ii V I Arpeggios, Rick Mitarotonda, Patrick James Eggle Macon
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Guitar Practice
Let's practice some ii V I arpeggios.
ii V I is the most common chord progression in jazz; used in countless songs.
We'll look at a bunch of different chord/arpeggio positions, in 3 different keys.
ii V I in Bb:
ii V I in C Major:
ii V I in F Major:
Guitarist Spotlight
Rick Mitarotonda
As the guitarist and frontman for Connecticut-based jam/rock band Goose, Rick Mitarotonda has been making a name for himself through fiery, yet soulful guitar playing and catchy songwriting.
With guitar playing that channels various influences that include John Scofield, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny, as well as a singing/songwriting style that hints of John Mayer and Dave Matthews, Rick has helped Goose carve out their niche. Through nearly constant touring over the past decade, Rick and Goose have attracted legions of fans - ascending from clubs to large amphitheaters and arenas.
The folky, hummable melodies of Goose's songs are memorable and danceable, and Rick's melody-focused approach to jams and soling keep their live shows interesting, and different from night to night.
"I have so much to say about this band. I love their guitar player, just love. People ask me a lot, they go, “Who are you into right now?” I think Rick from Goose is a monster guitar player because, he’s … not just a great player, but he’s playing in the vocabulary of the tune." - John Mayer
After using a PRS Hollowbody II as his main gigging guitar for years, Rick recently switched to a custom model built by Deluis Guitars, named The Empress. With a maple top & back with rosewood sides, a 25” scale length, and Lollar Low/Wind Imperial Humbuckers, the guitar cuts through the mix well.
Key Gear:
- Deluis Guitars The Empress
- Mesa/Boogie Express amp
- Lovepedal Eternity overdrive
- Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker
- Strymon Flint Reverb
- Digitech Whammy
Check out Rick: Instagram | Goose
Gear Showcase
Patrick James Eggle Macon
Oswestry, England-based Patrick James Eggle Guitars is one of the top boutique guitar builders in the world. Patrick and his team are true craftsmen, putting their own twist on electric guitars.
While they make guitars in several different body styles/shapes, their single-cut Macon Series stands out as a favorite.
The Macon is offered in several variations:
- Macon Carved Top
- Macon Carved Top Semi-Hollow
- Macon Special (with an upgraded maple top)
- Macon Vintage (featuring slab, one-piece mahogany body)
- Macon Junior (Double-Cut slab body, contoured heel and wraparound bridge)
The Macon features top-quality hardware and high-end hand-wound pickups, specifically chosen by Patrick to offer clarity, separation and extended high and low end.
The Macon Vintage stands out with its slab, one-piece mahogany body, and mahogany neck. It's offered in 4 stunning, vintage-inspired colors and finished in nitro. It has a 'Staple P90' pickup in the neck and their PAF Humbucker in the bridge, complete with coil splitting capability.
The Macons have medium-depth 60's style C-shaped necks, with a 12" fretboard radius. The Macon single cut also features a rear contour and sculpted neck heel for great playability and ergonomics.
The Macon is setting a new bar for single-cut guitars.
Check out the Patrick James Eggle Macon
Trending
- Fender introduced the American Ultra II Meteora. Offered in Texas Tea, Ultraburst, and Avalanche colors, the Ultra II Meteora has a quartersawn maple neck with a Modern D profile, 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards with rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, and pair of Haymaker™ humbuckers, with an S1 for coil splitting.
- The 2025 NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants) is less than two weeks away! Guitar gear releases are typically light during the first few weeks of the year, because companies are waiting for the NAMM Show to announce their upcoming product releases. This year's event takes place January 21-26, 2025. Fender & Gibson are back after sitting out the last couple years. Check out my NAMM 2025 Wish List.
- Guitar World spoke with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger about the Doors' history – from the difficulties of working with Jim Morrison, his best guitar solo, and the time they consciously stole from Cream.
- The Know Your Gear podcasts discussed why Fender bought and sold Ovation Guitar.
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