We use the key of F to show our next scale exercise. We
are going to play the scale in sections. Play the exercise with a triplet
feel and then with an eighth note feel. It should be played with a straight
feel and then with a swing feel. We use the key of F in this example
because I can start you at the first fret. To play this same exercise
in the key of C, we would start at the eighth fret. After you learn
the basic movements, try playing it in all twelve keys.
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Next time we'll play the same notes, but we'll use
the pedals to achieve them. There are many ways to find things
on the steel and the key is to step back and take a look at the
big picture. For me to see the big picture, I had to divide things
up into little parts. Then I studied how all of the little parts
went together to make the whole.
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This lick can be learned slowly and then played at faster speeds. The
key is to learn it properly before you try and accelerate the movements.
Every time you learn the wrong way you are setting your playing back
a bit. Put it into your mind and hands the right way the first time
and you'll bypass a lot of trouble down the road.
The area of the fretboard that is
utilized is shaded. We are working this area going up the neck.
Remember,
that the right hand movements are shown on the string lines of the tablature.
The frets or left hand movements are shown on a line below. I separate
them so you can learn to see them as parts. Work on the left hand movements
apart from the right hand. Then you can apply them together.
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I
put lines to separate each of the moves that you have to make. The
first is a forward roll with a half step slide on the second finger.
The X says that a note is sounded but you don't have to pick the
string to hear it. The thick line is showing the slide of the left
hand. You also see it between the fret numbers.
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If you read the exercise backwards,
then you'll have the descending lick.
See each move as a forward roll
with a slide on each of the fingers. Practice each movement separately
and then put them together.
The more you practice, the more
your hands will coordinate to the scale patterns. These charts help
you see where you're going on your fretboard and how it relates musically.
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