The Course
Dive into the heart of music theory tailored for the six-string enthusiast with this transformative journey into minor scales. Whether you're a budding strummer or a seasoned shredder, understanding the nuances of these melodic frameworks is key to unlocking emotional depth and complexity in your playing. You'll master the patterns behind the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, while also tackling vital concepts such as relative minor and the circle of fifths. By the end of this course, you’ll not only know your way around the fretboard but also have the tools to craft solos that sing with feeling and construct riffs that resonate with soul.
Expanding your musical vocabulary is more than just a technical exercise—it's the gateway to expressing your musical voice in the colorful language of minor keys. Through practical applications, engaging exercises, and real-world song examples, you’ll learn how to harness the emotive power of minor scales across genres from blues and rock to jazz and beyond. Imagine confidently improvising with bandmates, composing your own haunting melodies, or simply understanding your favorite songs on a deeper level. This is your opportunity to step-up your sonic game and let those minor scales speak volumes on every string and fret.
What you will learn
So, I started this journey with you, the budding guitarist, in mind, meticulously constructing each lesson to break down the concept of minor scales in a way that's super accessible and won't leave you hanging. I remember being in your shoes, plucking those strings and feeling a tad overwhelmed by all the theory. That's why I've made sure this course is packed with practical, hands-on exercises that are organized and progressive—you'll build confidence note by note. Trust me, by the end of our time together, not only will those intricate scales feel like second nature, but you'll also grasp the magic they add to your music, giving you the freedom to express and improvise with ease. You're about to unlock a whole new layer of your guitar-playing potential, and I'm thrilled to be guiding you every step of the way!
What will you learn specifically in this course?
- The music theory behind the minor scale
- How to create minor scales going up the neck and across the neck
- How to play the minor scale in any key anywhere on the neck
- How to play the minor pentatonic scale in any key anywhere on the neck
- How to play the minor chord tones in any key anywhere on the neck
- Great practice techniques for these scales
- Diatonic chords in minor
- the harmonic minor scale
- the melodic minor scale
I've included a copy of my scales book.
- A digital copy (PDF) of my scales book called "Basic Scales A study of the Ionian and Aeolian Scales". The book is 85 pages long and has charts for the following
- major scales all over the neck in all 12 keys
- major pentatonic scales all over the neck in all 12 keys
- major chord tones all over the neck in all 12 keys
- minor scales all over the neck in all 12 keys
- minor pentatonic scales all over the neck in all 12 keys
- minor chord tones all over the neck in all 12 keys
Curriculum
Your instructor
With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, I am Chris Rupp, a dedicated guitar maestro and the creative force behind GuitArmy. My journey through music has been shaped by the prestige of Berklee College of Music, fueling my passion for the instrument. As an instructor, my mission is to bridge the gap between the guitar and the enigmatic world of minor scales, fostering a deep musical understanding in my students. My commitment to guitar education has resonated with a community of aspiring guitarists worldwide, evidenced by my substantial online following and the tens of thousands of lessons I’ve delivered.
Teaching guitar isn't just what I do—it's a core part of who I am. Connecting with students through live Zoom sessions and meticulously crafted online courses, there's a profound joy in guiding each individual along their unique musical journey. Whether you're a novice intrigued by the melodic possibilities of minor scales or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, my aim is to not only instruct but also inspire, channeling my years of experience into helping you unlock your full potential as a musician.