PRESENCE - Volume 1
Inspiration For Guitarists
Welcome to my newsletter, Presence! My aim is simple: to share insights and techniques that have helped me grow as a musician, offering something valuable for players at every stage of their journey.
I want to share a simple tip that has been really helpful for many of my students.
For most of us when we learn a scale shape (for example this shape of the A minor/C Major pentatonic Scale), we learn it across all of the strings. This often leads to trying to play across all of the strings and play lines that go up and down the scale in a not-so-musical way.
Try This Instead
Take the scale shape and try to visualize it in smaller 2 string, or 3 string mini-shapes like in the diagrams below. By “limiting” yourself to 4-6 notes, this will often inspire more musical phrases.
Try improvising with these mini-shapes over the Backing Track above. Play several phrases with one 2 or 3 string grouping before moving on to another one.
What’s New
I’m currently working on two exciting courses: one focused on the Pentatonic scale and another on the CAGED system. These courses are designed to help you unlock the fretboard and expand your understanding of how scales, chords, and melodies intersect. Stay tuned for updates—I can’t wait to share them with you!
As always, thank you for being a part of this journey with me. If you have questions or topics you'd love to see covered in future newsletters, reply to this email and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to connecting ideas and notes, one fret at a time. 🎸
– Dustin
Click below to book a personalized one-on-one session to work on this or anything that you would like to explore.