More FFCP: chromatic shifts

[Ted Eschliman]

If you can get around pedantic phrases like "descending and ascending chromatic tonal centers" and are a fan of the FFcP approach to unraveling the fretboard, we've introduced a fifth installment to this system. Even if you have no regard for its music theory aspects, this a terrific tone builder and dexterity drill.

Read the article: Working Chromatic Descending and Ascending Tonal Centers (http://jazzmando.com/ffcp_and_chromatic_mastering.shtml)

Skip the article and just pick: Chromatic Mastering PDF (http://jazzmando.com/ChromaticMastering.pdf) (large file, 461 kb)

[swinginmandolins]

I would like to once again thank you Ted for all the time you spend on bringing us all resources to better our playing. I've been seeing small changes since I started using FFCP's a couple of years ago, but the latest installments have been really taking my improv skills up a notch. Yes folks it's worth the "pain" for the reward! I can't wait to dig into this one. Thanks again Ted!

[freshlyplucked]

Hello Ted,

I also feel it's time for another round of thanks to you for the invaluable help these free lessons have been to me. #Picking up mandolin at the age of 32 (almost 2 years ago), #I was concerned about how slow and/or limited my progress would be.

One of my concerns was inflexible, slow fingers. #I was lucky enough#to work concrete for a little over a decade, #and jackhammering, finishing concrete, and frequent minor hand injuries took their toll. #I have been warming up with the Super FFcP patterns since you gifted us with them, and the results are happily exceeding my expectations. Stretch and sensitivity continue to increase, and at this point I'm willing to believe the sky's the limit! #For this reason, I have fondly dubbed it my Super Four Finger Calisthenics Program.

Another concern was theory. #I played saxaphone from 5th grade until the age of 19, and my biggest frustration was a seeming inability to understand theory on anything other than an abstract, intellectual level. #I just couldn't connect to it, and therefore never delved in very deep. #One of the things that excited me about mandolin as I began playing was the ability to see all those interlocking patterns laid out on a fretboard. #FFcP has expanded my understanding by starting the theory at the fingertips and letting it naturally travel upwards to the brain. #.....ok, that sounds wierd, but it's the way my brain told me to say it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif # I also found a theory book I really like(finally!), and it feels like all those patterns and possibilities are now soaking in from two directions-
# # # # # # # # #intellect---->musical happy place<----fingertips

Anyhoo, just felt a need to spout off. #I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, and I'm really looking forward to it. #Bring on the book!

-I have no financial interest or connection to Ted, unless he starts giving free one-on-one lessons to people who say good things about him, in which case I am very interested. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Peace,
Dylan

[Ted Eschliman]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Terry, thanks for the private mention of a couple mistakes in the 1st two measures and 9th & 10th. I corrected the tab on these yesterday to reflect appropriate frets last night.

[montgomeryi]

Hey, Dylan, what's the theory book you've found?

[freshlyplucked]

The book is called Harmony and Theory - link here Harmony and Theory- Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0793579910/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-8409170-0586537#reader-link)#. #I like the way the information is presented- it builds logically, and has enough meat to it to keep me busy for years. #Hope ya like it!

[groveland]

Hey Ian -

You didn't ask, but I have a recommendation... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Ever read Mark Levine's The Jazz Theory Book? Chapter 3 (Chord/Scale Theory) and 13 (Basic Reharmonization) in particular put it all in perspective, IMHO. Levine plays down his contribution: "Almost everything I learned about chords and scales was from Herb Pomeroy... who was THE THEORY GURU AT BERKLEE for about 40 years... its their own teacher's theory."

Sure, it has a jazz focus, but I think the message applies to every player.

[freshlyplucked]

Ohboyohboy, looking up that book as soon as I finish this reply! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Ian, if you are going to get one book, follow Mr. Groveland's recommendation. #I am working with his software right now Mando ModeExplorer (http://www.grovelandsoftwarelabs.com/modeexplorerweb/home/MandoModeExplorer.aspx), and I can tell you, he knows his theory! #I am actually finding ModeExplorer to be a useful companion to my theory book- #I can put theory into practice on the fretboard, and the related options (scales, chords) that ME presents are enough to keep me busy and happy forever. #Meaty, meaty program. (I wonder when meaty became my favorite complimentary adjective? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif )

-I have no financial interest in or connection to the products I am raving about.


Peace-
Dylan

[montgomeryi]

Yes, Mando ModeExplorer is great stuff and he's been very helpful outside of his great software too. I just wish he'd develop software that could get my fingers moving the right way!