SX Electric Guitar

SX Electric Guitar
Presents
Method by: John McCarthy
Adapted By: Jim Rutkowski
Supervising Editors:
John McCarthy & Joe Palombo
Music Transcribing & Engraving: Jim Rutkowski
Production Manager: Anna-Lisa Tedeschi
Layout, Graphics & Design: Jim Rutkowski
Photography: Rodney Dabney
Copy Editors:
Cathy McCarthy, Alex Palombo
Cover Art Direction & Design:
Paul Enea, Tovero & Marks
Produced by The Rock House Method
2010 Fred Russell Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved
Electric Guitar
SX Electric Guitar
Congratulations on the Purchase of
Your SX Guitar!
We are 100% sure no other guitar sounds or looks more like your
music than SX Guitars. From the incredible nish of the SX Custom
Shop to the outrageous American Swamp Ash Series to the legend-
ary models. SX electric, acoustic and bass guitars have earned their
rock-solid reputation in recording studios, schools and concert stages
around the world.
As musicians, we at SX Guitars know it well that its hard at the beginning when you dont have
the bucks. This is the reason why we work with the highest quality factories to manufacture our
instruments but avoid fat prots. It allows us to deliver the best instruments to you at prices that
will make you scream and shout!
Recording artists, garage freaks, teachers and pro players have made SX Guitars their weapon
of choice. From stunning, handmade custom guitars to affordable standard series, we have the
right guitar at an affordable price for every player. When you need vicious tones, consummate
playability and drop-dead looks, you need SX Guitars.
Our philosophy is simple, offer a perfect guitar playing experience at extremely affordable pric-
es. Our company is staffed and run by guitar experts and musicians, people just like you who
live, breathe and dream guitars.
Get the guitar that speaks the language of your Music, your own language!
SX Electric Guitar
4
Table of Contents
4
5
6
7
8
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
About the nstructor ......................................................................................................................
ntroduction ...................................................................................................................................
con Key ........................................................................................................................................
Lesson 1: Parts of the Guitar ........................................................................................................
Lesson 2: Holding the Guitar & Pick .............................................................................................
Lesson 3: Names of the Open Strings ..........................................................................................
Lesson 4: Chord Chart Example ...................................................................................................
Lesson 5: Major Open Chords ......................................................................................................
Lesson 6: Picking Exercise ...........................................................................................................
Lesson 7: Basic Strumming ..........................................................................................................
Lesson 8: Tablature Explanation ...................................................................................................
Lesson 9: Finger Exercise ............................................................................................................
Lesson 10: Minor Open Chords ....................................................................................................
Lesson 11: Blues Rhythm .............................................................................................................
Lesson 12: Major Minor Rock Rhythm ..........................................................................................
Lesson 14: Minor Pentatonic Scales ............................................................................................
Lesson 20: Rock Riffs ...................................................................................................................
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................
How To Get Your Next Rock House Product ................................................................................
Stay Connected With Rock House ...............................................................................................
Rock House Catalog .....................................................................................................................
This Booklet Is Interactive!
This booklet is an interactive PDF le. All of the icons throughout the pages are
linked to their corresponding lesson support link at RockHouseMethod.com. Each
lesson in the table of contents is also linked to its page within the booklet. The SX
logo on the top left of each page will direct you back to the Table of Contents page
to make navigating through the booklet and nding a specic lesson easier.
You will notice that at specic places in this Program booklet, there are icons for
you to go to RockHouseMethod.com to use the Ear Trainer and Guitar Professor.
We added these where we feel it will be most benecial for you to use these learn-
ing aids.
SX Electric Guitar
John is the creator of The Rock House Method, the worlds leading musical instruction sys-
tem. Over his 20-year career, he has produced and/or appeared in more than 100 instructional
products. Millions of people around the world have learned to play music using Johns easy-to-
follow, accelerated program.
John is a virtuoso guitarist who has worked with some of the industrys most legendary musi-
cians. He has the ability to break down, teach and communicate music in a manner that moti-
vates and inspires others to achieve their dreams of playing an instrument.
As a guitarist and songwriter, John blends together a unique style of Rock, Metal, Funk and Blues
in a collage of melodic compositions, jam-packed with masterful guitar techniques. His sound
has been described as a combination of vintage guitar rock with a progressive, gritty edge.
Throughout his career, John has recorded and performed with renowned musicians like Doug
Wimbish (who has worked with Joe Satriani, Living Colour, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, An-
nie Lennox and many more top ight artists), Grammy winner Leo Nocentelli, Rock & Roll Hall
of Fame inductees Bernie Worrell and Jerome Big Foot Brailey, Freekbass, Gary Hoey, Bobby
Kimball, David Ellefson (founding member of seven time Grammy nominee Megadeth), Will Cal-
houn (who has worked with B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Paul Simon), Jordan Giangreco from the
acclaimed band The Breakfast, and solo artist Alex Bach. John has also shared the stage with
Blue Oyster Cult, Randy Bachman, Marc Rizzo, Jerry Donahue, Bernard Fowler, Stevie Salas,
Brian Tichy, Kansas, Al Dimeola and Dee Snyder.
For information on John, his music and his instructional products visit RockHouseMethod.com.
John McCarthy
Creator of
The Rock House Method
About the Instructor
4
SX Electric Guitar
Introduction
Welcome to The Rock House Method system of learning. You join millions of aspiring musi-
cians around the world who use our easy-to-understand methods for learning to play music. Un-
like conventional learning programs, The Rock House Method is a four-part teaching system
that employs DVD, CD and 24/7 online lesson support along with this book to give you a variety
of sources to assure a complete learning experience. The products can be used individually or
together. The DVD that comes with this book matches the curriculum exactly, providing you with
a live instructor for visual reference. In addition, the DVD contains some valuable extras like sec-
tions on changing your strings, guitar care and an interactive chord library. The CD that weve
included lets you take your lessons with you anywhere you go.
How to Use the Lesson Support Site
Every Rock House product offers FREE membership to our interactive Lesson Support site.
Use the member number included with your book to register at RockHouseMethod.com. You will
nd your member number on the sleeve that contains your DVD and CD. Once registered, you
can use this fully interactive site along with your product to enhance your learning experience,
expand your knowledge, link with instructors, and connect with a community of people around
the world who are learning to play music using The Rock House Method. There are sections
that directly correspond to this product within the Additional Information and Backing Tracks sec-
tions. There are also a variety of other tools you can utilize such as Ask The Teacher, Quizzes,
Reference Material, Denitions, Forums, Live Chats, Guitar Professor and much more.
Register Now
Click here now to use the member number included with your pro-
gram to register for free at RockHouseMethod.com. Registering will
also make all of the icons in this booklet active links that will take
you to the Lesson Support for this program.
Click Here!
5
SX Electric Guitar
Throughout this book, youll periodically notice the icons listed below. They indicate when there
are additional learning tools available on our support web site for the section youre working on.
When you see an icon in the book, visit the member section of RockHouseMethod.com for musi-
cal backing tracks, additional information and learning utilities.
Backing Track
Many of the exercises in this book are intended to be played along with bass and
drum rhythm tracks. This icon indicates that there is a backing track available for
download on the Lesson Support site.
Additional Information
The question mark icon indicates there is more information for that section avail-
able on the web site. It can be theory, more playing examples or tips.
Tuner
Also found on the web site is a free online tuner that you can use to help tune your
instrument. You can download the free online tuner from RockHouseMethod.com.
Metronome
Metronome icons are placed next to the examples that we recommend you prac-
tice using a metronome. You can download a free, adjustable metronome from
our Lesson Support site.
Icon Key
6
SX Electric Guitar
Volume & Tone Knobs
Input Jack
Strap Button
Pickups
Strap Button
Fretboard
Position Markers
Frets
Nut
Machine Heads:
Headstock
Neck
Body
Saddles
Bridge
Tremolo Bar
(Whammy Bar)
Pickup Selector Switch
Pick Guard
Parts of the Guitar
Lesson 1
To learn more about SX guitars click here!
7
SX Electric Guitar
Holding the Guitar & Pick
The photos below show the proper way to hold a guitar. Rest the body of the guitar on your right
leg when sitting. When standing, attach a guitar strap to the strap buttons and wear the strap
over your left shoulder. Locate the input jack on your guitar. Before you plug in, turn the volume
down on the guitar; the amplier should be off. Plug the cord into the guitar and the amplier,
then turn the amp on and bring up the volume.
Lesson 2
Click here to see the different straps available from SX!
8
SX Electric Guitar
Holding the Pick
Hold the pick between the index nger and thumb of your right hand. Leave just the tip pointing
out, perpendicular to your thumb. Your thumb and nger should be placed in the center of the
pick, grasping it rmly to give you good control. Leave your hand open (dont make a st) and let
the rest of your ngers hang loosely.
To properly position the pick, center the pick on your index nger (Fig. 1) and bring your thumb
down on top of it (Fig. 2). Pinch your thumb and nger together and leave just the tip of the pick
showing (Fig. 3).
9
SX Electric Guitar
Right Hand Position
Place your right arm on the very top of the guitar and let it drape down almost parallel to the
bridge (Fig. 4). Leave part of your hand or ngers touching the guitars body and keep them an-
chored to the guitar (Fig. 5). This will help give your picking hand a reference point.
Left Hand Position
Hold your left hand out in front of you with your wrist straight (Fig. 6). Curl your ngers in and
just naturally bring your hand back to the neck of the guitar (Figs. 7 & 8). Try not to bend or con-
tort your wrist. Your ngers should stay curled inward; most of the time only your ngertips will
touch the strings when playing. The rst joint of your thumb should be in the middle of the back
of the neck (Fig. 9). Try to avoid touching the neck with any other part of your hand. Make sure
you have the proper right and left hand positions down so that when we progress youll have no
problems.
10
SX Electric Guitar
11
SX Electric Guitar
Names of the Open Strings
Third String - G Fourth String - D
Second String - B First String - E
(Thinnest)
Fifth String - A Sixth String - E
(Fattest)
Lesson 3
12
Fifth String - A Sixth String - E
(Fattest)
EG2K EG3K
EG1K
SX Electric Guitar
Chord Chart Example
A chord is a group of notes played together. A chord chart (chord diagram) is a graphic represen-
tation of part of the fretboard (as if you stood the guitar up from oor to ceiling and looked directly
at the front of the neck). The vertical lines represent the strings; the horizontal lines represent
the frets.
Chord diagrams show which notes to play and which strings they are played on. The solid black
dots within the graph represent fretted notes and show you where your ngers should go. Each
of these dots will have a number directly inside of it. These numbers indicate which left hand
nger to fret the note with (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky). The 0s at the top of the dia-
gram show which strings are played open (strummed with no left hand ngers touching them).
Lesson 4
13
SX Electric Guitar
Major Open Chords
Practice changing from chord to chord. Build up speed gradually and make sure that all of the
notes in the chord are sounded.
Lesson 5
14
SX Electric Guitar
Picking Exercise
Use alternate picking and build your speed up gradually.
Fret an open D chord and hold the chord shape with your left hand while picking out the indi-
vidual notes in the order indicated below. This picking pattern (indicated by which number string
you pick) is 4 - 1 - 3 - 1 - 2 - 1. Recite the string number while you pick each one to help memorize
the order. Use a down-up-down-up alternate picking pattern. Notice that the 1st string is always
up picked, while the other strings are all down picked. Try to hold one of your right hand ngers
on the body of the guitar to help give you added support and control. Practice playing in a steady,
even rhythm, in time with a metronome.
Lesson 6
15
SX Electric Guitar
Basic Strumming
Example 1
Example 2
Strum each chord 4x
Lesson 7
16
SX Electric Guitar SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEElllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecccccccccccccccccccccccccccccttttttttttttttrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccccccccccccc GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
CIick here to Iearn more about the Ash Series!
SX Electric Guitar
Tablature Explanation
Tablature (or tab) is a number system for reading notes on the neck of a guitar. It does not re-
quire you to have knowledge of standard music notation. This system was designed specically
for the guitar. Most music for guitar is available in tab. Tablature is a crucial and an essential part
of your guitar playing career.
The six lines of the tablature staff represent each of the six strings. The top line is the thinnest
(highest pitched) string. The bottom line is the thickest (lowest pitched) string. The lines in be-
tween are the 2nd through 5th strings. The numbers placed directly on these lines show you the
fret number to play the note. At the bottom, underneath the staff, is a series of numbers. These
numbers show you which left hand ngers you should use to fret the notes.
Chords can also be written in tab. If there are several numbers stacked together in a column,
those notes should be played or strummed at the same time. Here are the Am and Em chords
with the tablature written out underneath each diagram. Since the ngerings are shown on the
chord diagrams, we wont bother to repeat them underneath the tab.
fret number
rst string
(thinnest)
sixth string
(thickest)
left hand
ngering
Lesson 8
18
SX Electric Guitar
Finger Exercise
This is a nger exercise in tablature that will build coordination and strengthen your ngers. Its
designed to help stretch your hand out, so keep your ngers spread across the rst four frets,
one nger per fret. Leave your rst nger anchored in place and reach for the following three
notes by stretching your hand out.
With your right hand, use alternate picking in a consistent down-up-down-up pendulum motion.
Alternate picking will help develop speed, smoothness and technique. Practice this exercise us-
ing the metronome for timing and control.
Lesson 9
19
Click here to see the STL/H
SX Electric Guitar
Minor Open Chords
A small m following a chord name represents a minor Chord. Minor chords have a sad or mel-
ancholy tone.
Lesson 10
20
Click here to see the SST62+ Guitar
SX Electric Guitar
Blues Rhythm
The following is a basic Blues rif f in the key of A. This riff is made up of two note chords shown
on the tab staff. The chord names above the staff are there as a reference to show you what the
basic harmony is while you play along.
This riff should sound very familiar - it' s used more than any other Blues progression. Plenty of
Rock and Blues classics are played entirely with this one riff repeated over and over. t is made
up of 12 measures (or bars) of music called the 12-bar Blues, a Blues progression consisting of
twelve repeated bars of music.
Lesson 11
To deveIop good musicianship, a trained ear and a strong musicaI
awareness, go to the Lesson Support site and check out the Ear
Trainer!
CIick
Here!
21
SX Electric Guitar
Major minor Rock Rhythm
Remember to leave down any fngers that will be used in the next chord.
Lesson 12
22
CIick here to see the SX STL50 Guitar!
SX Electric Guitar
Minor Pentatonic Scales
Minor pentatonic scales are the most commonly used scales for playing Rock and Blues solos.
The pentatonic is a ve note scale, or an abbreviated version of the full natural minor scale. The
word pentatonic comes from the greek words, penta (ve) and tonic (the keynote).
Lesson 13
Key of Am
22
For a deeper understanding of scales and modes, click here to check out
John McCarthys Modes Demystied Rock House program!
SX Electric Guitar
Rock Riffs
Rock Riff #1
Rock Riff #2
Rock Riff #3
Rock Riff #4
Lesson 14
Now that you have Iearned the scaIes, modes and chords in this
program, go to the Lesson Support site and check out the Gui-
tar professor!
Click Here!
24
SX Electric Guitar SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX EEEEEEEEEEEEEllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeccccccccccccccctttttttttttttttttrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccc GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
CIick here to Iearn more about the Vintage Series!
SX Electric Guitar
Congratulations!
You have completed the SX Guitar Power program featuring the
Rock House Method. You have learned all the essential tools
needed to become a great guitar player. Take all the lessons and
ideas youve learned experiment and begin to create your own
style. You are now ready to move on to the next Rock House
Method programs. Feel free to email me or any of our other
master instructors at RockHouseMethod.com.
Hopefully Ill see you on stage one day!
John McCarthy
26
To keep progressing with the proper training. Click Here to check out John
McCarthys Learn Rock Guitar Beginner Rock House program!
Get it now OnDemand!!
To keep progressing with the proper training. Click Here to check out John
McCarthys Learn Rock Guitar Intermediate Rock House program!
Get it now OnDemand!!
Looking for a heavier approach to guitar? Click Here to check out John Mc-
Carthys Learn Metal Guitar Beginner Rock House program!
Get it now OnDemand!!
SX Electric Guitar
How To Get Your Next
Rock House Product
Click here to nd the nearest Rock House dealer anywhere in the world out-
side of the United states.
Click
Here!
Click here to nd the nearest Rock House dealer in the United States.
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Here!
Want your next Rock House product sent to your door, this is the place.
Rock House Store
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Here!
Access any Rock House products instantly by downloading them
directly to your computer.
Rock House OnDemand
Click
Here!
27
SX Electric Guitar
Stay Connected with Rock House
Interviews, news, lessons, reviews and much more!
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Here!
A good way to follow all that happens at Rock House.
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Check out photo albums, events and music from the Rock House artists.
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Lesson Samples, Performances and Behind the Scenes Videos.
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Sign up for your free lifetime membership today and connect with a community
of people around the world who are learning to play music with Rock House.
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Here!
28
SX Electric Guitar
The Rock House Catalog
B
o
o
k
The Only Chord Book
Youll Ever Need!
Learn Rock Acoustic
Beginner
Learn Rock Acoustic
Intermediate
Learn Rock Guitar
Intermediate
Learn Rock Guitar
Beginner
D
V
D
Intermediate Beginner Intermediate Beginner Advanced
Leo Nocentelli Riffs, Rhythms &
Secrets
Workout Routines
for Guitarists
Beginner
Alexi Laiho
Melodic Speed, Shred &
Heavy Riffs #1
Alexi Laiho
Melodic Speed, Shred &
Heavy Riffs #2
John McCarthy
Basics of Metal Guitar
Leads, Runs & Rhythms #1
Dan Jacobs
To learn about all Rock House products check out our online catalog at
RockHouseMethod.com!
29