Shred Guitar In 6 Weeks - Week 4

Dive into the exhilarating Week 4 of our "Shred Guitar In 6 Weeks" series. This installment pushes the boundaries of shred guitar mastery, focusing on pivotal techniques that define the genre. From deep dives into the Pentatonic and Blues scales in their fourth position to intricate licks and sequences, including advanced two-handed tapping and natural minor scales, this week's lessons are designed to significantly elevate your guitar playing skills. Also, learn sweep picking exercises and study four licks modeled after the legendary Steve Vai. A backing track accompanies the course, providing a practical framework for applying new skills and enhancing improvisation. This course is taught by Andy James.

Course Overview

Pentatonic and Blues Scales in the Fourth Position

Week 4 emphasizes the Pentatonic and Blues scales in the fourth position, foundational for any guitarist looking to inject emotion and soul into their playing. Mastery of these scales offers new improvisational avenues and solidifies your soloing foundation, allowing for more expressive and resonant performances.

Licks and Sequences with Two-Handed Tapping

Two-handed tapping, a hallmark of modern guitar technique, allows for lightning-fast note sequences and broad fretboard navigation. This week's lessons dissect the essence of two-handed tapping, weaving it into licks and sequences that showcase its potential to elevate your solos. This technique not only broadens your playing range but also introduces new textures and dynamics.

Mastery of Natural Minor Scales and Sequences

The natural minor scale is key for crafting solos that speak volumes, essential in genres requiring nuanced expression. This week, you'll conquer this scale and its sequences, empowering you to create solos with depth and emotional resonance. This understanding is crucial for versatile and impactful guitar playing.

Sweep Picking Mastery

Sweep picking facilitates smooth and swift arpeggio play, a staple in the shred guitarist's toolkit. Through focused exercises, this week polishes your sweep picking technique, ensuring each note rings clear and true. This skill dramatically enhances your soloing technique, enabling fluid chord and arpeggio transitions.

Emulating Steve Vai's Signature Licks

Steve Vai's innovative and skillful playing is unparalleled. This course segment meticulously analyzes four licks that capture Vai's unique style, embedding his inventive techniques into your repertoire. Studying these licks not only sharpens your technique but also expands your creative horizons, tapping into the creative spirit of a guitar maestro.

The Advantage of Practicing with a Backing Track

Incorporating a backing track into practice sessions offers numerous advantages. It improves your rhythm, timing, and ability to improvise in a real-world context, simulating the experience of ensemble play. This prepares you for live performance scenarios and enriches your jamming experience, making it a critical component of the learning process.

Featured Guitar Techniques of the Course

• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking

Week 4 of the "Shred Guitar In 6 Weeks" series is an immersive journey into shred guitar techniques, meticulously crafted to transform your playing. By exploring the Pentatonic and Blues scales, mastering two-handed tapping, delving into natural minor scales, and sweep picking, coupled with the study of Steve Vai's licks and the practical application over a backing track, this course is set to refine your guitar skills and musical expressiveness. Seize this chance to broaden your guitar virtuosity.