Theory and Improvisation with David Wallimann

Skill Building Guitar Course from David Wallimann

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  4. Theory and Improvisation

David Wallimann will cover all of the topics necessary master the art of improvisation. He will cover theory, including intervals, scales and modes as well as techniques to improve ones improvisation.

13 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

93% Appoval

212 of 220 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

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Included

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Full Course Breakdown

David will cover intervals, scales, modes, theory and other techniques related to improvisation.

Begin the Course
1

Understanding Intervals

Before one can truly understand music theory the concept of intervals must be introduced. This lesson covers that topic in great depth.

27:40 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
2

Minor Pentatonic Scale

David teaches the minor pentatonic scale. He explains its scale formula, various fretboard positions, and how it can be used.

20:03 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

3

Major Pentatonic Scale

David Wallimann moves on to cover the the major pentatonic scale. He teaches its scale formula, all five patterns, and gives advice on how the scale can be used.

9:46 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

4

The Blues Scale

In this lesson, David covers both the minor and major blues scales. He explains the formulas and patterns for each scale. In addition, David has included a backing track for you to play along with.

9:08 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

5

Minor Modes

David Wallimann introduces three minor modes. In this lesson he covers Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian modes.

11:37 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

6

Major Modes

David Wallimann covers three major modes in this lesson. He covers the Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian modes.

8:53 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

7

The Locrian Mode

David Wallimann introduces the Locrian mode. He explains its formula in terms of scale degrees as well as its five fretboard patterns. A few fun arpeggio-based ideas are also demonstrated.

20:37 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

8

The Magic Formula

David Wallimann teaches a magic formula that will allow you to play each of the modes up and down the entire fretboard. He also teaches some exercises to help cement this knowledge.

11:49 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

9

Classifying Modes

David Wallimann talks about how modes can be classified and thus used in a musical context. This is a valuable wrap-up lesson to the mini-series on modes.

13:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

10

Creating Chord Progressions

David Wallimann explains how to write diatonic chord progressions. This lesson features excellent practical music theory.

12:07 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

11

Easy Outside Tricks

David Wallimann teaches a valuable fusion guitar technique that he calls "Easy Outside Tricks."

8:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

12

Playing Modal with Pentatonic Scales

David Wallimann demonstrates how minor pentatonic scales can be used when improvising over the minor modes.

22:03 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

13

Playing Modal with Major Pentatonic Scales

David Wallimann shows how the major pentatonic scale can be used in modal playing.

11:13 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

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David Wallimann

212
  • Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Playing since 1992
  • 54 lessons at JamPlay
Begin Course
David was born in Aix-en-Provence, South France in 1977. At the age of 15, he picked up the guitar and started developing a true love for instrumental music and composition.

In 1999 he was recognized by Ibanez for his promising musical achievements and received an artist endorsement. That early recognition in David's musical career encouraged him to consecrate more time on crafting his musical art and apply to the school of modern music Artist' in Cavaillon, France. He received a full scholarship there where he graduated with honors.

In 2001, David won first place for the Tal Farlow French national jazz contest which gave him a full paid scholarship to the CMA school of modern music in Valenciennes, France. He graduated specializing in advanced guitar with honors.

Following his school years, David spent the next 5 years working with several bands recording, writing and playing shows in France and Belgium. It's during that time that Wallimann was exposed to the world of progressive rock which opened new doors to his musical creativity.

Deep inside the Mind is his first release as a solo artist in which he exposes his Christian faith. The album was well received in the specialized press and was compared several times to some of Frank Zappa's approach to music adding an element of humor to deep subjects.

In 2005 he joined the internationally renowned progressive band Glass Hammer based in Chattanooga, TN. He released several studio albums and live DVDs with the band.

Reviews & Feedback 93/100 with 220 ratings
dankor

David is a great teacher, explains the theory well and is easy to follow. Awesome!

Dfields67

Thanks very much. I enjoyed your lesson.

rudolf_kis

I really like David Wallimann's teaching style, wish he would come back and create more lessons. I have gone through his lessons many times and learned a lot. This class is easy to understand, but most importantly, it's just what I needed. It's

ailes

Good instructor presenting essential material.

HornLakeBlues

Walliman is terrific.

Jawtech

I need to click all 3 buttons. Perfect teaching method. Just the right amount of playing mixed with speaking!

scentuori

I've been playing and producing for over 40 years. David is the first and only explanation regarding modes and scales that made sense and stuck. Thanks so much

woodsman

This lesson really helped me to understand the use of modes. Thank you David. I will be watching this lesson a few times before moving on.

yunieCo

Really nice theory well broken down relative to other teachers who mix things up

slpchacha

Again David is spot on and very easy to understand . His illustration explanations really help.

vwlouk

David Wallimann is a great instructor, but he outdid himself in this video. I have seen too many videos where people discuss modes, play the scale, and then hit a quick chord. David is the first to explain what chords complement each mode and m

delpac2001

Great lesson. Made it very easy to understand. Thank you!

DawidM

Essential concepts explained in an easy and clear way

pterantula

David's videos are great overall.

cccattorney

Great information

david_dumais

I just had a "light bulb" above my head with this lesson. Thanks David

bert tougas

I am really impressed with the backing tracks as they make even me sound decent! Bert

crusherscoach

All of the above

kaemerel

Perfectly challenging. Obviously knows his stuff. I'm glad my first series with Jamplay was his. I joined for a year. Fantastic instructor. Thanks David.

Agaete

David is an excellent teacher and speaks in terms a musical theory novice like my self, can understand.

teggenberger

love your stuff Dave.

JefferyB

Should help add flavor to the pentatonic scales

JakeRhodes

Modes are still eluding my grasp, but it is something I will get down.

jsullent7

All of the above choices !!! Awesome tutorial on intervals!!! Thanks a lot!!!

masterofspacetime

The bullet statements should all, one, or two be able to be checked. For example, all of the above are true for me, and being restricted to checking off just one box is only a partial truth and infers the other two are somehow less valid or tru

mymuddyboots

I never understood what 3rds and 5ths ect were he very clearly explains it

igordbc

Very good Teacher. But in the end I Think he could do a whole improvisation to demo everything that was shown over the course.

tjohnson217

Thank You for the inspiration.

lyle

I wish David would have spent more time in each lesson in this section. Seemed rushed a bit.

jhohl

Great explanation

terryelrod

Nicely done.

frankf

David Wallimann is a brilliant teacher! His lessons are well planned and executed as he methodically teaches new concepts while building on previously taught concepts. All in a calm and intelligent manner.

Peterjtom

I really gained a new understanding of the Scales, Intervals and they relate to each other. It filled in what I have been missing and connected the dots for me.

garyguitar68

David walliman explains in a way that's relatable.

dswilliamson

Really breaks it down!

hardtango

But for this Lesson or course he choose the wrong guitar, hard to visualize the position (no dots )

Ghost555

Very clear about what he's talking about.