Another Newbie Question

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 21 Dec 2005 3:52 am

Hi All
I have just joined the forum having had my WBS Student PSG for 3 weeks.

I can play chords,and do simple stuff based around the chords,playing along to things like, I Love You Because,but my question is,can someone recommend a simple song that I could learn how to play the melody line to.
I really need to learn when to use the Pedals etc, and I think this way would suit my way of learning.

I have played 6 string for 45 years,so I know a little about chord progressions,it's just remembering and practising where the chords are.

Thanks

Alan

Alan Cook · Post by **Alan Cook** » 21 Dec 2005 4:13 am

Hi Alan

You need to learn your harmonised scales start simple using strings 5&6 or 3&5 then find an easy melody using that scale. Jeff Newmans Just Play The Melody course is good but as a starter I would go for the Up From The Top Courses by Jeff. Or I could do you a lession I am based in Manchester. www.alancook.net my email is on the site.

Good luck

Alan

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 21 Dec 2005 4:31 am

Welcome, Alan.

I have enjoyed playing traditional melodies like Shenandoah, Wild Mountain Thyme. 'Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair' also comes to mind.
With certain historic tunes, the melody stands alone, yet allow playing in a chorded style, trying to get the melody to stand out.

Mike Ester · Post by **Mike Ester** » 21 Dec 2005 7:12 am

Howdy, Alan.

Welcome, from Texas

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2005 Carter S12U 7x5, Peavey Session 400 Limited Wedge, Goodrich L120

Dean Edwards · Post by **Dean Edwards** » 21 Dec 2005 7:18 am

ALAN,
DOWNLOAD DOUG BEAUMIER'S CHRISTMAS SONGS
POSTED UNDER "TABLATURE"
DEAN[This message was edited by Dean Edwards on 21 December 2005 at 07:22 AM.]

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 21 Dec 2005 7:34 am

"Blue Spanish Eyes" is an easy slow song. You probably know it from memory.

You can use a harmonised scale all the way through until you reach that "odd" chord.
If you listen carefully, you wil hear when to use pedals and when not.

In the key of C, start on fret3, strings 5&6, pedals A&B down.
Then move to fret 6, no pedals,same strings.
Then move to fret 8, no pedals, 5&6.
etc. You get the picture.

Good Luck
[This message was edited by Peter on 21 December 2005 at 10:11 AM.]

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 21 Dec 2005 7:37 am

Hi Mike
Thanks for the welcome,it's nice to know Newbies are not ignored.

Dean,Hi

Got 2 songs from your suggestion,thanks.

Guess I need to learn how to read Tab now.

Alan

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WBS STUDENT PEAVEY 400 LTD QUADRAVERB 2

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 21 Dec 2005 8:29 am

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply,that's just what I was after,something to get me started.

Yes,I do know Spanish Eyes,used to play it when I was in a band many moons ago.

Any one got any more examples like this please?

Thanks

Alan

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WBS STUDENT - PEAVEY SESSION 400 LTD - QUADRAVERB 2

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 21 Dec 2005 10:09 am

Alan, there are a couple of different ways to play the same thing on a PSG.
(Lloyd Green suggested to try and find at least 3 different ways to play the same thing).

In my example above, you were starting on fret 3, which is the G position with NO pedals.
However, if you have the AB pedals down, you are in the key of C on fret 3.
Using 2 strings only, you work your way up the fretboard, with or without AB pedals, finding the melody.

Now.......

You can also play the exact same melody harmonised notes starting on fret 8 (C position).
Start with no pedals.
Fret 8, strings 6&8, no pedals.
Fret 9, strings 6&8, with F lever. (raises string 4&8 a half tone)
Fret 11, strings 6&8, with F lever. (raises string 4&8 a half tone)
and so on... finding the harmonised melody.

Or.....

You can also play the exact same melody harmonised notes starting on fret 1 (F position).
Start with the E lever engaged (lowers string 4&8 a half tone).
Fret 1, strings 4&5, with E lever.
Fret 1, strings 4&5, pedal A down, no E lever.
Fret 3, strings 4&5, pedal A down, no E lever.

That will keep you busy for a while.
Try to recognise the patterns.
And try to remember the starting positions and pedal combinations.
[This message was edited by Peter on 21 December 2005 at 10:11 AM.]

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 21 Dec 2005 11:02 am

Alan,
Check out the simple "Danny Boy" on the teaching pages at my website. There is an MP3 example and PDF tab. Let me know if it works for you.

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Bob
My Website