Acoustic Guitar Mastery

Em to G Strum

In this lesson, we will focus on a highly utilized chord progression.

The chords we will be working with are Em and G.

Understanding and mastering these chords is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, Em is a fundamental and commonly used chord that every guitarist should be familiar with.

It serves as a building block for many songs across various genres.

Secondly, G is slightly more complex, but it’s essential to learn and become proficient in playing it.

G chord is extensively used in countless songs, making it a valuable addition to your repertoire.

To effectively learn these chords, it’s important to pay attention to their finger positions and practice playing them correctly.

Take your time to familiarize yourself with the Em and G shapes, ensuring that each note rings out clearly without any muted or buzzing strings.

Start by practicing each chord individually, strumming each string to achieve a clean sound.

Once you are comfortable with playing Em and G separately, the next step is to seamlessly transition between them.

Practice moving from Em to G and vice versa, focusing on maintaining a smooth and fluid motion.

It may feel a bit challenging at first, but with consistent practice, you’ll develop muscle memory and the ability to switch between these chords effortlessly.

In addition to chord transitions, it’s important to work on your strumming technique. Experiment with various strumming patterns and rhythms using your right hand.

Start with simple downstrokes and gradually incorporate upstrokes, syncopation, and other strumming variations to add texture and dynamics to your playing.

Remember, consistent practice is key to internalizing these concepts.

Set aside dedicated practice time each day to work on chord transitions and strumming patterns.

You can also enhance your practice sessions by playing along with songs or backing tracks that incorporate Em and G chords.

By mastering these chord shapes, smooth transitions, and diverse strumming patterns, you will not only expand your repertoire but also gain a solid foundation for tackling a wide range of songs on the guitar.

So, take your time, practice diligently, and enjoy the process of honing your skills!

Practice section 1:

In this first practice section, we will wrk on the Em to G chord progression using a strumming rhythm that combines quarter and eighth notes.

To begin, set your metronome to 60 beats per minute and practice transitioning smoothly between Em and G chords while maintaining the strumming rhythm.

Focus on accuracy and clarity of each chord shape.

Once you feel comfortable at that tempo, increase the metronome to 80 beats per minute and repeat the exercise.

This will help improve your speed and coordination between the chords.

Finally, we will take it a step further by practicing at 80 beats per minute, but this time, play along with a bass and drum backing track.

This will simulate a more realistic musical environment and help you develop a sense of rhythm and groove.

Remember to start slowly and gradually build up your speed as you become more confident.

Take breaks if needed and listen carefully to the timing and quality of each chord as you play.

It’s also beneficial to record yourself while practicing.

This allows you to listen back and identify areas that need improvement, such as timing issues or chord transitions that may require more work.

Keep in mind that consistent practice is key.

Set aside regular practice sessions, even if they’re short, rather than cramming all the practice into one long session.

This will help reinforce muscle memory and make the progress more steady and sustainable.

Enjoy the process, and don’t be discouraged by any initial challenges.

With time, patience, and focused practice, you’ll soon master the Em to G progression and the associated strumming rhythm.

Adding melodies to chords (Wish you were here):

In this lesson, we will study how to add melodies to chords to make our arrangements much more interesting.

For this purpose, we will use the intro of the song “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.

The chords we will be using are Em and G. In addition to learning the concept of adding melodies to chords, we will also explore the concept of pickup measures and notes.

Pickup measure refers to a shortened first measure of a piece of music.

Notes that begin a phrase shortly before a strong downbeat are also known as pickup notes.

To practice this concept, follow these tips:

Start by familiarizing yourself with the Em and G chords.

Make sure you can play them smoothly and accurately.

Listen to the original “Wish You Were Here” recording to get a sense of the melody and how it interacts with the chords.

Please pay attention to the pickup notes and how they lead into the downbeat.

Break down the melody into smaller sections and practice playing it along with the chords.

Start with slower tempos and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Focus on the timing and coordination between the melody and the chord changes.

Make sure the pickup notes are played precisely and seamlessly transition into the downbeat of each measure.

Experiment with different variations and embellishments in the melody to make it your own.

Feel free to add your personal touch while staying true to the essence of the song.

Record yourself playing the melody and chords together. Listen back to identify areas that need improvement and work on them specifically.

This will help you refine your technique and musicality.

Practice with a metronome to develop a solid sense of timing. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you progress.

Remember, practicing consistently and attentively is key to mastering this concept.

Break down the exercise into smaller parts, focus on accuracy and timing, and gradually build up your skills.

With dedication and patience, you will be able to add captivating melodies to your chord progressions effectively.

Practice section 2:

In this practice session, we will play the previous exercise of the intro from Pink Floyd’s song at a slow tempo, normal tempo, and with a backing track.

First, we will start by playing the intro at a slow tempo. Set your metronome to a comfortable speed, such as 60 beats per minute.

Practice smoothly transitioning between the Em and G chords while adding the melody to create the desired effect.

Take your time to ensure each note and chord change is clean and accurate.

Once you feel confident at the slower tempo, it’s time to increase the speed to the normal tempo.

Set your metronome to the original tempo of the song or a speed that matches your comfort level.

Play the intro again, focusing on maintaining the fluidity and accuracy of the chord transitions and melody.

Pay attention to the timing and dynamics to capture the essence of the original piece.

To further enhance your practice, we will now incorporate a backing track.

Find a backing track or create one that complements the style of the song.

The backing track should include a bassline and drums to simulate a fuller musical environment.

Play the intro along with the backing track, aiming to synchronize your playing with the rhythm section.

This will help you develop a better sense of timing and groove, as well as improve your ability to play in a musical context.

Remember to practice in sections if needed and focus on any challenging parts.

Break down the intro into smaller phrases and work on them individually before putting everything together.

Utilize recording devices to listen back to your performance and identify areas that require improvement.

This will allow you to make adjustments and refine your playing.

By practicing the intro at different tempos and incorporating a backing track, you will develop your skills in playing the melody, chord transitions, and timing.

Making chord progressions more interesting (Slash chords)

In this lesson, we will discuss slash chords, which are a fascinating resource for voice leading commonly used in acoustic guitar playing.

The use of these chords allows us to create progressions that flow in a very natural way by directing the bass notes of the chords.

So, what exactly are slash chords? Slash chords, also known as chord inversions or split chords, are chords that have a different bass note than the root note.

They are notated with a slash (“/”) between the chord name and the bass note.

For example, a D major chord with a F# bass note would be notated as D/F#.

Slash chords provide a way to alter the harmony and add depth to your chord progressions.

By changing the bass note, you can create new tonalities and unique chord voicings.

This allows for smoother voice leading as the bass notes move in a more melodic and connected manner.

These chords are commonly used in various musical styles, particularly in fingerstyle guitar playing.

They are often employed when the melody line requires a specific bass note that differs from the root of the chord.

By incorporating slash chords, you can maintain the harmonic integrity while achieving a desired melodic movement.

In this lesson, we will explore different examples of slash chords, their notation, and how they can be applied in creating captivating chord progressions.

We will also practice incorporating slash chords into familiar songs to gain a better understanding of their musical potential.

Get ready to enhance your guitar playing by adding the richness and melodic flow of slash chords to your repertoire.

Lesson 07 – Practice section 3

In this practice session, we will play a chord progression that incorporates some slash chords at a slow tempo, normal tempo, and with a backing track.

First, let’s start by playing the chord progression at a slow tempo.

Pay close attention to the slash chords and their bass note changes.

Practice smoothly transitioning between the chords, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clarity in each chord voicing.

Once you feel comfortable with the progression at the slower tempo, it’s time to increase the speed to the normal tempo.

Play the chord progression again, ensuring that the slash chords are executed smoothly and accurately.

Concentrate on the timing and fluidity of the transitions, striving for a cohesive and melodic sound.

To add further depth to our practice, we will incorporate a backing track.

Find a suitable backing track that matches the style and feel of the chord progression.

Play along with the backing track, making sure to align your chord changes and slash chords with the accompanying instrumentation.

This will enhance your sense of timing, groove, and overall musicality.

Remember to practice in sections if needed, focusing on any challenging slash chords or transitions.

Break down the progression into smaller phrases and work on them individually before playing the entire sequence.

Utilize recording devices to listen back to your performance and identify areas that require improvement.

This will enable you to refine your technique and strengthen your understanding of slash chords.

By practicing the chord progression incorporating slash chords at different tempos and with a backing track, you will develop your skills in playing these unique chord voicings and mastering their musical application.

Lesson 8 – Strumming Variations

In this lesson, we will work on two rhythmic variations to spice up your chord strumming.

Studying different rhythms of strumming is essential for a guitarist for several reasons.

Firstly, it adds variety and interest to your playing.

Using the same strumming pattern throughout can become monotonous and repetitive.

By learning different rhythmic variations, you can create dynamic and engaging arrangements for your chord progressions.

Secondly, it enhances your musicality and ability to groove.

Each rhythm has its own feel and vibe, allowing you to convey different emotions and styles through your playing.

Understanding and incorporating various strumming patterns will give you more control over the rhythmic aspect of your guitar playing, allowing you to better connect with the music and the audience.

Furthermore, studying different strumming rhythms improves your overall coordination and dexterity.

As you practice different patterns, your right hand technique will develop, enabling you to execute complex rhythmic patterns with ease.

This will expand your repertoire of skills and open up new possibilities for creative expression.

Lastly, being familiar with a variety of strumming rhythms makes you a more versatile musician.

It enables you to adapt to different musical genres and styles, whether it’s folk, rock, pop, or jazz.

By having a diverse range of strumming techniques in your arsenal, you can comfortably play along with various songs and collaborate with other musicians.

Lesson 9 – Basic Fingerstyle Picking

In this lesson, we will work on a simple fingerstyle pattern to familiarize ourselves with this essential technique for acoustic guitar.

To do this, we will use our thumb and index finger on the C and Am chords.

Firstly, we need to get comfortable with the right hand pattern on the first chord.

It is recommended to practice this pattern on the C chord at different speeds in a loop before attempting to play the full progression.

Fingerstyle is a technique where the guitarist plays the strings directly with their fingers, rather than using a pick.

It involves using different fingers to pluck individual strings, creating a melodic and rhythmic texture.

Fingerstyle playing has been popularized by notable guitarists such as Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, and Andy McKee.

This technique is widely used in various styles of music, including folk, blues, classical, and contemporary acoustic music.

It allows for a more intricate and nuanced approach to guitar playing, enabling the guitarist to simultaneously play melodies, bass lines, and chords.

In this lesson, we will begin with a simple fingerstyle pattern on the C chord, gradually increasing the complexity as we progress.

Remember to practice the pattern at different tempos and develop a smooth and controlled motion with your thumb and index finger.

By mastering fingerstyle techniques, you will expand your musical repertoire and have the ability to create beautiful and intricate arrangements on the acoustic guitar.

So, let’s start by getting comfortable with the fingerstyle pattern on the C chord before moving on to the complete progression.

Lesson 10 – Practice section 4:

In this practice section, we will work on the exercise we learned in the previous lesson, as always, playing it at different speeds with the assistance of a metronome and backing track.

Remember to focus on being precise with the rhythm and tempo, and strive to make all the notes sound at the same volume.

Once you have achieved that, you can start experimenting with different dynamics and accents.

Explore the range of sound and expression that can be achieved by varying the intensity and emphasis on certain notes within the pattern.

It is also highly recommended to apply this same fingerstyle pattern to other chord progressions and string groups.

This will help you expand your understanding of the technique and its application to different musical contexts.

Try applying the pattern to different chord shapes, exploring how it feels and sounds on various strings.

As you practice, pay attention to the clarity and separation of each note. Aim for a clean and distinct sound on every plucked string.

This will contribute to the overall musicality and quality of your fingerstyle playing.

Remember to be patient with yourself as you explore different progressions and variations.

Take the time to analyze and refine your technique, ensuring that your finger movements are efficient and that you maintain a relaxed and comfortable hand position.

Incorporate regular recording and listening to your practice sessions.

This will allow you to critically evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Additionally, it will help train your ears to recognize nuances in your fingerstyle playing.

By applying the fingerstyle pattern to different chord progressions and string groups, you will develop versatility and creativity in your playing.

Embrace the opportunity to explore and experiment, and enjoy the beauty and expressiveness of fingerstyle guitar.

Lesson 11 – Fingerpicking Patterns

In this lesson, we will explore two essential fingerpicking patterns.

We will combine an ascending pattern with a descending pattern using the C and Am chords.

To do this, we will utilize the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers of the right hand.

Mastering fingerpicking technique is important for several reasons.

Firstly, it allows you to create a rich and full sound on the guitar.

With fingerpicking, you can simultaneously play the melody, bassline, and chords, creating a complete arrangement with a single instrument.

This technique adds depth and complexity to your playing, enhancing your overall musicality.

Secondly, fingerpicking opens up a wide range of possibilities for musical expression.

It provides greater control over dynamics, allowing you to vary the volume and intensity of each note.

This allows for nuanced performances and the ability to convey emotions through your playing.

Many renowned guitarists utilize fingerpicking in their music.

Artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, and John Mayer showcase the versatility and beauty of fingerstyle guitar playing.

Fingerpicking is prominent in various genres, including folk, blues, country, and acoustic pop.

By mastering fingerpicking patterns, you can explore the styles of these influential guitarists and incorporate their techniques into your own playing.

In this lesson, we will focus on the essential fingerpicking patterns using the C and Am chords.

By practicing these patterns and applying them to different chord progressions, you will build a strong foundation in fingerpicking and develop the skills needed to create captivating and intricate arrangements on the guitar.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Pay attention to the placement and movement of your fingers, aiming for accuracy and clarity in each note.

With consistent practice and dedication, you will unlock the full potential of fingerpicking and enhance your guitar playing abilities.

Lesson 12 – Practice section 5:

In this practice section, we will work on the fingerpicking patterns learned in the previous section.

To continue exploring this technique, here are some helpful tips:

Start with a slow tempo:

Begin by practicing the fingerpicking patterns at a slower tempo.

This allows you to focus on accuracy and precision in your finger movements. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed.

Use a metronome:

Playing along with a metronome helps you develop a solid sense of timing and rhythm.

Set the metronome to a comfortable tempo and strive to maintain a steady pace throughout your practice.

Practice each finger individually:

Spend some time practicing each finger separately.

This helps strengthen your finger independence and control. Focus on achieving an even and consistent sound as you pluck each string.

Experiment with dynamics:

Fingerpicking allows for a wide range of dynamics.

Explore different levels of volume and expression by varying the pressure and speed of your finger movements.

This will add depth and emotion to your playing.

Apply the patterns to different chord progressions:

Once you feel confident with the fingerpicking patterns on the C and Am chords, try applying them to other chord progressions.

This will expand your repertoire of fingerpicking possibilities and help you develop a versatile playing style.

Explore different string combinations:

While practicing the patterns, experiment with plucking different combinations of strings.

This will create different textures and tonalities in your playing.

Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional patterns and explore new sounds.

Record yourself:

Recording your practice sessions allows you to listen back and evaluate your progress.

Pay attention to your technique, timing, and overall sound quality.

This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your growth as a fingerstyle guitarist.

Lesson 13 – The Steady Bass

In this lesson, we will get into the fascinating world of fingerstyle blues, incorporating the popular technique known as the steady bass.

This technique not only shines in the blues genre but also finds application in various musical contexts.

Mastering the art of maintaining a steady bassline with your thumb while simultaneously maneuvering your other fingers is a skill that may seem challenging at first.

However, as you develop the independence and coordination between your thumb and the rest of your fingers, a whole new world of possibilities for playing incredible songs will open up before you.

The steady bass technique, with its emphasis on the rhythmic foundation, is particularly well-suited for the blues.

By maintaining a consistent bass note pattern, you establish a solid groove that drives the music forward.

This technique adds depth and richness to your fingerstyle playing, allowing you to weave intricate melodies, harmonies, and improvisations on top of the steady bassline.

It creates a captivating interplay between the thumb and other fingers, forming the backbone of your fingerstyle blues arrangements.

As you embark on mastering the steady bass technique, it is important to start with patience and perseverance.

Begin by selecting a simple blues progression, such as the classic 12-bar blues, and focus on developing a consistent bassline with your thumb.

Gradually introduce the other fingers to weave melodies and chords over the steady bass, carefully synchronizing your movements for a seamless and unified sound.

Pay attention to the accuracy and clarity of each note, ensuring that your thumb maintains a steady and unwavering rhythm throughout.

To deepen your understanding and further develop your fingerstyle blues skills, listen to recordings by influential guitarists known for their mastery of the steady bass technique, such as Robert Johnson,

Reverend Gary Davis, and Blind Blake. Study their playing styles and analyze how they incorporate the steady bass into their blues arrangements.

This will provide you with inspiration and insight into the versatility and expressiveness of this technique.

In your practice sessions, don’t be afraid to experiment and improvise.

Explore different bassline patterns, syncopations, and variations to add your personal touch to the blues.

Embrace the freedom of expressing your emotions and storytelling through your fingers, channeling the soulful essence of the blues.

Lesson 14 – The 12-bar blues

In this lesson, we will apply the steady bass technique to a classic 12-bar blues progression in the key of E.

But before we dive into the technique, let’s first understand what a 12-bar blues progression entails.

A 12-bar blues progression is a fundamental structure used in blues music.

It consists of 12 measures or bars, each typically lasting for four beats.

The progression follows a specific chord pattern that establishes the characteristic blues sound. In the key of E, the basic 12-bar blues progression would include the chords E, A, and B.

Now, let’s bring in the steady bass technique to enhance our 12-bar blues progression in E.

The steady bass technique involves maintaining a consistent bassline pattern while incorporating melodies and chords with your other fingers.

With the thumb dedicated to playing the bassline, the remaining fingers are free to explore melodic and harmonic possibilities, infusing your playing with depth and creativity.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the E, A, and B chords in the open position.

Then, focus on developing a steady bassline pattern using your thumb.

Practice playing the root notes of each chord in a rhythmic manner, maintaining a consistent groove throughout the 12-bar progression.

Once you feel comfortable with the steady bassline, start incorporating melodies and chords using your other fingers.

Experiment with different variations and patterns, exploring the interplay between the bassline and the melodic elements.

Allow your fingers to dance across the strings, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures the essence of the blues.

Remember to pay attention to the dynamics and nuances of your playing.

Vary the intensity and volume of your strums and plucks to add expressive elements to your performance.

Explore slides, bends, and other techniques to infuse your playing with soulful articulations and emotions.

As you practice, listen to recordings of blues legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Stevie Ray Vaughan to get inspired and absorb their musical nuances.

Analyze their approach to the 12-bar blues progression and how they incorporate the steady bass technique to create their signature sound.

Lesson 15 – Practice section 6

In this practice section, we will focus on applying the steady bass technique to the 12-bar blues progression in E at different tempos using a metronome

To begin, set the metronome to a slow tempo that allows you to comfortably execute the steady bassline pattern.

Start by playing the E chord and establish the steady bassline using your thumb.

Ensure that your thumb maintains a consistent rhythm throughout each measure.

Once you feel confident with the steady bassline, incorporate the A and B chords into the progression.

Remember to keep the bassline steady while transitioning smoothly between the chords.

Pay attention to the clarity of each chord and the smoothness of your finger movements.

Practice playing the 12-bar blues progression at this slower tempo until you can confidently maintain the steady bassline and smoothly transition between the chords.

Focus on building a solid foundation of rhythm and accuracy.

As you become comfortable with the progression at the slower tempo, gradually increase the speed of the metronome.

Challenge yourself to maintain the steady bassline and fluid chord changes at faster tempos.

This will help develop your finger coordination and dexterity.

Remember to listen closely to the metronome and strive for synchronization with its beats.

Develop a strong internal sense of timing and groove as you navigate through the 12-bar blues progression.

In addition to practicing with a metronome, you can also experiment with different backing tracks or play along with recorded blues songs.

This will help you simulate a more authentic musical environment and further develop your ability to groove within the context of a blues performance.

Record yourself while practicing to listen back and assess your progress.

Pay attention to the clarity of the bassline, the accuracy of your chord changes, and the overall flow of your playing.

Take note of any areas that need improvement and focus your practice efforts on those specific aspects.

By practicing the 12-bar blues progression using the steady bass technique at different tempos, you will develop a solid foundation in playing blues with fingerstyle techniques.

The combination of steady basslines, chord changes, and rhythmic precision will help you create a captivating and authentic blues sound on the guitar.

Keep practicing, embrace the groove, and let the blues come alive through your
fingertips.

Lesson 16 – Final Words

Thank you for joining us in this acoustic guitar lesson where we explored chords, chord progressions, strumming, rhythmic variations, fingerstyle techniques, and acoustic blues.

We hope you found this lesson informative and inspiring as you continue your journey with the acoustic guitar.

As you further develop your skills and explore the world of fingerstyle playing, here are some suggestions for your next steps:

Expand your repertoire:

Explore a diverse range of songs and genres that lend themselves well to fingerstyle playing.

Dive into folk, pop, classical, and other acoustic genres to discover new musical territories and expand your repertoire.

Learn songs that resonate with you and experiment with applying fingerstyle techniques to them.

Study influential acoustic guitarists:

Delve deeper into the music of renowned acoustic guitarists who have mastered fingerstyle playing.

Study their techniques, styles, and arrangements.

Take inspiration from their unique approaches and incorporate elements that resonate with you into your own playing.

Some notable acoustic guitarists to explore include Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, and John Fahey, among others.

Explore various fingerstyle techniques:

Fingerstyle guitar offers a wide range of techniques beyond the steady bass technique.

Explore techniques like arpeggios, harmonics, percussive elements, and intricate fingerpicking patterns.

Each technique adds its own depth and texture to your playing, allowing you to create captivating arrangements and express yourself creatively.

Collaborate with other musicians:

Seek opportunities to collaborate with other musicians, whether they play guitar or other instruments.

Playing with others will expose you to new musical ideas, challenge your skills, and enhance your ability to play in a musical ensemble.

This collaborative experience can lead to exciting musical discoveries and personal growth as a musician.

Perform and share your music:

Embrace opportunities to share your acoustic guitar playing with others.

Whether it’s performing for an audience, recording your music, or sharing it online,

Remember to practice regularly, remain open to learning, and enjoy the process of exploring the acoustic guitar.

With dedication and passion, you will continue to evolve as a fingerstyle player and discover new dimensions of musical expression.

Once again, thank you for joining us in this acoustic guitar lesson.

We wish you continued success and fulfillment on your musical journey.

Keep strumming, keep picking, and let the beauty of the acoustic
guitar resonate through your playing.

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