From Intervals Themes and motifs for compelling songwriting

Elegant motifs, infectious melodies, compelling riffs, resounding song structure. Front man and founder of instrumental band Intervals, Aaron Marshall is one of the top young artists of the new breed of melodic composers.. offering thoughtful, progressive compositions injected with intricate melody and masterful precision.

We are excited to now announce an exclusive Master Course, now available. Learn more or start the course with membership

Course Details
31 Lessons
5 Hour+ Runtime
Tabs (gpx, pdf)
Playalong Tracks
HD+ Video
90 day guarantee
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The JamPlay Learning System

Like every JamPlay course, Themes for Compelling Songwriting features world-class instruction and a dynamic learning system to help you succeed quickly.

It's not just videos, and not just downloads. You'll get:

  • Interactive tabs, notation, and fretboard
  • JamTracks for play along practice
  • Ask-a-teacher functionality
  • Speed up, slow down and loop the video
  • Bookmark exact moments in the lesson
  • Note-taking feature
  • 4k video with multiple camera angles
  • Track progress with the progress report
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Meet Aaron Marshall

Aaron Marshall is an independent guitarist and composer from Toronto, Canada, ultimately known by his moniker "Intervals". Since 2011, Aaron has been releasing energetic, guitar-centric compositions that have become a staple in the progressive rock world. Released in 2012, debut album "In Time" created buzz throughout the industry as a statement record, combining djent-style riffs with ear-catching melodies and hooks. Aaron then explored a full 4 member lineup with vocalist for the sophomore release "A Voice Within", before returning back to his instrumental roots for his third release.

His last offering, "The Shape of Colour", is a beautiful example of modernized, instrumental composition. Labeled as a more "honest approach", guitar purists will appreciate the 6-String, Standard-Tuning, "trickless" composition style that only aims to entertain and inspire the listener. This approach is a key reason why his pedigree on the instrument should be both celebrated, and conceptualized by any aspiring guitarist.

Learn the Signature Styles of Aaron Marshall

From chord progressions and melodies, to rhythmic devices and riffs, Aaron will show us that modern guitar music revolves around thought-provoking song writing, written to stand strong for years to come. Learn how to curate elements of a compelling instrumental guitar piece, with an emphasis on effective themes and motifs.

This course is a JamPlay exclusive and cannot be purchased anywhere else. Get instant access with JamPlay Membership or with individual course purchase. This course offers 31 lessons covering 5+ hours of material in step-by-step, digestible presentation.

Lessons in this Course
1

Aaron Marshall Master Course Introduction

JamPlay welcomes instrumental guitarist Aaron Marshall for a comprehensive master course. In this first lesson Aaron discusses what he'll be covering in his master course and what to expect to get out of it.

9:21 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
2

Scale Spectacular

Even though this course centers more around practical guitar player and how to create killer riffs and hooks, Aaron still wants you to have a basic understanding of important scale concepts. This lesson will boost your playing!

9:43 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

3

Introduction to Phrasing

Phrasing is the concept that transforms a guitar player into a musician. You won't be playing notes any longer, but rather making emotional and insightful musical sequences. Aaron talks about how to do it.

17:22 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

4

Ringing Clusters

Aaron loves being able to utilize notes that ring out free and clear. In this lesson he talks about how to spot good areas to achieve this sound, and his thoughts on the technique.

8:36 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

5

Alternate and Economy Picking

Aaron introduces the concepts of economy and alternate picking, as well as demonstrates how these techniques can be used to improve the quality of your phrases and riffs.

11:13 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

6

Introduction to Hybrid Picking

Aaron introduces the concept of hybrid picking and demonstrates how he makes use of it in his music. This is a very useful, very flexible technique that all must know.

11:00 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

7

Arpeggio Groupings

In this video we cover Aaron's top techniques for using arpeggios, including one of the most important aspects of all: how they are goruped.

11:36 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

8

Combining Techniques

In this lesson Aaron walks you through how to combine some of the techniques taught in previous lessons to create a truly memorable riff or lead line. This is where the rubber hits the road!

7:23 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

9

Dissecting a Hook

We've all heard the term hook, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, what makes a good hook. Aaron delves into the topic in this lesson.

8:53 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

10

The Quintessential Intervals Riff

Aaron introduces a riff that he considers a prime exemplification of his work with Intervals. This is the main theme for the song "Touch and Go." He talks about the riff, what makes it special, and gives you some great playing tips.

11:27 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

11

Inspiration 101: Start With a Riff

Lesson 11, Aaron starts to dig in to inspiration. This time you're going to start with a riff. He uses his song Sure Shot as an example.

6:34 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

12

Finding a Melody

Continuing to take a look at his tune Sure Shot, Aaron discusses how to find a melody.

5:59 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

13

Now Where Does My Song Go? Part 1

Now that you've got a little inspiration in the form of a melody and a riff, you might start asking yourself where the song goes from here? Aaron discusses approaches to continued song writing using Sure Shot as an example.

7:14 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

14

Now Where Does My Song Go? Part 2

Lesson 14 continues the discussion on where your song goes after establishing a melody or have riffs to work with.

9:56 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

15

My Song Needs a Chorus!

Using the hook to Sure Shot, Aaron discusses his approach to creating a song chorus.

8:25 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

16

My Chorus Needs a Hook!

One of the biggest components of a meaningful and rememberable chorus is the hook! Aaron Marshall discusses his thought process here using Sure Shot as an example.

6:57 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

17

Limitation

Aaron Marshall discusses creative limitations to help aid in the song writing process. He uses "I'm Awake" as an example.

14:32 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

18

Writing a Hook With One String

Keeping the subject of limitation in mind, Aaron discusses writing a hook utilizing only a single string.

10:51 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

19

Writing a Chorus with Chords in Mind First

Lesson 19 is all about the process of writing a chorus. There are several ways to do so and Aaron first discusses writing the chorus with chords in mind first.

8:22 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

20

Analyzing a Chord Progression for a Melody

If you've ever struggled to come up with a melody that works for a given song, a good path to take is analyzing the chords you're playing over. In lesson 20 Aaron discusses his approach to analyzing a chord progression to create a melody.

11:16 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

21

More on Interesting Progressions

Using his song By Far and Away, Aaron discusses his use of interesting chord progressions.

7:07 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

22

Melody in a Complex Progression

Aaron is once again taking a look at melody from the standpoint of a progression. This time he uses the same exercise in a more complex manner.

10:28 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

23

Writing Arpeggio Based Hooks

One of the quickest ways to create a stellar sounding hook is to make use of Arpeggios. Aaron uses the Intervals song "Black Box" as a way to demonstrate this.

7:51 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

24

Longer Sentence Structure Riffs

These riffs have multiple variations, multiple moving parts and take a bit longer to play. They are worth it though, as they add complexity and zest that you never thought possible. He takes another riff from his song "Black Box" to use as an example.

8:44 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

25

Longer Sentence Structure Riffs Part 2

Aaron further explores the concept of long sentence structure riffs.

10:09 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

26

Moving Riffs Up an Octave

Aaron Marshall once again uses his hit song "Impulsively Responsible" to demonstrate his killer guitar skills. This time around he uses the lead section to demonstrate how to move riffs up an octave. He talks about how and why you would do this.

12:20 Runtime

4.0 Difficulty

27

Putting it All Together

In this lesson Aaron puts together all of the information from the rest of this series in one long, blistering solo from the song "A Different Light." This will expand your musical mind, challenge your fingers and titillate your senses. If you are looking for a challenge, you have just found it.

28:01 Runtime

4.0 Difficulty

28

When Did Aaron Start Playing Guitar?

Aaron Marshall discusses when he starting playing guitar.

10:02 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

29

How Intervals Got Started

Aaron Marshall discusses the origins of his band Intervals.

9:11 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

30

Aaron Marshall's Musical Philosphy

Aaron Marshall discusses his philosophy to music, composing and creating art.

3:54 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

31

Interview: How Did You Get into Guitar Instruction?

Aaron Marshall discusses how he got into guitar instruction and why he feels it's important.

6:45 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty