What to do while waiting for Grade 5.4 to be completed?

[Richard_close2u]

Ooh, I don’t know …

There’s always this:

Intervals, scale degrees and more

Prompted by a discussion in the theory topic on the Cycle of 5ths. The Cycle Of 5ths Understanding the basics of intervals relies on knowing that they are viewed from the perspective of semitones (= half steps = two notes one fret apart from each other on a guitar). Starting from any note and thinking of it as in first position, there are thirteen intervals, each in their own position, at their own distance, from the start and each with their own name – some have multiple names as a result of e…

And this:

The Circle of Fifths - where does it come from, where does it go?

INDEX Below are links to each of the successive parts as this topic expands. The Circle of Fifths Part 1 - where does it come from? The Circle of Fifths Part 2 - isn’t it the same as the circle of fourths? The Circle of Fifths Part 3 - where does it go? (a) major scales The Circle of Fifths Part 4 - where does it go? [b] major & relative minor scales plus pentatonic scales The Circle of Fifths Part 5 - where does it go? [c] major & minor chords The Circle of Fifths Part 6 - wh…

And this:

Using borrowed chords - introduction + examples

Using borrowed chords to spice up chord progressions Have you ever listened to a song and been surprised when the whole sound and melody shifted to a place that was unexpected? Have you ever learned to play a song and a chord came along that did not seem to fit with your expectations? Have you ever tried to analyse a song and been confused by, and unable to explain, the presence of a mystery chord? Have you ever made up your own chord progression and thrown in random chords that actually sou…

And this:

Triads & Soloing & Targeting Chord Tones Part 1 - getting started

I was first inspired to write this topic by a comment from @balamuthiahv when writing a review of his 1-to-1 lesson with Justin in 2019 in which he wrote: I forgot to ask him were about how to use and target chord notes while soloing You can read Bala’s full write up here and my response to that specific comment in the next immediate post below it. I wanted to elaborate more fully and develop a topic that I hope others might benefit from - simple steps to begin learning how to incorporate t…

And this:

3rds & Thirds - What Are They? Playing & Having Fun

INDEX 3rds & Thirds Part A Playing and Having Fun 3rds & Thirds Part B Some Theoretical Foundations 3rds & Thirds Part C The Concerpt of 3rds as Partial Chords 3rds & Thirds Part D The Ambiguous Nature of 3rds as Partial Chords 3rds & Thirds Part E 3rds as Partial maj7, min7 and dom7 Chords 3rds & Thirds Part F: FUN FUN FUN

And this:

Modes Parts 1 - 9

INDEX Modes Part 1 - An introduction, an Adventure, an Exploration. Modes Part 2 - Modes in Series. Modes Part 3 - Modes in Parallel. Modes Part 4 - Modal Melodies: the Sound of the Modes? Modes Part 5 - The Colour of Modes: A Digression. Modes Part 6 - Chords Associated with the Modes. Modes Part 7 - A Simple and Manageable Step Towards Modal Improvisation. Modes Part 8 - A First Look at Building Modal Chord Progressions. Modes Part 9 - Some Backing Tracks.