GUEST COLUMNIST:

MIKE SHOUSE

Slippin' & Slidin'


If you are tired of playing the same old scales and 3 note per string runs, sweep arpeggios, monotonous pentatonic riffs, and legato hammer-on/pull-off licks then this might help you create new ideas about moving around the neck.

Ex. 1: This idea incorporates sliding a 2nd interval up or down depending on where you want to go. The next slide starts where the first slide ends with another finger sometimes on another string and sometimes on the same string. Play within the key you are in. If you are not fluent in playing all over the neck using modes then you might want to draw out the notes on a neck diagram to see the frets you would play in that key.

This example is in Mixolydian (B) in the key of E maj. It also includes arpeggios in places. The videos show each section.

Hope this helps you come up with new ideas or ways to transition into things you all ready use.



Ex. 2: This slide moves in third intervals up and down the neck within a scale. This is again in B Mixolydian starting on A. Playing within the scale in the first nine notes and starting on the B (9th fret 4th string) we change to a B major arpeggio, which is easy because we are sliding in third intervals on each string.


Ex. 3: This slide is diatonic moving down one step with the first finger. It is in the key of E minor.


Ex. 4: This example is in E minor and is a good way to transition out of a pentatonic run.


Ex. 5: This starts with a D major arpeggio ending in E Aeolian (minor). Good way to move from high on the neck, transitioning into a new phrase.


Ex. 6: This is another fun lick to transition from high on the neck to low. Starting on D major arpeggio ( added 4) ending in C Lydian in the key of G.


Ex. 7: This uses major and minor arpeggio shapes played on the top three strings. Sliding on the 1st finger on the 3rd string and the 4th finger on the 1st string. First 2 arpeggios are in the key of C and the rest are in the key of G. You can slide farther distances to more distant arpeggio shapes and can also reverse and slide down the neck as well.


Ex. 8: This is one of my favorite high to low transitions in E minor pentatonic. It sounds even cooler when using a wah pedal.


I hope these sliding samples do you some good. Again, mix and match these techniques with other things you all ready do or as transitions between ideas or maybe key changes in a solo.

Mike Shouse has been playing for over 15 years. Attended G.I.T. of Hollywood, CA in 1992. Versed in many aspects of guitar. Favorites are Instrumental Rock, Classical, Flamenco and Blues. Favorite guitarist is Satriani, Vaughan, Malmsteen and Zack Wylde. In 2001 Mike released his debut instrumental CD, “Enter the Soul” on his record label SPEKTRUM PRODUCTIONS. A full time art teacher, composer, part-time actor and indie film producer Mike still finds the time to teach lessons to friends and at a local college. You can check Mike's music and movies out at www.mikeshousemusic.com and at www.foreverinblackhills.com. Email Mike at mike@mikeshousemusic.com