Guitar: Lesson 23
Intro to Improvisation, Basic Accompaniment
By Zack Cart
 
Prerequisites:
You should be able to understand and perform the concepts and techniques outlined in the following lessons before attempting this lesson:
Guitar: Lessons 1-22
Music Theory: Lessons 1-15
 
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In this lesson, we will begin, at a very basic level, to tackle improvisation. Before you can learn to improvise lead, melody or solos, we will learn to improvise the background, or to accompany. This end of improvisation is just as important and challenging as soloing, and can be just as artistically rewarding.
 
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The past few music theory lessons have discussed the creation of simple chord progressions which all stay in a given key. In this lesson, we will explore ways to realize these chord progressions on the guitar, using chord shapes which we already know, and ones which we may have to make up to fit the progressions.
 
The moveable seventh chord shapes from previous guitar lessons are all you need to get through the chord progressions you have been writing, at the most basic level. You may also remember dabbling with chord shapes which include extensions. While we have not specifically learned chord shapes with extensions yet, I have urged you to find some of your own which are playable for you, and which you like the sound of. In later lessons, I may provide some charts of extended chord shapes, from the tame to the exotic, but for now, try to get by with what is already comfortable to you.
 
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Let’s begin with a sample chord progression, created using the rules covered in our music theory lessons, and then work through several ways to realize the chords, or to accompany or “comp.” For now, just utilize any strumming technique with is comfortable to you; we will learn more specific comping styles later.
The chord progression we will be working with is made of eight chords in the key of G major:
 
Gmaj7(I)   Cmaj7(IV)   Emin7(VI)   Gmaj7(I) 
 
Emin7(VI)   Amin7(II)  Ddom7(V)   Gmaj7(I)
For now, we will use only the basic moveable seventh chord shapes which we covered in Guitar Lesson 12. Remember, the root of every chord will be on the Low E-string when using these shapes.
 
Gmaj7 - Begin with the Maj7 shape rooted on G and the low E-string.
Cmaj7 - From there, slide that same Maj7 shape up to Cmaj7 on the same string.
Emin7 - From here, release the strings, and play Emin7 on the open strings. If you hold the Min7 chord shape over the nut of the guitar, you can see how releasing the strings will automatically give you an Emin7.
Gmaj7 - Play the Gmaj7 chord again.
Emin7 - Release the strings for the E min7 again.
Amin7 - Move your hand to the A on the Low E-string, and play the Amin7 shape.
Ddom7 - Slide all the way up to D, and play the Dom7 shape.
Gmaj7 - Slide back down the neck to your final chord, Gmaj7 once again.
 
You will note, playing through these chords, that the result is neither exciting nor beautiful. It is, however, technically sufficient for a soloist or melody player to play against. The blandness and awkwardness of the progression right now lies not with the chord shapes themselves, but with the unchanging sameness of all of the shapes. As we add more chord shapes, you will be able to mix and match for more engaging, smooth, or exotic versions of this same progression.
If you have begun to build up a base of other seventh chord shapes, feel free to use those in place of some or all of the very basic shapes used above. If you are going to use shapes with extensions, however, don’t forget to make sure that the extension is appropriate for the particular scale degree of the chord. For instance, a major ninth is an acceptable extension on the IImin7 chord, and also the VImin7 chord, but is not available on the IIImin7 chord, which instead has an unusable avoid note of a minor ninth.
 
Once you become comfortable playing through the sample chord progression above, it’s time to dive into all the progressions you created in the music theory lessons.

This lesson has been brought to you by:

WWW.CANTONVILLAGEME.COM

Canton Village
Chinese Restaurant

Established 1985

Dine-In, Take Out, Bar
428 Water Street
Gardiner, Maine 04345 

Tel: (207) 582-1396

or (207) 582-1421
Fax (207) 582-6786

 

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Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

All you can Eat buffet!! 

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We Use 100% Vegetable Oil in Cooking
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Items do contain small amounts of MSG 

 

Not Responsible for Lost Articles

* Indicates Hot & Spicy

Pu Pu Platter- for 1 & 2 or 3

Beef Teriyaki, Boneless Ribs, Chicken Teriyaki,
Egg Rolls, Chicken Fingers, Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon
Served for One    $15.25
Served for Two    $25.95
Served for Three $32.95

Specials:  Get 50% OFF large fried rice of your choice with purchase of Pu Pu two OR three not including Young Chow Fried Rice Substitutions (Including Fried Shrimp)

Pu Pu Platter 1& 2 Substitutions: $1.00 Each

Pu Pu Platter for 1   without Fried Rice - $14.75

Pu Pu Platter for 2 without Fried Rice - $24.95

Egg Rolls------------------(1)---$2.95---(2)---$5.75

Spring Rolls---------------(1)--$2.95---(2)---$5.75

Fried Wontons-------Large--$5.50

Fried Dough-----------(10)--$4.50—(20)-$6.50

Chicken Teriyaki---------(3)--$8.25---(6)---$12.25

Beef Teriyaki-------------(3)--$8.95---(6)---$14.25

Fried Jumbo Shrimps---(3)--$7.50---(6)---$10.75

Boneless Ribs-------Large $12.95

Chicken Wings -----(4)----$9.95-----(8)-----$16.95

Buffalo Chicken Wings-Small-$11.95-Large-$18.95

Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings Small----$11.95---Large-$18.95

Scallion Pancake-------Large $7.95

Fried Baby Shrimps----------------------$8.95

Chicken Nugget--------------------------$5.50

Onion Ring -----------------------------------$5.50

French Fries----------------------------------$4.75

Mini Crispy Roll (10) -----------------------$7.50

Wonton Chip ------$5.50

Appetizers (each substitution Extra $100)

1.      Egg Roll, Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Fingers
                                                                 $13.25

2.    Egg Roll, Chicken Wings, Fried Shrimp

                                                               $13.25

*  Hot and Sour Soup----Small--$4.25---Large--$7.75

Noodle Soup w/Chicken------Small--$4.25---Large--$7.75

Noodle Soup w/Pork----Small--$4.25---Large--$7.75

Noodle Soup w/Wontons---Small--$4.25---Large--$7.75

Chinese Vegetable Soup---Small--$4.25---Large--$7.75

FRIED RICE

Meatless Fried Rice--Small-$7.75--Large-$9.25

Vegetable Fried Rice--Small-$8.25--Large-$9.95

Mushroom Fried Rice-------Small-$8.25--Large-$9.95

Pork Fried Rice-------Small-$8.25--Large-$9.95

Chicken Fried Rice---Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Beef Fried Rice-------Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Shrimp Fried Rice---Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Ham Fried Rice------Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Subgum Pork Fried Rice------Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Subgum Chicken Fried Rice----Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Subgum Beef Fried Rice-----Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

Subgum Shrimp Fried Rice----Small-$8.95--Large-$10.50

House Special Fried Rice---Small-$9.50--Large-$10.50
                                

Young Chow Fried Rice-----Small-$9.95--Large$11.95

(Fried White Rice with Egg, Pork, Ham & Shrimp.)

*Szechuan Spicy Fried Rice-Small-$9.50—Large $10.95

CANTONS PARTY PLATTER $89.95

80 Piece Hors d'oevres includes:

FREE LG Pork Fried Rice

FREE (20) Fried Dough

FREE LG Wonton Chip

6 Beef Teriyaki

6 Chicken Teriyaki

10 Small Egg Rolls

6 Pork Dumplings (Fried or Steamed)

13 Crab Rangoon

13 Chicken Fingers

8 Chicken Wings

(Cannot be comined w. any other coupons)

 

Fried or Steamed Dumpling

Pork Dumpling------$8.55

Vegetable Dumpling----$8.55

Chicken Dumpling-----$8.55

LO MEIN 

Lo Mein------Small--$9.50--Large-$11.95

(Chicken, Pork, Vege or Ham)
Lo Mein------Small--$9.95--Large-$12.95

(Beef or Shrimp)
House Special Lo Mein----Small--$9.95--Large-$12.95
Pan Soft Noodle--Small--$7.95--Large-$9.95

 *Szechuan Spicy Lo Mein-Small-$9.95-Large-$12.95

Plain Lo Mein------Small--$7.95--Large-$9.95

 

PORK

Pork with Vegetables-------$11.25
Szechuan Pork-------$11.95

Lobster Sauce-------------------$9.95

 

Chicken or Beef

Pepper Steak-----------------------------$14.25
Beef with Broccoli-----------------------$14.25
Beef with Mushrooms-------------------$14.25
Beef with Pea Pods----------------------$14.25
Beef with Vegetable---------------------$14.25
Beef with Cashews----------------------$14.25

*Curry Beef with Onion---------------$14.25

*Curry Chicken with Onion---------------$14.25
* Chicken with Peking Sauce-------------$14.25
* Szechuan Chicken------------------------$14.25

 Moo Goo Gai Pan------------------------------------$14.25

Chicken with Vegetable---------------------$14.25

Chicken with Mushrooms---------------------$14.25

Chicken with Broccoli---------------------$14.25

MEI FUN
(Thin Rice Noodle)

Vegetable Mei Fun----Small--$9.95---Large---$11.95

Chicken Mei fun-----Small--$9.95---Large--$11.95

Pork Mei Fun-----Small--$9.95—Large-$11.95

 

Shrimp Mei Fun----Small---$10.50----Large--$12.95

 

Beef Mei Fun---Small---$10.50---Large---$12.95

 House Mei Fun---Small---$10.50---Large---$12.95

Singapore Mei Fun with Curry

 (Chicken, Pork, Shrimp)---Small---$10.50----Large $12.95

CHOWFUN
(Flat Rice Noodle)

Vegetable or Chicken or Pork or Ham-----$12.50

Beef or Shrimp or House Special------$13.50

HOUSE  SPECIALTIES

Small or Large Order are Served
(With White Rice or Pork Fried Rice)
(No rice with H2, H6, H18, H19) 

H 1.   LOBSTER SHRIMP KEW

Lobster Meat and Shrimp Sauteed

Expertly with Chinese Vegetables.

 $20.95

 
H 2.  GAI POO LO MEIN

Chunks of Chicken Fried in Batter,

Blended with Slices of Beef, Ham,

Shrimp and Chinese Vegetables,

Served on a Platter of Lo Mein.

$20.95

 
H 3.  BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

Strips of Chicken Grill with Onion,

Green Pepper.

$16.50

 
H 4.  DIAMOND HEAD

Lobster, Shrimp, Pork, and Chicken

Sauteed with Peapods, Mushrooms,

Water Chestnuts and

Chinese Vegetables

$20.95

 
H 5.  FOUR HAPPINESS

Roast Pork, Beef, Shrimp,

Chicken Meat sauteed with

Chinese Vegetables.

$20.95


H 7.  TREASURE ISLAND

Beef, Jumbo Shrimp, Pork,

Mushrooms, Water Chestnuts,

and Chinese Vegetables sauteed with

Golden Chicken Fingers.

$20.95

 
H 8.  SEAFOOD ISLANDER

Jumbo Shrimp, Lobster and

Scallops sauteed with

Chinese Vegetables and Our

Special House Sauce.

$20.95

 
H 9.  HO YO GAI POO

Golden fried Chicken Fingers

Served with Lobster, Ham,

Beef, Chinese Vegetables and

Oyster Sauce.

$20.95

 
H 10.  * GENERAL CHICKEN

Chicken sautéed with Green Peppers,

Onions and our Chef’s Special Sauce.

Small  $13.95

 
H 11.  SESAME CHICKEN

Chicken and Sesame served with

Our Homemade Sauce.

Small $13.95

Large $17.50

 
H 12. * ORANGE CHICKEN

Morsels of Tender Chicken,

Sautéed with Orange Peel to

Import a Subtle Taste.

Small $13.95

Large $17.50

 
H 13.  MONGOLIAN BEEF

Beef, Green Peppers, Peapods,

Onions and Mushrooms in a

Special Mongolian Sauce.

Small $14.50

Large $17.95

 
H 14.  MONGOLIAN BEEF AND CHICKEN

Beef, Chicken, Green Peppers,

Peapods, onions and Mushrooms

in a Special Mongolian Sauce.

Small $14.50

Large $17.95

 
H 15.  MONGOLIAN CHICKEN

Chicken, Green Peppers, Peapods,

Onions, Mushrooms in a Special

Mongolian Sauce.

Small $13.95

Large 17.50

 


H 18.  SEAFOOD LO MEIN

Lobster, Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp

and Chinese Vegetables served

on a bed of Pan Soft Noodles.

$20.95

 
H 19.  BALI ISLAND

Beef and Jumbo Scallops

Sautéed with Peapod,

Water Chestnuts,

Mushrooms and

Chinese Vegetables

Served on a bed of

Soft Noodles.

$20.95
 
 

 
H20.  SESAME BEEF

         Crispy Slice Beef with

        Sesame Sauce

    

      Small---$14.50

     Large---$17.95

 
 

EGG FOO YOUNG (With white rice.)

 

Meatless Egg Foo Young----------------------$9.75

Pork Egg Foo Young---------------------------$10.75

Beef Egg Foo Young---------------------------$10.75

Chicken Egg Foo Young-----------------------$10.75

Shrimp Egg Foo Young------------------------$10.75

Ham Egg Foo Young---------------------------$10.75

Mushroom Egg Foo Young--------------------$10.75

Vegetable Egg Foo Young----------------------$10.75

House Special Egg Foo Young----------------$11.25

 

SWEET AND SOUR
(With white rice.)
 
Sweet and Sour Pork--------------------------$13.25

Sweet and Sour Chicken----------------------$13.25

Sweet and Sour Shrimp-----------------------$13.25

Sweet and Sour Combination---------------$13.95

SEAFOOD

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce----------------$14.25

Shrimp with Mushrooms-------------------$14.25

Shrimp with Broccoli------------------------$14.25

Shrimp with Peapods------------------------$14.25

Shrimp with Vegetables---------------------$14.25

*Shrimp with Garlic Sauce------------------$14.25

Baby Shrimp with Cashews-----------------$14.25

*Szechuan Baby Shrimp---------------------$14.25

*Shrimp with Peking Sauce-----------------$14.25

VEGETABLE

 

Mixed Vegetable------------------$10.95

 

Snow Peapods with Broccoli--$10.95

 

*Broccoli with Garlic Sauce--$10.95

 

*Bean Curd Szechuan Style--$12.25

 

Family Style Bean Curd------$12.25

Deep Fried Slice Bean Curd with Pork

and Mix Vegetable

*General Tso's Bean Curd--$12.25

 
LO MEIN COMBINATION PLATES-ALL DAY

Appetizers (each substitution Extra $1.00)

 L 1.  Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Chicken Fingers     $10.25

L 2. Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Chicken Wings          $10.25

L 3.  Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Egg Roll                   $10.25

L 4.  Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Beef Teriyaki           $10.95

L 5.  Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Fried Shrimp           $10.25

L 6.  Pork or Vegetable Lo Mein, Boneless Ribs          $10.25

L 7.  Shrimp Lo Mein, Egg Roll                                    $10.95

L 8.  Beef Lo Mein, Crab Rangoons                              $10.95

L 9.  Mushroom Lo Mein, Chicken Wings                    $10.25

L 10.  Chicken Lo Mein, Egg Roll                                $10.25

L 11.  House Lo Mein, Crab Rangoons                        $10.95

L 12.  Ham Lo Mein, Chicken Fingers                        $10.25

 

CHILDREN’S PLATES

E 1.  Egg Roll, Fried Rice or French Fries                $6.95

E 2.  Chicken Fingers, Fried Rice or French Fries   $6.95

E 4.  Beef Teriyaki, Fried Rice or French Fries        $7.95

E 5.  Chicken Teriyaki, Fried Rice or French Fries  $6.50

E 7.  Chicken Nugget, Fried Rice or French Fries   $6.95

 

E 8.  Crab Rangoons, Fried Rice or French Fries  $6.95

 

E 9.  Onion Ring, Fried Rice or French Fries      $6.95

 

CHOW MEIN           OR           CHOP SUEY

(Served with Noodles)           (Served with Steamed Rice.)

 Meatless Chow Mein or Chop Suey      Small----$8.55----Large----$9.95

Pork Chow Mein or Chop Suey             Small----$8.55----Large----$9.95

Beef Chow Mein or Chop Suey             Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Chicken Chow Mein or Chop Suey      Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Shrimp Chow Mein or Chop Suey        Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Vegetable Chow Mein or Chop Suey    Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Chicago Pork Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Chicago Beef Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Chicago Shrimp Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Chicago Chicken Chow Mein or Chop Suey   Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Subgum Pork Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Subgum Beef Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Subgum Chicken Chow Mein or Chop Suey    Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

Subgum Shrimp Chow Mein or Chop Suey     Small----$9.50----Large----$10.75

 

LUNCH SPECIALS-Served All Day with Pork Fried Rice 

APPETIZERS  (Each Substitution Extra $1.00) 

1.      Pork Chow Mein, Egg Roll-------------$9.95
2.    Subgum Pork Chow Mein, Egg Roll--$9.95
3.    Pork Egg Foo Young, Chicken Wings-$10.95
4.    Beef Chop Suey, Chicken Wings-------$10.95
5.    Pork with Mushrooms,
Chicken Fingers--------------------------$10.95
6.Peppers Steak, with Onion Chicken Wings-$10.95
7.    Lobster Sauce, Egg Roll------------------$9.95
8.  Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Wings-----$10.95
9.  Sweet & Sour Chicken, Egg Roll---------$10.95
10.  Pork Chow Mein, Chicken Fingers------$9.95
11.   Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Fingers----------$10.95
12.  Fried Shrimp, Chicken Wings------------$10.95
13.  Chicken Chow Mein, Egg Roll------------$9.95
14.  Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Fingers---$9.95
15.  Chicken Chow Mein, Fried Shrimp-------$9.95
16.  Pork Chop Suey, Beef Teriyaki------------$10.95
17.  Shrimp Chop Suey, Egg Roll--------------$10.95
18.  Beef with Mushroom, Egg Roll-----------$10.95
19.  Moo Goo Gai Pan, Egg Roll---------------$10.95
20.Shrimp w/ Lobster Sauce, Crab Rangoon-$10.95
21.  *Szechuan Pork, Chicken Teriyaki-------$10.95
22. *Szechuan Chicken, Egg Roll--------------$10.95
23. *Szechuan Beef, Egg Roll------------------$10.95
24. *Szechuan Shrimp, Crab Rangoon--------$10.95
25.*Pork w/ Peking Sauce, Chicken Teriyaki-$10.95
26.*Chicken w/Peking Sauce, Crab Rangoon-$10.95
27. *Beef with Peking Sauce, Egg Roll--------$10.95
28. *Shrimp with Peking Sauce, Egg Roll----$10.95
29.*Pork with Garlic Sauce, Chicken Fingers-$10.95
30.*Chicken w/ Garlic Sauce, Boneless Ribs-$10.95
31. *Beef w/ Garlic Sauce, Crab Rangoons----$10.95
32.*Shrimp with Garlic Sauce, Egg Roll-------$10.95
33. Chicken with Broccoli, Egg Roll-----------$10.95
34.*General Tso’s Chicken or Sesame Chicken$9.25

        (Sesame Chicken is not Hot and Spicy.)
35.   Beef with Broccoli, Egg Roll----------------$10.95
36.   Crab Rangoons, Chicken Finger-----------$10.95

D5.  Boneless Ribs, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Wings     $12.75
D6.  Boneless Ribs, Chicken Fingers, Beef Teriyaki  $12.75
D7.  Boneless Ribs, Chicken Fingers, Chicken Wings  $12.75
D8.  Sweet & Sour Pork, Boneless Ribs, Egg Roll         $12.75
D9.  Sweet & Sour Chicken, Egg Roll Chicken Wings  $12.75
D10.  Sesame Chicken, Egg Roll                                     $11.95
D11.   *General Tso’s Chicken, Chicken Wings            $11.95
D12.   *Orange Chicken, Crab Rangoon                        $11.95
D13.   Mongolian Chicken, Chicken Fingers                 $11.95
D14.  Mongolian Beef, Crab Rangoons                          $11.95
D15.  Mongolian Beef and Chicken, Egg Roll              $11.95
D16.  Chicken with Broccoli, Egg Roll, Crab Rangoon   $13.25
D17.  Boneless Ribs, Egg Roll, Chicken Teriyaki             $12.75
D18.  Egg Roll, Wings, Chicken Fingers, Boneless Ribs, Chicken Teriyaki   $12.75
D19. Boneless Ribs, Chicken Teriyaki                           $11.25
D20.  Boneless Ribs, Chicken Wings                             $11.25
D21.  Boneless Ribs, Chicken Fingers                          $11.25
D22.  Beef with Broccoli, Egg Roll, Chicken Fingers      $13.25
D23.  Chicken with Peapods, Egg Roll, Chicken Fingers     $13.25
D24.  Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chicken Teriyaki, Egg Roll           $13.25
D25.  Pork or Chicken Chow Mein, Egg Roll Crab Rangoon   $13.25
D26.  Chicken or Pork Lo Mein, Crab Rangoon                        $11.95
D27.  Shrimp or Beef Lo Mein, Chicken Finger                        $11.95
D28.  Pork or Chicken Egg Foo Young, Egg Roll, Chicken Finger  $13.25

SIDE ORDERS

Duck Sauce-Small                  75 cents-Medium--$1.50-Large-$3.00
Sweet and Sour Sauce Small 75 cents-Medium--$1.50-Large-$3.00
White Rice—Small $3.75----------------------Large--$4.75
Gravy------------------------------------------------$1.50