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Chet June 12th, 2007

Utilizing an odd time signature is a good way to add some variety into your playing. It can give that riff you’ve been working on a little extra uniqueness. The key to doing it effectively is to make it sound natural. No calculators or Star Wars action figures are necessary. Just a little thought and a little more practice

If an idea comes to you and it isn’t quite fitting into 4/4, or you notice that your foot (because you tap your foot when you practice) is in the air instead of hitting the ground at the end of the riff, then it’s probably in an odd time. Get to know how it works first and then count it out. The riff below is one example of how to use an odd time somewhat naturally. When you listen to it, you may or may not notice that it’s in 7/4.

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The descending notes on the 2nd string are optional. After the D on the 3rd fret I play a C on the 1st fret and then a C# on the second fret (to make an A major). I’m also using pull-offs wherever I can.

Try to come up with a few different ideas in odd time-signatures. You can start by adding or subtracting a beat from something you already know. If you do in fact want to get nerdy about it, try playing it against something that’s in 4/4 time. You’ll notice that it syncs up at the LCM of beats between the two different time signatures. 3/4 and 4/4 will sync up in 12 beats(LCM of 3 and 4) which is 3 measures of 4/4 and 4 measures of 3/4.

• Fingerstyle , Licks , Sound files , odd time
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Chet May 5th, 2007

During my formative years as a guitarist I generally tried to avoid classical guitar. I never dreamed of being that guy at a wedding reception playing Bach. In fact the only time I’d even utter the name “Bach” was when I needed to clear my throat. But I digress.

There are many benefits to classical study. You can work on your finger-style technique. Being able to use more than just a pick will open up new chord voicings and harmonies. Studying more melodic ideas will in turn give you more improvisation ideas. You can work on your ability to read music instead of just tablature. You can build your repertoire. Now when someone asks you to play a song you’ll have something a little more interesting than a 30 second riff or the intro to Stairway to Heaven.

Some of the most accessible and enjoyable classical music I’ve worked on was written Matteo Carcassi who lived from 1792-1853. Playing his music is very rewarding from the perspective of a non-classical player like myself. Since his music was originally published before 1923 it is in the public domain. That means that the music is free although most publishers still retain the copyright of the printed work. Delcamp.net has a nice archive of his work as well as thousands of other freely available pieces of classical music.

Below is an excerpt from the first Carcassi song I learned Caprice. Its in D minor. Try playing finger-style using your thumb on the open D and your first three fingers for the other strings.

• Classical , Fingerstyle
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