Pentatonic POWER Exercises

Description:
Do you ever stretch before taking a run, or do vocal warm-ups before singing? In the same way that those exercises and stretches are useful, it is useful to have a quick warm-up routine before playing guitar for many hours. In this course, we take the first scale that most beginner guitarists learn (the Am pentatonic scale) and use it to make exercises that work on foundational techniques that are used commonly in guitar-playing and riffs from songs (hammer-ons, pull-offs, alternate picking, octave chords, etc.). These exercises will level up your dexterity, speed, accuracy, and knowledge of foundational techniques, while using the scale that is commonly used and accessible in music therapy sessions (e.g. using boom whackers, or improvising with clients in the key of C). Tutorial videos will teach you about the exercises and the nuances among them (such as ascending vs. descending slides) and the practice videos are where you will practice the exercises to get them under your fingers! These exercises are also great to give beginner guitar students for the MTs that also give guitar lessons! Power up your hands with these repeatable and short exercises!

Testimonials:
Here are testimonials from other videos I’ve produced:

“I really enjoyed these videos! I thought the speed in which you taught the riff and broke down each bar was perfect for playing along. It made the riff seem much more approachable.”
-    Rebekah, MT-BC

“Ryan, these videos are really dynamic and engaging!! I love the camera set-up, editing, and the audio feels like it's at a really good level. So glad to have a sneak peek at these resources!”
-    Olivia, MT-BC

“Power chords and reading tabs have never been my thing but you make them easy!”
-    Abby, MT-BC

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify and practice the Am pentatonic scale. (BCD V.A.6)
2. Participants will be able to identify and practice foundational skills such as hammer-ons and pull-offs. (BCD V.A.6)
3. Participants will be able to identify and practice incorporating funk guitar elements while playing the Am pentatonic scale. (BCD V.A.6)
4. Participants will be able to identify and practice “bass” and “treble” octave chords using the Am pentatonic scale. (BCD V.A.6)

Prerequisites:

1. Access to a guitar in tune
2. Payment for course
3. Functional skills on guitar

Qualifications and Credentials:
Ryan Johnson, MM, MT-BC is a music therapist who has worked in a wide variety of settings and populations. He has been teaching guitar for 10 years, is a working guitarist, and artist. Ryan loves teaching advanced guitar skills to others because it augments musical experiences and brings joy.  

Opportunity Schedule and Format:
PART 1: Pentatonic Scale Intro, Muting, & Downstrokes (29 minutes)
Ryan gives an overview of the Am pentatonic scale, introduces string muting the scale at 4 different speeds, and an opportunity to practice the pentatonic scale with simple downstrokes

PART 2: Foundational Techniques (41 minutes)
Ryan provides opportunites to practice hammer-ons and pull-offs and provides a variety of exercises with these.

PART 3: Funk Guitar (22 minutes)
Ryan provides multiple exercises that add percussive elements to playing the pentatonic scale, which transfers to playing… well, everything!

PART 4: Slides and Octave Chords (33 minutes)
Ryan provides exercises that address the nuances of sliding up vs. down with an extended pentatonic scale. He also introduces octave chords, their applications, and provides an opportunity to practice them.

Total Time: 125:45

Number of Credits Offered:
2 CMTEs

Course Access:
Video access indefinitely, and Ryan will notify the email list if that changes! Music therapists pursuing continuing education credit must watch the entirety of all the videos and complete the course within 90 days of purchase.

Opportunity Cost:

• $40 for “Pentatonic POWER Exercises”

Refund Policy:
Within 30 days of purchasing the course, if you are not 100% satisfied, I will gladly refund you. Course purchase after 30 days are final sale only. Send an email to support@riffswithryan.com for more information. 

CBMT Relationship:
“Pentatonic POWER Exercises” is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 2 credits. Riffs with Ryan [Provider Number: P-246] maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.