Understanding the fretboard can be overwhelming. It is a web that is not easy to navigate. In this class we will use triads to view the neck and then apply this knowledge to make music - comping, soloing, and chord melodies. Join me in this weekly class to start unlocking the fretboard.

String Theory Part 1 - Triads

This class will dig into making melodies utilizing triads, scales, and chords. Guitarists get stuck playing fills and chords versus melodies that draw people in. We will investigate how to make melodies, comp (play rhythm) and solo using triads, pentatonic scales, and other color tones. At the end of this class, you will be a stronger improvisor and rhythm guitar player. We will look at how to do more with the chords you know and more with the scales you know. 

String Theory 2 - Melody Making 

In my opinion, chord melodies are one of the most challenging things you can do on the guitar - you have to hold down melody, harmony, groove, and tempo, while making it all sound good at the same time. In this course we will dive into chord melody playing. What are some of the key elements into taking a song and making it sore in a solo guitar setting. We will look at different approaches from right hand technique, to harmonic options, to phrasing, to chord voicings. Chord melody is a bit endless, so in the course there will be clear guidelines of how to start on this magical and challenging journey. We will look at specific arrangements, dissect them, and understand them so you can then make your own. Chord melodies changed the way I play and see my instrument - I am excited to show you what I have learned in my 15 years of studying and obsessing over it. 

As a note: we will study a mixture of genres. This will not be just jazz - we will also check out pop, soul, and r'n'b. I know sometimes when we hear "chord melody" we go right to Joe Pass- we will be using chord melodies to look at a variety of genres. 

Chord Melody Part 1

The modes can be a mystical and confusing concept. In this course let's break down this misconception that modes have to be confusing. We will look at a variety of modes and unlock how to see them on the fretboard. We will understand how to apply modes to different jams and songs.  

Demystifying the Modes

 We will build upon our knowledge from Chord Melody 1. We will continue to discuss key elements in creating compelling arrangements such as touch, feel, chord voicings, ranges of the guitar, and tone, while bringing in new topics such as reharmonization and counterpoint. In this class we will study arrangements from both the popular and jazz realm. 

Molly Miller

Classes I Teach