Answers To Your Questions:
Do you have a question? Email us, or leave it in the comments below this video and I’ll try to answer those that may be helpful for others too. Here’s a short video with a question from Del and Bonnie.
Del wanted to know how to figure out the key of a song that has already started. I suggest making sure the instruments lead out so the songs will be in the same key as the music. If that isn’t possible, then ear training and knowing guitar music theory will definitely help.
He is also asking about playing without looking at the sheet music. That happens when you ‘own’ a song… when you’ve played it so much you no longer need the music. Again, knowing guitar music theory will be helpful here too since you’ll actually understand the relationship of the chords to the song.
Bonnie wanted to know about transposing songs… Anyone can learn how to transpose songs, but in the short term I suggest asking the pianist for the chords she might modulate to just to have them written out on your music.
What questions do you have about playing the guitar?
Is there any “general rule” to apply when changing keys mid song? I have a pretty good ear and I can listen to 90% of music and determine the key and chords. But when changing keys, it’s often hard to hear the chord or chords being used for the transition. No problem determining what the new key is, but the change can be difficult to hear properly. Sometimes it sounds as if one chord is used; other times no chord is used and sometimes there’s a couple of chords used. I’m wondering if there is a general rule that can be applied, such as what chord numbers can be used and if they should be minor’s, seventh’s or whatever. I know music must resolve itself as far as tension and bringing it back to “rest” where the tension is released. This is one of – if not the biggest problems I face in listening to music and learning the chords. Thanks.
Bob, Thanks for your question. Yes there are ‘general rules’ when transitioning to a new key. Our ears like the resolution from V7 to I. Say you are in the key of ‘D’ and want to transition up to the key of ‘E’ in the middle of the song… playing the ‘B7’ chord as a bridge to the new key helps to make it a very smooth transition. There are several different variations that work too. Another very common one is to play the ‘II’ ‘V7’ ‘I’ or just ‘V’ ‘V7’ ‘I’. This would be the chords of the new key you are moving to. Does this help?
I would like to purchase play along DVD’s featuring traditional hymns showing tabulature on screen. I have purchased your instructional DVD set and now would like to just play along without having to fast forward over the instruction portion.
Donald… thanks for your input. I was planning on adding video lessons of songs that people want to learn. What traditional hymns are you most interested in?
I currently play Wayfaring Stranger, For God so Loved the World, Yesterday Today & Tomorrow, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Oh When The Saints, Do Lord, Farther Along, Softly and Tenderly, Count Your Blessings, Holy Holy Holy, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Now Thank We All Our God, Oh God Our Help in Ages Past, Open My Eyes That I May See, Take Time To Be Holy, Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart, Precious Lord, How Great Thou Art, My God is Real, God Our King, Did You Stop To Pray This Morning, Let There be Praise, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Lord Oh Lord We Need You, Great is the Lord, All Things Bright And Beautiful, Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow, How Gentle God’s Commands, God Loves You and Me, Just As I Am, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, Ain’t My Brother Or My Sister, The Messiah Will Come Again (Roy Buchanan), Amazing Grace on keyboard, electric bass and/or electric guitar. I also play and enjoy My God and Personal Jesus on Rock Band 3 (voice, drums, keyboard, bass and guitar).
I was not requesting instructional DVDs. I am requesting play along DVDs featuring traditional hymns with chord changes and/or tabulature. I have unsuccessfully requested more wholesome content from Harmonix (Rock Band 3), Ubisoft (Rocksmith)and Gibson (Guitar Apprentice). I have also unsuccessfully requested wholesome play along DVDs from Hal Leonard, Mel Bay and The Gaithers. The music/gaming industry is huge and unfortunately mostly secular. You have the opportunity to fill a wholesome market niche.
Thanks Donald. I’ll check into this. My thought was to make repertoire videos with song playing tips at the end.
That sounds great. I will buy them.
🙂