News in 2024
April 14th 2024
Mastering the MIXOLYDIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery 158]
April 7th 2024
Mastering the LYDIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery 157]
April 1st 2024
Mastering the PHRYGIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery 156]
March 26th 2024
Mastering the IONIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery]
Get the max out of the Ionian Scale / Mode with this Guitar Tutorial! The Ionian Scale is commonly refered as THE Major Scale. Learn how to play chord progressions, that perfectly reproduces, not just Major, but the true sound of the Ionian Mode. I call this concept the Frank Gambale Method. Frank Gambale, an incredible Jazz Fusion Guitarist released a VHS guitar tutorial way back in time, where he explained his concept, and this had a great impact on me and my understanding of the church modes. In this video I'll make a quick analysis of the scale, show you a scale shape to start with and in the main part, I'll share this awesome concept of Frank Gambale which makes use, in a clever way, of the Principle of Exclusion. 6 more videos about those other modes will follow weekly. The episode about the second mode Dorian is already up!
Watch also:
Mastering the Dorian MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery]
February 29th 2024
Benjamin Schippritt / Electric-Free Extravaganza
(Acoustic-Hard-Melodic Rock) [Official EP Stream]
February 28th 2024
Benjamin Schippritt / BEDHEAD
(Electric-Free Extravaganza / Official Audio)
February 27th 2024
Benjamin Schippritt / CHICKBAG
(Electric-Free Extravaganza / Official Audio)
February 26th 2024
Benjamin Schippritt / BILLY THE KID
(Electric-Free Extravaganza / Official Audio)
BILLY THE KID is (HARD) ROCK UNPLUGGED! This was a fun experiment of mine. About 20 years ago in 2005, during a vacation in Sweden, I wrote 3 songs with the idea of playing hard rock songs on acoustic guitar instead of electric guitar, unplugged style. As soon as I got back home, I produced the tunes completely on my own. I played the acoustic guitars with the heart and attitude of a rock electric guitarist. Apart from posting them on Soundcloud, I didn't do much else with them. Later, the song CHICKBAG found its way onto the third Junk Farm album DIDN'T COME TO DANCE in a slightly different way. Much later I had the idea to remix the songs and now, again much later, I suddenly realized that the songs are damn fun to listen to and I don't want to keep that from you! I again did a complete new remaster. Enjoy my song BILLY THE KID with the freshness of today!
February 19th 2024
Dominant 7 Chords / Game-Changing Techniques Every Guitarist Should Know
(Guitar-Nerdery 153)
Chord Knowledge for Instant Use! Learn about and Master Primary Dominant 7 Chords, Secondary Dominant 7 Chords, and Tritone Substitutes. Improve your chord progressions by adding excitement, tension and direction. A Dive into 3 Essential Strategies of how to use Dominant 7 Chords!
January 26th 2024
Creative Tapping Technique / 15 Licks, Tricks & Exercises (Ultimate Shred)
(Guitar-Nerdery 152)
Welcome to my new Guitar Nerdery episode, packed full with tapping goodies and perfect for some awesome shredding! When I kicked off my guitar tutorial series many years ago, one of the early episodes was about the tapping technique. Back then I explained that I didn't actually use this playing technique that actively anymore, but that I had activated it for the video. Looking back, this tutorial was also inspiring for me, because it triggered the idea of delving deeper into it again. Now, many years later, this playing technique has once again become an integral part of my game and I wouldn't want to be without it. Accordingly, there are numerous tapping videos in the arsenal of my Guitar-Nerdery series. In this informative, but also entertaining video, I have put together 15 YouTube SHORTS videos with tapping licks, tricks and exercises that are firmly in my playing vocabulary and that I would like to share with you!
January 14th 2024
Master 24 Days of Guitar / A Compilation of Utterly Useful Licks Tips & Tricks
(Guitar-Nerdery 151)
Welcome and Happy New Year! A couple of days ago I started 2024 with a new Guitar-Nerdery episode 151:
'Master 24 Days of Guitar: A Compilation of Utterly Useful Licks, Tips & Tricks' is an all-in-one guitar lesson that offers a wealth of knowledge for guitar enthusiasts. This video is my SHORTS Advent Calendar 2023, 24 episodes on 24 days, coming together in one super tutorial compilation. The lessons are designed to be inspiring and cut-to-the-chase, making them perfect for guitarists who want to learn new licks, tips, and tricks in a short amount of time. The video covers a wide range of topics. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this tutorial offers something for everyone. So, grab your guitar, tune in, and let's master 24 days of guitar!
This was 2023
December 31st 2023Shred the Year Down! 4 Amazing Hot Guitar Licks to Rock Out
(Guitar-Nerdery 150)
Welcome to SHRED THE YEAR DOWN, my Guitar-Nerdery episode 150! It's a compilation of a special series of shreddy Shorts guitar tutorials. As we counted down the last four days of 2023, each day unveiled a new episode featuring electrifying shred guitar licks. These short and sweet lessons are not just about improving your guitar skills, but also about finding distraction and joy after a challenging year. So, grab your guitar, tune in, let's shred the last breaths of 2023 to pieces and welcome a hopeful new year by having fun!
December 1st 2023
My Guitar Advent Calendar 2023 has been launched!
Welcome to the third season of my Guitar-Nerdery Advent Calendar 2023! As with the previous times, you will find a daily shorts guitar tutorial on my YouTube channel, starting December 1st until December 24th (because I'm German and Christmas Eve is the day of presents in our country). I didn't plan too much in advance and instead let myself be guided by spontaneity and fun. To be precise, I turned on the camera, recording equipment and lights and improvised on the guitar for a while before each session. If I then came across something while playing that seemed interesting to show you, I recorded it straight away. I hope you like this year's Guitar Advent Calendar and that there are lots of interesting ideas for you. You'll find each upcoming episode in my YouTube Shorts Tutorials Playlist!
November 27th 2023
HOW TO TUNE YOUR GUITAR BY EAR /
(Standard E Tuning + Drop D Tuning)
In this video, I'm diving into the timeless skill of tuning your guitar by ear. Now, you might be wondering, with the convenience of digital tuners, is it still worthwhile to learn this traditional method? The answer is a resounding, YES! While digital tuners have revolutionized the ease and accuracy of tuning, learning to tune by ear offers an unrivaled connection with your instrument, enhancing your musicality and ear training abilities. By mastering this technique, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the guitar's acoustic properties, enabling you to adapt to different playing environments and even tune up without relying on external devices.
October 29th 2023
Pedal Tone A Backing Tracks / PLAYLIST
(for Direct Comparison of the Modes)
Discover the Captivating World of Sounds of the Modes! These are seven pedal tone backing tracks with the same root and beat, but different chords. Each covers one of the seven modes of the Ionian System. The idea of keeping the groove and root the same is to make a comparison as linear as possible, since different rhythms and tempos also have an influence on the mood and vibe, for those not yet familiar with the different sounds of the modes.
Aeolian - Dark & Melancholic
Locrian -Dark & Sinister
Ionian - Happy & Bright
Dorian - Melancholic & Mystical
Phrygian - mysterious, dark, exotic
Lydian - bright and uplifting mystery
Mixolydian - bluesy and soulful
October 10th 2023
MASTER & CREATE Captivating DUAL GUITAR MELODIES with Ease (Beginners/Beyond) Guitar-Nerdery 148
(Guitar-Nerdery 147)
Double Voiced Melodies for two guitars Made Easy with this awesome Trick! This in-depth guitar tutorial reveals one of the very strong points of using 3-notes-per-string scale shapes. Because of their symetric build, they are utterly suitable to arrange Dual Guitar Parts in an instant! This video is jam-packed with easy-to-follow demonstrations, allowing you to effortlessly create awe-inspiring melodies with not one, but TWO guitars.
September 22nd 2023
Mastering Beautiful Intervals: Exploring Sixths in Multiple Positions & Modes
(Guitar-Nerdery 147)
Unleash the hidden magic of the sixth interval as you dive into various positions and modes, learning how to effortlessly create stunning sonic landscapes!
In this guitar tutorial I delve into the fascinating world of sixth intervals and how to incorporate them into your playing. In numerous demonstrations (covering all church modes) I give you a listening impression of how the sixth intervals unfold in different tonal contexts. Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea and let's explore those marvelous sixths!
September 12th 2023
MASTERING MELODIC INTERVALS: Effortlessly Find and Play 6ths in Any Position
(Guitar-Nerdery 146)
This Guitar Nerdery epidode focuses on mastering extremely melodic intervals, the sixth intervals. Find and play these sixths in a super simple and effortless way in any position on your guitar. In a clear way, using many clear diagrams, I show how you can quickly recognize and execute these melodic intervals.
September 1st 2023
Prog Metal Stream: ZPAWN Unreleased Recordings ft. Benjamin Schippritt
(Powerful, Heavy & Beautiful)
ZPAWN - Benjamin Schippritt's former Metal Fusion Band - A MUST LISTEN for lovers of powerful, playful, virtuosic, heavy and beautiful Progressive Rock Music!
Benjamin Schippritt - guitars & vocals
Jörg Hartig - guitars
Ulf Stricker - drums
Matthias Bangert - bass
Rediscovered, unreleased Recordings & Demos
All music and lyrics in this song selection is composed by Benjamin Schippritt
Recorded by ZPAWN in 2005 / 2000
The band ZPAWN was originally formed as a coaching ensemble during the studies at the Music Conservatory in Arnhem in the Netherlands around the year 2000. After graduation we decided to continue, because the chemistry was just right and the band was a musical platform where everyone found fulfillment. In the following years we played live and worked hard on new material for a two hour show. When we finally started recording our material for promotional purposes in 2005, unfortunate developments led to the band breaking up. Jörg and I were the main songwriters and I used some ideas of my Zpawn songs for my other band JUNK FARM. It would have been a waste to just let them gather dust. (All JUNK FARM fans among you should recognize it immediately, if you listen to the ZPAWN recordings ;-) ) Recently I rummaged through my old stuff and found those ZPAWN recordings again. Listening through I had incredible fun. ZPAWN was in my opinion a real treat and I decided to finally do the recordings all the honor, and to provide them here, for you all. These eight tracks are all exclusively from my pen and are by no means all from our repertoire. However, some recordings were incomplete and besides, I would like to keep my YouTube channel free from any difficulties related to copyright. So here is a selection of my contributions to this great band. I hope you have fun with the songs and that would make me retrospectively very happy!
Cheers, Benjamin
August 3rd 2023
Mastering Key Changes - The Ultimate Exercise to Becoming a PRO Improviser
(Guitar-Nerdery 145)
This exercise is incredible effective to learn to deal with key changes when soloing!
July 10th 2023
Prog Guitar Solo - SUPER MELODIC PLAY in 5/8 Time & How to Approach Odd Meters (Guitar-Nerdery 144)
Playing in odd time signatures is a lot of fun! Here I first improvise over my recently provided backing track in E-Dorian mode & 5/8 time, with the main goal to inspire you for odd time signatures. I then talk in detail about my thoughts, insights and approach to odd meters.
July 4th 2023
An Emotional Guitar Improvisation: Exploring the Possibilities of 7/8 TIME
(Guitar-Nerdery 143)
This video focuses on the exploration and utilization of the 7/8 time signature, adding a unique and intriguing element to the musical composition. Here I'm improvising over an A Aeolian backing track in 7/8 time that I've recently added to my backing tracks playlist. After the jam I'm also explaining my view and thoughts about learning to play in odd meters, exploring the unique rhythmic qualities of the 7/8 time signature, making it a potential valuable resource for us guitar enthusiasts and musicians.
June 29th 2023
I have three news to report, because I did not have time to update this page for a while. A new detailed tutorial, Guitar-Nerdery 142, deals with diminished basic tetrad chords as dominant substitutes. It may sound a bit nerdy now, but it's quite simple, very interesting and useful!
Furthermore I produced two super melodic backing tracks in odd time signatures. It's a lot of fun to jam to them and rhythmically they are kept so clear that even the beginner can dare to enter the prog rock genre.
Diminished & Dominant 7th Chords Can Be The Same! (Guitar-Nerdery 142)
Instant Chord Enrichment
The cure for boring chord progressions! Diminished Chords can be used to substitute Dominant 7th Chords! Because Full Diminished Chords are symetric chords, they and all their chord inversions look the same and are incredible easy to learn. It will take only a couple of minutes to learn this and will enrich your chord vocabulary in an instant!
BACKING TRACK in E Dorian Minor / ODD METER 5/8th (Spheric Melodic Rock Style)
Train your Prog Rock Soloing! I've made the track really melodic and kept the 5/8 rhythm simple for maximum fun and little confusion.
Tips for beginners: If you have not much experience of how to approach an odd time signature like this 5/8 - you can of course count to 5, but that's not the common way to do. In general making subdivisions is the way. For this track it makes sense to divide 5 eighth notes into alternating 2 and 3. If you are also not familiar with the key of E Dorian Minor (the second mode of the D Ionian system), then you can simply start using the E Minor pentatonic scale for improvising. While the essential and beautiful notes are missing, so are the ones that could possibly be wrong! ;-)
I hope you like it and have fun! Cheers, Benjamin
BACKING TRACK in A Aeolian (Natural) Minor / ODD METER 7/8th (Melodic and Emotional Heavy Rock Style)
Train your Prog Rock Soloing! I've made the track really melodic and kept the 7/8 rhythm simple for maximum fun and little confusion.
Tips for beginners: If you have not much experience of how to approach an odd time signature like this 7/8 - you can of course count to 7, but that's not the common way to do. In general making subdivisions is the way. For this track it makes sense to divide 7 eighth notes into alternating 4 and 3. I even make finer subdivisions in 16th notes, counting 4,4,3,3! If you are also not familiar with the key of A Aeolian Minor (also called A Natural Minor), the sixth mode of the C Ionian system, then you can simply start using the A Minor pentatonic scale for improvising. While the essential and beautiful notes are missing, so are the ones that could possibly be wrong! ;-)
May 14th 2023
AN EYE FOR AN EYE (Junk Farm) Full Guitar Playthrough / Benjamin Schippritt
(13/16 Prog Rock/Metal)
April 11th 2023
PARTYMANIAC (Junk Farm) Guitar Playthrough / Benjamin Schippritt (Freaky Funky Country Fusion Rock)
March 28th 2023
TRITONE SUBSTITUTES, All You Need To Know! (Guitar-Nerdery 141)
All You Need To Know! (easy learn / immediate use)
Each dominant 7 chord can be substituted by its partner in crime! This is very easy to understand and in no time you'll gain lots of possibilities when arranging chords.
March 16th 2023
ALL ABOUT MELODIC MINOR (Guitar-Nerdery 140)
the Origin Story, Scale Shapes, its 7 Modes and Sound
Melodic Minor for Guitarists! First I am going to explain what Melodic Minor is and then how to play it on the guitar with 3-Notes-Per-String scale shapes. Finally I'm going to explain and demonstrate the sound of all seven modes of the Melodic Minor System. A whole new world of stunning sounds!
March 10th 2023
Killer Fast BACKING TRACK in C# Minor, Rock/Funk (Guitar-Nerdery)
Jam along with Benjamin! Use this awesome sounding & grooving backing track to practice fast and slow melodic playing - everything goes! It covers eight rounds in fast funky rock style and modulates from C# dorian, to aeolian and phrygian minor.
February 23th 2023
Great CHORDS- & SCALES-Test (Guitar-Nerdery 139)
Which Belong Together? Let's Get After It!
This is a grand show and tell about the relationship between chords and scales. I'm going to tell you about the priciple of exclusion, about how the amount of information in chords and scales defines what fits together. But I'm not only telling you music theoretical things - above all this is a huge demonstration, making theory audible. After all, in my opinion, music must be understood with the ear!
February 12th 2023
The SOUNDING vs WRITTEN RANGE of the GUITAR (Guitar-Nerdery 138)
Good To Know Music Theory
Did you know that the guitar is a transposed instrument in writing? I'm going to explain this, not unimportant issue. Straight forward, compact and with lots of clear graphics!
February 6th 2023
The CIRCLE Of 5THs (Guitar-Nerdery 137)
explained in a simple, clear and Guitarist-Compatible way
January 14th 2023
MODES VISUALIZED (Guitar-Nerdery 136)
The Master Key for Instant Understanding!
The differences between all minor & major modes (of the ionian system), visualized on the the guitar fretboard. The easiest (probably the only) way to instantly understand music and music theory!
January 04th 2023
Complementary Intervals (Guitar-Nerdery 135)
The Clever Trick To Find Intervals In All Directions!
This time I'm going to show you a clever way how to memorize, detect or identify intervals on the fretboard even faster and in all directions, using the knowledge of complementary intervals!
