BRETT GARSED Video Masterclass
This month we look at the Aussie guitar legend’s improvised performance over a fusion-style track called Grasshopper. Jon Bishop is your guide.
In instalment #4 of his masterclass series Brett plays over a smooth but technically demanding fusion piece called Grasshopper.
The complexity goes up yet another notch this month with a tricky backing track to navigate as we continue our six-part video masterclass series with legato legend Brett Garsed. Here we are going to look at the fourth track by Jason Sidwell, entitled Grasshopper. As Brett explains, the track really keeps you on your toes and the chord changes are quite varied to solo over. The use of chord tones and target tones is key to navigating these tricky changes and Brett will take you through the process of planning a fretboard roadmap and using these target tones and chord scales in the video. There are some long vamp sections to stretch out on and in this situation Brett relies on his musical ear, not just a series of scales, to guide his choices.
That said, three main tonalities are used and we have marked these on the chord sheet and written out fretboard fingerings to get you started. The first tonality is the B Natural Minor scale (B-C#-D-E-F#-G-A) and this fits for the majority of the verse sections. The second is the ever-versatile B Dorian mode (B-C#-D-E-F#-G#-A). The final scale in use is B Major (B-C#-D#-E-F#-G#-A#). To these core scales Brett adds colour tones and chromatic notes. The combination of sophisticated phrasing, clever note choices and a modern-sounding, overdriven tone makes this another must-study piece. The backing track and chord chart is included for you to practise over in addition to a full transcription of Brett’s performance from the video.
Hopefully, there will be a new technique, lick or phrase in here somewhere for you to perfect. If you find one you like then memorise it and use it in future, especially when the semiquaver or sextuplet feel is what’s required. Once you have mastered some of the concepts in Brett’s solo, why not try creating a solo of your own over the very same backing track. Check out the chord chart for the changes and, most importantly, use your ear – it’s your best friend in the long run. Have fun and see you next time.
BRETT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF PLANNING A FRETBOARD ROADMAP USING TARGET NOTES AND CHORD TONES
NEXT MONTH Brett performs a charged solo over The Investigaton Of Johnny F