The Frank Gambale Technique Book: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Use It
The Frank Gambale Technique Book: A Comprehensive Guide for Guitarists
If you are a guitarist who wants to improve your skills and expand your musical vocabulary, you might have heard of the Frank Gambale technique book. This book is a two-part series that covers the essential soloing and rhythm guitar theory for all guitarists, regardless of their style or level. In this article, we will give you an overview of what the Frank Gambale technique book is, why you should learn from it, and what you can expect from each part. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how the Frank Gambale technique book can help you become a better guitarist.
the frank gambale technique book
Introduction
What is the Frank Gambale technique book?
The Frank Gambale technique book is a guitar instruction book written by Frank Gambale, a legendary Australian guitarist who is known for his innovative and virtuosic playing. Frank Gambale is widely regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world, especially in the genres of jazz fusion, rock, and blues. He has played with artists such as Chick Corea, Steve Vai, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, and many more. He has also released over 20 solo albums and won several awards for his music.
The Frank Gambale technique book is based on his own experience and knowledge as a guitarist. He explains the theory and techniques that he uses in his own playing, and provides exercises and examples to help you practice them. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 focuses on soloing theory and Part 2 focuses on rhythm guitar theory. Each part consists of 12 chapters that cover different topics and concepts. The book also comes with an audio CD that contains backing tracks and demonstrations for each exercise.
Why should you learn from the Frank Gambale technique book?
There are many reasons why you should learn from the Frank Gambale technique book. Here are some of them:
The Frank Gambale technique book is comprehensive. It covers everything you need to know about soloing and rhythm guitar theory, from the basics to the advanced. You will learn about scales, modes, chords, inversions, substitutions, reharmonizations, voicings, comping styles, sweep picking, economy picking, and more.
The Frank Gambale technique book is practical. It teaches you how to apply the theory and techniques to real music situations. You will learn how to improvise over different chord progressions, how to create interesting melodies and harmonies, how to spice up your rhythm playing with different grooves and accents, and how to develop your own style and voice as a guitarist.
The Frank Gambale technique book is inspirational. It exposes you to the musical genius of Frank Gambale, who is one of the most influential and original guitarists of all time. You will learn from his examples and insights, and discover how he approaches music and guitar playing. You will also be inspired by his passion and enthusiasm for teaching and sharing his knowledge.
The Frank Gambale Technique Book Part 1: The Essential Soloing Theory Course for All Guitarists
The basics of scales and modes
The first part of the Frank Gambale technique book starts with the basics of scales and modes. Scales and modes are the building blocks of melodies and solos. They are collections of notes that sound good together over a certain chord or key. In this part, you will learn about the major scale, the minor scale, the harmonic minor scale, the melodic minor scale, and the modes derived from each scale. You will also learn how to construct and memorize scales and modes on the fretboard, and how to use them in different musical contexts.
The concept of chord-scale relationships
The next topic in the Frank Gambale technique book is the concept of chord-scale relationships. This is the idea that every chord has a corresponding scale or mode that fits over it. For example, over a C major chord, you can play a C major scale or a C lydian mode. Over a D minor chord, you can play a D minor scale or a D dorian mode. By knowing the chord-scale relationships, you can choose the right scale or mode to play over any chord, and create melodies that match the harmony.
The application of sweep picking and economy picking
The final topic in the Frank Gambale technique book is the application of sweep picking and economy picking. These are two techniques that Frank Gambale is famous for, and that he uses extensively in his own playing. Sweep picking is a technique where you play multiple notes on adjacent strings with a single stroke of the pick, creating a smooth and fast sound. Economy picking is a technique where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes depending on the direction of the string change, minimizing the movement of the pick and increasing the speed and efficiency. In this part, you will learn how to use sweep picking and economy picking to play scales, modes, arpeggios, triads, pentatonics, and more.
Examples of sweep picking and economy picking exercises
Here are some examples of sweep picking and economy picking exercises from the Frank Gambale technique book:
Exercise
Description
E-----------------12-15-17-15-12----------------- B--------------13------------------13-------------- G-----------14------------------------14----------- D--------15------------------------------15-------- A-----17------------------------------------17----- E-15-19----------------------------------------19-15-
This is an example of a sweep picking exercise using a C major scale in three octaves. Notice how each string is played with a single stroke of the pick: downstroke for descending strings and upstroke for ascending strings.
E-----------------12-15-17-18-17-15-12----------------- B--------------13------------------------13-------------- G-----------14------------------------------14----------- D--------15------------------------------------15-------- A-----17------------------------------------------17----- E-15-19------------------------------------------------19-15-
This is an example of an economy picking exercise using a C harmonic minor scale in three octaves. Notice how the direction of the pick changes depending on the direction of the string change: downstroke for descending strings, upstroke for ascending strings, and alternate strokes for changing strings.
Tips and tricks for mastering sweep picking and economy picking
Here are some tips and tricks for mastering sweep picking and economy picking from the Frank Gambale technique book:
Start slow and gradually increase the speed. Use a metronome to keep track of your tempo and accuracy.
Practice with different fingerings and positions. Try to find the most comfortable and efficient way to play each exercise.
Practice with different scales, modes, arpeggios, triads, pentatonics, etc. Try to apply the techniques to different musical situations.
Practice with different rhythms and articulations. Try to vary your dynamics, accents, legato, staccato, etc.
Practice with backing tracks or jam tracks. Try to improvise using the techniques over different chord progressions.
The Frank Gambale Technique Book Part 2: The Essential Rhythm Guitar Theory Course for All Guitarists
The basics of chords and inversions
The second part of the Frank Gambale technique book starts with the basics of chords and inversions. Chords and inversions are the building blocks of harmony and rhythm. They are combinations of notes that sound good together over a certain scale or mode. In this part, you will learn about the major chord, the minor chord, the diminished chord, the augmented chord, and the seventh chords derived from each chord. You will also learn how to construct and memorize chords and inversions on the fretboard, and how to use them in different musical contexts.
The concept of chord substitution and reharmonization
The next topic in the Frank Gambale technique book is the concept of chord substitution and reharmonization. This is the idea that you can replace one chord with another chord that has a similar function or sound. For example, over a C major chord, you can play a C major 7 chord, a C major 9 chord, a C lydian chord, or an A minor 7 chord. By using chord substitution and reharmonization, you can create more variety and interest in your harmony and rhythm.
The application of chord voicings and comping styles
The final topic in the Frank Gambale technique book is the application of chord voicings and comping styles. These are two techniques that Frank Gambale uses extensively in his own playing. Chord voicings are different ways of playing the same chord, using different notes or arrangements. For example, a C major 7 chord can be played as C E G B, E G B C, G B C E, or B C E G. Chord voicings can affect the sound and mood of the chord, as well as the voice leading and smoothness of the progression. Comping styles are different ways of playing chords in a rhythmic pattern, using different strumming, picking, muting, or embellishing techniques. For example, you can play a C major 7 chord with a swing feel, a funk feel, a bossa nova feel, or a reggae feel. Comping styles can affect the groove and feel of the rhythm, as well as the interaction and support of the other instruments. In this part, you will learn how to use chord voicings and comping styles to play chords in various genres and situations.
Examples of chord voicings and comping styles exercises
Here are some examples of chord voicings and comping styles exercises from the Frank Gambale technique book:
Exercise
Description
E-----x-----x-----x-----x----- B-----5-----5-----5-----5----- G-----4-----4-----4-----4----- D-----5-----5-----5-----5----- A-----3-----3-----3-----3----- E-----------------------------
This is an example of a chord voicing exercise using a C major 7 chord in drop 2 inversion. Notice how the root note is on the A string and the other notes are on adjacent strings.
E----------------------------- B----------------------------- G----------------------------- D----------------------------- A-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-7-7-7-7-8-8-8-8- E-1-1-1-1-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-6-6-6-6-
This is an example of a comping style exercise using a C major 7 chord in root position. Notice how the rhythm is based on eighth notes with accents on beats 2 and 4.
Tips and tricks for mastering chord voicings and comping styles
Here are some tips and tricks for mastering chord voicings and comping styles from the Frank Gambale technique book:
Start slow and gradually increase the speed. Use a metronome to keep track of your tempo and accuracy.
Practice with different fingerings and positions. Try to find the most comfortable and efficient way to play each exercise.
Practice with different chords, inversions, substitutions, reharmonizations, etc. Try to apply the techniques to different musical situations.
Practice with different rhythms and articulations. Try to vary your dynamics, accents, legato, staccato, etc.
Practice with backing tracks or jam tracks. Try to comp using the techniques over different chord progressions.
Listen to Frank Gambale's recordings and transcribe his rhythm playing. Try to emulate his style and phrasing.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have given you an overview of the Frank Gambale technique book, a two-part series that covers the essential soloing and rhythm guitar theory for all guitarists. We have explained what the Frank Gambale technique book is, why you should learn from it, and what you can expect from each part. We have also provided some examples and tips for each topic and technique.
Benefits of the Frank Gambale technique book
The Frank Gambale technique book is a great resource for any guitarist who wants to improve their skills and expand their musical vocabulary. By learning from the Frank Gambale technique book, you will be able to:
Understand the theory and logic behind scales, modes, chords, inversions, substitutions, reharmonizations, voicings, comping styles, sweep picking, economy picking, and more.
Apply the theory and techniques to real music situations, such as improvising, composing, arranging, jamming, etc.
Develop your own style and voice as a guitarist, by incorporating the elements of Frank Gambale's playing into your own.
Inspire yourself and others with your musical creativity and expression.
Call to action
If you are interested in learning from the Frank Gambale technique book, you can order it online from Amazon or other online retailers. You can also visit Frank Gambale's website for more information and resources. You can also watch his videos on YouTube or listen to his albums on Spotify or other streaming platforms. You will not regret investing in the Frank Gambale technique book, as it will open up a whole new world of possibilities for your guitar playing. So don't hesitate and get your copy today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Frank Gambale technique book:
What level of guitar playing do I need to learn from the Frank Gambale technique book?
The Frank Gambale technique book is suitable for guitarists of any level, from beginner to advanced. However, it is recommended that you have some basic knowledge of music theory and guitar fundamentals before starting the book. You should also be willing to practice regularly and diligently to master the concepts and techniques.
What style of music does the Frank Gambale technique book cover?
The Frank Gambale technique book covers a wide range of musical styles, such as jazz fusion, rock, blues, funk, pop, metal, etc. The theory and techniques are applicable to any genre or situation that involves guitar playing. You will also learn how to adapt and modify the theory and techniques according to your own preferences and goals.
How long does it take to finish the Frank Gambale technique book?
The Frank Gambale technique book is not a book that you can finish in a few days or weeks. It is a book that you can study and practice for a lifetime. The more you learn from the book, the more you will discover new things and improve your skills. The book is designed to be a reference guide that you can revisit anytime you need inspiration or guidance.
Is the Frank Gambale technique book worth the money?
The Frank Gambale technique book is definitely worth the money. It is one of the best guitar instruction books ever written, and it has been praised by many guitarists around the world. It is a comprehensive, practical, inspirational, and fun way to learn guitar from one of the masters of the instrument. It is a valuable investment that will pay off in many ways.
Where can I find more information about Frank Gambale?
Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also watch his videos on TrueFire, where he teaches various guitar courses and lessons. You can also listen to his albums on Spotify or other streaming platforms, or buy his CDs or DVDs from Amazon or other online retailers. 71b2f0854b