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Fingerstyle - Here Comes the Sun Part 2
Mondays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time
July 6 & 20
Description
Learn to play Dani Joy’s full chord-melody arrangement of George Harrison’s classic Here Comes the Sun in this two-part series, including all the iconic riffs, verse and chorus melody lines, and simple rhythmic accompaniment to keep the song bouncing along.
In Part 1 (June), students learned to memorize the chord structure and simple strumming pattern along with some intermediate riffs which are played in between the lyrics.
In Part 2 (July), students will replace their strumming/singing sections with the chord melody, which is a slightly modified version of the iconic riffs learned in Part 1.
*Part 1 can be found in the Starlight Fingerstyle archives, available with subscription.
What You’ll Learn (Part 1)
- Melody in key G
- How to replace strumming with chord/melody
- Right hand finger placement and execution
- Memorization & practice techniques
- Coaching on breath and posture
Prerequisites
Part 1 or an equivalent, or confidence intermediate players. Tab reading is essential. Comfortable playing most chords in 1st position and interested in learning how to combine chords and melody. Low G required. The written curriculum of this class is not suited for baritone players.
Blues - Fingerstyle Blues 4 - The 2442 Blues
Tuesdays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time
Jul 7 & 21
Description
Learn how repeating chord patterns shape blues form. This class focuses on the 2442 progression and how to build confident, repeatable fingerstyle arrangements.
What You’ll Learn
- The 2442 progression
- Structural awareness
- Consistent fingerstyle patterns
- Turnarounds and endings
- Groove repetition without boredom
Prerequisites
No strict prerequisites. Basic chord knowledge, TAB reading, and a working understanding of the Nashville Number System are recommended.
Jazz - Thingamajig
Wednesdays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time
Jul 1 & 8
Class Title: Rhythm Changes Closed Chord Workout
Featuring: “Thingamajig”
Level: Intermediate
Description:
Put your closed-chord skills to work on one of the most important progressions in jazz: rhythm changes. Using “Thingamajig” as our practice tune, we’ll explore practical movable chord shapes, efficient transitions, and smooth voice leading through this classic 32-bar form.
This class is designed as a hands-on workout rather than a theory lecture. We’ll break the progression into manageable sections, identify recurring harmonic patterns, and develop a confident swing accompaniment that can be applied to many other rhythm-changes tunes.
Song Example:
- “Thingamajig”
What You’ll Learn:
- How the 32-bar rhythm-changes form is organized
- Closed-chord shapes for the main progression
- Efficient ways to connect chords across the fretboard
- Common turnaround and bridge patterns
- How to simplify fast-moving harmony without losing its character
- Rhythmic comping ideas for creating a strong swing feel
- How to transfer these chord patterns to other rhythm-changes tunes
Prerequisites:
Students should be comfortable reading chord diagrams and playing 3-string movable or closed chord shapes. Some previous experience with swing rhythm and seventh chords will be helpful.
