16 Years of Guitar Frustration Solved: My BREAKTHROUGH Moment

THIS right here, when studied and practiced will absolutely pay the most dividends to your guitar playing. I went from guitar confusion to really seing the big picture when I adopted this mind set. Studying the chords and fret numbers on the guitar will make you stronger in all aspects of guitar playing. Hope you enjoy!
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All Right! PATREON MEMBERS! Here are the Awesome Patreon Practice Sessions!
120 minutes total of examples, charts, links and pep talks about how to get this new perspective into your mind and fingers. I really hope you all enjoy these, and that they bring some clarity and understanding to your playing.
#1 The Ingredients bit.ly/3XfrGFB
#2 Chord Constellations bit.ly/3wQoftV
#3 Imagination and Recall bit.ly/4dYMOFG
#4 Starting To See It? bit.ly/4bAddrO
#5 Really Seeing It In Action bit.ly/4bSLHWp
#6 The Pentatonic Sight Pep Talk bit.ly/3ywPv17
#7 The End Of Our Journey & Your Beginning bit.ly/3Ki9djK
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[@jeffanderson8384]

I've been playing guitar for 30 + years (never taking it all that serious) but frustrated that I really never saw much improvement. I've just started learning my scales and the fretboard in general and chord relationships. I have noticed a vast improvement in my playing and it's kinda reinvigorated my interest in guitar. Thanks for the video!

[@BeowulfGaming]

how do you start with theory and segment it and then put it together? ihave been playing for 2 years, i can learn a song, i know 3 shapes of pentatonic and i know how to improvise in any key, thats it. Whenever i try to learn theory, i can underestand 1 topic, then another one, but it never clicks together as a whole, i think i spent like 7 hours reading about CAGED method, and next day i dont know shit. Its just so frustrating and every website and learning material starts from different area or end

[@stevec9972]

It's a lot of info to take in. It took me a long while to absorb. Overlaying caged and pentatonic scales made a big difference. Just keep at it. ​@@BeowulfGaming

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Theory: The Circle Of Fifths Is MUCH BETTER Like This! Music Theory For Guitar and Beyond. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnbGiI2Lo7SIe7s

I played for 20 before I finally dove into theory. I didn’t have a teacher, so I just went online and flooded my brain with as much info as possible. I was learning advanced level theory concepts, right along with beginner and intermediate level concepts as well, simply because I had no prior knowledge as to where to start. It was tough for me. I went through a lot of frustration and confusion before I could see the entire picture of basic music theory. Now I feel relatively comfortable with it, but I’d never call myself a master at it. I don’t think there really is such thing as a master anything. We all just keep learning until we die.

[@garyrochussen3430]

Agreed! And that's the beauty of it. We never arrive at the end. We just keep learning more and more and hopefully improving as we go.

[@jaxonfordham6862]

Man, you’re my favorite teacher on here. I’m self taught, KZbin University since 13, and the way you slowly break it down with clear simplicity has helped me tremendously. Thanks!

[@rickystuart9]

You gave me this breakthrough moment 11 years into my playing. Totally changed my playing 7 years later. I absolutely never thought I’d be able to do what I can do now. All thanks to your work Stich. 🙏

[@Andrew-cs1td]

Pretty sure you did work as well. Don’t discount your efforts my man.

[@rickystuart9]

@@Andrew-cs1td100% correct, I definitely put in a lot of consistent work. Thanks for the reminder.

[@jemsophia]

this was SO good. i’ve been playing for almost 25 years and these hugely solidified a bunch of mental models that i’ve been piecing together over the past few years as i’ve gotten past a plateau i was stuck on. sending this to all of my friends; thank you so much

[@dlcanady5251092]

Man you give the best FREE content ever. I'm so glad I found you. You have a very clear way of explaining things and I can tell you really care. Kudos to you brother. You're such an awesome person giving back like this.

[@paulastill6479]

Amen

[@annieo.4779]

Just here to say your Patreon membership is so worth it. I signed up several months ago. Best instructor out there if you want to learn more than just individual songs. Thanks for all you do, Ian.

[@davidburke4249]

Thanks!

[@dallastoto3189]

Stitch is absolutely (in my opinion) one of the most humble guys sharing his knowledge of playing guitar. Credit goes out to him for this. Thanks and KEEP ON STRUMMIN! Dallas

[@ArmandoLopez-nq9fg]

Your formula sums it up perfectly! I’ve been playing on and off for 30 years and I used this exact formula all the time. Thanks for sharing professor!

[@t0msie]

The original never lost video was still one of the biggest lightbulb moments for me. Stoked that you're still making great content.

[@swissnik1966]

Today you confirmed the foggy intuition I was forming in my mind about how to move forward with my frustrating guitar playing, and indeed you saved me a heap of time consuming searches for musical enlightenment. Bless you for shining some light in my obfuscated musical mind and long may live the passion for music, including its foundation of maths (numeric intervals) and physics (sound waves) 🤩

[@squeakeththewheel]

Thanks!

[@jerseattle0722]

I love humanity! I’m learning from amazing guy on some random video on KZbin. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤! Ty for posting this

[@alex-esc]

Man I dont even play guitar and i got this video recommended...... I enjoyed the vid a lot! I play keys and go to uni for music production and theory and i'm glad to say this video is the right path! In harmony classes we study the berkleey method of chord-scale theory from day one. This method is very controversial epecially on the internet with guitar players 😅 however I have found chord-scales to be a great method if you have the right mindset. This video lays out excactly why chord-scale theory rocks! Chords are very similar to scales like you said on the video, and if you learn to identify chords on your instrument (on the fretboard) you will ouluck the underlying harmony and music behind the notes! You mentioned that chords are broken up scales, this is true but in chord-scale theory we take it even further and say that chords ARE scales and scales ARE chords. This opens the door to internalize the "sound" of the music: instead of saying C to G7 we simply identify the Ionian to Mixolydian "sound" and we can generalize even more and think of it like an Ionian cadence "sound". This is usefull when composing for multiple instruments like on the orchestra. Instead of having a 3 note F triad spread amongs the orchestra with lots of duplicates you can simply think of this bar as a "lydian sound". The lydian scale has many more notes than the F triad so you can be more creative by spreading the lydian sound amongst all the instrumental families. The chord-scale-instrument relationship truly does unlock wonders! And i'm happy that more and more people are starting to see it! I'll subscribe and see what my guitarist friends are doing because inspiration comes from everywhere!

[@redoofstro]

That's the kind of stuff you learn in college? If I did end up going I might have to take up music theory

[@Stevespecs]

I’m trying to teach myself and listening to you talk about this is really opening my eyes and ears, I’m musically inclined and can play trumpet and piano, but find guitar still very difficult. Great video!

[@UnseemlyGenie00]

My suggestion is to learn the open chords. A, Bm, C, D, E and F. From there work on B and Fm. Once you learn the open chords it will open up your guitar playing. If you get a capo and learn these chords you can play almost any song.

[@edwardbisono9889]

As a beginner guitarist and seeing someon who’s played for years go through chord shapes and hit single notes at the same time… this video is the key to brining the thought he put out and the science behind it together

[@souldiver6620]

I very much appreciate the Great Guitar Guidance you share. You have helped me discover more about the Guitar and I thank you! Your Master CAGED class really blew my mind! I didn’t think I would understand it, you explained it very well I was able to understand the concepts. Thank you for sharing your knowledge I am grateful!

[@Andyjamz4u]

You are an amazing teacher and truly gift the world with your music and your ability to articulate these concepts you've unlocked and even created a formula for, is absolutely amazing. But the greatest of all is your character as your driving force appears to be the success of those who learn from you. And how your sharing not just some but the very greatest pearls that really make the guitar and music enjoyable to those who obtain and hold this knowledge. God is so happy with you for that! Much love brother

[@shanewise7625]

Man, this guy is amazing especially as a kind human being. Just subscribed.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Wow thanks man

[@KingShaka_daGreat]

I want to thank you because I am an absolute noob and ive been have been studying the fretboard. I see now that studying shapes and chords should be where i need to focus

[@Westernerd1]

This is priceless...learning the fret numbers. Genius. Thank you.🙏

[@JR-pr8jb]

Thanks, enjoyed your discussion. Guitar is maddening, also infinitely absorbing.

[@StefanGBucher]

Man, I argue about this with my music teacher all the time. His brain is wired in a way that the letters are easiest for him, and he seemingly can't accept that my brain isn't like his. I'm entirely on your side-tell me where the degrees are relative to the root! If I need to figure out the note names afterwards, I can absolutely do it, but the difference between a tenth of a second and a second is life and death while I'm playing.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Exactly! Well said

[@JWalkerrYT]

You are hands down the best guitar teacher on KZbin. Thank you for your efforts.

[@petewhitten3778]

I must thank you for this really great technique by remembering the fret numbers. I’m gonna definitely work on this. I’m struggling with some things and I think this might help me a lot . Thanks Stitch

[@jacknorton3771]

I am a beginner been at it for about 2 years. Just started taking lessons again. Being self taught mostly, I kinda had this idea when looking at the pentatonic scales. You cleared up what I thought I was seeing bit have no idea how to express it. The note names are arbitrary. Seeing the chord in tab was another one with the fret number. Thanks

[@rogertinker1813]

T watched all your caged chord videos and after about 6 months I'm very comfortable and grateful to you for the content, but wow this is like the next steps thank you , it took me 6 months but I did join another band as a bass player.

[@yoshyusmc]

Thank you for sharing. My experience is the exact same! I hit a plateau and keep practicing then break through and fall in love with the craft all over again. I will study this video to avoid this potential hurdle.

[@hartleyw6323]

I memorized the interval number system up and down the neck but have had vague connection with chords. I could jam but it was always using variations I stole from guitar players but using the pentatonic as a base. So in so did a minor to major change or used a passing note not usually in the scale. Your lessons are an enormous help connecting everything together.

[@gracefavarro]

This definitely unlocked something. I always wondered what use were the dots marking frets on the neck. Now that I understand this video, it makes so much sense! The guitar really is built to help the player & whoever came up with TABs knew why they were doing it! I can't tell you how many guitar books I've given up on because Chapter 2 is learning sheet music *throws up in mouth*. No wonder I lost the motivation! This system you're talking about makes so much more sense. Seems to be the secret sauce that all great guitarists know and guitar book authors apparently don't!!!

[@dexter_gd3478]

I get your Patron when I have time to practice it. I jump on and off as time permits. Please keep the content coming.

[@rumpires6485]

Oh man, you are so spot on. In my case I see it geometrically. I see lines and shapes, but basically it's all math. Love your videos. Best regards from Portugal

[@GuitarOnTheFly]

I’d wondered what ol’ Hopper had been up to since we last saw him on Stranger Things. Come to find he is dropping mind blowing tips on guitar on a channel that deserves to be at a million subs. Outside of the knowledge aspect, it’s the genuine personality that comes off the screen & hugs the player with encouragement. Great channel my friend! 🤘

[@spinepus]

This was amazingly helpful, thank you so much! 😁

[@kringle02]

I never learned chords I started with tabs big mistake. I was trying to learn sweet home Alabama and the intro kept killing me so I gave up then some one taught me chords and bam it all made sense and that opening was a d chord so simple. You should be in a high school teaching guitar and recording those classes for all to see your a great teacher.unlike my teacher in high school that gave us a book and set in his office all day all those kids wasted a year.

[@gingebrien2408]

You peaked my interest. I’m not sure I totally got it. Got to go back to the guitar a play around with it. After years of dust on my guitars coming back to learn the chords & scales etc. but I think you gave me some light . Thanks Ginge

[@phiddler1]

Thanks for keeping it alive i had never thought of that

[@b100ka]

"music is the sound of math" I like that. Never heard it put that way

[@charlenemisuraca3473]

I totally enjoyed your ramble. I always wondered how music was mathematical. Very interesting stuff. Thanks.

[@fenderbender8132]

@stichmethodguitar I appreciate this video I just found you by looking up guitar teachers on KZbin who make sense basically. It took me to Reddit and then to you. I have been playing music in bands for the 27 years and blindly playing guitar for about 32 years (still today). I was learning drums when the band knew I could also play a little guitar and we needed a guitar player so I switched instruments. Well one thing led to another and I was thrown into the lead position😬. I literally skipped over all basic fundamentals rhythm picking, styles, theory, and just dives into lead guitar. I just learned by shutting myself in a bedroom for hours everyday trying to pick up things from guitar magazines and books I could find (all tab books). I recently took a break from playing every weekend at a bar all across the tri-state area where I live due to blood pressure problems and band issues. But I feel better now after getting that straightened out and I feel like the way you show and teach could unlock the hidden doors in my guitar playing. I am going to try and dedicate an hour a day to playing again and I am going to jam with some friends this Saturday. I know you probably know what it's like to stop playing for any amount of time (total depression) because we use these instruments to let out what we keep inside. I have been holding alot in and you are a treasure I am so glad I found you. Hope you find this being an older video. Thanks man

[@SuperJonSluggo]

I had to stop and comment because the idea of intervals vs letter names drives it home! D standard it is for me! 🤘🏻

[@tommore3263]

Wonderful clarity , insight and expression. Your enthusiasm radiates. Thank you sir.

[@maryfd536]

This is a different way to look at the fretboard and it sounds simpler than memorizing notes. I’m going to do my best to learn this because I actually understand what you’re saying and it makes sense. Thanks so much for sharing your insights.

[@trinity95624]

Ian, I love how you support the videos with the Patreon practice sessions, but where do I begin? Is there a recommended or implied sequence for the series of learning you have put together with practice sessions, or are they independent from one another? I would love to have an idea of a sequence to attack the learning properly. Even of it's do this first then this one, then that one? Thank you!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

First off... Thank You!!! That was such a kind gesture. To answer your question, I would start with my CAGED Primer Playlist, which has some Patreon support on the later videos, and also my Pentatonic Mastery Playlist. Once you have done those... any video of mine will introduce different topics and approaches you can incorporate into your playing. Did that help? Also this might help with understanding how to navigate Patreon if you are interested. vimeo.com/731166602

[@trinity95624]

@@StichMethodGuitar Excellent-- exactly what I needed. I know that topics can be complimentary. I also know that you probably have the best idea of what sequence would serve best. Now we each know. I caught the Vimeo on how to track down those specific topics & practice sessions also. Much appreciated!

[@Brucaleeffo]

Stich I consumed so much of your content that I consider you one of my guitar teachers

[@bluwng]

I am tired on constantly trying so many things your teachings will be my only focus from now on.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Make sure you watch my Caged Primer Playlist and you will be good I promise….

[@bluwng]

@@StichMethodGuitar will do. Thanks for helping us.

[@jasong4879]

“music is math”. I like that mindset, in terms of learning the architecture and structures. Makes sense to me!

[@Lolc4k3]

I like this perspective. I know a lot of the shapes already, but I will definitely start to think more about the numbers, to get an even better understanding of the fretboard. Thanks man!

[@WithCarePlz]

It’s funny. I learned this concept from you without you explaining it as such. I think it was your ‘Inside the mind of Bob Weir’ video when I realized that this whole time that I’d been fearing barre chords. I’d been fearing what would end up setting me free. I realized that my pointer finger was the nut. And it blew my mind. I started yelling and running back and forth around the house like “oh my god! It’s so simple!”. Your pointer finger is the nut and the E major shape is the major chord shape for the 1 for whatever key you slide your fingeycapo(trademark rn) to. But that was like the first part of the breakthrough. Then I saw that the strings are all each others 4. And then I saw that the annoying string (from a shape memorizing perspective) wasn’t really annoying. It’s actually genius to have it be a minor 3rd. And really tbh I’ll probably spend the rest of my life figuring out all the implications of that and how it sorta spins everything around like a 4D piano. It’s beautiful. It is math. It’s like a double helix almost. So is music itself. It’s almost a double helix or spiraling thing just as a strand of dna is.

[@xavier4519]

this shit so deep i don't even need hallucinogens

[@js6909]

Great video! Learning the fret numbers for chords is such a game-changer. It really does open up the fretboard and make music theory click. Thanks for sharing your breakthrough moment and all the helpful tips. Can't wait to put this into practice!

[@NickJardine]

If anyone is to watch ONE video on how to “crack” the fretboard, it is this. I had a similar revelation, and once you can see all the CAGED shapes and their associated scale shape, it has a huge impact on your playing and improv.

[@etherneedle]

Yea I learned the CAGED system n then realized all of the chords click together like a puzzle then Nashville numbering system opened my eyes for real then got into JAZZ n learned abt that 2-5-1

[@BruceLande]

Great lesson and as always, you make it easier to understand than most other teachers. Thanks!

[@rockinbobokkin7831]

Triads, the extended scale, and the song Hey Joe were what took the scales off my eyes. Then I added basic theory in keys, and off I'm running

[@rohbro6896]

Awesome, I've always been better with numbers than words/letters, and it's been right there all along. Cheers man!

[@nwalkernc]

Stich, first of all great video, but I also loved that part of the video where you were talking about YEM because that’s exactly how I think about music after getting my eyes opened by your videos. I too hear Trey do something and ask “why?” Instead of how I used to think he was just gifted his musical abilities by god and Jesus themselves. Keep up the good work, and also I liked to hear you ramble about music at the end you should post more videos that are less structured and just kind of you blabbing about what guitar thing you are thinking about at the moment. Great stuff!

[@im58woody]

I’m going to give your method a go. I just subscribed so here goes my delve into becoming a more complete guitarist 👍🏻

[@Larrymh07]

You know, I used to think I was deficient for not automatically knowing the note names as I play. Thank you for the affirmation!

[@gparkerarkerdoo]

As a bassist but always a guitar (player) I’m having a blast learning the CAGE system and triads. One difference though from bass to guitar is the pinky finger. Once I can get that little guy in the mix the guitar fretboard will open up a little more 😊

[@StichMethodGuitar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaTHp5V9qKl6hLsfeature=shared

[@emnlgrmn]

Love to see this getting attention! Great videos

[@rogerdsmith]

Good information. The is restating what is in the original Fretboard Logic books from nearly 30 years ago.

[@linkpoison5511]

Thank you very much. It will definitely help!!

[@tfilmyr]

OK, so I see the whole CAGED system benefit for understanding riffs and solos. Will definitely look into this. Thanks!

[@orlandocastillo8919]

# You Da Man # That is so Transparent, clearing any Holy Grail in the gift of musical world, as anything in our journey of life. God bless you always.

[@DavidBrown-zs1ic]

Very insightful instructions this is like tablature PhD but you need to know your theory it all comes together when you understand Theory

[@TearsofFenixtattoostudio]

It helped absolutely brother Thank you so much 🙏🏻⚡️🎸 You are Good Master 🤝

[@GiGivfkmv]

Thankyou, im going to give this a go. Hopefully it'll help me understand

[@unclegrandfather1]

That was such a satisfying analogy: take a chord and *SNAP* a scale shape on top of it!! 😁

[@Andrew-cs1td]

I’m really confident in my scale shapes across the neck so now I’m trying to snap the chords onto the scales that I already know so I can follow changes easier.

[@RLB52]

Yep. Stitches method is like a rocket taking off for guitar learning. It works!

[@stephenalevesque2361]

Ok this is way over my head, I can't follow the path towards my own epiphany but that's on me. Thank you for sharing to the many more who do follow and "get it"

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Honestly, watch my caged primer playlist. It starts off gently and will take you to where you want to go. I promise

[@Jowls2024]

The lesson on navigating with your ring finger was helpful! Tyvm.

[@jpmwright]

Your nuggets of wisdom are wonderful! This is a great way to thing for guitar.

[@385markcollier]

One of my fav lessons of yours. Signed up on Patreon to get it down. Thanks Ian.

[@GratefulHead1969]

Killer perspective bro!

[@timspencer1]

YES. At last - it's so simple I don't know why I didn't see it before!

[@theinfamousarmyof1band481]

Nice Firefly, I love mine! Thanks for the fresh perspective.

[@polishKGB]

Complete game changer man. Gonna have your stuff on repeat for a month until it's religious.

[@stevehowell231]

Very interesting! And I've been trying for 60 years.

[@JJhelpcenter]

I may have to come back to this later😢

[@picksalot1]

Having played Standard Notation and Tablaute, I find the Nashville Number System the easiest and most insightful approach to connecting most music to the guitar.

[@joshuapitsios8082]

Thank you so much when I get free time I will be getting your pattern this makes so much sense I appreciate you sharing this for free liked and subbed can tell your genuinely interested in music and love sharing Love from Australia

[@dananthony6258]

This is a strange request but could you at least give us a total shot of the guitar for just a few frames so we can appreciate its beauty ? That’s a perfect guitar man. I love the dark fret board .

[@freddyreiss4429]

Thanks for sharing your journey and knowledge I will try to put this into perspective and practice it

[@swampdogg.media.productions]

THANKYOU THANKLYOU THANKYOU!!!!!!!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

So glad it helped

[@swampdogg.media.productions]

@@StichMethodGuitar Subscribed stumbled on you by accident watching Bruce Lee videos of all things lol

[@StichMethodGuitar]

@swampdogg.media.productions now that is random!

[@American_In_Latvia]

Helped immensely. I definitely will get the patreon lessons. Thanks for hawking!

[@MichaliSarris]

I currently don't have a car, does that mean I can still learn this stuff? Great lesson, I just started playing for 5 months and I think this is going to help a lot too. I'm diving deep into the theory stuff as well so I already can follow and understand most of the concepts you explained. Thanks a lot!

[@JerryDechant]

It's like starting over, it makes a lot of sense though. I've always known about the chord shapes being moveable, but never thought of it numerically before.

[@chrissequeira2279]

This is really great man. Thank you!

[@chiliandcornbread09]

Guitarist realizes after 16 years that music theory will make him better. Probably after 15 years of his bassist telling him that.

[@robiandolo]

It’s interesting, I discovered the cage system on my own and when I showed a friend he said oh yeah cage system. When I discovered that if you move the E shape, A shape, C shape, G shape (no D shape) move up and down the fret board that’s when my guitar mind and music mind opened up. The idea music is the sound of math is so true. I bet if you showed little kids that they would jump all over math.

[@WilkoSan89]

I inadvertantly taught myself how to drop tune because it made sense when I was learning a song without tabs when i first started. My guitar teacher was amazed when he asked where I learned to, and I replied 'I just did it because it made sense and sounded right'!

[@michaelcobb6603]

You are the best, man.

[@josetalavera1275]

I had this concept early on. I totally get it BUT!!! You have to be fluid with the bar. Maybe, some day I will get there.

[@paullapointe]

was legit going to learn you enjoy myself today great minds think alike

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Look for all the arpeggios… the beginning is 100% arpeggios

[@thanevakarian9762]

Interesting. I’ve been doing this subconsciously for years.

[@billa6348]

OMG! I realized this about one month ago--note names and theory are what we use to "discuss" what we're doing." But thinking that while playing is cognitively debilitating. It is ALL about INTERVALS. I read music too, and, ugh, "tab." I have played music my entire life, but on guitar I believe tab and music notation (and rote patterns) inhibit growth and expression--they are crutches. Instead of reading tab, find the notes on your guitar then the chords. Yes, it is challenging---at first. You play what you practice and if you rely on tab/music notation to play, then you will become adept at playing what's on the page. If you want to improvise and play in your own "voice," lose the crutches and train and trust your ears. Hear what it sounds like to move from one chord in a progression to the next. Hear the interval between a root and a fifth, etc. Play and develop motifs (musical ideas) using chord tones in a two chord progression, I IV or three chord, ii, V, I, etc. Trust that your fingers will synchronize with your ears. This is HUGE and I don't know why it isn't being stressed enough online. Aim for this "epiphany" and your approach to guitar and playing will change forever. Analysis/intellectualizing is the creativity growth killer. I spent years looking for a logical explanation/method for how to improvise on the guitar. I drilled triads. scales, modes, arpeggios, etc., thinking it would become "music." I missed the point: You play what and how you practice. Huge! Thank you for validating my epiphany, Stich!

[@alyoung5570]

The easiest way to remember the sharps in a scale is what ever scale your playing you sharp the 7 th example if you're playing an A scale if make the G sharp so the A scale has three sharps which is F C G . Remember sharps and flats add up to 7 So A has 3 sharpes and 4 flats that is 7 A flat scale is A flat B flat C D flat E flat G . Hope this helps someone.

[@marvinschultz7550]

Thank you so very much my friend!

[@MikiBlue]

Where is your patron link? It’s not in the description. I’ll look again

[@bkmeahan]

saw a video once where the guy broke down the fretboard using 8th grade algebra. It was eye opening. It's all math and patterns.

[@russellives6069]

Practicing arpeggios helps with that understanding too. After decadds of playing, I've only started looking at chord shapes to come up with melodies and improvisation. The scales almost fall into place after that. If only I had time to really practice.

[@RussellFeatherstone]

Just to add to this - a lot of vocal melodies revolve around chords tones and the root chord tone, I’ve seen this a lot studying pop music and songwriting. So it makes sense to think of lead guitar like this too and use notes outside the chord tone as tension. Coldplay does the root power chord over the chords a lot, which is a similar concept (root chord over the chords). Many artists revolve around the root note too (one note melodies).