OFFICE HOURS 87 | Sunday, July 31, 1PM Pacific (Patreon)

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Hi Everyone,

This was a great stream, as usual.

Please remember: THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS WHATSOEVER! I believe that every question has wonderful secrets to reveal about the world. This is a place to ask even the simplest of questions.

These were the questions for this week:

Question 1: Stevie was wondering where to start with Melody Writing. I gave examples of my guidelines from Music Theory Monday lessons 17, 18, and 19 and talked about how the theory is one thing, but how to do it on guitar is another thing, which is why my CAGED Soloing Series is really about making melodies on the guitar.

Question 2: Max was wondering if there were any free sites that map out modes, scales, etc. My answer is to use this awesome interactive scratch paper that a Patron named Graeme coded: The interactive note name scratch paper. This combined with learning music theory around here will go a LONG way.

Question 3: Magela asked how to keep modes in mind while writing melodies, as a follow up to question 1.

Question 4: Ahmed was wondering if I intend to do more videos on melodies and riffing. I recommended the above melody lessons again. What would you like, Patrons? What interests you? More melody lessons?

Question 5: Magela was wondering if I know anything about the "drop 2" system. I don't, but I guess I'll have to look into it now!

Question 6: Jason wanted some tips on staying motivated. I had a LOT of ideas!

Question 7: Graeme was curious about the tonal differences between tonewoods, specifically rosewood vs maple fingerboard. I forgot to mention that while the sound difference might be subtle, I MUCH prefer the rosewood fingerboard for ease of maintenance. Maple has to be refinished after a refret, but rosewood and ebony just need some lemon oil.

Question 8: Georgiy has been playing for a while and trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between theory and application. I recommended participation in the weekly community challenges and some structured ways to go about writing. The things I recommended should lead toward being able to solo, jam, write, etc.

I started talking about Get Lucky and general right hand strumming techniques.

Got more questions related to these questions? Join the the community forum.

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