These are compositions for study. They are chord progressions, with bass, drums and a melody line played on acoustic guitar. Although they are fairly simple in form, there is a fair range of challenge for the player.

 

Where needed, I am providing sheet music, with notation and tab, and a mp3 sound file for each.

 Basically, they can be used in one of three ways:

 

1. Players can work chords with them, as they are “missing” the rhythm guitar. 

 

2. Players can copy the melody that I have provided.

 

3. Players can improvise in pieces where I have created room to do so.

THESE CAN BE REALLY FUN

 

A short guide is provided for each piece.

1. Study in D

The melody in this piece gives the simple chord accompaniment additional harmony. This melody line is not too challenging to play because the phrasing is the same every two measures throughout. Add the simple chord accompaniment or play the melody. After the repeat, the 4 chord progression in the last 2 bars repeats for around two minutes, giving ample time to improvise a solo if desired.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

And the sheet music:

 

 

2. Arpeggio Study in  E Minor

This piece is a good test of one’s ability to play a line that is fairly simple, but well syncopated.  Similarly, a good rhythm accompaniment will be dependent on changing the chords at points that bring out the best in the melody.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

And the sheet music:

 

 

3. Minor Pentatonic Workout

This is  primarily for introducing players to working a minor pentatonic scale over a simple four chord progression.  The notes of the melody riffs are optional. (Backing track only)

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

 

 

And the sheet music:

 

4. Minor Pentatonic Study

This is a variation, to be played over the same rhythm track.

 

 

5.  Open Position Major Scale with I, IV, V

Simple open position scale runs over I,IV,V in G.

 

6. Study in E Major

Good for working a melody line over simple changes, or applying a rhythm guitar track. A 60’s surf/detective show vibe!

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

And the sheet music:

 

 

7. Study in G Major

Great for beginners to practice making smooth open chord changes over a simple melody and backbeat rhythm.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

 

 And the sheet music:

 

 

8. The Horse

Shuffle/swing beat practice using simple open chords.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

 

 And the sheet music:

 

 

9. Waltz

Add the simple chord progression in Waltz (3/4) time.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

And the sheet music:

 

 

10. Power Chord Study

Keep a simple power chord progression steady with the beat.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

And the sheet music:

 

 

 

11. “D” Practice Track (backing track only)

A long track for improvising over various consecutive progressions in D major.

Here is the Mp3 of the backing track:

© 2012 Jim Greenfield