TUNES & TOOLS

Purpose: Understand which notes are in which keys and build muscle memory.

Credit: Jon Antonsson

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Choose a key that is the most beneficial for you at this moment. Perhaps you’ve learned a tune in a specific key. Even though we rarely play in, for example, Eb, Db, or F# during sessions.

 

Practising these keys can boost your confidence. Knowing the scales is like engine oil; it smoothens everything up.

 

Naturally, minor keys work the same way in this exercise. In the previous exercise, we played all major keys. Practice those keys you feel uncertain about and transform that uncertainty into confidence.

 

Use the metronomes and the drones as tools.

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• Start the 60 BPM Metronome and a drone in the key of your choice.

  • In the video I demonstrate D Major.

  • Choose your own difficulty level by deciding how how many notes per beat you want to play.

• Play: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D, E, D, C#, B, A, G, F#, E (then restart on F#).

  • And then the same pattern from E. And so on.

  • When you reach the end, as in the video, you can do a triad within the key you are practising.

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• Do the same pattern with other keys you want and need to practice.

  • For Example: E-minor: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, E, D, C, B, A, G, F#.

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• Try out all sorts of different scales.

  • Always listen to the instrument.

  • Be humble and kind towards yourself. (And others)

  • Try to be aware of everything you do when you play.

  • Let the melodies come to life through you.