A course focusing on the flatpicking technique including scales, arpeggios, chords, rhythm, improvisation, speed development, general technique exercises & sight-reading.
Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on.
Check out the Pickin’ Lessons structured, 2 part, scales & technical practice below. Give it a shot & I’m positive you’ll find yourself moving forward in no time! Once you know the practice structure, you could cover all the important material in as little as 10-20 minutes. Aiming to practice everyday (or as close to as possible!)
Flatpicking Guitar | Part 1: S.A.C. (Key of G) | Introduction
Preparation: Scales & Technical Practice | Overview | Knowledge Base | Level 1
Scales | Arpeggios | Chords
(Allow 4-8 minutes approx.)
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Part 2: R.I.S.E.S.
Rhythm | Improvisation | Speed | Exercises | Sight-Reading
(Allow 6-12 minutes approx.)
Rhythm
- Repeat individual examples fluently;
- Combine examples, e.g. 1 & 2, 4 & 5…;
- Combine with a single chord or change chords if possible.
Improvisation
- Practice the chord changes;
- Improvise using the G major scale &/or arpeggios to match the chords.
- Don’t worry about how it’s sounding in the beginning, just become familiar with the scales & arpeggios and give it a go!
Speed
- Start out with control & good tone;
- Gradually increase tempo, while remaining in control;
- Push yourself slightly quicker than comfortable;
- Ease back the tempo and finish with control & good tone.
- Don’t worry about the tempo or using a metronome at this stage.
Exercises
- Apply to each scale & arpeggio from the Level 1| S.A.C.
- Aim for an even tone & volume on each pick stroke.
Sight-Reading
- Aim for accuracy, not speed;
- Don’t practice the same sight-reading exercise in consecutive sessions;
- Ensure picking direction & rhythm are accurate.
- Download the Guitar Pro file and open in a free viewer to check how the sight-reading examples should sound.
Additional Areas To Cover
Repertoire: Make sure you are working on old & new tunes/songs. This is one of the main reasons to practice the above! Dedicate at least a little time to run over a tune or two.
Notes on the fretboard: check out the Fretboard Freedom lesson and start studying the 6th string.
Well done!
Congratulations on finishing the practice session! Make sure you follow up & work through the exercises regularly.
Tip: A practice journal is a great way of keeping track of your progress.