23 Epic Guitar Lessons on azsamadlessons.com

Hello there!

2015 has been a wonderful year for my NEW azsamadlessons.com website. The lesson library is growing gradually and there's more in the works. I want to thank you for being a supporter of the website.

There's more slated for 2016 that I can't reveal yet but you'll see gradually. To round up 2015, here's a recap of all the 23 lessons on the site so far organized for you!

[WORKSHOPS: LEARNING FROM THE MASTERS]
10 Things I Learned From The Jack Thammarat Kuala Lumpur Workshop
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=150
10 Things I Learned From The Guthrie Govan Kuala Lumpur Workshop
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=97

[GENERAL MUSIC TIPS]
How do you get the most out of a jazz festival?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=119

[GEAR]
How to find the right guitar for you
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=136

[JAZZ GUITAR]
My Jazz Guitar Practice Routine
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=138
How do you play jazz chords on guitar?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=114
How to use chromatic notes in your guitar solos
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=128
How to solo on Autumn Leaves: Part 1
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=78
In chord melody arrangements, how do you do guitar fills?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=59
What are Drop-2, Drop-3 and Drop-2&4 Voicings for guitar?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=38
Beyond Scales & Licks: How to create cool solos!
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=37

[PRACTICE SECRETS]
How to become a better guitarist in just 10 minutes a day!
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=120
3 things I didn’t realize when I started playing guitar
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=125
How do you jam with other guitarists?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=123
How do you overcome stage fright?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=94

[SCALES]
How to Develop Creative Guitar Licks from Scales
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=82
How To Learn Scales On Guitar
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=75

[TECHNIQUE LESSONS]
How to play fast on guitar?
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=130
Beginner Guitar: 7 Tips To Ease Your Barre Chords
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=92
Folk Fingerstyle Strumming Lesson
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=72
Intro to Odd Meter Fingerstyle Guitar Patterns
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=69

[MUSIC THEORY]
Pitch Axis meets Modulation: A Joe Satriani Inspired Lesson
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=58

[UKULELE LESSONS]
50 Blues Ukulele Licks
http://azsamadlessons.com/?p=31

Wanna learn something in particular in 2016? Please let me know by emailing me a question! =)

Thanks again. =)

Best wishes,
Az

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#azjazzlessons #8: How to Play Like Jim Hall and Bill Frisell

For jazz guitarists & jazz improvisors:

#azjazzlesson #8 #todayIlearned

So I'm trying to learn something new everyday by documenting what I learned from watching a YouTube video. Today I looked for something from Jim Hall & found this duo video with him and Bill Frisell.

Here's what I learned:

Jim Hall

Soloing Ideas
1) Play a small motive & alternate with chord stabs to give time to sequence the idea
2) Use space to create the opportunity to sequence and develop motivic ideas

Textural ideas
3) Use 4th voicings to make your line sound like it’s going through a harmonizer 

Bill Frisell

Textural Ideas 
4) Build rhythmic single note idea into octave and then double stops 
5) Play a single note line and then end in a dissonant double stop.
6) End phrases on a note and then play two more notes on different strings to sustain into a voicing. 

Phrasing Ideas
7) Use an open string to facilitate position shifts in a phrase

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2CflBl-CNE

#billfrisell #jimhall #jazzsolo #improvisation #jazzguitar#guitar 

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If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

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#azjazzlessons #7: How to Play Jazz Blues Like Grant Green

For jazz guitarists & jazz improvisors:

#azjazzlesson #7 #todayIlearned

So I'm trying to learn something new everyday by documenting what I learned from watching a YouTube video. Today I looked for something from Grant Green and watched this rare clip of his solo over a bebop blues progression.

Grant Green

Building momentum
1) Use sequences to create more interest in repeated phrases

Rhythm
2) Rhythm is key. Use upbeats to create forward motion in single note lines
3) Use unexpected chord stabs between rhythmic phrases
4) Then, let the chord stabs take over a solo element. Now, you’re soloing with chords.

Line Ideas
5) Mix pentatonic scales runs with more rhythmic lines
6) Mix bebop lines that outline chord changes, blues lines, chordal phrases, rhythmic phrases for variety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AsWLMUdIZk

#grantgreen #jazzsolo #improvisation #jazzguitar #guitar

--

If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

_________

❤ If you liked this post, please Like it or Tweet it! =)

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The B.O.P. of Learning

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Years ago, I read a book called Zen Guitar. It was a small book that had so much in it - totally changed my world. Later on, when I met Eric Roche (who also changed my world) - it made me so happy that he used Zen Guitar to start his workshop sessions. Probably one of the biggest lessons I learned from that book was that everyone is a master of something. This just means that even if someone sucked at cooking, he probably was good at something else (maybe clearing super difficult Japanese RPGs or something).

The point is - from one thing you learn many things. By having a clear idea in one field or area that you know really well, you can potentially apply it to other things you eventually learn. 

For me, music is the thing. Ever since I started playing guitar when I was 15, I knew that this was one thing that would stick with me for a long time. It didn't come easy for me but the good thing about being deeply passionate about something that is challenging to you - is that when you get it, you get it. This means that even though it would take me a million repetitions to get a concept, by the time I got it I would be able to really explain it.

This is super useful since I'm a teacher.

The bad part of all this?
I get students that will be able to do stuff that took me a year or more in a few lessons.

The good part?
I get students that will be able to do stuff that took me a year or more in a few lessons.

Recently, I gave my first talk to non-music folk. It was at this event called Educamp KL #3. I've been attending the events and have been really digging the scene since everyone was so into different ideas of education. Wu Han, the founder, mastermind dude and a guitar student of mine invited me to give a talk so I said yes.

My topic was, "What I Learned About Learning While Learning About Music."

I just loved the sound of it.

Essentially, I talked about three things and the key to it was "B.O.P."

B stands for Breaking it Down

O stands for One Thing At A Time

P stands for Practice, Performance, Practice

Let me elaborate.

B = Breaking it Down

This refers to my experience learning what seemed to be complex guitar parts. At first, some fingerstyle guitar parts can seem overwhelming with the amount of coordination and technique involved. Gradually, I discovered that breaking it down to smaller elements made even the more complicated guitar part manageable. Of course, it still took time but it was now within reach, even if it was 15 steps away! This kind of thinking was definitely inspired by reading Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant and studying with people like Grisha Goryachev, Hal Crook and Jon Gomm. They all had a way of breaking it down so that the problem at hand became possible. 

O = One Thing At A Time

This refers to working on one single challenge at a time. In fact, it goes right after Breaking it Down. Right after we discover the elements that make a problem (right hand arpeggio+legato left hand+tone+tempo of piece+alternate tuning etc.), we can then work on one thing at a time. For example, I might just work on getting the right hand arpeggio correct first before I even worry about whatever the left hand needs to play. I might not even worry about the actual dynamics of the part yet - all I do is get the basic motion correct first. Then, I refine it gradually in the next step.

P = Practice, Performance, Practice

This is cyclic which means we start off in the practice room - working on a certain song, phrase, line etc. and then we take it into a real world context. This might be a gig or recording session or even just a lesson with a teacher. Then, we perform what we've practiced and see how it goes. Sometimes things go well and sometimes things are less than perfect. We observe what went wrong and that informs us of what we need to work on next in the next practice. This will ideally go on throughout our career - with every gig: a lesson learned, with every practice: a new idea to be tried out. 

And there you have it: B.O.P.

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 Thank you! =)

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If you have any questions or comments do post in the comment section below. Thank you! =)

My first time in Hong Kong!

Poster by Teresa Tam Studio (www.teresatamstudio.com)

Hi!!!

I'm really excited because I'm making my Hong Kong debut this month! I don't know that many people in Hong Kong but the few awesome friends I know have been helping out a lot. 

After a long string of emails and FB messages, we've managed to organize a few cool events. =)

I'll be playing two gigs and teaching a workshop especially for singer-guitarists and singer-songwriters. 

If you're in Hong Kong (or have friends there) I hope you can tell them about the show. Every tweet, e-mail, message, sms, call or Skype message to a friend helps!

Here are the full details:

Az Samad: Live at Shanghai Street Studios

A two-part event, I'll first teach an acoustic guitar accompaniment for singers workshop. Then, I'll be performing an intimate solo acoustic guitar house concert.

Oct 22

Address 306 Shanghai St
Area Yau Ma Tei
Telephone none (contact via e-mail: hello@shanghaistreetstudios.org)
Open 2pm (workshop) 4pm (concert)
Price
$350 (workshop includes free Concert ticket) $120 (concert only)

[Acoustic Guitar Accompaniment for Singers] 

Workshop includes:

- Percussive groovy acoustic guitar techniques you'll use in your songs
- Strumming and fingerstyle secrets that will make your great songs sound awesome instantly
- Q & A session so you can ask what YOU want to know
- Handouts (with realistic Practice Guide For Busy Musicians!) to help you progress after the workshop

This is a practical, hands-on guitar experience to help you get to the next level. To ensure that you get the best learning experience and attention you deserve - this workshop is limited to ONLY 6 participants. 

Book and pre-pay now to guarantee a place. 

For Booking and pre-payment, e-mail: hello@shanghaistreetstudios.org

[Shanghai Street Studios Concert]

You're invited to an intimate acoustic guitar concert at the lovely Shanghai Street Studios! 

My name is Az Samad and it's my first time ever in Hong Kong. I'm excited to invite you to this unique concert experience.

You'll hear me play songs from my upcoming album 'Our Voice' and... a variety of songs written over the years in Malaysia, California, Boston, West Virginia - places I've lived and traveled to. 

You'll hear some stories - and maybe some jokes too!

It will be purely acoustic. Just the guitar direct to you. No amps. No speakers. This is one of the best ways for you to experience the music and I'm happy to get a chance to share it with you.

As the space is intimate, we can only accommodate a small audience. 

It would be great if you could let us know if you're coming so your spot is booked. =)

HK $120

For Booking and pre-payment, e-mail: hello@shanghaistreetstudios.org

workshop FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202007109868625

concert FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150366191725647

Street Theatre (w/ special guest Az Samad)

I'll be joining Miles, Eddie and Michael from Street Theatre as a guest at their awesome gig. Thanks to Karmen & Natty for inviting me to play. =)

Oct 23

Address 3/F, Hanwai Commercial Centre, 36 Dundas St
Area Mong Kok
Telephone 6279 3650
Open 3pm
Price
$80 (adv) $100 (door)
[ includes one free Fullcup drink]

FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251709344861167

Do you have friends in Hong Kong? Share the gig info with them. =)

Here are a few ways:

1) Copy & Paste this link to friends

2) Tweet about it on Twitter >>  Tweet

 3) Like this on Facebook >> 

 Thank you so much and hope to see you sometime soon! =)