• How To Get Something From Nothing

    Today’s post isn’t directly about music but anything you aspire to achieve in life.

    In most pursuits, you’ll start with nothing. Heck, if you’re like me, you’ll start with less than nothing…

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    Master the Diminished Scale In 2 Seconds

    The other day, I answered a question regarding popular gospel scales one can play — and the diminished scale was on my list.

    But it haunted me because this is a pretty big scale… 8 notes to be exact. It’s what we call an octatonic scale. And I knew people wouldn’t want to take the time to learn it in all 12 keys. So here’s a 2 second method I came up with to learn it fast…

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    The Secret Chords That Work Almost Anywhere… Quartal Chords

    quartersmall.jpgMost people haven’t heard of quartal chords.

    That’s because they are chords built off fourth intervals, whereas the most familiar chords (like major, minor, dominant, diminished, augmented) are built of thirds — aka “tertian chords.”

    Here’s how and where to use them…

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    8 Year Old Gospel Music Genius – Jayden Arnold [VIDEOS]

    jayden arnoldToday’s post is about a young musician I can’t stop marveling over. His name is Jayden Arnold and he reminds me so much of myself (except he’s several miles ahead of where I was).

    I’ve had the opportunity to talk to Jayden’s mom and she says he is completely self-taught. Never had a lesson, never had a teacher. He just listens to things and is able to pick it out. This is a perfect example of giftedness at a young age.

    If you observe his clips, he’s got…

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    Ask Jermaine: “How To Play Gospel Piano Scales”

    We’re back for another “Ask Jermaine” where I choose a student’s question and give my personal take on it — this week on gospel piano scales.

    It comes from Ade: “How many types of gospel piano scales are there and which ones do I really need to know to progress as a gospel player.” My answer…

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    “Initiative! Now that’s what I’m talking about”

    A couple days ago, I wrote about the “Michael Jordan Method To Music Mastery.” I recommend you go check it out.

    But in it, I introduced a concept from Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers” which asserts that it takes about “10,000 hours to master a skill.”

    I got some really good feedback both via the comments and e-mail. But one of my favorites came from J.R. Massey…

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    A Quick and Easy Way to Spice Up Minor Chords

    It’s been said “small hinges swing big doors” and it’s true. Today’s strategy is so simple and concise, yet it will be very valuable to you.

    So with that said, here’s a simple alteration you can make to spice up minor chords and sound like you’ve been playing for years. When a pro hears you do this, you automatically get brownie points…

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