Here is a 10-second tip for you to enjoy.
It’s all about simple music theory.
As we all know, music theory can get very complex very quickly.
Things can go from 0-100mph with theory in no time.
To make things worse, people often get taught many different fragments of theory and get given no plan on how to use the theory they know…
Well, here’s a good way to counteract that…
Choose just one key to study at first
The key of G Major is my favourite key to teach to beginners (closely followed by C Major).
G Major has one sharp in the key (F#). This is good because it gives you a taste of what “sharps” are all about.
So, here’s a good theory plan…
– Learn the main chords in the key (G Am Bm C D Em)
– Play the Major scale of the key
– Jam a few popular chord progressions in the key, such as:
- G C D (I-IV-V)
- G D Em C (I-V-vi-IV)
– Have fun jamming the scale with the chord progressions (record yourself strumming them and then try “noodling” the scale over the top)
This is not an overnight thing, of course, so take your time.
Do the above and recap it regularly, fully digest it, and theory will be your friend and not your foe.
Later, you can choose another key, such as C Major or D Major, and study that in the same way…
Start with one key though.
Understanding theory, especially the theory of the songs you play, can build confidence, especially if you’re an analytical type… but if you’re more of a creative type, it will help give you more options for jamming too.
Either way, theory is powerful when used correctly.
If you find this sort of thing helpful, you’ll find the new Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons helpful.
The new lessons will be released on April 2nd.
One of the new lessons is on the “Circle of Fifths” – and it will give you a simple introduction to a core element of theory.
The Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. Don’t forget, on Monday night, I will close enrolment for the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy, so the chance to join and get these new lessons, the future monthly lessons, and my brand-new book, The Six String Lifer’s Handbook will come to an end.
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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