Lessons

Lessons

While an internet lesson database is no substitute for a good one-on-one instructor, it's a hell of a lot better than nothing. These are by-and-large my own work; certian lessons borrow ideas from other artists or instructors, but I credit sources whenever I do. Feel free to use whatever you find useful here, but if you wish to distribute them elsewhere on the net, please ask permission before doing so. not that it's a huge deal, but it's a nice courtesy.
Anyway, browse through here, then check out the 7-string section. If you have any questions, comments, or requests, send me an e-mail and I'll get back to you.

Music Theory

Harmonization, Part 1. An introduction to harmonization on a conceptual level, as well as applying these concepts to diatonic diads in composition and improvisation.

Harmonization, Part 2. An extention of Part 1, taking the same concepts and applying them to the derrivation of triads from diatonic scales.

Harmonization, Part 3. An extension of Parts 1 and 2, on the derrevation of complex extended chords from a diatonic tonality.

Harmonization, Part 4. The Harmonic Minor scale: why it exists, and what you can do with it.

Shred-Blues Licks. Derriving hybrid licks from contemporary technique and traditional blues harmony, and vice versa.

The Circle of Fifths. The Circle of Fifths and its applications, including key signatures, derrived chord progressions, and key changes (includes Hendrix and Satriani musical examples).

Technique

Pentatonic Scales. The five primary pentatonic scale patterns. Know these inside-out.

Building Picking Independence, Part 1. Not for the weak of heart: a number of picking drills designed to build dexterity by moving your fingers in ways they never particularly wanted to go in the first place.

Building Picking Independence, Part 2. An extention of Part 1. Perhaps not quite as scary, but this one gets more into subdivision and linear motion.

Building Smooth and Accurate Picking. A bit of a correllary to the Independance drills, this one works in the opposite direction, focusing on improving the accuracy of the pick stroke itself.

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An Introduction to Intervals, Scale Degrees, and Chord Construction. New to the study of music theory? Start here. This stuff is pretty much the "alphabet" music works in, and is mandatory before you try to go any deeper.

Sweep Picking Basics. A few tips and suggestions for developing a smoother sweep picking technique. Also, a great sweeping drill, ocurtesy of Guitar War's theJonezter.

An Introduction to Chromatic Modulation. A lesson on strategies for changing keys that use common tones and passing tones to resove from one key center to another.