Guitar tuition in Durack Brisbane

The Devil's interval, also known as diabolus in musica, This is the interval that makes a Dominant Seventh Chord. It is considered dissonant and unsettling due to its peculiar sound and has therefore acquired its ominous name. In Western music theory, dissonance has often been associated with emotions such as tension, drama, and even evil, making the Devil's interval particularly intriguing. 

 An interesting historical story linked to the Devil's interval revolves around its prohibition by the Catholic Church during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The tritone was believed to evoke demonic forces and was widely condemned as unholy and disruptive to religious harmony. Composers faced scrutiny and were discouraged from using this interval, as it was said to summon the devil himself. Despite its prohibition, some composers secretly incorporated the forbidden tritone into their music, often disguising it or using it in unconventional ways.

 Find out more about chords call Tim on 043I II3041

 From The Desk of The Brisbane School Of Acoustic Guitar 

Shell we

A great way to grab minor chords

Shell chords

Add a great sound to your playing

Here is an example of the Dominant 7th Chord using Shell Chords. Enjoy these.

Should We Shell 

 

Shell chords are basic chord structures that consist of only the most essential notes of a chord. Typically, a shell chord includes the root note, the third, and the seventh, which are the most important notes for defining the harmony of a chord. These chords are called "shell" chords because they form the core or "shell" of the chord, leaving out the less essential notes like extensions or alterations. 

Shell chords are commonly used in jazz and other forms of modern music as they provide a solid rhythmic foundation. They offer a strong foundation for the melody or improviser to build upon, so great chords to play against. As they are played on the bass strings and quick chord changes are possible they add momentum and a grove to the music. 

These chords are a versatile and essential tool for any guitarist looking to sit his playing “ in the pocket “ 

From the Desk of The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar

 

 

Jazzin the Blues

 

I often write about the Blues as a chord progression as I think it’s a great place to start playing guitar.  It's a great chord progression and sounds goodfor the solo guitarist or when you’re jamming with others, but did you know there is an blues progression known as a Jazz Blues ?

The jazz blues chord progression evolved from the traditional 12-bar blues progression as jazz musicians began to add more complex harmonies and substitutions to the basic progression, resulting in a more sophisticated and  boy does it sound great !! 

One of the key figures in the development of the jazz blues chord progression was pianist and composer Duke Ellington, who introduced more complex chord substitutions and variations on the basic 12-bar structure. Other musicians, such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, further developed the jazz blues sound by incorporating elements of bebop and other modern jazz styles. 

Adding yet another way to play some interesting music

 

From the desk of

The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar

Growth Mindset and the Guitarist 

How can we get young students to enjoy their guitar practice and appreciate the process of learning ? 

Here is an idea, by helping them develop their learning with a growth mindset.  

What is a “Growth Mindset” I hear you ask?  A growth mindset is : Instead of seeing mistakes or failures as evidence of their lack of ability, students can see them as opportunity to learn and improve.  

Working at developing a “ Growth Mindset “ will help guitarist feel their practice is less like a chore and more like a rewarding activity that they look forward to each day. l think exploring a growth mindset, is a lifelong skill many guitarist develop and enjoy.  

From the desk of  

The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar

Sometimes a guitarist needs to "hammer"

 

Hammers and snaps are basic guitar techniques that every guitarist can use. These techniques can add interest to the music being performed by introducing new notes, rhythms, and tonal qualities. 

A hammer or a snap adds can add interest to music by creating new tonal colours. I think they can help create a rhythmic flow with a fuller, richer sound. Maybe by introducing a hammer or snap the line might become sharper, or have a percussive sound that might just add interest to the line. 

So if you are an acoustic guitarist looking to improve your playing or if you are wanting to add interest to your music, using a hammer or a snap might be the sound you are chasing. 

From the Desk of The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar

Guitar as a lifelong hobby

 

Playing acoustic guitar can be a lifelong hobby that is both enjoyable and inexpensive. Acoustic guitars are highly versatile instruments that can be played in any environment, from a quiet living room to the world stage. With the right mindset and dedication, learning and practising the guitar can bring a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment. 

One of the advantages of playing the guitar is that, it is relatively low-cost compared to other hobbies. Although it's free to sit and play, a sought-after professional guitar can run into thousands of dollars, but for beginners and casual players, there are many high-quality options available at a great price. Did you know acoustic guitars have a long shelf life! A well-maintained acoustic guitar can last for years even decades, so one guitar could last a lifetime. 

The guitar is that it is an excellent way to relax and destress. After a long day at work or school, picking up a guitar and playing a few tunes can be an excellent way to unwind. 

Playing guitar can be a great opportunity to socialize with others. With the right skills and confidence, performing for others can be a great way to connect with people. 

Parents and caregivers who have their children taught guitar are offering their kids a recreational activity that can last a lifetime. A skill that they can learn and hone, it can be a fun way to keep their minds engaged, active and sharp. 

The guitar can be a valuable lifelong hobby that is inexpensive, relaxing, and socially fulfilling. If you're a parent wondering if the guitar is for your child know this: The journey to learning and playing the guitar is a fulfilling one. 

If you're looking to find a way for your child to invest their time and energy, now and in their future maybe consider having them learn guitar as it could very well change their life for the better.

From The Desk of The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar

From the simple to the complex

 

 So is the twelve bar blues pattern worth learning ? 

I don’t know if you have heard that old joke that blues musicians make when introducing a blues song they often say  “ We’re not happy till you’re not happy. ”

I guess that's because the Blues started out as work songs expressing the feeling of enslaved workers .... and is still sung and played today to express blue feelings, but now the chord pattern and the structure is memorised and used by musicians of different styles.  So we all understand it and use it. 

For guitarists, learning “ The Blues " pattern is an interesting step in their musical journey. The blues is a fundamental musical form that has its roots in African American music. It is characterised by a repetitive chord progression played over twelve bars. The blues pattern, is a versatile and flexible form that is applied to various styles and genres of music, like ….. rock, jazz, and country.  

There are various well known blues patterns, the first of which is simple and easy to learn, making it perfect for guitarist just starting out.   Also learning " The Blues " in different keys is a great way to build chord knowledge, to get your technique moving and if you use a “ playalong “ it’s just like sitting in with a real band so, a great way to improve your musicianship.  

You might enjoy improvising, maybe writing a melody, or invoking an atmosphere or ambience through your guitar playing. 

The Blues “ patterns / structure is a great place to start. You can experiment ( with guidance ) different chord substitutions and rhythms. If you would like to develop your “ear” again, as some Blues patterns are based on simple chord progressions it is great place for guitarist to recognise the chords and hear the changes. 

Musicians love to collaborate and as “ The Blues " is a fundamental form you can be sure that what ever your musical style is, players of other instruments will know and understand the where the music you are performing is moving to. 

From the desk of The Brisbane School of Acoustic Guitar.

image of an early Blues performer Robert Johnson