What’s it about?
Neo-soul is born from jazz, fusion and gospel, and in this Masterclass, Rodrigo Gouveia helps you bring it all together. A Masterclass designed for players wanting to learn the genre's fundamentals or add to their existing knowledge.
Every chapter is based on a new topic, carefully selected by Rodrigo to allow you to focus on the most important aspects, in an order that makes sense. It’s what you need to know when you need to know it.
You are given a lesson to help you understand each topic, followed by licks and exercises. At levels five and ten, you’ll also take on a full solo, to see how far you’ve come. With additional backing track lessons and a PDF guide, Rodrigo has given you everything to forge your path into a modern and enchanting style.
What will I learn in each chapter?
Chapter 01 - Chord Embellishments
Learn how to add extra notes to basic chords to create a rich, intricate sound.
Note: this level also features a breakdown of the backing track used for chapters 01-05.
Chapter 02 - Triads
Understand how triads form the backbone of progressions, and how you can voice and manipulate them within the style.
Chapter 03 - Double Stops
Rodrigo teaches you the intervals to assist you in playing double stops, across the neck, while building finger dexterity.
Chapter 04 - Pentatonic Scale
Break free from the traditional shapes of the scale, while using its strengths for simplified neck navigation.
Chapter 05 - Major Scale and Solo 01
Understand the relationship between major and minor and how to fluidly travel across the neck using a variety of shapes. You will also learn a solo which combines many of the ideas covered so far.
Chapter 06 - Arpeggios
Rodrigo shows you how to outline chord progressions and how they can add texture to your playing.
Note: this level also features a breakdown of the backing track used for chapter 06-10
Chapter 07 - Chromatacism
Learn how to use half-step intervals to explore tension and release concepts.
Chapter 08 - Chord Substitution
Jazz up your progressions by adding extensions or with reharmonization. Take the chords you are already familiar with and experiment with different ideas until you create the perfect sound.
Chapter 09 - Melodic Minor
Essential for fusion and neo-soul, this unique scale adds a tension-filled sound. Rodrigo shows you how to apply it to enhance the emotional depth of the music.
Chapter 10 - Diminished and Solo 02
Work on the basic intervals of the scale, how to apply it and the triads derived from it too. Then finish off the Masterclass with a solo that combines all that you have learnt.
Who’s it for?
Whether you have a knowledge base to build on or are coming at neo-soul for the first time, this Masterclass shows you exactly what to focus on, in a way that’s simple and clear. Made for players looking to add melody and richness, through a modern tapestry of sounds.