Advanced guitar lessons 

Many guitarists already have years of experience and can technically make good progress in  learning to play a solo or complex rhythm piece on their guitar. They already know some scales and are familiar with some important basic music theory concepts. Yet, they still lack the glue that holds it all together. They want to know which scale to choose over a particular chord and why some  scales or arpeggios sound better over a specific chord color than others. 

Our advanced guitar lessons address this in detail. We use backing tracks and practice pieces that  teach players in a practical way how to effectively apply scales and arpeggios in various musical  situations. This not only develops insight into the theoretical foundation but also fosters a sense of  freedom and creativity in their playing. 

Understanding tonality and modality 

A key component of advanced lessons is understanding the tonality and modality of a song. Tonality refers to the key in which a piece is written, while modality relates to the mood or atmosphere  created by a particular mode, such as Dorian, Phrygian, or Mixolydian. 

By understanding these concepts, guitarists can make choices that are harmonically sound yet still  sound original. In the lessons, we work with examples from a number of music genres. This helps  them not only with improvisation but also with composing their own pieces. 

Numerical chord placement 

Another crucial aspect is numerically placing chords within a given key. Instead of simply  memorizing chord names, players learn to understand the relationships between chords. For  example, a C chord might be numbered as a I chord in the key of C major, while a G7 chord  functions as a V chord. 

This system makes it easier to analyze chord progressions and predict which scales and arpeggios  will sound good over a given progression. It also provides a solid foundation for improvisation, as  players no longer rely solely on memory but understand how chords and scales logically relate to  each other. 

Applying scales and arpeggios 

For advanced guitarists, choosing the correct notes from scales and arpeggios is a core skill.  Lessons cover several approaches: 

• Scale based solos: This involves building a melodic line that flows from the chosen scale.  Players learn how to connect the notes of a scale into flowing, musical phrases and how to  add variations and rhythmic nuances to create an engaging solo. 

• Arpeggio based approach: Instead of building a line solely from a scale, this method  focuses on the individual notes of the underlying chord. This creates solos that closely  reflect the harmonic structure of the song. Lessons teach players how to integrate arpeggios  into melodic lines, how to create smooth transitions between chords, and how to create  tension and release with this approach.  

By practicing these techniques over backing tracks and in different musical styles, guitarists learn  how to vary their choices and develop a distinctive sound.

Structure for your own repertoire 

Many advanced players have a high technical level, but sometimes lack a clear way to build their  own repertoire. In lessons, we provide a structure that allows players to systematically compose  their pieces, practice variations, and ultimately develop their personal style. 

This approach offers two main advantages: firstly, musical ideas can be applied more quickly to real pieces, and secondly, the guitarist can more easily experiment and try out new combinations of  chords, scales and rhythms when they have an underlying source of inspiration to draw upon. 

Developing a unique playing style 

Every guitarist has their own unique sound, articulation, and playing style. Discovering this  personal style is often difficult without guidance. Therefore, in our lessons, we pay close attention  to the player's individual preferences, such as tone, phrasing, and expression. The teacher observes how a player places accents, uses bends, and interprets rhythms, and provides  targeted feedback and exercises to strengthen these qualities. This way, an advanced guitarist can  not only perfect their technique but also develop a recognizable and authentic sound. 

Advanced techniques and articulation 

In the advanced lessons, the focus is on refining advanced techniques such as legato, bending,  vibrato, and dynamic articulation. The goal is to view these technical skills not as isolated tricks,  but as tools that directly contribute to musicality and expression. By integrating these into a natural  playing style, players learn to make their playing more fluid, expressive, and convincing. 

Phrasing and rhythm 

Besides pitch and harmony, rhythm is an essential aspect of advanced guitar playing.  

• Phrasing: how a musical phrase builds and concludes for maximum expression. • Syncopation and rhythmic variation: creating unexpected accents and grooves. 

• Complex rhythmic structures: playing interesting rhythmic patterns suitable for their own playing style. 

Creative improvisation 

Improvisation is perhaps the most challenging aspect of advanced guitar playing. In the lessons my  guitarists learn not only how to form melodic ideas that fit within the harmonic context, but also  how to expand, vary, and shape them in a personal way. 

We focus on constructing musical phrases, recognizing and developing short motifs, and playing  with tension and release. Guitarists learn how to develop small musical ideas into a full solo and  how to respond in the moment to the color and movement of the accompaniment. A key component of this is ear training. By better developing the ear, players can more quickly  recognize chords, intervals, and typical movements in a melody. This makes improvising not only  more natural but also more intuitive: you play more of what you hear and less of what you choose  out of habit or patterns.  

We also look at examples from well-known guitarists. By analyzing their phrasing, timing, and key  choices, players discover how different styles develop their own distinct character. 

Conclusion 

Our advanced guitar lessons are designed not only to improve technical skills but also to further  develop musicality, creativity, and personal style. Through a combination of theory, advanced  techniques, rhythmic expression, and improvisation, players learn how to effectively translate their  musical ideas into a distinctive sound. 

With focused guidance, practice materials, and backing tracks, every advanced guitarist can reach  new heights and elevate their expression which will result in a richer, more personal, and more  musically mature sound!