Intervallic Licks and Riffs

IMPROVISATION Intervallic Licks and Riffs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKra9hDNxEI By Andrew Wasson Visit: www.creativeguitarstudio.com

SECTION ONE: Mixing Intervallic Licks & Riffs Creates Interesting Effects... knowing the interval concepts & having technique is the key: When thinking about, “Intervallic Licks,” one piece of music that comes to mind is; Pat Metheny’s - Bright Size Life. The sound of those mixed groups of intervals right from the start of his piece, definitely creates a very interesting musical effect. And, most certainly, this kind of sound deserves some serious attention. I think most musicians would agree, that when intervals are mixed together to form repeating - stacked musical ideas, (which by the way can be done in several ways), we can achieve a very musically interesting, almost what some might call as a, “climbing” effect to our melodies. Playing these stacked or repeating intervals can, however be a somewhat technically challenging idea to perform, (especially when played fast). But it goes without saying, (as with any guitar concept dependant upon technique), the more the technique is rehearsed, the better we eventually become at performing it. When we apply these mixed intervals; stacked, or grouped in various ways, it creates a very interesting sound. Whether we use the same interval as a melodic statement, or if we use combined intervals – if we stay in one position, or if we move along the neck... one thing is certainly true... These intervallic concepts will work to create some interesting and wide-open sounding melodic statements. So, spend time learning how to get them into your repertoire. If you do, I think you’ll have a lot of fun performing them in your next new composition, or in your next guitar solo!

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Intervallic Licks and Riffs Page (2)

SECTION TWO: Stacked Interval Technique Exercises... Since stacking and mixing of intervals requires a slightly higher level of guitar technique for the left and right hands, this lesson will begin by showing a series of exercises that will stress the operation of repetitive intervals. This will help the hands to develop the feel and sense of the proper technique. As well, these exercises are especially important if this type of recurring interval movement is a brand new guitar technique for anyone reading and studying this. Example #1). Working with stacked 5th intervals along the neck from 1st position.

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