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Slonimsky Exercises Edited for Guitar


NeilES335

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We all need and want to learn and memorize the fingerboard better. Many of us learn the first 5 positions, but much above the 5th to the 12th fret, especially on the G and B strings, remains somewhat foggy in memory, if we know it at all.

These Slonimsky Exercsies are designed to help us read notation, and memorize the fretboard at the same time, while not relying so much on Tab. (Tab is fine and useful in some cases to show us where on the fretboard to play a given note, but the "real musicians" barely give it a passing look; they rely on notiation. ) 

It's important to "SAY AND PLAY" the notes, clearly and steadily. Tempo/speed is not important. 

I'm working through the first 8 exercises. (It looks quite easy at first... and it is, if you just play the tab; but that's not the point! )

 Here's the first 2 to get started.

Hope this helps.

Regards; Neil

Slonimsky Exercise For Guitar #2.pdf Slonimsky Exercise For Guitar #1.pdf

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  • NeilES335 changed the title to Slonimsky Exercises Edited for Guitar

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These look interesting! 

I still need to work on the fretboard. A while back, I went back to session 2 - 4 and re-learned the exercises and songs in the fifth position. It was initially awkward to say the least! It did definitely help ease my total lack of confidence anywhere above the fifth fret, but I haven't really practiced that in a while.

I'll give these a try tomorrow! :)

Thanks for sharing these Neil! :)  

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Thanks for sharing

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@NeilES335

I wonder if Frank Vignola has adapted these exercises from the book called “Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns.” This book originally published in 1947, was written by Nicolas Slonimsky (1894 – 1995), a Russian-born American conductor, author, pianist, composer and lexicographer.

It is said Coltrane and other seminal jazz musicians derived a wealth of ideas for their solos from it. Richie Zellon came up with “24 Permutations of a 4 Part Chord Arpeggio” as well as their application in the formation of new jazz improvisational vocabulary. The system is included with Richie’s BGIS course. Alternatively, it is available as a mini course for $12 at https://jazzguitar.richiezellon.com/ Membership is free.  

 

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@v7#5b9   (domsevensharpfiveflatnine... thats a mouthful 🙂 )Yes I believe Frank said in a video that this was his source (or something like "2001 Melodic Exercises" ) which he edited for guitar.  N

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Thank you for posting these exercises Neil. The fretboard becomes very tight for my fingertips after the 12th fret.

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Thanks for sharing these Neil! This reminded me that I have some wicked flute exercises by Slonimsky which I should pull out again.

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