Are you tired of playing jazz standards only to hear the same boring old licks you played again and again?
You know how it goes. You learn one lick from a YouTube video and then another from a guitar magazine, all these random things. Then, you don’t really know what you’re doing. Everything is random!
Do something epic in 5 minutes
But what if you could use just 5 minutes to create a new jazz guitar melody that you can use. Imagine if this was something so simple that you can do this again and again so that you’re never in a rut?
Welcome to the 5 step guide jazz lick rut buster:
Pick a scale - This could be any scale. For instance, a major scale, a Dorian scale, a pentatonic scale, altered, whole tone - basically anything you want.
Select 4 notes from the scale - You can pick 4 different notes or repeat some notes. The important thing is that we’re choosing only a fragment of the scale instead of the entire scale. This avoids our line sounding like a boring scale exercise. You can choose to write a scalar line or a line that has skips and leaps (more fun!).
Choose an arpeggio - Pick 3 notes of an arpeggio, that is from the same scale. Later on, you can mix different scales but this is for another lesson.
Connecting it all - Connect the arpeggio to the scale and play around with it until you find a rhythm that sounds good to you. You can either start with the scale or the arpeggio. For more adventurous jazzers, try both to get two different lines.
Practice - play it again and again until you get the flow of this new line.
Tada! And there you have it, a new musical idea for your jazz guitar explorations.
BONUS STEP: Play the same line in a few keys or in the same key but sequence diatonically. (This take more time but can produce epic results.)
Interested to discover more? Learn how the great improvise in the jazz guitar masterclass: http://www.azsamad.com/jazz
Brought to you by Az Samad, dedicated to helping you become a better improvising jazz guitarist.
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There’s a lot of mystery surrounding how jazz musicians improvise melodies that sound so fresh and exciting. For a beginner, it can seem very daunting to even be able to make up something simple.
While there are many different books and courses available on the topic, I’ll focus in this article on three ways you can start exploring the world of jazz improvisation.
3 Ways to Kick Start Your Jazz Guitar Improv Chops
Embellish Melodies -Take a melody that you’ve played and start adding a few notes around the main melody notes. The key thing is to memorize the original melody so that you can that as a basis for your embellishments. Start off really simple by adding one or two notes every few bars. Focus on adding notes for the long melody notes.
Playing Arpeggios - Learn the basic arpeggios for a jazz standard, focus on simple one-octave triads or 7th chords first and play these over a backing track for the song. To practice, you can also play the melody of the song for two bars and then play arpeggios for the next two bars. By alternating back and forth, you can keep track of where you are in the song.
Rhythmic Variations - Play the melody of the song you’re learning and don’t add any new melody notes. Instead, change the rhythm of the melody. You can repeat the same note a few times or displace the notes rhythmically (play some notes earlier and some notes later). This creates variations that will lead you to more epic improvisations later on!
Back in KL after 29 days on the road for my first ever solo Europe tour!
It was filled with epic performances, teaching, travels and friends.
Thank you to everyone who made my first ever solo Europe tour so beautiful. Special thanks to Yin for coordinating the whole tour logistics and planning.
[Highlights include]
10 performances 6 guitar classes 1 six-hour recording session 2 YouTube video recording sessions 1 radio interview 3 newspaper appearances met 2 amazing guitar luthiers
...and during some chill-out time, attended:
1 musical in London (Matilda)
5 concerts (Djavan, Elvis Costello, Cold Porter, Shibusashirazu Orchestra and a school holiday children's performance too!)
Fingerstyle Guitar performances featuring Thomas Leeb, Jon Gomm, Mike Dawes, Alex Kabasser and so many epic guitarists at the annual Thomas Leeb Guitar Bootcamp in Austria
Went for 2 rides on the Nocky Flitzer mountain ride in Austria
Also, I visited the George Lowden Guitar Factory in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland for the first time, had an epic tour by Johnny Lowden & performed for the amazing folks there with Mickey Murphy.
Performances all over including in the UK (Brighton, Blackburn, Darwen) Northern Ireland (Newry), Haarlem (near Amsterdam), Turrache Höhe (Austria) and Berlin (Germany).
Uber happy!
Thank you everyone!!!
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Follow the 2013 Solo Europe Tour live on twitter @azsamad & instagram @azsamad
[Quotes from the audience at Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap]
"We get a lot of good music in Darwen, and especially at 39, but nights like this are rare. Thanks very much to Richard Moss (always a pleasure) and Az Samad (a treat), and for Gary and 39 for a special night." - Nigel Lewin [permalink]
A great night of music by two very talented musicians. - Derren Lee Poole [permalink]
What an absolute pleasure... It was magical. Blew me away... Richard Moss & Az Samad were something else! What beautiful performances. You guys deserve much recognition, you have something very special. You moved me many times. It was a joy. - Leona Holden[permalink 1][permalink 2][permalink 3]
What an amazing night, so glad we came :) It was a priviledge to hear such emotive music, me and Nigel are glad we bought a C D, much luv from us x - Heather Hook [permalink]
Another Amazing night ....Thank you for sharing ..It was AWEsome xx - Andrea Holden [permalink]
The C Factor | Az Samad (Live in Austria at Thomas Leeb Acoustic Guitar Bootcamp)
Performing my medley of P. Ramlee songs at Amplified Bar, Newry, Northern Ireland:
From the house concert in Haarlem, Netherlands:
Duet with Berlin guitarist Matteo Alderete:
Duet with Northern Ireland guitarist Mickey Murphy at the George Lowden Guitars workshop at Downpatrick:
Az Samad in a duet with multi-instrumentalist Richard Moss at Sprout Cafe, Blackburn UK. This is the first performance of Az's 2013 Solo Europe Tour. — with Richard Moss and Az Samad at Sprout Cafe.
From the performance at Number 39 - Hopstar Brewery Tap, Darwen, UK with Richard Moss.
In 90-minutes, learn trade secrets from an international fingerstyle guitar maestro right here in Penang!
Do you play fingerstyle guitar? Do you enjoy mixing percussion, alternate tunings and grooves all on one guitar?
If you do, then read on.
It’s a tough journey being an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist. Sometimes you practise pieces again and again but still it doesn’t sound close to the original. You wonder how to make all those percussive sounds at once along with clear high harmonics and tapped right hand melodies. Are you still just searching for answers on YouTube? How do you do that? How do you make everything sound smooth? Is there a secret?
What if you could get an insight into the mind of a true master? Someone who the Evening Post calls 'Completely Spellbinding’.
Get into the mind of MikeDawes.
YouTube fingerstyle guitar star MikeDawes is a young steel string guitarist from the South of England.
Since discovering the music of Pierre Bensusan at an early age, Mike has been completely dedicated to the guitar (along with the more obscure music that comes with it).
Currently residing in the South of England, Mike has been stunning audiences and critics with his guitar playing since 2008. His music often defies description, taking influence from Celtic, Rock, World and Popular music.
YouTube fingerstyle guitar star Jon Gomm says, “’MikeDawes is a F***ing awesome guitarist!’
Imagine knowing how to get out of ruts. What would a virtuoso do to get out of a rut? Daniel, one of Mike’s students had this to say:
'You're a really good teacher thanks, you've made the most challenging aspects of my technique seem so easy to overcome, and I'm well on my way to getting out of this rut!' - Daniel (US)
This 90-minute workshop will help you get out of your rut and get your fingerstyle playing to the next level. You’ll get to learn from a maestro, understand your instrument more and know how to practice fingerstyle guitar like a boss.
With over 2.8 million cumulative views of his YouTube videos, Mike has garnered critical acclaim especially since his cover of Gotye ‘Somebody I used to know’ became a viral video hit.
“Astounding Virtuosity” in the words Grammy Winner Gotye himself!
Mike has performed alongside, and in support of some of the world’s most highly respected musicians, including:
Mike has done workshops all around the world including at UK’s Academy of Music and Sound in Swindon. Here’s how he did:
'Mike, the feedback I've been getting is great and I'd love to have you back next year. It seems to have been one of the best masterclasses we've ever had in Swindon so hats off to you sir...students can be difficult to please!' -Steve, Academy of Music and Sound
The workshop will be a packed 90-minute session with MikeDawes, up close and personal. One of Mike’s UK students had this to say about a session with Mike:
'He's a fantastic teacher! my mind is still trying to process a mere hour of his knowledge' Matt (UK)
And you will get not just a mere hour, you will get an hour and a half!That’s 90-minutes of wisdom in person from YouTube sensation MikeDawes.
Mike is so epic that he has performed and lectured alongside Guthrie Govan! Here’s what Rob Chapman of Chapman Guitars had to say:
'MikeDawes is not only an unbelievably awesome guitarist, he is also an incredible teacher with a brilliantly approachable style, that's why I booked him to play AND lecture alongside Guthrie Govan at Monkeyfest' - Rob Chapman (Chapman Guitars)
You could study with Mike by travelling to Hampshire/Surrey in the United Kingdom and spend over RM8,000 (flights between RM3,000 to RM5,000 and RM240 or more per night for accommodation in addition to travel and food costs). This is a possibility for a serious student but not everyone can invest like this.
Instead of all these added expenses and logistics, we are bringing MikeDawes to The Canteen at ChinaHouse, Penang.
Photo Credit: The Canteen At ChinaHouse Facebook Page
How much is the cost for this investment?
Early Registration: RM80/per person Walk-ins: RM100/per person
To register today and secure your place:
Instructions:
1. Transfer the workshop payment of RM80 to CIMB Bank 07140191594524 (Brian Gan Luen-Ming)
2. E-mail a photo of the deposit slip or e-mail with transfer info to penangguitar@gmail.com. Make sure your e-mail heading is ‘Mike Dawes Workshop Payment’
For any inquiries about the workshop, call Brian at +6012 537 1735
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to bring my guitar? Yes, you’ll need your guitar so you can try out examples that Mike will teach. This is a hands-on workshop so to get the most out of it, you should have your guitar with you.
2. Is there an age limit? No.
3. Will there be handouts on the material Mike is teaching? Yes
4. What level do I have to be to enroll in this workshop? The workshop is for intermediate and advanced guitar students.
5. Will Mike be performing at the workshop? Mike will demonstrating examples from his music. For the performance, catch Mike concert at China House on Sunday night. Info is here:http://www.azsamad.com/mikedawes
In 90-minutes, learn trade secrets from an international fingerstyle guitar maestro right here in Petaling Jaya!
Do you play fingerstyle guitar? Do you enjoy mixing percussion, alternate tunings and grooves all on one guitar?
If you do, then read on.
It’s a tough journey being an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist. Sometimes you practise pieces again and again but still it doesn’t sound close to the original. You wonder how to make all those percussive sounds at once along with clear high harmonics and tapped right hand melodies. Are you still just searching for answers on YouTube? How do you do that? How do you make everything sound smooth? Is there a secret?
What if you could get an insight into the mind of a true master? Someone who the Evening Post calls 'Completely Spellbinding’.
Get into the mind of MikeDawes.
YouTube fingerstyle guitar star MikeDawes is a young steel string guitarist from the South of England.
Since discovering the music of Pierre Bensusan at an early age, Mike has been completely dedicated to the guitar (along with the more obscure music that comes with it).
Currently residing in the South of England, Mike has been stunning audiences and critics with his guitar playing since 2008. His music often defies description, taking influence from Celtic, Rock, World and Popular music.
YouTube fingerstyle guitar star Jon Gomm says, “’MikeDawes is a F***ing awesome guitarist!’
Imagine knowing how to get out of ruts. What would a virtuoso do to get out of a rut? Daniel, one of Mike’s students had this to say:
'You're a really good teacher thanks, you've made the most challenging aspects of my technique seem so easy to overcome, and I'm well on my way to getting out of this rut!' - Daniel (US)
This 90-minute workshop will help you get out of your rut and get your fingerstyle playing to the next level. You’ll get to learn from a maestro, understand your instrument more and know how to practice fingerstyle guitar like a boss.
With over 2.8 million cumulative views of his YouTube videos, Mike has garnered critical acclaim especially since his cover of Gotye ‘Somebody I used to know’ became a viral video hit.
“Astounding Virtuosity” in the words Grammy Winner Gotye himself!
Mike has performed alongside, and in support of some of the world’s most highly respected musicians, including:
Mike has done workshops all around the world including at UK’s Academy of Music and Sound in Swindon. Here’s how he did:
'Mike, the feedback I've been getting is great and I'd love to have you back next year. It seems to have been one of the best masterclasses we've ever had in Swindon so hats off to you sir...students can be difficult to please!' - Steve, Academy of Music and Sound
The workshop will be a packed 90-minute session with MikeDawes, up close and personal. One of Mike’s UK students had this to say about a session with Mike:
'He's a fantastic teacher! my mind is still trying to process a mere hour of his knowledge' Matt (UK)
And you will get not just a mere hour, you will get an hour and a half!That’s 90-minutes of wisdom in person from YouTube sensation MikeDawes.
Remember, there are only 15 slots for participants for this workshop. We could have had more but we wanted for the workshop to be the very best for the special dedicated 15 students. This will be a premium learning experience in an awesome environment.
Mike is so epic that he has performed and lectured alongside Guthrie Govan! Here’s what Rob Chapman of Chapman Guitars had to say:
'MikeDawes is not only an unbelievably awesome guitarist, he is also an incredible teacher with a brilliantly approachable style, that's why I booked him to play AND lecture alongside Guthrie Govan at Monkeyfest' - Rob Chapman (Chapman Guitars)
You could study with Mike by travelling to Hampshire/Surrey in the United Kingdom and spend over RM8,000 (flights between RM3,000 to RM5,000 and RM240 or more per night for accommodation in addition to travel and food costs). This is a possibility for a serious student but not everyone can invest like this.
Instead of all these added expenses and logistics, we are bringing MikeDawes to Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya. Right at the cozy space of Sixstrings, you’ll get to study with a world-class maestro.
How much is the cost for this investment?
Early Registration: RM100/per person Walk-ins: RM120/per person
Remember, there are only 15 slots available for the workshop.
To register today and secure your place:
1. Transfer the workshop payment of RM100 to Hong Leong Bank 22500002427 (Sixstrings Sdn. Bhd.)
2. Email a photo of the deposit slip or e-mail with transfer info to enquiry@sixstrings.com.my. Make sure your e-mail heading is ‘MikeDawesWorkshop Payment’
For any inquiries about the workshop, call Sixstrings at +603 7887 5171
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to bring my guitar? Yes, you’ll need your guitar so you can try out examples that Mike will teach. This is a hands-on workshop so to get the most out of it, you should have your guitar with you.
2. Is there an age limit? No.
3. Will there be handouts on the material Mike is teaching? Yes
4. What level do I have to be to enroll in this workshop? The workshop is for intermediate and advanced guitar students.
5. Will Mike be performing at the workshop? Mike will demonstrating examples from his music. For the performance, catch Mike concert at No Black Tie. Info is here: http://www.azsamad.com/mikedawes
Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 9:24PM 
