Guitar - Swing
Instructor: Rick Moore
Course Description:
Level: 3 – 4 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Welcome to the next step in your study of Swing Guitar!
If you can:
- Strum a swing rhythm,
- Play the four or five common swing chord shapes as demonstrated by fine players such as Ranger Doug, Freddy Green or Joey Mackenzie
- And can play simple improvised solos
Then you have the tools to double your swing playing pleasure in this FAMI class.
You will learn three inversions of major and minor chord shapes suitable for swing rhythm playing. This will allow you to give that moving bass so prevalent in this style. (Think Eldon Shamblin) You will be introduced to Drop Two chords which make comping come alive. You will learn Cycling Arpeggios to get you started in playing more interesting solos. All this instruction will be in the context of the great standards of Western Swing and the Great American Song Book.
Get ready for a Full-on Dose of Fun among friendly people and a supportive atmosphere.
Note: You may contact me at rjmoore2@telus.net for prerequisite chord shapes, scales and a listening list.
Rick Moore
Rick Moore is excited to be returning to instruct at FAMI after the Covid hiatus. Rick was an educator in the Red Deer School District and has taught music in many other settings as well.
Over a long musical career he has played many styles of music and studied with some fine North American players including Radim Zenkl, John Reichman, Mike Dowling, and Ralf Buschmeyer. His training includes classical guitar studies and music theory with the Royal Conservatory of Music. In addition, Rick has received training as a Clinical Musician from the Harp for Healing group in the US.
In recent years Rick has played with several accomplished bands including Morningside Bluegrass, Canyon Mountain Boys, The Button Down Boys, and the Swing Time Allstars.
Rick’s recording career includes performing on the Juno winning album Proud Like a Mountain. He has recorded many children’s songs and is currently finishing off an EP of original songs.
Rick Moore is passionate about the value of music as medicine and always looks forward to passing musical knowledge on to others!
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.