Community Challenge 42 + Updates

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Hi Everyone,

Moving is HARD WORK! That said, it would appear that I've got my camera guitar setup almost fully operational. AND, while there was a bizarre delay with my internet installation, it would appear that my new and improved streaming system is up and running. So, I'll shoot for a live Q&A next week and then every week from then on!

In the meantime, here is your Community Challenge for the week:

Write something with arpeggios

You don't have to write a whole song. You don't even have to write a whole section. A chord progression would be fine! Record it to your phone and upload it to the community forum! If you want to get a little fancier, you could use recording software to write a whole song with bass, drums, guitar, a vocal melody, lyrics, etc - if you WANT to do that, you absolutely can. But you don't have to.

The goal of the Community Challenge is to remind of the joy of MAKING music. Yes, learning songs is important. Yes, practicing technique is important. Yes, learning music theory is important. But to me, making music is the most fulfilling and satisfying musical action one can take.

In this case, just write a little something - even just a chord progression or a guitar melody - and make sure that you're using arpeggios somewhere in there.

An arpeggio is simply playing the notes of a chord, in order. It could be root, third, fifth or third, fifth, root or fifth, root, third. Or if you want to get fancy, you could include 7ths and 9ths or something. 

If you need to brush up on (or learn) your roots, thirds, and fifths, I recommend checking out Music Theory for Guitar. 

Post your creations to the community forum 

Check out the Lesson Archive for more Community Challenges - you’re welcome to participate on any past Challenge at any time!

Other helpful links:
Scott's Recommended Lesson Plan
Searchable Lesson Archive
How to Join the Community Forum
Scott's Jam Tracks
SPJ Live YouTube Channel
Scott's Main YouTube Channel