Video Question: Scales and Improvisation

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Date: October 10th, 2007 | Length: 2.72 | Instructor: Matt Brown

KevinT says, "HI, I checked out Brads scales lesson and have a question. I always warm up with minor pentatonic 1st position so I know it blindfolded, I am working on the others. My question is that when I just start messing around with improv it always ends up still sounding like scales. How do I get away from that? Thanks" Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

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- September 24th, 2008 (3 minutes, 45 seconds)

Gfl23 asks, "As I was learning lessons in Phase 1, which usually included simple chords, I basically had no problem with my left hand. However, when I started to progress into larger and more complicated chords, I found that the wrist of my left hand would stick out away from behind the fingerboard. My thumb would tighten up completely and basically my left hand would be completely twisted up just so that I can accomodate or reach all the frets in the chord. If i stuck out my hand in that position, the hand would be bending inwards towards my body at a 90 degree angle and my thumb would be bending a little the opposite way. After holding that position for maybe 5 minutes, my hand and wrist would feel horrible, discouraging me from playing. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to how I can improve this dilemma. P.S. I reviewed the lessons on posture already but I didn't really see what I needed. Thanks, I really want to get back to learning guitar. This site is great! Oh, and please send the response to this email instead of the one listed above; I can't change it for some reason: masterx23@hotmail.com Thanks again." View Response

Bends - October 31st, 2007 (2 minutes, 28 seconds)

Jzcode asks "Brad, Could you give me a better idea of the best finger position to have when doing a bend. When I have practiced doing these, my fingers tips are at a bit of an angle as I push the string up and sometimes the strings seems to ride up under finger nails. That usually results in a un pleasant sound. Should your fingers be straight down on the string? Thanks, JZcode" View Response