Stolen Glances (lesson)

Stolen Glances - Music Lesson

Tuning:

• G minor tuning: D, G, D, G, B flat, D
  (This is essentially the same as G open tuning, but with a B flat on the second string instead of a B.)

Overview

This piece serves as a study in multiple levels, particularly focusing on:

• Rasguardo Style Strums:
  Using the backs of the nails to roll through the chord.

• Flick Technique:
  Quickly transitioning to a flick motion.

• Slap Harmonics:
  Applying a slap harmonic at the 12th fret while muting with the left hand.

Basic Pattern

1. Downstroke Technique:

   • A downstroke with the middle finger corresponds with a hammer on and a pull off.
   • The second time the rhythm changes slightly, adding an extra beat.

2. Stroke Variations:

   • Sometimes using an upstroke with the thumb, but generally opting for a downstroke.
   • The back of the thumb can act as a pickup stroke akin to using a pick.

3. Octaves:

   • Plucking the sixth and fourth strings, followed by hammering on and pulling off.
   • Ascending to the octave with the high G during the second rendition.

B Section

• C Minor Chord:
  When barring across at the fifth fret, you form a C minor chord.

• Melody and Picking Pattern:
  Adding a melody with a simple picking pattern, including ornamentation moving down to G, and subsequently to D minor with a melodic B flat on top.

• Tonality of Lower Strings:
  Allow lower strings to ring out as part of the tonality.

Tricky Lick

• Sequence: D, C, B flat, G, F sharp, G
  (Cross fingered; take caution as it requires focus.)

• Harmonic Technique:
  A harmonic is produced with a slight modulation using the forearm, leading into a repeat of the section.

Bridge and Descending Bass Line

• The section transitions into:

  • E flat major seven:
    Incorporated with an added note over a D bass note (E flat, G, A, and C).

• Chord Variations:
  It resembles a D Sus chord with a flat nine and the seventh, forming a D seven B nine sus.

• Octave Movement:
  The bass line shifts up an octave, moving to upper frets, requiring a cart away for the jump to the 17th fret.

Final Section

• Alternative Fingering:
  A variation incorporating essentially almost a diminished chord.

• Return to the Opening:
  Revisiting the chorus section with a cyclical approach, concluding with:

  • A percussive slap on the body in a semi-flamenco style.

• Octave Techniques:
  Alternating from the octave, hammering, and pulling off while sounding an open string (the tonic, third string, G).

Improvisation & Ending

• The end section often involves improvisation.

• Targeting a turnaround landing where the fingering creates a G minor 6 chord and moving it up and down as a thickened line.

• Final Walk Down:
  Utilizing this as a five chord leading to a walk down in octaves back to the opening.

• Ending with a transition from F sharp to G and concluding cold.

And that's "Stolen Glances" in G minor tuning!