has […]
Soloing Over Chord Progressions
Learn several ways to solo over a chord progression by knowing the key or by knowing the chord. Learn to use several methods of approaching each method.
Chord Progressions
This lesson will teach you progressions in several styles so you can learn from known progressions and styles. This lesson will cover the 50’s progression, the Let It Be progression, jazz progressions, blues progressions, and […]
The Major Scale
Learn how to play, form, and use the major scale effectively. This is arguably the most important scale you can learn. It is used in improvisation, chord construction, diatonic harmony, and much more.
Fingerpicking Technique
Learn beginner finger picking techniques and the song, House of the Rising Sun!
Picking Techniques
Learn strumming, alternate picking, and sweep picking in this lesson that covers an introduction to each.
Reading Chord Diagrams, Fretboard Patterns, and Rhythm Charts
This lesson will show you how to read chord diagrams, fretboard patterns, and rhythm charts. These diagrams are a perfect way to quickly communicate what you are playing with other guitarists and musicians.
Reading Notation and Tablature
Although, we love to listen to music, we need to be able to read and write it. This lesson show you how to read (and write) tablature and notation.
Learning the Fretboard
Learning the fretboard is a challenge that this lesson will help you tackle efficiently. Did you know that a 22-fret guitar contains 138 notes? It is a huge task that challenges both beginner and experienced guitarists. […]
7 Beginner Guitar Playing Techniques
Learn the fundamental and common beginner techniques that every guitarist must know.
How to Tune a Guitar
There are many ways to tune a guitar. Even if you have an electronic tuner, which I recommend, you should know how to tune a guitar without one. In this lesson, you’ll learn the most […]
Parts of a Guitar – Learn the Guitar’s Anatomy
Did you know that there are at least 21 parts of a guitar for a beginner to learn? In this lesson, I’ll show you the parts of an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar. I’ll […]