In this masterclass led by Guthrie Trapp, viewers are treated to an in-depth exploration of guitar techniques, focusing on chord inversions, scale relationships, and how to play over chord changes in a blues context. Guthrie stresses the importance of understanding the connection between chord shapes and scales, emphasizing how this knowledge can significantly enhance one's ability to improvise and play more musically. He demonstrates various exercises and licks that outline chord changes, showing how minor adjustments in hand positioning can lead to significant improvements in playing efficiency and musicality.
Guthrie delves into specific examples, using the A7 to D7 chord progression to illustrate his points. He shares practical tips on transitioning between these chords, using diminished runs, and incorporating the dominant 7th chord to create tension and resolution. Guthrie's approach is hands-on, encouraging viewers to make mistakes and learn from them to improve their playing. He also touches on the importance of practicing chord inversions up the neck and getting comfortable with different hand positions to unlock the fretboard's potential.
Throughout the masterclass, Guthrie highlights the importance of the foundational aspects of guitar playing, such as understanding the relationship between chords and scales and how they apply to playing over changes. He aims to demystify these concepts, making them accessible to guitarists of all levels. By the end of the session, viewers should have a clearer understanding of how to approach playing over blues progressions and beyond, armed with new exercises and ideas to explore in their practice routines.