Guitar Practice
Maj7 Horizontal Arpeggios
In several past issues, we looked at playing arpeggios in single 2-octave positions (loosely based around the CAGED system). Today, let's work on some Maj7 arpeggios that span 2, or even 3 different positions.
The below examples navigate through a bunch of different chord shapes/voicings. As always, take it slow to start. Next week, we'll look at some minor 7th horizontal arpeggios.
Guitarist/Educator Spotlight
Michael Palmisano
As a guitarist, teacher, and online creator, Michael Palmisano has built a big following by sharing his love for music and helping others improve their guitar skills.
With over 20 years of experience playing, performing, and teaching, Michael is known for making complex musical ideas easy to understand. His lessons donât just teach people how to play notesâthey help players understand why the music works the way it does.
Michael started playing guitar when he was just five years old. He later attended the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where he graduated with honors. After playing professionally in California, he moved back to his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, to focus on teaching and performing.
If youâve spent time on YouTube watching guitar videos, youâve probably come across Michaelâs "Guitar Teacher REACTS" series. In these videos, he watches and listens to songs for the first timeâoften ones requested by his subscribersâand figures out what the musicians are playing in real-time. While he mainly focuses on the guitar parts, he also explains how they fit into the full band, like how a guitar rhythm works with the drummerâs groove.
Michael is also the founder of Guitar Gate, an online learning platform for guitarists of all skill levels. Through step-by-step courses, personal feedback, and an encouraging online community, Guitar Gate has become a popular resource for players looking to improve. His teaching combines music theory with feel, focusing on ear training, phrasing, and understanding the fretboard in a way thatâs both practical and musical.
Whether heâs analyzing the emotional playing of Derek Trucks or breaking down John Mayerâs phrasing, Michael shares his expert knowledge in a fun and engaging way, making his videos both educational and entertaining.
What Makes Him Stand Out?
- Innovative Teacher â His Guitar Gate courses help students understand why music works, so they can apply what they learn to their own playing.
- Real-World Experience â With over 20 years of professional playing and teaching, he brings valuable insights to his lessons.
- Community Builder â He has created an online space where students can share videos, get feedback, and support each other as they learn.
Michael Palmisano stands out because of his unique way of breaking down guitar playing and guiding students step by step. Through his work as a teacher, performer, and content creator, he has dedicated his career to helping people connect more deeply with the guitarâand with music itself.
Check out Michael Palmisano
Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Gear Showcase
Eastman FullterTone
The Eastman Fullertone Series is an exciting new line of guitars designed to blend classic style with modern craftsmanship. Inspired by Eastmanâs California roots, these guitars are built to be (in their words) âtoo good to be true, and too good to put down.â
Designed by Otto DâAmbrosio, the Fullertone guitars feature a unique FullerTone 2-bolt neck joint, intended to improve resonance, sustain, and stability. They also come with Tonerider pickups - and are available in two different pickup configurations. Players can choose between a rosewood or roasted maple fretboard, and they come in stylish colors like Moss Black, Desert Sand, and Ice Blue Metallic.
Fullertone Models
- FullerTone SCâ52 â A single-cutaway guitar with a gold-foil soapbar humbucker in the neck and a noiseless stacked single-coil in the bridge. The roasted black limba body makes it lightweight yet incredibly resonant. Price: $839 USD
- FullerTone DCâ62 â A double-cutaway model with an HSS pickup setup: a gold-foil soapbar humbucker and two noiseless single-coils. Its ergonomic design and FullerTone neck system provide great comfort and sustain. Price: $939 USD
The Fullertone Series offers top-quality tonewoods, high-end pickups, and excellent craftsmanshipâall for under $1,000 USD. These guitars have a unique character that sets them apart from the crowd, making them a great choice for players looking for something special.
Key Features
- 25.5-in. scale
- 24 Frets
- 12" fretboard radius
- Medium Round neck profile
- Roasted maple neck
- Custom Tonerider pickups
- Bone 1.68" nut
- Brass block-adorned floating tremolo system (opn the DC'62)
Check out the Eastman FullterToneSeries
SCâ52 | DC'62 | View on Reverb
News & Notes
- Heritage Guitars announced a new âultra-premiumâ Core Collection H-717 archtop guitar. The H-717 features a spruce top and highly figured maple back and sides, a maple and walnut blended neck, an ebony fretboard, and a Heritage Custom Shop floating pickup.
- Jackson Guitars unveiled the Pro Series David Davidson Warrior WR7. Geared toward metal-heads, the 7-string guitar has a 25.5" scale length, mahogany body and a through-body maple neck.
- John Mayer named the one modeling amp pedal he'd recommend.
- Universal Audio announced they will soon be releasing a plugin-version of their popular tweed-style Woodrow 55 amp pedal.
- Taylor Guitars announced 2 new builderâs edition guitars: Shamel Ash 514ce & 524ce.
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