Around The Neck

What does it mean does it mean to master a song? Can you play the chords? Can you play the melody? Is there a riff or solo to learn? Is mastering a song on guitar different than on other instruments? How do you know when to move on?

Everyone who endeavors to learn a new instrument holds all of these questions in their head. As we mature in our technique and musicality, we tend to ask ourselves this more and more. Through the next few weeks we will look at how you can use methods I have used and taught to attain mastery. However, you must know that this is not for the faint at heart. Those of you who are not willing to push through and practice some things over and over will never achieve any form of mastery.

What is mastery? Merriam-Webster defines it as the possession or display of consummate skill. So what is consummate skill? Again, Merriam-Webster says it means complete in every detail. Therefore, to master a piece of music it must be complete in every detail. On the guitar that can be quite a challenge. One must break that challenge down into manageable portions in order to maintain focus and order.

In the following methodology, we will focus primarily on playing melody and chords (or harmony) with a pick. Later, we will turn our attention to improvisation. Why? In order to improvise effectively one must already have a mastery of the previous two. Instead of breaking the guitar into positions, we will use the term “Area.” This is a loose term indicating roughly frets 1-4 as Area 1. And, the next four frets as Area 2. However, with guitar many areas overlap slightly and therefore this terminology is described as loose.

For this study I have chosen Au Privave by Charlie Parker. In principle it is irrelevant what piece or style I actually choose. The idea here is that with study and mastery of one piece you will be able to apply your knowledge just as successfully to any other piece. For Part 1A you will begin learning the melody and chords in Area 1. The chords will be only on strings 6, 4, 3, and 2. We will then focus on other string sets as time goes on. But for now, your purpose is to master or learn completely in every detail the music in Part1A. Your goal for a metronome marking should be between 160 and 180 bpm for both chords and melody. At that point, you will have internalized every movement. Lastly, you should be able to sing the melody without the guitar in hand.

Here is a link to the song: http://www.chadbecks.com/compositions/AuPrivavePart1A.pdf

Good luck!