Playing Over Changes 101

[@chrismctear4761]

Thanks so much for this one. Having someone explain these basics so clearly in a step by step basis is so helpful. Just learning licks and seeing if they work, for me, didn’t explain why I was doing it. This does. Working on those triads now.

[@curiousguitarist]

Great to hear, Chris. Keep me posted on how it goes!

[@nettlesome7125]

"If you don't know the triads, you really should." Yes. I love it. Many instructors are reluctant to tell people to just do the work.

[@curiousguitarist]

Right? It doesn’t come through sorcery :) I just took a lesson and my teacher drilled me like mad. It just works. Thanks for being here!

[@simple-security]

3 months ago I struggled to follow these sorts of lessons because I didn't understand where you'd pull some chord shapes from. Then I took the time to learn triads and memorize the major notes on the fretboard - now when you play a G triad I can see it and follow along! Everything you teach here is easier AFTER you learn the fretboard, triads and pentatonic scales. Thanks for your lessons!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you took that step, now adding new information will be much easier!

[@EclecticEssentric]

I second learning triads/arpeggios and targetting chord notes. It's that next step that so many players don't take. It took me 3 decades to get around to it, but better late than never. Thanks for your time and wisdom, Chris! 🍒

[@curiousguitarist]

Any time Timmy, thanks for chiming in here on triads and target notes...I'm just gonna keep on preaching!

[@johnmcaleese8459]

@@curiousguitarist Keep on keeping on !!!! I've been shying away from learning more for too many years. I seem to start on some new material and after not too long, I'm like ahhh screw it and back to the same old stuff.

[@noodlemans]

Hey I’m currently in my 40’s and finally getting around to learning my triads and arpeggios and my playing has exponentially improved over a few short months. Why did it take me so long to learn this stuff? Great video.

[@JiMMY-my1ds]

Spot on.

[@JiMMY-my1ds]

@@noodlemansexact same experience. Tried learn scale and mode after scale and mode, then learnt target tones while playing blues. Changed my world completely. Opened the fretboard up and got me focusing on intervals.

[@joycegrove5602]

05:20 - yep, that's what I'm working on, changing things up to sound less like a scale drill! My favourite part was playing with the triads (so grateful for the Triad course you ran), but that technique with the G Maj pentatonic sounded really good, too!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks JG, for EVERYthing you do for The Studio!

[@joycegrove5602]

@@curiousguitarist my pleasure! :)

[@MOAB-UT]

Find some simple arpeggios played at a slow tempo in YTube. Turn off all effects and play along with those. It's a great way to hear the changes. Be sure to be very much in tune. When you make a mistake, instead of stopping or slowing down- lean into it. Pretend like it was intentional. Like with interior design- "If you can't hide it, highlight it." I think that is how improvisational jazz started- plenty of musical mistakes that, when repeated and embraced created their own genre. I don't fully subscribe to keys/scales. It is just a concept. I can play the Pentatonic scale (major and minor) backwards and forward, the Major Scale and several modes. I get that they are sometimes a very helpful concept. That said, it is critical to understand that every note is unique and it's own planet. In blues the scale idea works very well however in many, more sophisticated progressions the notes in a scale will not all fit the progression. This is especially true in jazz. This is where having an ability to chase chords is particularly helpful. FUN FACT: If you like Jazz, you can play most of it even if you only know the Pentatonic scale. Most Jazz uses the Major scale. If you simply move 3 notes down the fretboard from the root (on the top "thicker" 6th string), you can start playing position I of your penta(5)tonic scale. It usually works great. You will have done it right if your pinky is on the root of the major scale. So if e.g., you are jamming to a backing track in A "MAJ." your first finger will be on F#/Gb and your pinky will now be on A (5th fret.) Try it out! TIP- It helps a lot to print out a huge piece of legal paper a diagram of the fret board. Then highlight each chord (change) in the progression. Practice finding those notes. Trust me, after 20 minutes, you will know where they are. As Chris said, your playing will sound so much better. Eventually you will definitely want to memorize every note on the guitar. I am not there yet either but it's a fun journey. Funny story, on the first or 2nd lesson he Joe Satriani gave to Steve Vai way back in the day, Joe instructed Steve to memorize every single note on the neck. When Steve returned, and failed to do so, Joe said DO NOT COME BACK until you have done what I told you. Steve did and the rest is guitar history. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p53FhXeLg6atg8U

[@grantperkins368]

I'm envious that you know scales !! :-) :-)!

[@curiousguitarist]

@@grantperkins368 once you can see the formula for any scale, you can then easily comprehend and play ANY scale!

[@adriansrfr]

This is probably going to be one of the most significant lessons that I've come across.

[@curiousguitarist]

Wait till you see the next one!

[@thisistimwoods]

Awesome Chris. So find the common notes that link the chords to switch over smoothly and musically. Triads are amazing, they really open up the fretboard and aren't so difficult to learn

[@curiousguitarist]

Totally worth it, right? Thanks for being here, Timothy

[@JiMMY-my1ds]

Triad pairs are an incredible ‘hack’ to sound musical and also helps you gain so much focus on the fret board. Great use in blues I find combined with enclosures .👍 It opens up the guitar so much and gets your mind out of scale type thinking and more on intervals.

[@G_4213]

I took lessons when I was around 18 years old from a teacher who was maybe in his late sixties and a remarkable musician. I remember asking him how long it would take to learn to play..... He said the rest of my life! I'm now in my sixties and can honestly say he was right.

[@curiousguitarist]

Hahaha! I know, I feel the same way!

[@georgerichardson7728]

Wisest words ever spoken, regarding learning.

[@flyballhdeg9775]

It's about the journey, not the destination.

[@ShaunRay]

I’ll quit bombarding you with comments, but damn. A lot of KZbinrs show you what works, but they don’t explain why it works, which would help connect so many other dots. You also almost trick the user into learning multiple things at once. It’s brilliant! I’m like a little kid now, I can’t wait to get home every day and practice these things. It’s refreshing. Thanks again, man! I’ll leave you alone, for now.

[@curiousguitarist]

Sing it, Shaun! No need to curb your enthusiasm here, I am so glad this stuff has you energized. Comment when you feel it.

[@oldmanpatriot1490]

I have been playing since 1982... I can imitate all the greats,, Randy Rhoads is my all time favorite. But not limited to by any means... One thing I always had trouble with it improvising my own leads... I know a ton of scales and licks,, I alsoknow how important it is to target chord tones, but I think this video explained more to me than anything I have ever been taught.. Have you ever gotten to that spot where you just dont enjoy playing what you know and you cant figure out how to get out of that rut??? Well you just lifted me out with this video.... Thank you for that.... I would love to see a more in depth video on this with more complex chord progressions.. But this will get me started.. I have a whole new way of looking at my scales... I was/am definitely bullying through the scales over the key and landing on a fancy lick to make it sound like I know what Im doing... This is going to change the way I play...

[@curiousguitarist]

I can't tell you how happy this comment made me OMP! I'll definitely do another one. Have you seen this one yet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqum2B8eN6sl6c

[@Mike_Spor]

This is definitely a valuable guitar lesson. More so than probably 80% of what’s out there in KZbin world specifically the way you talk about visualizing the triads in their corresponding, CAGE system shapes.

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the kudos!

[@toddknaster9731]

You can tell how much time you have spent honing your craft of playing guitar and also how much you love teaching and sharing your passion. Your lessons are always motivating and informative!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thank you, Todd. That means a lot to me, and I'm so glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@QBRX]

Great thanks Chris. I just started doing this the other day, but what I do in a 1-4-5 starting with A7 is play a bit of the major scale and change the scale each time the chord changes. It's pretty easy to find the roots in a a 1-4-5.

[@curiousguitarist]

Good stuff! If they are all Dom7 chords try this: A Mixolydian over A7 A Dorian over D7 A Major over E7 :)

[@QBRX]

@@curiousguitarist Hmm, that's a bit surprising because Dorian is a minor scale. I mainly play a 4 note flat 7 arpeggio.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@QBRX Do you trust me? D7 is the V in the key of G. A dorian is the second mode of that scale (thus outlines the sound of that D7 PERFECTLY. I'm suggesting A dorian because your example is "in A" so-to-speak. Projecting a different mode using that tonic, that outlines the IV chord is pretty magical. Try it and report back...see what you think. I'll just grab some popcorn 🍿

[@QBRX]

@@curiousguitarist Ha ha, of course I trust you. I'll give it a try and let you know what I think.

[@QBRX]

@@curiousguitarist I'm not sure what D7 being the V in the key of G has to do with it, but you're right...A Dorian seems to outline the chord perfectly as you say. Thanks again!

[@coastercook]

Thanks, Chris. Please do more lessons on playing through the changes.

[@curiousguitarist]

Yes, I need to expand on this for sure, but I wanted to make sure I covered the basics first.

[@pl9529]

@@curiousguitarist yeah like how about a follow up one on playing through different changes like life changes

[@curiousguitarist]

@@pl9529 like Dorian over “I got a new job”, and Lydian dominant over “relocation due to family illness”?

[@dnantis]

@Chris Sherland okay Chris , I'm confused with this post "I got a new job" and the other message too !! Is that an American slang or something?? Your videos have finally taken my playing to a better place ! You do explain PERFECT to people who can't understand the art of guitar !! Why others can't teach the way you easily explain theory ?? I cant thank you enough !! I had much of the theory but could not get it on my own!

[@curiousguitarist]

@@dnantis I am so glad you are here! Sorry about the "job" comment, I misunderstood your question. My next video on playing through changes will outline how to see what has "changed" in the tonality instead of what is "common" as the chords change. It is the next skill to develop. Thank you for being here!

[@storyboard3]

This was a helpful lesson. I have a habit of targeting the tonic first when playing the changes. Using common notes as you suggested is a good way to bring more variety and expression to my soloing. Thank you.

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet! Starting to track common notes also puts you on a collision course with voice leading…as you’ll see in more complete chord changes sometimes the 3rd of one chord might be a half step away from the 7th of another for example. It’s a big beautiful world :)

[@phoenix1158]

Hey Chris! I just started guitar a little over a year ago and wasn’t really getting anywhere. I just started watching your videos as well as Marty’s and you guys really put all the pieces together in a way that I understood it. I wouldn’t be anywhere without you guys, so thanks for all the work you do.

[@curiousguitarist]

Man that's good to hear Phoenix! Glad you're here!

[@mike5177]

You hit a gold mine with this channel! I also recommend Corey Congilio! 2 of the best guys to watch!

[@jeffrobodeenyehcmon5925]

I've been studying David Gilmour for 4 years and since I work 50hrs a week it's been slow. Thankfully that's how he plays. I've progressed but slowly. This lesson will help alot. Thanks.

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet!! Glad you’re here.

[@smoothpicker]

Oh yeah, I need this in my library of knowledge for sure!! I started playing guitar by using tabs. Learned a few songs but I realized I still didn't know how to play guitar. Had no idea about what I was playing. Lessons like these help tremendously due to the way you break it down and explain in detail and along with the examples. I'm so excited to finally be understanding what I'm playing and it's a blast!!! Thanks.

[@curiousguitarist]

Hey Ray! This is a great moment, really seeing the workings of it all. It’s a great part of the journey. Thanks for the comment, and I’m glad you found the channel.

[@grantperkins368]

Similar story, man! 'ken tabs. I decide to devote today to guitar and stumbled upon this gracious, wise man. We're both lucky, I think. Cheers, Ray! (sound of glasses clinking) To the future!! :-)

[@smoothpicker]

@@grantperkins368 I agree 100%! This man is a great teacher and we can learn a lot from him. Cheers!

[@chadharland6410]

My my Chris this is 1 of the best you have put out. I found this direction to be exactly what I needed to see. An angle that I ve never seen taught. Just fantically useful an understood every idea you taught. You are amazing when it comes to fully being explained. Great job my friend.

[@curiousguitarist]

Ahhh great news Chad. I've got a follow up to this one which will publish in a couple weeks. Same subject, next level of difficulty. You're going to love it.

[@blindponyband]

So great, as always. Chris, any chance you will tape the live teaching session in LA? Still hoping I can catch your before you leave town.

[@haroldvietti2233]

Thank you for this lesson. I have been working on both the major and minor triads for the past three months. I found your video and as a result I had an aha moment. Using triads to play melodically and finding the common note in each chord change and using that note to introduce the new chord when making the change.

[@curiousguitarist]

Oh yeah! This is a great moment! Thanks for the comment Harold

[@funkfatale]

Great guy, great teacher. Love how you always strip away the noise (cognitive overload) and home in on the essential elements (digestible cognition... er, bite sized chunks). It can strain the brain but not drain it. You continue to help my playing and make my guitar journey a more enjoyable one. Thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

Wow, thank you for this note FF! I really appreciate it, and m so glad my style is helpful. Glad you’re here! And if you are who I think you are, thanks for all your support!

[@adlantian6334]

I just realize during this lesson that I actually already know all those triads, but I just wasnt using them for lead lines. Thanks for helping remove that mental block. I do need to get better about know note locations on the fret board by heart. Awesome lesson!

[@curiousguitarist]

You’re welcome! I love seeing the things we already know, suddenly get new life and value, simply by changing the context.

[@KB24toogood]

Thanks Chris for this very valuable lesson. I admit that I am one of those players that need to start actually learning the notes to the scales rather than just knowing them as shapes. Just been playing for a little over a year but I’ll start learning those notes. Thanks again for the lesson!

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet, Richard. I'm glad you're here!

[@BOOREK100]

Thank you Chris, this is something It took me years of noodling through the same old scale to realize,you got to outline the chords/play through changes! Love your teaching style!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks SR!

[@Dave-gf3kd]

NICE!!! As always, clear concise and super helpful…especially given I was just working on this very thing before watching this! So much for that chore I was about to accomplish….back to my guitar!!!!

[@curiousguitarist]

Ha! Glad it helped, Dave. Thanks for sticking on the channel, it's good to have you on board!

[@johncitizen3361]

Great video, I’ve been playing for over twenty years and am only teaching myself triads all over the fretboard now. If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self to learn triads after my open and basic barre chords. It would have been much more useful than learning to play other peoples songs note for note while not always understanding why they did certain things and why it sounded right.

[@marcos1689]

This must be one of the most understandable versions of the subject i have run across. Thank you Chris!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are SO welcome!

[@BenBreeg1138]

Just thinking of this today. Sometimes I'm able to anticipate and think of chord tones ahead of time, others I just revert to playing within the scale of the key. Looking forward to more but will be practicing this!

[@curiousguitarist]

I feel the same! This is a skill that takes time and repetition to build, sometimes I can't see the forest, then suddenly it all lights up!

[@jmscnny]

Aha. As an adult beginner, that was probably one of the most meaningful 15 minutes I have experienced with a guitar in my hands. Excellent lesson, mate. Thank you.

[@curiousguitarist]

That’s great to hear! Welcome aboard!

[@muffinsfromsparta]

Chris, thank you for the lessons you put on KZbin. I’m a 25 year guitar player but I wouldn’t call myself a musician. Came across your channel randomly and your take on theory and thinking about the instrument has been a catalyst for reigniting my curiosity. I’m digging deep now and really trying to master the fretboard. I plan to join your patreon community as soon as I can.

[@curiousguitarist]

Wow Mike, thank you. I appreciate your trust in me and so glad my approach has fueled a new phase. That is exciting stuff!

[@TheMinorFallTheMajorLift]

You explain things better than anyone I know. So grateful. Another gold nugget from the man in the red room with a voice made for radio. 🙌

[@curiousguitarist]

"the man in the red room with a voice made for radio." Doesn't get much better than that :) Thank YOU Mark!

[@stuartp8658]

Thank you Chris. This video was a real lightbulb moment for me. I know my scales and I'm progressing on the triads, but this just showed me so clearly how you actually implement and integrate them. Thanks again so much. I would press the thumbs up multiple times if I could!

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful. Stuart. Breaking it down small enough to get the core concept revealed always helps when you're looking at something so complex. I'm glad you're here.

[@karthain5742]

Great video as always. And in my opinion, best instructional guitar KZbin channel on here.

[@curiousguitarist]

Wow, thanks, Karthian, I very much appreciate that.

[@danolivier4899]

What a great channel. This might be the first time I saw a theory channel that explains things the way a guitarist truly thinks

[@curiousguitarist]

Yup, we see the world through guitar-colored glasses. Anchoring information to the ways in which we look at the fretboard helps get the info in and sticky. Thanks, Dan.

[@VaughnRipley]

Another great lesson! Somehow you manage to make these seemingly intricate and tough chunks of theory into something not only manageable, but actually easy to understand. Thank you, Chris!

[@curiousguitarist]

You're so welcome, Vaughn! Thank you for your support.

[@kevinlawrence3935]

Another great lesson; I very much enjoy the way you present, demonstrate, and reinforce information. Thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet, Kevin! Glad you’re here

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Chris, thanks for your explanation of “Gonna take a lifetime” comment. It’s wise to realize the anxiety comments like this can create therefore possibly discouraging students. I myself am 71 years old and the word “lifetime” has a different meaning than it might to others. (Although in my head and spirit I’m still 17 LOL) Thanks for your intelligence and the generous style of teaching.

[@curiousguitarist]

Hey Walt. Yeah, it’s that old “journey” metaphor again…We are where we are now, we are further than we were before, and we’ll be further along still tomorrow.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

@@curiousguitarist Yup! And I’m hoping that I’ll still be there tomorrow 😀

[@curiousguitarist]

@@PR-BEACHBOY yup! But actually all we’ve got is the gift of “right now,” and I’ve heard it said that’s why it’s called “the present.”

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

@@curiousguitarist excellent point sir!

[@garys1092]

Excellent lesson! Simple techniques, agreed. Yet it's also extremely effective and powerful. Gets my creative juices flowing. Great method into matching solos with chord progressions. A real eye opener for me.

[@curiousguitarist]

So glad to hear! Thanks for being here Gary!

[@Oldtimerider]

“Scaffolding to which to attach new information” Brilliant!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks Dan. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@bobfurlani3314]

Nice lesson. Thanks. G mixolydian scale approach works well over both chords too. You get a cool #4 with the B on the F chord. Also the flat 7 on the G if you want to get bluesy

[@curiousguitarist]

Fantastic context, Bob! Thank you!

[@OtRatsaphong]

Great lesson! this 2 chord progression example really helped me understand what I need to aim for. Thank you so much.

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet, Ot, glad you enjoyed it. Once you get the basic concept and capability, it’s so much easier to tackle the more complex progressions.

[@domagojskrbin8633]

Excellent ideas...very simple but usefull aproach! Great progress in playing thanks to lessons like this! Knowing how and why is crucial in making progress in playing. Greetings from 40 year old family guy from Croatia!

[@curiousguitarist]

Zdravo, Domagoj! Thanks for being here and I'm so glad you enjoyed this one.

[@derekng9766]

This is the lesson I've been waiting for! Multiple teachers, videos and books and this just hit it on the money Thank u so much!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are so welcome, Derek!

[@derekng9766]

@@curiousguitarist btw I saw that youre in Denver, do u still do private lessons? I've been searching high and low as my current teacher is moving out of state.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@derekng9766 yes I do, e-mail me at Chris at curiousguitarist dot com.

[@h.e.r.o.creativeartsscienc5043]

Hey there Chris…..This is Benjamin Callan….. your very first guitar student in the College of Santa Fe Music Program! I am still doing music, some rock, but my career was mostly in musical theatre. I teach now & have my own channel, but I refer student to both you & Marty (MartyMusic) all the time for guitar…. Love both of your channels!!! I have a great recording of you, KZ, Pete, & John Shepler + Melissa Vanderscafe singing on one track….. I’ll tag you when I’ve got a basic mix up! Great channel! Thank you!!!!

[@curiousguitarist]

Yo Benjamin! I can't wait to hear it, man those were great times in SF. Glad to hear all is well!

[@swope68]

This was the holy grail of lessons for me, man. Well done and thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

Of course! Planning another one that focuses on what changes instead of what stays the same…it’ll be the logical next-step to this one.

[@paulmcadams2012]

A well done lesson. Your lesson on triads was a break thru for me. The playing through chords changes video is another insightful lesson. Thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are so welcome, Paul!

[@grantperkins368]

Mate I love that you just show the nuts and bolts, zoom in is cool, too! That was a nice, comfortable step for me, I really appreciate your help, and effort in just putting it out there!! Here! Ray, if I might make one suggestion, 10 seconds explaining those chord shapes could help to widen your audience, to even less experienced learners than myself ! :-) ... my playing got needlessly stuck down at the nut, (but heck there's a lot to learn there !!) when just learning what you're teaching here would have opened up so many more paths and progressed my playing faster ... so Thanks! Now the mind blowing part. I don't know if it's deja vu or just google listening to me lol, but I was mucking around with those chords (but playing down at the nut), just this morning !!! Last night I said to my better half that I was going to spend today doing guitar, which google would have heard, so maybe that magically haha took what I played earlier and matched it with a vid covering the same chords??? Would that even be possible? Possibly just coincidence, yes, but it's gotta make a fellow reflect on things a little :-) Anyway, thanks again, Have a great day!

[@curiousguitarist]

Have a great day too, Grant. Thanks so much for the tips and suggestions, sometimes I go a bit too fast to keep these things under 15 minutes or so. Thanks for being here!

[@grantperkins368]

@@curiousguitarist straight back at you bro!

[@padwayj]

Amazing Chris! Thank you for this. I have been wanting to learn how to “interact” with another guitarist instead of just playing notes in the same key, but did not know how to get started. This video has given me a jumping off point and I can’t wait to dive in.

[@curiousguitarist]

That's great to hear, Jared. Keep me posted on how it goes!

[@1970Richiez]

Thank you for this, its amazing how many of these techniques I already know and have forgoten about them.. its like learning all over again ! but its what we do and its a life long journey

[@curiousguitarist]

So true! Great Strat in your avatar!

[@wagonet]

Great lesson. I've been learning triads for a few weeks and it has really helped.

[@curiousguitarist]

Beautiful! Happy to have helped here~

[@Juan0003]

I’ve never come across such a simple explanation. Thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are welcome, Juan.

[@christophervincent8420]

I'm sorry I've been out for a bit. It has been non stop packing then moving then still unpacking. While cleaning and mowing. Lol ah the joys of moving. This was an awesome lesson Chris. I really need to work on triads next. Thanks to the wonderful barr chords you helped me with. I think the triads will open up a heck of a lot more things I need.

[@curiousguitarist]

Welcome back Christopher! Yup, triads will change the way you see the fretboard forever. It's worth the effort for sure!

[@joeurbanowski321]

Chris..! You make it looks so easy..! … But you do make it easier for me..👍🏼 Always a major help.. and I thank you.!❤️

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks Joe, I'm glad you got something out of this one, and I'm glad you're here! Thanks for all your support!

[@JoshuaBenitezNewOrleans]

What’s kinda wild is. I got a degree in music- jazz performance, in fact- and believe it or not, I never memorized the fret board. I relied on chord shapes, substitutions, and extensions to grab all my notes. It’s really cool because seeing your approach through the note names is super nice! I definitely went about it the hard way. Like…memorize a dozen chord shapes and brute force it OR learn the location of the notes and have a very accessible map regardless

[@curiousguitarist]

Great context, thanks Joshua!

[@michaelcox6597]

Hey Chris, new to the channel, Im 43, and been learning guitar for a year and a half now, I found you through Marty Music. This is the second time I've watched this vid, it's awesome, I went and bought a loop pedal so I can start practising this triad exercise. Think I'm gonna have to join your patreon page, the way you explain things I find to be really easy to understand and digest, thank you for the uploads. 🤘

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks so much you young whipper snapper! :) I'm glad you're here, and very appreciative for the pledge of support! I hope to see more of you over on Patreon!

[@MOAB-UT]

Amazingly helpful lesson. There should be more videos on this important topic but you covered it well. Many people never learn this skill. I agree, the basics are not hard to grasp but doing it well, across many tunes is challenging- at least for me. Something like blues is easy because it is often very slow, simple and repeatable. One point is that I think many people get thrown off because they don't really know how to count so if a chord changes on an uneven measure, or it's not simple and easy to count the beats for the chord, it can get very confusing quickly. I was a drummer so I am able to count but it can still get tricky. I think the key is to just not stop- have fun. Go with it. Let the music play and just try to compliment it. In most cases, outside of solo's, the guitar does not have to always be the star. A good guitar player can chill- let others shine and is simply compliment the music. Beginners tend to try to show off, annoy others and generally sound bad (like they are playing scales at speed w/zero feel.) I have been struggling with this for a time. I need a good way to memorize all the notes on the fretboard. A big sheet of paper that I color with the relevant notes for each progression I am working on really helps. I am very visual this way as I image others are as well. I never thought of playing a note (e.g., A) that is a 3rd or 5th of a chord (as chords are made up of a Root, 3rd and 5th (triad.) I have been focused on hunting down the root note during the change as it always sounds good. In this example using a related note seems to work nicely too. I can share that even if a mostly beginner player focuses on 1 or 2 of the main changes and certainly the root of the progression, you will sound far more advanced vs. playing your pentatonic fast but all over the place. It's like someone who rambles and talks fast vs. a polished communicator. I am currently a rambling communicator! 😎 I don't like to always be in sync with the changes. I like to meander on some musical journeys, then come back home so to speak. In blues, I try to always be aware of the turn-around and land back on your root note. Da-Da-Da...ROOT. For me, turning the lights out, finding a slow, simple progression and turning off all effects is a lot of fun. You really need to be able to hear the changes. Even a nice, in tune acoustic can work. It is also great ear training.

[@curiousguitarist]

Such a great comment, thanks so much DG!

[@MOAB-UT]

@@curiousguitarist Thanks for the lesson. Subscribed!

[@Dubble_Bubble40]

Brilliant Chris! I'm finally getting back into learning mode, so I will be visiting the channel much more. Will probably get back on Patreon, as well.

[@curiousguitarist]

Hey Steve, glad to hear you’re refocusing! Thanks for your support as well, it really helps me out.

[@joebermuda6452]

The mixolydian mode and Lydia mode can be used as well. Soloing in the key of c major and landing on those chord tones. You could also use f major pentatonic over the f chord change. Just make sure to target chord tones

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks Joe!

[@joebermuda6452]

@@curiousguitarist it’s fir the viewers lol, I’m fairly confident you knew this already lol.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@joebermuda6452 yup, but I love the context!

[@joebermuda6452]

I been playing for about 20 years and already know “all” my basic theory and then some butni have a habit of surfing guitar youtube to feed my brain for any nee ideas and gaps I have with what I don’t know

[@joebermuda6452]

For example I now have a new appreciation for modal best improvisation and progressions. That whole step change between Lydian and mixolydian is extremely groovy, bluesy and jazzy

[@ecojot]

Brilliant - simple, easy to follow and opens up new ways to take these ideas further

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks, Marcus. I’m glad you enjoyed this one

[@curtismclean6697]

Thanks so much Chris. I luv all your lessons. You explain everything so well. You are a great guitar teacher. I am so grateful for your you tube contributions

[@curiousguitarist]

Thank you Curtis, and of course, you are welcome!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

This was really Excellent. You explained-it . . . in a clear, concise and easily digestible manner. Enjoyed & Appreciated your lesson. Phenomenal job my friend. oNe LovE from NYC

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks, Michael. I appreciate that and I’m glad you enjoyed this one.

[@ArdiNugrohocilacap]

Thankyou chris, after 23 years of playing guitar, but stuck You changed my perspective 😃

[@curiousguitarist]

That’s so great to hear!!

[@blade123able]

Brilliant lessons, explained in a way that’s understandable, thanks Chris, wish I lived in your town I’d go 1 to 1, thanks Chris, great teacher 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@curiousguitarist]

I do 1 on 1s over zoom if you’re interested. Email me at Chris at curiousguitarist dot com I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Mike

[@__-cr6fv]

Excellent! Essential concepts, presented very simply. Thanks!

[@AmbientMelancholy]

that G chord at 4:07...is that an inversion?

[@curiousguitarist]

Yup, good eye. That's a first inversion G triad on the DGB string set.

[@GigaBrowser]

As soon as you played that A note over the change for the first time, I immediately laughed. Something about that was profound enough that it could have lit a hundred light bulbs. Thank. You.

[@curiousguitarist]

That’s great! Light em all up I say! Even at a very simple level this idea really resonates ( get it? ) Glad you’re here GB!

[@rajeshgumber363]

Interesting! Thanks Chris , I'm thinking you are actually playing the G to F progression from the key of C major?

[@curiousguitarist]

Correct! That's the only real "Key" this progression works in, nice context!

[@MrShanebizzle]

You’re a really excellent teacher man. Thank you!

[@curiousguitarist]

That means a lot to me, thanks, and you’re welcome too!

[@mjpslim]

I’ve seen the triad idea before but this was a way better VISUAL and explanation. Thanks 😊

[@curiousguitarist]

So glad this was helpful, Malic.

[@iamgumbydammit2217]

Simple, understandable, usable. Great job.

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful! And for the record, I watched Gumby as a kid...very good memories! How about those blockheads eh? What were THEY all about?

[@dougsmith8430]

Just subscribed… Thanks for the great lesson Chris! The lesson teaches the Mind, body, and Ears… this truly ingrains things!

[@curiousguitarist]

Ha! So glad you’re here, Doug! Glad to help, thanks for the sub

[@belmontbutty4143]

Don't know whether this has already been mentioned, but I presume in the G maj penta, you could target the 'B' and just bend it up a half step to hit the five of the F ie 'C'?

[@curiousguitarist]

In this video I'm looking to expose what notes are already available. I'm filming a follow up to this one to expose how to think about notes that change as a separate technique.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Regardless of whether or not I am already familiar with the concepts under revue, I alway take some fresh insight away from Chris’ uploads. Many thanks, good sir.

[@curiousguitarist]

Wow, thanks, Mike. I appreciate that, and so glad I can provide some insight along the way.

[@edhencher780]

Hey Chris, welcome back. Hope you had a great break

[@curiousguitarist]

Haaa! I didn't think anyone would notice I'd been gone!!! Thanks, Ed

[@edhencher780]

@@curiousguitarist of course you were missed. Looking forward to getting together again.

[@JaysonT1]

@@curiousguitarist We all noticed!

[@anthonycashero7605]

Been waiting to learn from you Chris. Very inspiring, Thanks

[@tboyz1]

Awesome thank you I learnt about targeting the chord tones especially through the visualization of the chords / scales 👍

[@curiousguitarist]

Excellent, glad you enjoyed this one!

[@jamesdeininger3759]

This was great. I think the biggest question we have when playing through progressions is: - What notes should we leave out of the key’s scale? - What notes do we replace it with?

[@curiousguitarist]

Yup, exactly! Then the big question…”why?”

[@bigl6322]

Good shit Chris… simple concepts…. I always overthink things (the better to overwhelm myself with..).. Thanks for posting…

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet, BigL, thanks for being here!

[@robnic52]

I have a newer version, using the DI out XLR into a mic preamp i get that uber loud hiss when the effects are up too high, it's background his on steroids. Mic preamps are designed to take teeny input signals from pro mics and amplify the bejeesus out of them. Using mono unbalanced 1/4" jack instrument cables this doesn't happen. The XLR output needs to be a tiny signal but the Tank-G must be close to line level which is wrong, it needs a passive DI box with a switchable attenuator between it's XLR out and the mixer desk. Alternatively turn down the mixer volume slider way down to off and roll it up really carefully.

[@crimfan]

Really nice... two useful strategies for making things sound cool without a lot of difficulty.

[@curiousguitarist]

And you can take this idea as far as you want to. Even the most challenging chord progressions can be reduced to a few things that make sense. And once you start asking questions like this, there's no limit to how much you can learn. Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@portsideguitar1981]

Good stuff Chris. As good a breakdown of this concept as I’ve ever seen. Thanks!!

[@hcj1967]

Great simple but effective concept lesson! It would be great to link your recommended lessons (in this case triads) on your videos.

[@curiousguitarist]

I’ll do that, I might have forgotten to add the link in. Thanks hcj!

[@tianjohan4633]

The A in the F chord is the third intervall, a strong note that tells us the F chord beneath is a major chord. I think that is what's make it work so good.

[@curiousguitarist]

That's it exactly, tian! Great context!

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Great lesson! Keeping it simple really helps to see / hear what is going on. Thank you.

[@jasonh6441]

Another awesome lesson, plus you sound great, and while listening to your arpeggios, my ears seemed to expect what notes you hit, kinda hard to explain that but either way...great job and thx for the lesson.

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful, Jason. And yes, using those arpeggios does "lead" the listener SO well, because the notes are all from INSIDE the chords. Thanks for the comment, Jason!

[@nick2844]

Thank you very much! So in the first example, it's about hitting the major third of the next chord (or minor third depending if the next chord is major or minor)?

[@curiousguitarist]

That is exactly it. PERFECT.

[@nick2844]

@@curiousguitarist thanks again for the video and the reply! Subscribed cheers

[@youtubejackrushmusic]

Thank you soooo much - great lesson!

[@curiousguitarist]

You are so welcome!

[@StefanJordan-kb4ck]

I would suggest not to obsess about the changes but relax and try to play what your mind is hearing. If you sing/hum along you will notice that the momentum of the harmony is creating a natural momentum in the melody in your mind. Try and play the melody in your mind. Sometimes a whole chord can pass by without singing/playing a note at all, whereas if you are exyremely intent on playing the changes you will play notes to outiline the chord just because the chord is there, not necessarily because that is where your internal melody is going. Good lesson 🙂

[@curiousguitarist]

Great context Stephan, love it. Many of us need to train our ears a bit before we can play what we hear. Your example is where we all want to be eventually. Thanks for posting!

[@StefanJordan-kb4ck]

@@curiousguitarist thanks for the reply.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@StefanJordan-kb4ck Of course!

[@johnmcaleese8459]

Those triads sound like the ending of a '70's surfing movie. Nice. Thank you !!

[@curiousguitarist]

I know The Ventures used this progression on a few songs!

[@jeffjones8785]

Great video, thank you. One thing I don't understand: if you are playing g major over the progression, should it be G > Fmin not G > F. The 2 chord would / should be minor, no? Or it is the 4 and 5 of c and the scale over the top should have been c? I feel I get so close to understanding all this and then none of it makes sense.

[@curiousguitarist]

Yes, exactly, this progression is in the "key" of C. The context of the progression however, is G. See this all clearly should be bracketed by times of complete fog, this is a natural state when learning something completely new. It may not seem very comforting, but, you don't know what you don't know, until you do. Keep at this, and keep asking questions. You're totally on the brink here, Jeff!

[@austinhall2362]

Finally Pandoras box open for me. Brilliant bruh. I thank you from my eart.

[@curiousguitarist]

You are welcome! Glad you’re here, Austin!

[@chrisnickolas418]

Thanks Chris, that is the first time I was able to grasp a simple concept that works and makes sense to me regarding chord changes Question: were you using chords from the "caged" system for "G" and "F" ?

[@curiousguitarist]

I was using close voice triads there.

[@QBRX]

Triad arpeggios sound great, sound fabulous! Thanks

[@curiousguitarist]

You’re welcome!

[@chrispeleshenko9226]

Another great lesson, so much in such little time! I know all the technology is different, but maybe a video on how to set up/use it? For us old guys....

[@curiousguitarist]

Hey Chris!! I’m happy to plan something out! What tech are you referring to?

[@chrispeleshenko9226]

@@curiousguitarist I've got a looper, I kind of get it. But am not comfortable with it.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@chrispeleshenko9226 well the key to getting productive with a looper is to tap the looper on the downbeat of the first bar, and then play the figure, and when the last bar line comes around, tap to close the loop on the downbeat of the next measure.

[@tpan17able]

You recommend concentrating on roots on the 3rd and 4th strings for triads… cause we mostly create melodies and solo there?

[@curiousguitarist]

That string set (DGB) is a very balanced-sounding string set which includes the warmer sounding wound D string and two unwound strings. Since it also includes the B string it forces you to think through transposing across that down-tuned string.

[@tone-glide2402]

Great Stuff! And even Greater!! Ideas with all the choices you can pull from!! I love triads!!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks Tone! Me too!

[@cheezer57]

Thanks so much Chris..Extremely helpful!

[@curiousguitarist]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@pudgehhy]

Can someone clarify? Chris is soloing using a GMaj pentatonic scale and plays the GMaj and FMaj chords as rhythm. The GMaj scale has a F# not a natural F. If I was to solo over this progression, I would use a Gminor pentatonic to solo over as Gminor contains G and F (natural). How has Chris managed to solo with a GMaj pentatonic scale over a seemingly Gminor progression? Is this where modes come in? Thanks

[@curiousguitarist]

This is not a G minor progression, it is using a G major chord. I’m using the G major pentatonic scale, I’ve included the notes on the screen as well. As you can hear in the video demonstration, we don’t need the F note to outline the F chord. The A note does that just as well, if not better. The G minor pentatonic scale will suggest that the G chord is minor. It can be used, and certainly has an F in it, but it does not actually outline the change as well as the G major pentatonic scale does.

[@scottjones6624]

Loved this one single small powerful thing. Looking forward to 102, 103, 104......

[@curiousguitarist]

Yes, I’m definitely going to expand on this here on the channel.