Anja Wade Music Studio

Power chords are a simple type of chord that use the root and fifth only.  They are usually labelled with a 5 after the name of the root note. For example, G5, indicating a G power chord with the notes G and D.  These diagrams show two common ways to play power chords on guitar. The second shape doubles the root. These shapes can also be moved to the A and D strings or the A, D, and G strings. 

The Dorian mode is one of seven modes used in Western music. It is frequently used in jazz music. Here is an idea using A Dorian over the chords Am7 D9 Gmaj7, a ii V I chord progression in the key of G. The notes of the A Dorian mode are A, B, C, D, E, F#, G. This idea uses A Dorian and some chromaticism. Click to watch .

Whether using the CAGED method, Three-Notes-Per-String, or Berklee method on guitar, it is helpful to understand the concept of a scale. What is a scale, exactly? A scale is a sequence of tones arranged in ascending or descending order by pitch. A pitch is a set of frequencies or wavelengths. Thus, a scale is a series of specific frequencies. When we assign letter names to this series, we get a musical alphabet. In music, we label tones with the letters A through G as well as the symbols ♯ (sharp), ♭ (flat), and ♮ (natural). We call these labeled tones notes. The distance between notes defines different scales. In Western music, we refer to half steps and whole steps to measure this distance. The chromatic scale is built from twelve half steps. From the chromatic scale, we get major and minor scales as well as other modes. A mode is a reorganization of a scale. There are seven modes in Western music: Ionian (the major scale), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolean (the natural m...

Just getting into guitar and unsure how to approach the fretboard? There are many systems and methods available to you. Let's take a look. One of the most popular methods is known as the Three-Notes-Per-String system. In this approach, the guitarist organizes the instrument into patterns based on three notes per string. It's a method that's popular among metal guitarists given its adaptability for tapping and legato playing. Another well-known approach is called the Berklee method, named after the Berklee School of Music in Boston. This method combines a classical perspective with position playing. Huh? In other words, this system presents the fretboard as a formal set of patterns according to numeric position on the neck - fret one, fret two, etc.  Last but not least is the CAGED system, in which players conceptualize the fretboard as a series of predictable patterns resembling chord shapes. The open-string C, A, G, E, and D major chord shapes familiar to most beginners (o...

Just like we need to sharpen our hockey skates or clean our dance shoes, we need to take care of our guitars! Ideally, the guitar should receive a full tune-up at least twice a year. There are two basic levels to maintenance. The first level is changing the guitar strings. The second level is a full tune-up of the instrument. Over time, strings lose their fresh tone and playability because of moisture, sweat, and exposure to air. They start to feel rusty and less pliable. In the beginning, I recommend taking your guitar to the shop for a string change. Although you can learn the skill of changing guitar strings with some guidance, it’s best to let professionals do it in the beginning! If you’d like to learn how to change your own strings, your teacher can show you how, or you can teach yourself using instructional materials. More about this a little later. The next level of care is a full tune-up or service of your instrument. What’s involved in a tune up, you ask? Good questio...

Listening to classical music can bring much joy, meaning, and solace to one's life. It can also be overwhelming or confusing! The following two-step process will better your listening experience. 1) Hum a memorable part in the music. Let's say you are listening to  a recording of a symphony . Perhaps it's  a recording of a piano concerto . When you hear something interesting, memorable, or moving, pause the track. Write down the time stamp (the minutes and seconds) for that part, and see if you can hum it back to yourself. Is it an idea that the violins played? Was it a series of low notes or a big swell in the sound? Take note. Then, press play. Repeat the process if needed. What made the moment memorable to you? Why? 2) Test your memory of a part. For an added challenge, see if you can remember a single musical moment as you listen to an entire recording. Pause the track when you first hear something interesting or moving. Write down the time stamp. Hum the memorable mom...