Pedal tone etude 1 (free)

This free etude will teach you one of the most essential techniques in neoclassical guitar playing, the pedal tone technique, also known as pivoting. It is a technique used by players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Jason Becker, and it goes all the way back to Bach, Vivaldi and Handel.

In this etude you will work with the circle of fifths (chord progression), arguably the most important chord progression in classical music. The chords Bm, Em, A, D, G, C#m7b5 and F# will take you through a classic B minor progression that sounds both dramatic and musical.

Along the way you will develop your alternate picking, including both inside and outside picking, your ability to count and feel eighth notes, and your understanding of how melodic phrases work against a moving chord progression.

This is not just an exercise, it's a real piece of music that will push your technique and your musicality at the same time. Whether you are new to neoclassical playing or looking to sharpen your skills, this etude gives you something concrete to work on and a clear direction to grow.

Download it for free!



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