Jazz Jam Track, Harmony Comet, Chris Buck
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Guitar Practice
Today, let's practice over a jazzy jam track in the key of C Major.
This progression uses the I VI ii V chords in C. While the VI (6th) chord is usually a minor chord, we're making it a Dominant chord here. Practice over the jam track, playing rhythm, arpeggios, the C Major scale (and any other possibilities you think of).
Progression:
Chord Voicings:
Arpeggios:
Two C Major Scale Patterns:
Gear Showcase
Harmony Comet
The Harmony Comet is one of the most unique and eye-catching semi-hollow guitars that have been released in recent years.
The revitalization of the 130+ year old Harmony brand has brought a lineup of outstanding, high quality, made-in-America guitars, and the Comet stands out as one of our favorites.
With the Comet, Harmony innovated on the typical ES-style body shape with their unique twist.
The carved mahogany body results in a warm, acoustic-like tone, while the set neck construction, and 25" scale length increases sustain.
The goldfoil pickups sound killer, and the six-in-line headstock makes this guitar stand out even further from other guitars in this style.
The nitro finish will let the guitar age over time, and the Sunburst, Trans Red, and Midnight Blue finishes all look amazing.
A bit more access to the upper frets could make a V2 of this guitar even more perfect, but the Harmony Comet is an outstanding guitar, offered at a competitive price for what it offers.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Semi-Hollow Body
- Six-in-Line Headstock for good tuning stability
- Harmony Gold Foil Humbuckers
- Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
- “C” Shape Neck Profile
- 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
- Locking tuners
- Push/pull master volume pot for out-of-phase sounds
- 25” scale length
- Offered in Sunburst, Trans Red, and Midnight Blue finishes
- Made in the USA
Check out the Harmony Comet, or view available Comets on Reverb.
Guitarist Spotlight
Chris Buck
Blending remarkable touch with killer phrasing and some serious energy, British guitarist Chris Buck has been making a name for himself in recent years.
The accolades are there: Chris was voted ‘Best New Guitarist’ and ‘Best Blues Guitarist’ by Guitarist Magazine. ‘Best New Guitarist’ by Music Radar. He was selected to judge Guitarist Magazine's Young Guitarist of the Year competition.
Those type of awards often seem to showcase guitarists that have flashy technical chops, but that doesn’t always translate to interesting music. Chris of course has the chops, but it’s his electrifying and soulful playing that makes him really stand out.
Known for a pick + fingers technique that results in swift and unique guitar lines, Chris seamlessly bounces between creative rhythm parts and dynamic lead runs.
Chris has released music under his own name, as well as a few bands - most recently, and probably most notably, Cardinal Black.
While he’s best known for playing a P90-equipped Yamaha Revstar, Chris is a known gear addict, having various Strats, Les Pauls, ES-335’s, Teles, and much more, plus a big collection of amps.
Playing ideas from Chris:
- Vary your pick position. Switch between playing close to the neck for a darker tone and closer to the bride for a bright and twangy sound.
- Practice your vibrato. Work on perfecting both a gradual, slow vibrato, to a fast and frenetic vibrato.
- Practice playing intervals on single strings
- If you mainly play with a pick, get comfortable playing with your fingers as well. Not only will it help you get a wider variety of sounds, you never know when you might drop your pick!
Key Gear:
- Yamaha Revstar RS502T BGR
- Fender Pro Reverb amp
- Fuchs Clean Machine amp
- Victory Copper Deluxe amp
- Analogman King of Tone overdrive
- Snouse Black Box Overdrive
- Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive
- Mythos Mjolnir Klon-style Overdrive
- Line 6 HX Stomp HL
Check out Chris Buck: Website | Instagram | Facebook
🎸 Trending
- Gibson announced the Hummingbird EC acoustic guitar collection. The 3 models (Hummingbird Studio EC, Hummingbird Standard EC, and the Hummingbird Rosewood EC) feature cutaway bodies with improved upper fret access, round 'SlimTaper' profile mahogany necks, and L.R. Baggs electronics.
- Cory Wong interviewed guitarist Mark Tremonti on his podcast, discussing his line of signature PRS gear, what makes a good riff, and his musical trajectory since the late ’90s. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- D'Angelico released the Excel Giacomo Turra Bedford SH. Giacomo Turra built a big following online with his funky live looping videos, and is now selling out clubs. His signature D'Angelico Bedford is offered in a Peppermint finish, that looks pretty incredible.
- Behringer released a $69 Klon Centaur clone pedal.
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