Taught by renowned guitaristÂ
Sergio Assad
Composing for the guitar is a difficult task, even when one is a guitarist. Sergio Assad, one of the most colorful composers and arrangers of the last several decades, has found success in his approach to composition. In these lessons, Sergio Assad introduces his 10 Sketches for solo guitar, covering techniques and compositional choices relevant for the aspiring composer. The 10 Sketches were commissioned by tonebase in 2021.
Intro to 10 Sketches
Sergio Assad introduces his 10 Sketches and the building blocks to composing on the guitar.
Sketch no. 1 (Single Notes and Simple Meter)
Sketch no. 1 focuses on developing a simple melody through different metric groupings and arpeggios.
Sketch no. 10 (Slurs and Harmonics)
Sketch no. 10 is a study consisting of slurs and harmonics.
Sketch no. 2 (Fixed Fingers and Simple Phrases)
This sketch introduces the idea of form in music and the limitations of writing in multiple voices.
Sketch no. 3 (Double Stops and Improvisational Cells)
Sergio discusses the benefits of improvisation and provides a structure for practicing.
Sketch no. 4 (Fuller Chords and Bass Melodies)
Sketch no. 4 continues to develop on previous etudes, adding melodies in the bass and further study in improvisation.
Sketch no. 5 (Accompanied Melody and Syncopation)
This sketch adds character, color, and more complexity through syncopation and accompaniment.
Sketch no. 6 (Intervals and Ostinato)
Sketch no. VI explores developing a composition through various intervals.
Sketch no. 7 (Multi-meter and Polyrhythm)
Sergio explores further complexity through syncopation, metric changes, and polyrhythms.
Sketch no. 8 (Modes and Moods)
Sketch no. VIII is a theme and variation, each variation making use of one of the seven church modes.
Sketch no. 9 (Chord Shapes and Arpeggios)
Sergio makes use of several chord shapes to find new harmonies in Sketch no. IX.
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Unlock Course →Internationally acclaimed composer and performer, Sergio Assad is best known as the older sibling in the Duo Assad, described by many as the finest pairing of guitarists currently before the public.
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