Is Learning The Harmonic Minor Scale Worth It?

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CUBAN SURF MASTERCLASS
MAY 18TH 4PM ET-REWATCH AVAILABLE
www.theinspiredguitarist.com/...
MY TEACHING SITE
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Instagram: / jasonloughlinmusic
In this lesson I'm sharing Cuban Surf Guitar soloing ideas I picked up from the record Mambo Sinuendo by Manuel Galban and Ry Cooder. We're primarily focusing on how to play, understand and solo with the harmonic minor scale. Manuel Galban's music is a perfect blend of reverb drenched guitars and Cuban Son music.
Gear:
Fender Jazzmaster
Lollar Pickups 58 JM Pickups
Strings: D'Addario 11-48
Signal Chain:
Fender Tweed
Room Verb
Roland Space Echo
Neve Preamp
1176 Compressor

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Cuban Surf Guitar Masterclass theinspiredguitarist.com/p/cuban-surf-guitar

[@jasonkesser]

As a guitarist from Miami, literally life long surrrrrounded by Cuban guitar, there is almost zero KZbin representation up of this epic subject. Please Jason, take the thread and undo the whole sweater. One can already understand harmonic minor, chromatic flare, and arpeggios…but putting them all together in the brilliant phraseology of Cuban guitar is another level. It can also then help with Gypsy jazz soloing, Marc ribot style blues, surf phrasing, so there are bonuses. Even Cuban chord progressions lessons are under represented, especially ones being discussed as intervals rather than notes (which is the best way to teach.) You’re filling a big KZbin hole here, pllllease continue, you’re brilliant.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thank you. I’m far from an expert on cuban music. Admittedly I know very little. All I can share with folks is the music that’s made an impact and the little discoveries I’ve made on incorporating it into my own playing. Hopefully I’ll inspire someone to dig deeper than me

[@jasonkesser]

@@JasonLoughlinMusic 10-4, but also working in these chromatics have helped a lot this week, a little in a lesson can go a long way. I’m going to try to hop in on the zoom saturday. If you can post the chord progression for the song that’d be awesome. If it’s in the lesson already, forgive the redundancy. I’m on a break from your pedal steel sounding licks lesson in order to do this one, it’s been superseded hahahaa ;);) cheers man, thanks for writing back. If this channel posts, i’m showin up for class 🤟

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Hi, the post is in the description. All the materials including the backing track, progression, tab and notation along with lesson PDFs will be available to anyone who signs up. I just gave away a bunch of stuff in the video and ya know papa bear has bills… rent, food, car, insurance blah blah… haha. Not everything can be free here 😉 Hope to see ya there

[@jasonkesser]

@@JasonLoughlinMusic you sure did give a bunch away. at least this video made me spend all week on your website. Amazing stuff. I have a feeling papa bear's gonna get a bunch of my saved up pedal money 😆 looking forward to your classes. Cheers man, glad i found you.

[@jdawkins111]

put down the word literally and never, ever pick it up again.

[@greenvelvet]

I've seen a thousand videos on rock and blues but I haven't seen a single video on Cuban surf music. Once again Jason is hip to the good stuff, that is criminally looked over.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks. Honestly I'm just sharing the music that I love but I'm so glad to see other people connect to it too

[@DaveBroTube]

Mambo Sinuendo is one of my all-time faves too. Thanks for the insight into the underlying style!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Man what a record! Thanks. Hopefully I'll see you at the masterclass.

[@MatthewSpringer]

You should do a whole class series on Lounge Music Vibes of the World. There's so much good stuff down there.

[@johnfunk6343]

Check out his TrueFire courses

[@darrellpetersen133]

I was fortunate to see Cuban legend Ibrahim Ferrer when he had Manuel Galban in his band. Talk about a fantastic guitarist. His work with Los Zafiros is excellent, as well.

[@JeffMcErlain]

I can’t like this enough!!!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks Jeff!!

[@TheDanification]

Damn that Lake Placid Blue Jazzmaster looks mint! And such unique playing to compliment it

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Ocean Turquoise baby

[@TheDanification]

Right on

[@jamesbaynton1881]

This is the lesson I've been waiting for all my life. It's a bit over my head but I've always loved that sound.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks. Come to the masterclass and maybe things will click

[@fabiocecchelli9662]

1:27….lick Django Style applied on Mambo Mood! Amazing ❤ cheers from Italy 🇮🇹

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Well more like a Spanish lick that Django lifted and also found its way to Cube. Pulling from the same sources

[@fabiocecchelli9662]

@@JasonLoughlinMusic love your style…the video is in loop from this afternoon and i’m trying all the licks frame by frame. Love it🫶

[@zachjarrett8730]

This has been my favorite album since I purchased it at Reggae on the River in 2003. What a great soundtrack to cruising the Redwoods.

[@TheLostplanetairman]

This last chord knocks me out

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

Cuban Music, A Jazzmaster, and some nice twists on chords- subbed. Nice work man.

[@DavidRutherford-ux4em]

That's great Jason. I knew about buena vista but not this. Thank you.

[@timelanguid4813]

Nice tone from those pickups.

[@dregenmusicformoney]

Oh my, this might be the best guitar lesson I’ve ever witnessed.

[@ronkresch9228]

That was awesome!

[@georgee5216]

Viva Cuba! Surf's up! 🇨🇺 🏄🏻

[@stratocumulusnimbostratus328]

Amazing. As always! ❤❤❤

[@erik2446]

I've been waiting for this lesson for ... 21 years! Such a great album, one of the best ever!

[@xonious9031]

the audio is very zen

[@jayelshaddai]

Great video Jason !

[@RBZ3]

Thanks Jason...very cool!

[@mayito714]

BRAVO!

[@Milideth]

I discovered this channel this week and am simply amazed at the content - original, well explained, very useful

[@reijerlincoln]

Very cool!

[@phahenry]

Really great!

[@ricardoleandrooliveira9920]

Thank you bro.

[@nunestunes]

Great video, I'm going to be saving this one

[@therealmiddy]

You have a great touch. Nice playing!

[@geraldtrik6826]

this is really cool playing!!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Wonderful!

[@markmatich7489]

Thank You Jason.... these scales add sooooo much to my playing. Amazing

[@ChrisJacobs-gy9en]

Thank you! Such great playing and clear teaching!

[@wiemiromarsoichdir5516]

Gosh, that's pearly! Wonderful, thank you!

[@WellMeetAgain]

Thanks! This was fantastic!

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Wow sounds good 😊

[@ksharpe10]

always a Great Opening to these lessons.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks

[@WACkZerden]

ive learned a ton here. thank You

[@Aquariumecosystem]

This is amazing, very tasteful ❤

[@LionAndALamb]

beautiful playing, I could listen all day.

[@FullMetalDMZ]

What a great video, not a lot of guitarist connect arpeggios to scales in this musical way. Also playing in just 1 position helps to understand the concept better. Subscribed!

[@erikkibler3466]

So rad.i def need to incorporate this into my song writing.thank you😊🤟

[@ryanhasan2516]

Can’t wait for the masterclass!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

See ya there

[@JP-qg7bu]

Dude, never heard of you before but definitely subscribing!

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Love this so much! Great tones and tonalities!

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

I've been sleeping on Mambo Sinuendo. Any more recommendations with this vibe?

[@bradsample9529]

Really enjoyed this! Very practical way to look at this scale, and very musical as well.

[@elrafa782]

Love your playing, love the way you see things, and sharing it. I’m with you know ! Thanks 🙏

[@jackoshea7668]

Funny , was listening to chinito chinito this morning , then discovered you on the tube ! 👏👏👏

[@ThorsonMooreMusic]

Jason you're an incredible teacher. Thanks for your insight sir:) ✌️😎

[@pietyoftheopolis2970]

Really tasteful phrasing and amazing tone. Sounds dope bro.

[@capefearcapt4679]

This is great!

[@NickKizirnis]

I love that album. Great lesson and looking forward to the masterclass!!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks! See ya there

[@nelsonkerr1119]

Dig it...I'm 100% in for the masterclass. Nice stuff Jason. 🎶😎

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

See you there

[@silvertongues2]

Great video brother and great LP recommendation, aloha from the Uk

[@jeremyversusjazz]

So good.

[@xonious9031]

the audio is very Zen

[@JamesTMarsh]

Is that composition original? Masterful

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Jason 😂❤😊

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks

[@uptopmikep7065]

Thank you Jason for another FaaanTastical lesson on a wonderful, albeit obscure, topic!!!! I heard this album back in the 90s shortly after it came out. I LOVE it. Keep up the great work.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks

[@johnstaples2190]

You are awesome

[@anthonycalcaterra9150]

Love it!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks!

[@stevenmeger3798]

Great taste, love it!

[@nicox8913]

Holy... WTAF... This is amazing! Damn man, THANK you for sharing this. Made my month.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks!

[@zummo61]

Awesome! I am just now putting together some guys to play this kind of stuff.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Nice!

[@slimeylimey]

Lovely

[@josephballerini3730]

Was skeptical until I heard you play. Really enjoyed it.

[@marcocostantini1111]

Loved you in Encino Man

[@adamcherry434]

Ha. Always loved that sound , think I’ve been playing it without knowing. Was always a bit put off by the name Harmonic minor scale , thought it might be some Hungarian harpsichord classical thing🙄. But Minor 3rd major 7th - luv that combination. Thanks for spelling it out. Screenshotted the album cover when you popped it up and emailed it to myself Thanks Luv your sharing

[@1755ma]

Very tasty. Pure musicality ❤

[@teamrecon2685]

Cuban Surf Music?! Sign me up!

[@johnbonamigo5696]

Dude fuck yeah

[@zummo61]

Love this. The diminished V chord sound. D# dim7. Yum.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Dom7b9! Great sound

[@rodrigomoreno9388]

Barbarito Torres and Rubén González, 2 great harmonic minor cuban music improvisers which I know you must know, please make a video on them.

[@tonyshoe3131]

Just tooo cool Jason. This reminds me of Esquivel, Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

[@darenanderson1960]

Will your upcoming master class teach how to play that intro musical piece (with tab)? I have to learn how to play it. I adore it and think it is a masterpiece.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks. Yes I’ll be teaching this tune and solo. Includes tab, notation and backing track

[@rustyshimstock8653]

Ayeee!

[@Jef-sj6zc]

Man , you are insane good on that Tele . I love pedal steel sounds very much and try to immitate them for years and some work well but what you are doing is not from this world . I deep bowing for your skills on the guitar

[@mattolsonmusic8683]

Technically that’s a jazzmaster not a tele- both amazing guitars though. I also love pedal steel sounds, I can’t afford one at the moment but want to get one. Right now I have a lap steel with a set of Certano palm benders that bend the 2nd and 3rd string up to a set a pitch when you press them down with your palm. It can mimic a pedal steel very well. I have mine tuned to open E and it bends the B string (2) to C# and the G# (3) to an A so it opens a lot of doors, I highly recommend checking out Certano benders if you are looking for pedal steel sound but don’t have/can’t afford a pedal steel- they make them for teles too!

[@Jef-sj6zc]

@@mattolsonmusic8683 I know dat system for a lapsteel but it is strange ; I like the things you do on your guitar better then a real lapsteel or pedal steel . When you combine your 'normal ' solo's and guitar playing in the right proportions with the pedal steel licks then it becomes really something special . I love it and you are damned good in it.

[@sumtin05698]

Can someone recommend some more guitarists like this from the 50s/60s, it reminds me of Psychedelic Cumbia.

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

Love that opening song, do you have backing tracks and tabs in that style we can buy?

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Yes it’s part of the masterclass happening this Saturday. Link in description

[@charleslanphier8094]

I never heard of Cuban surf music before

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Mambo Sinuendo.. go listen. I think you'll dig it

[@RishPanjeetJr]

This kind of stuff + Spaghetti Western, surf, and tropical is makes me want to wear a white linen suit and sip a smoky cocktail in an island nightclub.

[@futternut55]

Love this. Will you be teaching this song on May 18th during the Masterclass? Thanks

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Yes I will

[@user-mt9ut2tw9z]

Irxocos feeling Ricardo babalu

[@Jimbob-hp6ud]

Hi Jason, this was really cool..what are the chords in the backing track, do they utilise the minor tonic and and dominant V chord as you demonstrated, would this vamp be typical of this style of Cuban surf music, thank you!

[@Jimbob-hp6ud]

P.s Hi man, I would appreciate a reply when you can, thanks

[@VictorRochaGaming]

subscribed

[@bbbro34]

Minor Harmonic scales make for a pretty three octave run too. Can often be used in lieu of a standard minor pentatonic...sometimes.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Sure but we gotta keep things a winnable battle for everyone here. I encourage folks who like this sound to learn it on every string set starting on every finger including the modes of the harmonic minor. As far as it being interchangeable with the minor pentatonic.. it all depends on the tonality of the tune you're playing over.

[@danielcastroguitar1]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@foljs5858]

Sounds like Marc Ribot on Raindogs

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Now you know where he go it from

[@jimmydriveway]

I think it’s funny how you changed the vibe of your setting. You gave me crap when I commented on your “Between Two Ferns” set. Lol.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Well if I did it was probably the way you commented. I changed the background because I needed to move the room around to have more sunlight and better workflow. My full time job is a professional guitarist so that always comes first. As long as the background is something pleasant to look at and not a purple gamers dungeon I'm fine with it. The focus is on the material and performances not how many plants I like to have in my workspace ;)

[@jimmydriveway]

@@JasonLoughlinMusic Well, it looks better 😬

[@damianfedorko9607]

This is bitchin. Thanks for sharing!

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Thanks

[@Jef-sj6zc]

By the way , I knew this is a jazzmaster ; I referred to your other videos were you play on a Telecaster which I saw a lot so I wrote automatically Tele ( I play guitar for a long time 🙂 ) so it was a stupid mistake ............I took this video to react because it was a recent video .

[@JamesTMarsh]

What’s the name of that song you’re playing?

[@9um9um9um]

What tune is this?

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

4pm Eastern theinspiredguitarist.com/p/cuban-surf-guitar

[@olafbigandglad]

Also a bit Marc Ribot-y.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Marc is great

[@pvillez]

So what you are saying is that Hank Marvin was one "cool ahead of his time" guitarist?

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Ha sure….

[@FlatlandMando]

I'd rather listen to this piece rather than 1/2 hour of so called " shredding" on electric guitar. This material is tremendous & looks difficult to play!😂

[@johncarlo7395]

Very nice guitar playing, It's so nice to listen to something medium tempo, and musical, rather than these dreaded shreders, a thousand notes a minute, and not one musical, well played.

[@raymondthurman553]

There is no wrong way to play the guitar

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

I feel ya. Nothing wrong with that. I play that way sometimes but I do feel like we're bombarded with only that on social media

[@greenvelvet]

Amen! 🙏 I'll take mood and feeling over technical wankery any day

[@analyticequals]

Check out Charlie Robbins. Or just put this video on 1.75 speed.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

@@analyticequalsnot the same style.. also he has a very modern sound. Very different from what we’re trying to accomplish here. Just a reminder playing fast has to be in service of the music otherwise you’re just wanking.. this music doesn’t want ripping guitar so play accordingly

[@user-mt9ut2tw9z]

Your revision just history is typical people were dancing to that tune long before Ry cooder stole it

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

I think you need to collect more info before you comment. This lesson is in celebration of Manuel Galban, the incredible sound he is known for and using this style as a platform for turning folks onto the harmonic minor scale. At no point did I give any credit to Ry Cooder for the song or Manuel Galban’s unique sound. Now let me tell you what is typical… people commenting without really watching the video or just having shockingly low comprehension skills. Go shop that narrative somewhere else hoss

[@rainchaser5389]

⁠@@JasonLoughlinMusicI think that you have done a really good work here, with the subject matter, and your obvious talent. Muy hip, man. Thank you for posting!

[@kennethhymes9734]

Great topic, completely weird title. How about: Cuban electric guitar music is awesome! I mean... I really thought you were going to be very dumb, there is just no good way to read that title.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Hey yeah I make assumptions like that too when I get weird comments. KZbin is bizarre.. that title got folks to click including yourself. Then I got over 20k people to learn a harmonic minor scale, understand why it exists, learn arpeggios, solo with good phrasing targeting chord tones and learn about Manuel Galban. So, not so dumb.. all the best

[@kennethhymes9734]

and also... You are teaching a MasterClass in cuban guitar? Ummm... you came up with a lesson. What is with the bizarre hyperbole.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

I am today at 4pm. It’s a pretty accurate description that I did not invent but is known by a lot of musicians. Glad to make you aware of it

[@rainchaser5389]

Esto está muy bien … 👁