Modern Guitar - Advanced Concepts by John Connearn

Overview

Modern Guitar - Advanced Concepts is an in-depth course by John Connearn, designed for guitarists looking to push their technical abilities to the next level. Covering a wide range of advanced techniques, this course provides a structured approach to mastering modern guitar playing. Through note-for-note lessons, players will explore intricate lead passages, expressive phrasing, and sophisticated rhythm concepts, all while gaining valuable insights into the mechanics of advanced guitar techniques.

Each lesson focuses on techniques that are widely used by modern guitarists, giving players the ability to execute powerful solos, fluid melodic runs, and tight rhythmic phrasing. Whether you're looking to improve your speed, accuracy, or expression, this course will equip you with the tools necessary to elevate your playing.

Techniques Covered and Their Benefits

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique that enhances picking speed, accuracy, and efficiency. By consistently alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, players can achieve fluidity in fast-paced passages while maintaining articulation and clarity.

Legato

Legato playing involves hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create smooth, connected notes with minimal picking. This technique is essential for executing fast runs with a flowing, vocal-like quality.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking involves rapid alternate picking of a single note, creating a sustained, high-energy effect. This technique is used in various genres to add intensity and drive to solos and riffs.

Two-Handed Tapping

A technique made famous by Eddie Van Halen, two-handed tapping allows players to extend their fretboard reach and execute lightning-fast note sequences. It enhances dexterity and opens up new melodic possibilities.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking enables guitarists to play arpeggios at high speed with precision by using a smooth, raking motion across the strings. It is an essential technique for neoclassical and shred-style playing.

String Bending

String bending is crucial for expressive lead playing, allowing guitarists to manipulate pitch and add vocal-like nuances to their solos. Mastering this technique improves dynamic control and emotive phrasing.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics produce high-pitched, squealing notes that add aggression and excitement to lead lines. They are a signature element in rock and metal guitar playing.

Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another, creating a thick, expressive sound. This technique is a staple in blues, rock, and fusion playing.

Double-Stop Bends

By bending two notes simultaneously, double-stop bends add a harmonised and soulful touch to solos, commonly used in blues and rock styles.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios break chords into individual notes, allowing for melodic and harmonically rich playing. They are useful in lead guitar phrasing and provide a strong foundation for improvisation.

Harmonics

Both natural and artificial harmonics create chime-like tones that enhance dynamic contrast in solos and add unique textures to melodies.

Guitarist Influence and Song Breakdown

John Connearn draws inspiration from some of the most technically proficient guitarists, incorporating techniques and styles reminiscent of players like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, and John Petrucci. These guitarists have redefined modern guitar playing by pushing the boundaries of technique and expression.

Throughout the course, students will encounter exercises and passages inspired by the fluid legato phrasing of Satriani, the precision of Petrucci’s alternate picking, and the creative whammy bar tricks of Vai. By studying these techniques in depth, players will gain a deeper appreciation for advanced guitar concepts and improve their own improvisational and compositional skills.

Guitar Techniques List

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tremolo Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Double-Stop Bends
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics

By mastering these techniques, players will develop greater control, speed, and expressiveness, making Modern Guitar - Advanced Concepts an essential course for any serious guitarist looking to refine their craft.