Benicia – Vallejo Guitar Lessons

Beginner to Advanced – Guitar Lessons – Benicia & Vallejo CA

As I teach beginning to advanced guitar in Benicia and Vallejo I stress all guitar students to work on basic Jazz Chord formations where you use both your pick and fingers to create both a guitarist and bass player sound all by yourself. Some guitar players to check out are Joe Pass, PatMetheny, George Benson, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, and Larry Coryell.

I have 5 Basic chord formations you must learn first in every key:

1. G major
2. G major 7th
3. G dominant 7^th
4. G major 6^th
5. G minor 7^th

You will notice left to right known as the chord progression that I go root on bass 6^th string of guitar followed by first inversion known as  third in the bass followed by 5^th in the bass known as second inversion. First take root inversion of all 5 formations and transpose to all keys on 6^th string. Then take first inversion and finally followed by second in version. This could take two weeks to two months too master. Then take all 5 versions and practice left to right slowly. You will notice that on beats one and three you pick bass 6^th string on downbeat and quickly followed with finger pinching remaining strings on the up beat. Notice on even beats two and four you are just playing passing single bass notes . Just master in key of G only.

Once you have mastered these 5 patterns then refer to my arrangement of Moon Dance by Van Morrison.

Have fun and if you want to see me apply these techniques I’m performing every Sunday night 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a bass guitarist doing open mic night doing music from swing era jazz up to contemporary songs. Located at great Vallejo Thai Food establishment known as “ Cha Am”. Food is great and medium pricing and no cover charge. Address is 153 Plaza Drive in Vallejo California.

Guitar & Banjo Lessons
Benicia – Vallejo, CA
(925) 695-7060