Playing in tenths

Intervals, those distances between notes that allow us to measure music, are named after the 7 notes of the major scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7, or root, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight. That's one octave worth. Then, when chords are extended, they can become 9th's 11th's and 13th's. I did a lesson about the ninths recently.

So where did the 10th's go?

You very rarely hear the term 'tenths' in music, but this week's lesson uses them almost exclusively. 10th's are simply thirds played up in the next octave. 7 + 3 = 10.

The lesson is for a tune you'll recognize instantly, but just in case you don't, I played a slide melody to remind you.

That's at http://www.guitarforbeginners.com, follow the Weekly Lesson links.

Join the mail list at http://planetalk.thatllteachyou.com to be in the running for free membership to the online version of PlaneTalk: The Truly Totally Different Guitar Instruction Book. I'll send the names to Geoff, the editor GNW, so that he can randomly pick 3 winners. Anyone signing up on or after the 16th will be eligible. Then you will also know the 'trick' to knowing your fretboard. We'll announce the winners in the next issue.

Oh yes, one more thing: I was severely reprimanded in an email received after last weeks's article. I was told in no uncertain terms -- like 'stupid, wrong, boneheaded and ignorant' -- for suggesting that you keep your guitar out of its case. The gentleman who wrote is a maker of custom guitars, and he is, of course, entitled to his view and manner of expressing it.

Naturally, I don't mean that you should in any way neglect or abuse your instrument; I mean you should find a safe place to keep it, in view and within easy reach. The only reason I say that it's OK is that I KNOW it's OK. My guitars have always been out of their cases, in several countries on both sides of the Equator ... for years and years. None of them have ever been adversely affected by climate. Of course, don't keep them in the bathroom or laundry, or near the oven or open fire, but hanging on the wall, or on a stand out of the way, in a safe dry palce? I've never had a problem. A guitar in a case in another room is not going to get played as often as one that's out and ready to twang; I don't care how diligent you are.

Keep it wherever you want!

Over and out,

Kirk
http://www.kirklorange.com