Guitarists friends we have followed for you Massimo Varini's masterclass held at the Sciccaria in Battipaglia on May 14th.
Massimo and the singer Ross they immediately created a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere which allowed all present to express their requests. It was precisely from the requests of those present that Massimo took inspiration to satisfy the questions that were asked and to explain certain topics, albeit superficially given the limited time available. The composition and arrangement of a piece, a topic in great demand among those present, started the master and Massimo explained that he starts from a melody and then covers it with chords. It is possible but more difficult and limiting to do the opposite as a harmonic sequence already creates melodic suggestions within it.
After taking a simple melody Massimo shows the various possibilities of arrangement according to the context and the emotional state we want to convey. The notes of the melody in question, (Do-Re-Mi-Do-Do) a simple melody just to make it clear to everyone, are covered with simple triads in which the notes belong to the chord, for example a round of C , or look for the presence of these notes in minor chords to give a different color to the harmonization, A min. and E min., or make them tense notes of a four-voice chord in which the sonority becomes richer and more complex. Each of these possibilities has been wisely demonstrated by Massimo who specifies the strong attention to be paid to the context of use of certain sounds, and not to fall into the common mistake of always applying everything that has been learned. Knowing all the possible harmonizations and revolts should not inhibit the use of an E major in first position when it is needed!
Very interesting then the part in which he talked about improvisation, starting with a question from the audience asking to play the sincere and authentic blues without pentatonic. He explained that for a correct approach to an improvisation it is necessary to make the chords heard, a concept that I fully agree with, and therefore it shows that a good exercise is to use for example the CAGED to locate the arpeggios of agreements and apply them following a harmonic loop. The application of the arpeggios by linking them together following the harmonic turn is the first step to build your own phrasing that makes the chords heard and above all avoids the possibility of stopping on notes that contrast with the harmony. As for the blues, he explains that if we put aside the pentatonic we can think i three degrees which constitute it as three scales misolidie, or as if we were playing in three different keys. A good exercise is to take a blues, for example in G, and apply the mixed G, C and D scales following the harmonic loop and moving from one scale to another as the chords change. In this way the ear develops for certain notes and a clear phrasing will develop that will leave us the pentatonic as a special effect.
From this topic he then moved on to talk about modal scales and of their use to give different shades to a chord. Knowing the intervals and the color of the modes allows us to create sounds appropriate to a context and to express ourselves creatively.
Very clear in the ways and above all in expressing the concepts Massimo Varini showed experience, preparation and an incredible passion. There was a strong desire to convey the concepts he talks about and this thrilled the audience of the master. He also talked about study and preparation, suggesting organization and clear objectives in relation to the daily time that can be dedicated to the instrument. He also added to channel the energies towards what we apply or intend to apply in order to optimize what we play.
Massimo Varini setup
With regard to live performance he explained well that we must avoid variables. Preparing well, also using the equipment that we will use live for rehearsals, focusing only on the performance are characteristics that help eliminate variables and anxieties that could affect live performances. Getting used to following this behavioral process will mean that from the smallest club to the stadium for the guitarist only the proportions will change, but gestures and preparation will be the same, improving performance.
As for the equipment that Massimo used, he mainly used his own Eko MIA acoustic and a Fishman Loudbox Artist, supported by a Loop Station Boss RC-3. The use of the electric guitar is limited to the final of the master Stratocaster provided by the organizers in a Marshall JCM 900, with few effects: BOSS CS-3 (Compressor), RV-5 (Reverb) and a DD-3(Delay), as well as a Corona Chorus from the TC Electronic.
Excellent organization of Sciccaria (Antonello and Carlo are truly extraordinary), kind, welcoming and very prepared guys. They often organize events that are very popular with the public and plan to organize other mastercals and educational events.
Until next time Stefano Torino
Until next time Stefano Torino
Until next time Stefano Torino
Until next time Stefano Torino
Until next time Stefano Torino
