Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Hi Tomo,

I was hoping to get your insight into this. Some of these progression are from you CAGED, 7th chord, and triads lessons so I thought you could offer more suggestions. So, there is a connection to GW material.

Thanks!

I guess I'll answer my own question about the GW lesson.

Chord progression #1 – Cmaj7 | Fmaj7 | Cmaj7 | G |

Chord progression #2 – Gmaj7 | Em7 | D | Cadd9 |

Chord progression #3 – Emaj7 | C#m9 | Amaj7 | Badd11 |

Chord Progression #4 – Dmaj7 | Bm | Gmaj7 | Asus4 |

Chord progression #1 – Am7 | Dm7 | G| Am7 |

Chord progression #2 – Em7| Cadd9 | G | Dsus4 |

Chord progression #3 – Bm7 | G | A | Bm7 |

Chord progression #4 – F#m7 | Amaj7 | E | F#m7 |

Chord progression #1 – C | C7 | F | G7 | C |

Chord progression #2 – Am | Dm | E7 | Am |

Chord progression #3 – Em | D | C | B7 |

Michael, thanks for sharing this.
Learning chord progressions & learning voice leading.
Good! I want to make one additional video for you later.

Yes. Those are very popular chords that used in many famous songs.
To make a great song, sometime people must to use one of them.

Normally I think every very simple way(s)
I prefer to pick one chord progression and go deeper.

Common chord progressions. I have these from learning actual songs like anything that I liked.... I copied and analyzed by number system. Related to triad inversions then learn a few different keys. I never listed up those that as you wrote. I have one question! How did you learn those common chord progressions? 5 patterns. I will pick two out of 5 and learn 3 different keys first. So you will learn about the fretboard that way.

For 7th chords. You can learn from any good pop songs or any jazz standards then analyze like that. I like very simple ones.

GMaj7 E-7 A-7 D7 ... then I can play (from your 2nd post)
D/G (GMaj9 without M3rd) E7(#9) A-9 D7(b9) or C/D etc.

I stick one chord progression to study deeper.
I can hear those chords in my head if I imagine.

I am very curious that what would really like to do?
Just find better voice leading?

Hope this video will help you.
Please let know your feedback.

Thank you.

Tomo

Hi Tomo,

Sorry I haven't replied in a few days or so. Work has gotten pretty busy.

Thanks for the video. I've gotten pretty good at all the diminished, major and minor triads on one string set or in one position across many string sets. Yup, I do know the drop-2 voicings in multiple progressions and voice leading.

I do like the idea of sticking to one key. I think I've been trying to do too many keys or do too much as I always do lol :) Would it be a good idea to work in all keys at some point? I have some backing tracks for a 1 4 5 progression in all keys.

I've heard from you and others to play over top of songs using CAGED/triads etc. or learn songs that use those chords/progressions and I think that is another good idea.

Sounds good. I have been trying to do the application side of your site and always think I'm missing something even though I've done most of all of the foundation technique, triads, chords, arpeggios, diatonic chords, blues etc. etc.

Why do I feel this way that I'm missing something?

Thanks again Tomo! Have a great day!

Thank you Michael for your reply! Anytime! Don't worry!

You're very welcome! Great to hear that.

I think stay simple first. Don't worry about many things.
One key and enjoy a few choices.

You already asked... all keys... No!
That's not a great idea to think... one at a time.
So I would say ... 2-3 keys... then more.

Please don't use any backing tracks that already made by someone.
Be creative and make your own. Mixing a few different styles, different tempos.
No one answer (always).

I just don't think any CAGED shapes. I only think triads when I study and practice.,
When I perform, I don't think any theory ... I try to feel that music and simply enjoy the moment.
Learn a few songs deeply! How about learn "Amazing Grace" and change to another key.

I think you think too much ahead. Keep it simple. Play in slow. Do not think "All Keys"
A few things, a few choices... don't fill too much! I love working on foundation, techniques so that I can perform well. I love triads, 7th chords but I don't practice those anymore. I know a few... enough so I should play songs. So my practice (one of) routine is to practice songs. Blues, Jazz Blues, Jazz Standards, any great songs.

I think you are looking for something "Perfect"
I dropped my pride and expectations in many years ago.
This way no disappointment myself.
There are so many great players out there!
So I am not looking to becoming the best or number one!
I want to be Only One and I want to be a little above the middle!

Take it easy!
Please enjoy your life everyday!
My pleasure!

Thank you.

Tomo

You're very welcome! Simple & beautiful when you find good voice leading chords.

GMaj7 E-7 A-7 D7
You can also enjoy GMaj7 (D/G) E7(b9) A-7(9) D7(b9) etc.

Thank you.

Tomo

I gotta say I really connected with the 'choices' comment relating to Joe Pass. The last little while I've been working on progressions with triads, chords etc. and found that is exactly how I felt. I had so many choices. Do I want to say in the same set of strings in the same area as the last triad, or do I want to go higher up the neck or lower or maybe move up or down a string set. Was kinda cool to have so many options when only a year ago when I only really knew the cowboy chords, some barre chords and mostly just shapes and almost no notes.

"Having a choices" That words came from Joe Pass's mouth when I took Joe Pass lesson.

I always learn one thing from one person. That's why I love just to listen someone would say.

I try to think simple as well. Triad inversion. Top 123 set strings. Play C & F in horizontally...
4 patterns. I do practice those. Yes! I apply those to other sets of strings. 234/345/456.
You can practice those for a few weeks, a few months. Then you have them! After that,, you don't need practicing those but you should be able to do anytime! That's good work ethic. Not being a perfectionist.

Those cowboy chords. I think E shape, A shape and D shape... but I translate those to triad inversions with intervals so it's not CAGED or Shapes anymore! That was when fun began!

Thank you.

Tomo