This made music MUCH Easier

If I were to say the words, "Circle of Fourths" or "Circle of Fifths" you'd probably be halfway asleep by the time the words finished leaving my mouth. But, this is THE MOST important tool we have to visualize how music actually works. From Miles Davis to John Mayer to Gloria Gaynor let's use...

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I HATED FRFR until I learned this...

An Audio Professor once told me, "All speakers suck- it's just to what extent." At the time, I had no idea what he meant, but after years of guitar playing, tone hunting, audio snobbery, and a healthy amount of gear acquisition syndrome I also found that to be true. And there is no other type of...

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Make your own foot switch!

Here's a fun DIY project that is incredibly practical. This simple switch can be used for a myriad of functions and if you saw my last video on Fractal switches, you'll know that I like using this as a "Stand-in Switch." If you are feeling crafty, make one too! Here's the parts list...

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You need to check out this Mark Knopfler lick!

It seems like Mark Knopfler is always full of musical surprises every time I listen to him. In today's "A Closer Look" I break down a single phrase with many layers, and I discuss what we can all learn beyond just the notes...

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How to use PEQ

Parametric EQ is fantastic for polishing and fine-tuning guitar tones, but it’s less of a guitar effect and more of a pro-audio tool, which can be confusing. In today’s video I will share with you my personal strategies for using parametric EQ.

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DON'T make this big mistake with modes

Modes are an often confusing topic. Not only do we feel the need to learn them because someone on the internet said we should, but when we do learn them, they are taught in such a way that doesn't make much sense. If your first lessons with modes read "Learn Modes on the Guitar" or was...

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The Secret to Hendrix's Rhythm Style

Jimi Hendrix's style of rhythm playing is one that eludes a lot of us. His balance between rhythm and lead is akin to a master gymnast on a balance beam. In this video I break down his complex mannerisms into a simple concept that can be built upon. The CAGED system is our friend in this case....

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Comfortably Numb (A Closer Look)

Grab the "Chord to Scale Cheat Sheet" here... https://www.mathewdale.com/chords-to-... 

Definitely one of the more iconic guitar solos out there and one we all seem to learn at some point, but have you missed the finer details of David Gilmore's melodic phrasing? Do you know the chords...

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Learn ALL the Pentatonic Shapes Faster

There is a MUCH faster way to learn the pentatonic scale shapes that NOBODY talks about! Arbitrary names- like "shape 1" "shape 4" and so on- don't actually connect to anything musical or, more importantly for learning the guitar, connect with anything we ALREADY KNOW on the guitar. The method I...

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incredible Sounding Pentatonic Scale Hack

Pentatonic scales are an amazing tool for improvising, but we don't have to be limited to only ONE pentatonic scale per key. Let's take a deep dive into what a pentatonic scale actually *is* and cause some mayhem at the musical molecular level!

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The Wind Cries Mary (A Closer Look)

In this new segment, we take *A Closer Look* at guitar solos, riffs, and licks of some of the most notable guitarist who have graced the instrument before us.

If you want to improve, it's not enough to only learn the "tab" of a solo, rather how the solo is connected to the rhythm, harmony, and...

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This Will Confuse Your Hand

You've probably been there... in the lesson room with your teacher saying, "Okay, 1234 on frets 5678 and go up the strings...," I've done the SAME THINGS with my students in the past, BUT have found a fresh approach that can eliminate the predictability of just 1234. Implement this exercise for...

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