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Exercises
Here on this page you will find different technical exercises I have made for myself and my students covering different technique concepts
Sweep Picking Etude (Advanced)
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This short study focuses on a number of different techniques, sweep picking being the main one. It also focuses on directional picking, left hand stretches, and slurs (Hammer ons/pull offs). All picking directions and left hand fingerings are marked in the score.
Scale/Mode Run (Intermediate)
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This scale exercise will work you through the entire fretboard! This scale exercise takes the 3 note-per-string approach using the G major scale. At every pivot point, you will either be starting or ending on a different note of G major, allowing you to hear the sounds of all the modes of G major. This exercise can be transposed in a few other keys, once you've learned it, try shifting up or down a whole step!
Speed Picking Exercise (Intermediate)
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The trick to speed picking lies in the accuracy of the rhythms that you are playing, as well as executing small and precise movements from your right hand. The technique part will be explained in the hand out along with some basic exercises. In order to get the most out of this download, you will need to practice with a metronome!
Hybrid Picking Exercises #1 (Intermediate)
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Hybrid picking is the act of using a pick while also using either your middle finger or ring finger (or both!) to pluck strings. These open string exercises are based off classical fingerstyle exercises that I learned in college, with slight revisions to include the use of a pick. The PDF will explain proper right hand positioning and how to power the movements of the fingers, but I would recommend checking out YouTube videos of players using this technique so that you can get a more visual understanding.
A Chord Shell Study: Fly Me To The Moon (Intermediate)
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Chord shell voicings are essential to the aspiring jazz guitarist. These small and finger friendly chord shapes are widely used in the big band realm of guitar playing. In this context, the chords are played in the style of Freddie Green, the longtime guitar player for the Count Basie Orchestra. The Freddie Green style of comping allows the guitar to act in a more percussive role. The chords are to be played as all quarter notes, and depending on the style of the song, the quarter note rhythms can either be short and staccato or held out for its full duration. Frank Sinatra's version of this tune features the Count Basie Orchestra. Listen to that recording and you'll be able to hear Freddie Green and how he's playing these chords. It is recommended that you study up on basic chord construction before studying this style.
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