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Lesson Summary

Quick Start for Improvisation

In this lesson, you have learned to do the following:

You will now record and submit a video performance of your improvised solo for assessment:

02.07 Assignment Instructions

The assessment for lesson 02.07 will be a video performance. This assessment will include three performance segments. Record all three performances in one video session.

  1. "E-Chord Study" (review lesson 02.04 if necessary)
    1. Strum an E minor chord four times.
    2. Add your first finger to form an E major chord. Strum four times.
    3. Lift your third finger to form an E dominant seventh chord. Strum four times.
    4. Add your third finger to form an E major chord. Strum four times.
    5. Lift your first finger to form an E minor chord. Strum once, allowing the sound to fade away.
  2. E minor pentatonic scale (review lesson 02.06 if necessary)
    1. Play the E minor pentatonic scale ascending and descending.
    2. Be sure to use correct fingering and maintain a steady beat. You may use the metronome, but it is not required.
  3. Improvised solo using the E minor pentatonic scale and the Five R's
    1. Improvise a solo using notes from the E minor pentatonic scale.
    2. Include each of the Five R's in the solo.
    3. The solo should be at least 20 seconds in length.
    4. You may solo over the accompaniment track provided in the practice area of the lesson. This is not required and will not impact your grade.

Resources

Refer to the Recording Videos for Assessment instructions if needed.

Collaboration

There will be several collaboration options in this course. You are not required to complete the collaboration option in this module. However, you will be required to complete one collaboration option per segment of this course. If this is your first time playing with another guitarist, don't be surprised if it is awkward at first! It takes time to get used to the other player, but with practice playing with others will come naturally. If you choose to complete this lesson as a collaborative assignment, you must also complete the individual assignment.

This collaboration will require two or more students to combine skills learned throughout the Quick Start module.

Setup

  • Choose your preferred method for collaboration. See Collaboration Options.
  • Contact your instructor to find a partner for this collaborative opportunity. Be sure to tell your instructor which collaborative option you prefer.
  • You will receive an email from your instructor coordinating your collaboration.

Instructions

There will be two roles to fulfill: Rhythm and Lead.
  • Rhythm will perform the Chord Study for Collaboration
  • Lead will demonstrate the 5 R's of Improvisation while Rhythm strums an Em chord.
  • The same performance criteria that applied to these skills individually will apply here as well.
  • Once each role has satisfied the performance criteria, switch roles and repeat.
  • Feel free to expand on your collaboration; sharing music is one of the great joys of playing! Here are some ideas for extending your collaboration:

    • Try new chords and scales.
    • Sing along – make up lyrics.
    • Schedule regular practice times beyond this collaboration.

Submit

  • Complete the Collaborative Criticism Form.
  • Submit the answers to your Collaborative Criticism Form and your collaboration as 02.07 Collaboration.

Assignment 02.07: Quick Start for Improvisation

Improvised Solo Performance Assessment


Assessment Instructions

  1. Update your practice journal for all practice sessions.
  2. Please review the rubric before beginning the assignment.
  3. Read the material in each section, view all videos, and complete practice exercises before beginning the assignment.
  4. Submit your self-evaluation and video as Assignment 02.07 Quick Start for Improvisation.


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