Speaking of Harmony

On this episode I address a question by a follower: Should I use a capo on my guitar? I do address the question, weighting the convenience of using one versus the advantages of not using one, the creative freedom and the exploration path one can take by not using one right away. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about the steel string guitar and how sonically different it is compared to the nylon acoustic. I talk about the different sonic opportunities one might be able to output from such an instrument and I do show a few things I personally play on such guitar. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about a particular aspect of playing guitar grooves (specially the Brazilian grooves): tight, short figured and rhythmically groovy vs harmonic lush, open string/harmony oriented. These two approaches can be mixed up in a song or applied separately according to the scenario - Solo vs ensemble, 2 harmony instruments together, etc etc. Different settings will call for a specific approach, but it often suggests a mix of both, according to the song structure and character. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about a pretty particular technique: The Slap. I show how I frequently use it, show the different scenarios and applications of this technique. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about another awesome groove - The Partido Alto. A great sub set of samba that has a very particular rhythmic outline. I show the basics of the groove, a few other variations and how it sounds when one combines it with samba and samba-funk over a song. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about this famous groove: Samba Funk. I show where it came from, the basics and its applications. Enjoy!

30 episodes! Wow, that's overwhelming.. Thank you SO MUCH for following me along on this series.. In this video I'm trying to sum up all I have been talking about and sharing for the last 30 episodes - I use one song as an example (Meditation, by Jobim) to show examples of most of the concepts I have been exposing. Enjoy, and here's to many more episodes!

In this episode I show 6 of my mostly used samba grooves. I show how specific they are and the best scenarios to apply them. Enjoy!

In this episode, another highly requested, I talk about the basic differences between Samba and Bossa Nova - their similarities and their particular perks. Enjoy!

In this episode I tackle a recurring question: How do you deal with phrasing and accents in Brazilian music? I talk about the different approaches one must have when phrasing over Brazilian rhythms as opposed to jazz and bebop common language. I explain in detail what kind of framework you should be on, in order to become fluent in the language and to use proper accents and phrasing within that music. Enjoy!