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Topic: Getting Started Playing Jazz on 6 string Eharp tuning |
Bill McCloskey
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Posted 14 Dec 2020 9:16 am |
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Most people are initially daunted by a 10 string tuning like the Eharp. Add to that the fact that most lap steelers play 6 or 8 strings, and it can be hard to commit to both purchasing a new instrument and learning a new tuning.
But the Eharp tuning was designed to be initially learned and taught on a 6 string guitar. The top 6 strings have an incredible wealth of harmonic and melodic possibilities.
When learning a new jazz standard, I find it very beneficial to limit myself to just the top 6 strings and just the chord tones available on the first 4 frets.
Here is something you can try for yourself. If you play A6, you are already half way there and will only have to swap out the bottom 3 strings.
Take a six string and tune it (bottom to top) G G# A B C# E. Below are some basic grips.
I'm currently working on the Sonny Rollins tune Doxy. The first thing I do is map out all the chord tones on the top 6 strings and I focus on just the first 4 frets. This gives me a nice basis to improvise from, playing only chord tones in a limited portion of the fretboard.
EXAMPLE: Here are all the chord tones for Doxy on the top 6 strings, first 4 frets.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=108632474443496&set=a.106733724633371
And if you want to improvise over Doxy, here is a nice slow backing track https://youtu.be/kVR2QXl_wog
Just string up a six string, put on the backing track and play just the chord tones listed for each chord.
You will be playing jazz even if you never played jazz before. |
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Travis Brown
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2020 10:29 am
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I have to say it took me a bit to understand that. I couldn't see the first one (my screen is too small), and the fact that you only list 5 strings on the second chart threw me off!
Once I figured it out, I can see where it would be helpful and frankly mastering one position like that is a study technique I really should use more. I guess I tend to "cheat" and move around the neck. |
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Bill McCloskey
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Posted 15 Dec 2020 11:06 am
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| Actually, there should be 6 strings. I find limiting your study to small sections of the neck ( I do frets 1-4, 5-8, 9-12) and learning all the chord changes on just those sections really opens up your improv abilities. |
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