Can I ask ZW some questions?

[BEAST]

I'm seriosly going to start learning music theory and start composing my own guitar stuff, for a general idea stuff like this guy


<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iqpZ3yG38CQ&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iqpZ3yG38CQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Now I have the technicality to play this stuff, and I do know some limited theory and a few chord progressions...and I have written parts of songs that people have liked when they have heard it. So I really want to get serious with it. Basically if I get stuck at any point would I be able to ask you any questions about it?

[zwmusic]

By all means. It just may take a little while for me to reply. That's very good for you to seriously learn the theory. Good job BEAST.

[BEAST]

Thanks, I'll let you know. I think most of the Q's will come when I start composing because I understand a lot of the theory but its going to take a while to put it all into practice!

[BEAST]

First question, I cant find a band so I'm doing my own fingerpicking as I said I would.

1. Ive been experimenting the open tunings, they generally cant be used for more than one key but that doesn't really bother me. I keep finding chord progression lessons on C major, but none on C minor...or any minor keys for that matter....why is that? Is the principle the same? Do you just build the chords over the equivalent scale degrees? This is what I have been doing so far and it sounds like it fits, but I'd rather know now than learn something fundamentally wrong. My general understanding around this area confuses me. I might have to prepare a direct set of questions on this subject. I understand the concept of modes and rearranging the scale formulas.

Say I was playing away in C maj and wanted to make things different/darker would I play Cmin? This is the most confusing part, say you played all the modes in C, surely you'd have covered all the possible notes and eventually? To play all modes in C would you just play the equivalents in C? Like C Phrygian, Aeolian, Locrian? I think this is the case as A Aeolian and C Ionian have the same notes.

2. The type of playing I am doing requires a lot of stamina and strength in both hands any tips on building up stamina? I have been looking at some classical guitar exercises but not many seem to focus on right hand training. Or is it practice, practice, practice as with every aspect of music?

3. What intervals or harmonies are good for creating sad moods, feelings of uncertainty in music? For me playing in minor evokes much more emotion in music than major, maybe I just prefer darker music but thats how it sounds to me. Im sure its the the way minor chords/scales are constructed?But why?Any area I should go and learn to clear this up?

Im not asking you to write entire essays to clear this up, I like learning for myself. I am self taught. I just need some pushing in the right direction! :D Thanks

[zwmusic]

Sorry BEAST. I had to dig out this thread from the third page...

I won't extend too much my answers at this stage.

1. In short, when you play on C major and want to move to a darker chord (minor chord) you must move to A minor (and not C minor). A minor is the relative minor chord of C major. C minor is the relative minor chord of Eflat major.

The best way to illiustrate it for you is to show you the "Circle of Fifths". I've found a very simple and easy to understand diagram of the Circle of Fifths.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/7939/circleoffifthsen4.gif

The Circle shows you the rule of chord progression and key signature. Starts at C major (with its relative minor underneath) and the clockwise progression in fifths (C, G, D, A, etc...).

2. I'm not an expert on guitar. But I do know about F. Tarrega's guitar school and methods. Tarrega was one the most renowned spanish guitar teacher and great player. I've found a website with some of his guitar training and exercises. It could be very useful for you.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=207

3. Sad moods are created in minor keys. The relative minor of major chords makes it sound dark and "sad" because of the diminished interval (ex. major third and minor third). The chord of a major third will sound "happier" than the same chord in its minor mode.

Ex. Play an interval of a third starting with F and A, then move to G and B in its major mode (B natural). Then play the same progression with Bflat at the top. The darker interval, therefore a "sad" interval. In short, minor intervals make the mood darker.

Hope it helps a little.

[zwmusic]

For me playing in minor evokes much more emotion in music than major, maybe I just prefer darker music but thats how it sounds to me. Im sure its the the way minor chords/scales are constructed?But why?Any area I should go and learn to clear this up?

Just another thing, the best way to find out how minor keys work is to practice minor scales and chord progression.

Let me give you simple example, take Eric Clapton's song, "Tears in Heaven", for ex., the key is A major, but he fluctuates between A and Fsharp minor (relative minor) to convey the loss of his son. But because his son was a child he loved, he uses a major key as the backbone for the song.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RxpxTP5vvzg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RxpxTP5vvzg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Note when he sings "I must be strong..." then "I'll find my way..." he goes to the relative minor.

[MagnumXL]

jesus that song breaks my heart everytime :cry: