"a" – annular finger (ring finger). As used for identifying the right hand fingers in fingerpicking patterns.
Accent – a sign, L used to indicate a predominant note or beat.
Accidental – a sign used to show a temporary change in pitch of a note (i.e., sharp #, flat b, double sharp !, double flat bb, or natural @). The sharps or flats in a key signature are not regarded as accidentals.
Additional notes – a note not belonging to a given scale, but can be used for improvising against most notes in a progression without sounding out of key.
Ad lib – to be played at the performer’s own discretion.
Allegretto – moderately fast.
Allegro – fast and lively.
Anacrusis – a note or notes occurring before the first bar of music (also called "lead-in" notes).
Andante – an easy walking pace.
Arpeggio – the playing of a chord in single note fashion.
Bar – a division of music occurring between two bar lines (also called a "measure").
Bar chord – a chord played with one finger lying across all six strings.
Bar line – a vertical line drawn across the staff which divides the music into equal sections called bars.
Bass – the lower regions of pitch in general. On keyboard, the notes to the left of the keyboard.
Bend – a technique which involves pushing a string upwards (or downward), which raises the pitch of the fretted note being played.
Blues Scale – consisting of the I, bIII, IV, bV, V and bVII notes relative to the major scale.
Capo – a device placed across the neck of a guitar to allow a key change without alteration of the chord shapes.
Chord – a combination of three or more different notes played together.
Chord progression – a series of chords played as a musical unit (e.g., as in a song).
Chromatic scale – a scale ascending and descending in semitones.
e.g., C chromatic scale:
Clef – a sign placed at the beginning of each staff of music which fixes the location of a particular note on the staff, and hence the location of all other notes, e.g.:
Coda – an ending section of music, signified by the sign v.
Common time – and indication of * time – four quarter note beats per bar (also indicated by Q)
Compound time – occurs when the beat falls on a dotted note, which is thus divisible by 3, e.g.: ) _ +
D.C al fine – a repeat from the beginning to the word "fine".
Dot – a sign placed after a note indicating that its time value is extended by a half, e.g.:
Double Bar Line – two vertical lines close together, indicating the end of a piece, or section thereof.
Double Flat – a sign ( bb ) which lowers the pitch of a note by one tone.
Double Sharp – a sign ( ! ) which raises the pitch of a note by one tone.
D.S. al fine – a repeat from the sign (indicated thus V ) to the word "fine".
Duration – the time value of each note.
Dynamics – the varying degrees of softness (indicated by the term "piano") and loudness (indicated by the term "forte") in music.
Eighth note – a note with the value of half a beat in * time, indicated thus 5 (also called a quaver). The eighth note rest, indicating half a beat of silence is written:j
Enharmonic – describes the difference in notation, but not in pitch, of two notes, e.g.:
Format – a sign,?, used to indicate that a note or chord is held to the player’s own discretion (also called a "pause sign").
Fill in – a short lead riff played between one line of a lyric and the next, or between one verse and the next.
First and second endings – signs used where two different endings occur. On the first time through ending one is played (indicated by the bracket Z); then the progression is repeated and ending two is played (indicated X).
Flat – a sign, (b) used to lower the pitch of a note by one semitone.
Form – the plan or layout of a song, in relation to the sections it contains, e.g., binary form, containing an "A" section and a "B" section (AB).
Ternary form, containing an A section and a B section, and then a repeat of the A section (ABA). The verse/chorus relationship in songs is an example of form.
Forte – loud. Indicated by the sign f.
Free stroke – where the finger, after picking the string, does not come to rest on any other string (as used in fingerpicking.
Half note – a note with the value of two beats in * time, indicated thus: 1 (also called a minim). The half note rest, indicating two beats of silence, is written: g ← third staff line.
Hammer on – sounding a note by using only the left hand fingers (also called a "slur").
Harmonics – a chime like sound created by lightly touching a vibrating string at certain points along the fret board.
Harmony – the simultaneous sounding of two or more different notes.
"i" – index finger. As used for identifying the right hand fingers in fingerpicking patterns.
Improvise – to perform spontaneously, i.e., not from memory or from a written copy.
Interval – the distance between any two notes of different pitches.
Key – describes the notes used in a composition in regards to the major or minor scale from which they are taken; e.g., a piece "in the key of C major" describes the melody, chords, etc., as predominantly consisting of the notes, C, D, E, F, G, A, and B – i.e., from the C scale.
Key signature – a sign, placed at the beginning of each stave of music, directly after the clef, to indicate the key of a piece. The sign consists of a certain number of sharps or flats, which represent the sharps or flats found in the scale of the piece’s key. e.g.:
indicates a scale with F# and C#, which is D major; D E F# G A B C# D. Therefore the key is D major (or its relative minor, Bm).
Lead-In – same as anacrusis (also called a pick-up).
Ledger lines – small horizontal lines upon which notes are written when their pitch is either above or below the range of the staff, e.g.,
Legato – smoothly, well connected.
Lyric – words that accompany a melody.
"m" – middle finger. As used for identifying the right hand fingers in fingerpicking patterns.
Major Pentatonic Scale – a 5 tone scale based on the interval sequence, T, T, T½ , T, T½ .
Major scale – a series of eight notes in alphabetical order based on the interval sequence tone - tone - semitone - tone - tone - tone - semitone, giving the familiar sound do re mi fa so la tai do.
Melody – a succession of notes of varying pitch and duration, and having a recognizable musical shape.
Metronome – a device which indicates the number of beats per minute, and which can be adjusted in accordance to the desired tempo.
e.g., MM (Maelzel Metronome) 3 = 60 – indicates 60 quarter note beats per minute.
Minor Pentatonic Scale – a 5 tone scale based on the interval sequence, T½ , T, T, T½ , T.
Mode – a displaced scale, e.g., playing through the C to C scale, but starting and finishing on the D note.
Moderato – at a moderate pace.
Modulation – the changing of key within a song (or chord progression).
Natural – a sign (@) used to cancel out the effect of a sharp or flat. The word is also used to describe the notes A, B, C, D, E, F and G; e.g., "the natural notes".
Notation – the written representation of music, by means of symbols (music on a staff), letters (as in chord and note names) and diagrams (as in chord illustrations.)
Note – a single sound with a given pitch and duration.
Octave – the distance between any given note with a set frequency, and another note with exactly double that frequency. Both notes will have the same letter name;
Open chord – a chord that contains at least one open string.
"p" – primary finger (thumb). As used for identifying the right hand fingers in fingerpicking patterns.
Passing note – connects two melody notes which are a third or less apart. A passing note usually occurs on an unaccented beat of the bar.
Phrase – a small group of notes forming a recognizable unit within a melody.
Pivot finger – a finger which remains in position while the other fingers move, when changing chords.
Pitch – the sound produced by a note, determined by the frequency of the string vibrations. The pitch relates to a note being referred to as "high" or "low".
Plectrum – a small object (often of a triangular shape) made of plastic which is used to pick or strum the strings of a guitar.
Position – a term used to describe the location of the left hand on the fret board. The left hand position is determined by the fret location of the first finger, e.g.,
The 1st position refers to the 1st to 4th frets. The 3rd position refers to the 3rd to 6th frets and so on.
Quarter note – a note with the value of one beat in * time, indicated thus 3 (also called a crotchet). The quarter note rest, indicating one beat of silence, is written:h.
Relative – a term used to describe the relationship between a major and minor key which share the same key signature, e.g., G major and E minor are relative keys both sharing the F# key signature.
Repeat signs – in music, used to indicate a repeat of a section of music, by means of two dots placed before a double bar line:
In chord progressions, a repeat sign C, indicates an exact repeat of the previous bar.
Rest – the notation of an absence of sound in music.
Rest stroke – where the finger, after picking the string, comes to rest on the next string (for accenting the note).
Rhythm – the note after which a chord or scale is named (also called "key note").
Riff – a pattern of notes that is repeated throughout a progression (song).
Root note – the note after which a chord or scale is named (also called "key note").
Scale Tone Chords – chords which are constructed from notes within a given scale.
Semitone – the smallest interval used in conventional music. On guitar, it is a distance of one fret.
Sharp – a sign (#) used to raise the pitch of a note by one semitone.
Simple time – occurs when the beat falls on an undotted note, which is thus divisible by two.
Sixteenth note - a note with the value of a quarter of a beat in * time, indicated as such 0 (also called a semiquaver).
The sixteenth note rest, indicating a quarter of a beat of silence, is written: k
Slide – a technique which involves a finger moving along the string to its new note. The finger maintains pressure on the string, so that a continuous sound is produced.
Slur – sounding a note by using only the left hand fingers. (An ascending slur is also called a "hammer on"; a descending slur is also called a "pull off.")
Staccato – to play short and detached. Indicated by a dot placed above or below the note:x
Staff – five parallel lines together with four spaces, upon which music is written.
Syncopation – the placing of an accent on a normally unaccented beat. e.g.:
Tablature – a system of writing music which represents the position of the player’s fingers (not the pitch of the notes, but their position on the guitar). A chord diagram is a type of tablature. Notes can also be written using tablature thus:
each line represents a string, and each number represents a fret.
Tempo – the speed of a piece.
Tie – a curved line joining two or more notes of the same pitch, where the second note(s) is not played, but its time value is added to that of the first note.
In example two, the first note is held for seven counts.
Timbre – a quality which distinguishes a note produced on one instrument from the same note produced on any other instrument (also called "tone co lour"). A given note on the guitar will sound different (and therefore distinguishable) from the same pitched note on piano, violin, flute etc. There is usually also a difference in timbre from one guitar to another.
Time signature – a sign at the beginning of a piece which indicates, by means of figures, the number of beats per bar (top figure), and the type of note receiving one beat (bottom figure).
Tone – a distance of two frets, i.e., the equivalent of two semitones.
Transposition – the process of changing music from one key to another.
Treble – the upper regions of pitch in general.
Treble clef – a sign placed at the beginning of the staff to fix the pitch of the notes placed on it. The treble clef (also called "G clef") is placed so that the second line indicates as G note:
Tremolo (pick motion) – a technique involving rapid pick movement on a given note.
Triplet – a group of three notes played in the same time as two notes of the same kind.
Eighth note triplet
Vibrato – a technique which involves pushing a string up and down, like a rapid series of short bends.
Whole note – a note with the value of four beats in * time, indicated thus f ← 4th staff line.
Progressive Scales and Modes for Guitar
For Beginner to Advanced
Progressive Scales and Modes gives the student a complete system for learning any scale, mode or chord and makes it easy to memorize any new sound as well as building a solid visual and aural foundation of both the theory and the guitar fretboard. The book also shows you how to use each scale as well as how and why it fits with a particular chord or progression. The final section contains jam along progressions for every scale and mode presented in the book.
Progressive Jazz Lead Guitar Method
Beginner to Intermediate
A great introduction to Jazz lead guitar playing. Demonstrates all the essential rhythms, scales, modes and arpeggios needed to become a good Jazz player. Also deals with playing over chord changes, improvising and Blues playing. Each new technique or concept is consolidated with at least one full-length solo.
Progressive Lead Guitar Licks
For Beginner to Advanced
Features over 110 licks incorporating the styles and techniques used by the world’s best lead guitarists. Covers Rock, Blues, Metal, Country, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rockabilly, Slide and Fingerpicking. Several solos are included to fully show how the licks and techniques can be used to create a lead guitar solo. The emphasis in this volume is to provide a vast variety of music styles to enable you to fit in with any music or recording situation. All licks are clearly notated using standard music notation and "Easy Read" guitar tab.
Progressive Rock Guitar Licks
For Intermediate to Advanced
This book may be used by itself or as a useful supplement to Progressive Rock Guitar Technique. The licks throughout the book are examples of how the most popular lead guitar patterns can be used in all positions on the fretboard, and how various techniques can be applied to each pattern. Several Rock guitar solos are included to fully show how the licks and techniques studied throughout the book can be used to create a solo.
Progressive Slide Guitar Technique
For Beginner to Advanced
A comprehensive, easy to follow guide, introducing all the important techniques required to play slide guitar. Including: damping, fretting, sliding, vibrato, slide scales and open tunings. Concentrates on the use of slide in modern Rock and Blues styles. This book is particularly useful to modern guitar players who wish to incorporate slide into an electric Rock and Blues style. Contains many techniques, licks and solos as well as valuable information on types of slides and guitars as well as setting up a guitar for slide playing.
Progressive Metal Guitar
Beginner to Advanced
Covers all the basics of Metal guitar playing in a clear, easy to follow method. Covers both rhythm and lead and introduces essential techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends and tapping. Also demonstrates essential scales, chords, rhythms and timing, along with theory as it relates to metal guitar playing. Contains lots of great sounding licks and solos and many classic metal sounds.
Progressive Blues Guitar Solos
Intermediate to Advanced
Contains a great selection of Blues solos in a variety of styles reflecting the whole history of the Blues tradition from early Delta Blues to contemporary Blues Rock. Demonstrates various methods of creating solos along with sections on vocal style phrasing, call and response, developing a theme, dynamics and the use of space. Many of the solos are written in the styles of Blues legends like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, BB, Albert and Freddy King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Peter Green, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Progressive Funk and R&B Guitar Technique
Intermediate to Advanced
Covers a range of exciting chord sounds essential to Funk, along with the Dorian and Mixolydian modes and the use of harmonic intervals such as 6ths, 3rds, 4ths, octaves and tritones. Also features a thorough study of rhythms and right hand techniques such as percussive strumming and string muting. A range of Funk styles are examined, as well as some great Soul and R&B sounds.
Progressive Guitar Chords
For Beginner to Advanced Guitarists
Shows you every useful chord shape in every key. An open chord section for beginners contains the simplest and most widely used chord shapes in all keys. A bar chord section for the semi-advanced player who will need a thorough knowledge of bar chord shapes in all positions. A section for the advanced player listing the movable shapes for chords widely used by Jazz guitarists. Other sections contain important music theory for the guitarist including scales, keys and chord construction.
Progressive Country Guitar Technique
For Intermediate Guitarists
This book continues on from Progressive Country Guitar Method. More basic chords are covered such as Major Sixth, Minor Seventh, Major Seventh, Augmented and Diminished. This book introduces triplet rhythms, rhythm rests and staccato strumming. The most common Bar chords are also studied and several Country lead guitar patterns and techniques are featured.
