Making Your Lines Fit the Diagonal Structure
What was the question?
Claire Cove asked how to bridge the gap between practicing structures and playing music: "How do I get my lines to sound and fit into the diagonal structure/Shell Voicings I've been practicing?"
[26:01]
The core idea (in plain English)
Knowing the shape (like the "Jungle Line" or "West Line") is only the container. To make it sound like music, you must have a target note within that structure. Usually, this target is the melody note or the 3rd of the chord. If you just run the shape without a target, it sounds like a finger exercise.
[31:43]
Fretboard breakdown (what to play)
Identify the Shape: Know if you are in a "West Line" or "Jungle Line" diagonal visual. [31:43]
Find the Target: Locate the melody note or the 3rd of the specific chord inside that diagonal line.
Connect: Use the shape to navigate, but aim to land on that target note on the downbeat (beat 1). [33:15]
Common mistake to avoid
A student of mine knew the diagonal lines perfectly but sounded scattered because he was just wiggling his fingers through the pattern. He had no "destination." Do not play the shape; play towards the target note using the shape. [35:41]
A 10-minute practice assignment
Pick a tune like Autumn Leaves. Identify the 3rd of every chord. Visualize the diagonal line for that area of the neck. Play a line that travels through the diagonal shape but must land on the 3rd when the chord changes. [37:14]
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