News in 2024
October 29th 2024
Ultimate Guide to The Minor Pentatonic: Shapes, Usage & Tips (Pros & Cons)
[Guitar-Nerdery 162]
Pentatonic Scale Mastery: 1 Scale Shape to Rule Them All! Unlock endless possibilities with the Minor Pentatonic Scale - transform it into the Major Pentatonic, Blues Scale, and more. Master multiple scale shapes for incredible versatility and musical freedom!
All pentatonic scale shape diagrams used in the video are available at the end for easy screenshots!
Welcome to my brand-new and hugest guitar tutorial ever! In this video, I dive deep into the pentatonic scale, specifically the minor pentatonic scale and its guitar scale shapes. I'll cover a bit of theory to open your eyes, applications, and practical tips and tricks for all levels. This scale is one of the most commonly used in Western music. The minor pentatonic scale is likely one of the first scales you'll encounter in guitar lesson books. Many guitarists, including myself, discover it intuitively because it's so logically structured and free of dissonant notes.
In this comprehensive guitar tutorial on the minor pentatonic scale, I won't just cover how to use it. The focus lies especially on the universal guitar scale shapes, and how only one of them is already sufficient to make use of numerous options. I'll show you various fingerings you can use to play this scale and also demonstrate how you can use these same fingerings to play the major pentatonic scale without having to learn new shapes.
I'll also show you how to easily expand these scales into the blues scale, which works in both major and minor. Additionally, I'll discuss the limitations of these scales. For example, you can use the minor pentatonic scale over all minor modes in the Ionian system because the specific notes of these modes are not included, so you can't hit a wrong note. The same applies to the major pentatonic scale. However, the downside is that you'll never get the specific sound of a particular mode if that’s what you’re aiming for.
But don’t worry, I'll also share some tricks on how to play certain modes with these minor pentatonic shapes and achieve the authentic mode sound. Again, without having to learn new fingerings!
Thanks for watching, and happy playing!
Best,
Benjamin
September 26th 2024
Hello dear friends!
Due to time constraints, I haven't been able to update this page in the past few weeks. However, I encourage you to visit my YouTube channel regularly, as I've posted many videos there, both long and short. This is also the reason for the lack of updates I just mentioned.
Below, you'll find all the links to my posts. In addition to numerous SHORTS videos, there are 10 vertical editions of my Junk Farm Guitar playthroughs. Most of my viewers watch my videos on their cell phones, so I thought it would be a nice addition for those who like to watch my playthroughs on the go.
I've also created three different compilations of all my guitar solos in my performance-related videos. Besides a compilation of all the guitar solos in my Junk Farm playthroughs, there're also a showcases of my solos from each of my solo projects and Guitar-Nerdery tutorials. Enough material for an entertaining evening with a tasty drink and some nibbles.
Have fun!
Benjamin Schippritt Guitar Solos:
Emotional and Melodic Improvisations Over Prog Rock/Metal Tracks
Benjamin Schippritt Guitar Solos:
Melodic Virtuoso Moments of My Solo Projects (Prog Rock Metal)
Benjamin Schippritt Guitar Solos:
Highlights from My Time with Junk Farm (Prog Rock Metal)
Benjamin Schippritt plays JUNK FARM! (Vertical Editions):
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
MELODIC HARD ROCK 'Everything Wrong' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
HI-PROGRESSIVE ROCK 'Damaged Brain' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
GREEDCORE ROCK 'Little Greedy Girl' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
'Still Not Dead' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
KING'S X-ish STYLE POWER ROCK 'Eurovision Song-Incest' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
OCTANE BLUES METAL 'Didn't Come to Dance' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
PROGRESSIVE METAL 'An Eye For An Eye' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
PROGRESSIVE METAL 'Lost by a Love Song' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
Prog Rock and Funky Fusion 'Partymaniac' by Junk Farm
FULL Guitar Playthrough (Vertical Video):
Freaky Metal Fusion 'Perfect Dream' by Junk Farm
August 13th 2024
Boost Your Rhythm Skills: Pro Guitar Secret to Master Odd Meters with Ease
[Guitar-Nerdery 016 ENHANCED]
Learn about making Simple Subdivisions in Odd Time Signatures: An Easy Powerful Technique for All Guitar Players who want to Lift Up their Rhythm Skills!
Guitar-Nerdery 016 ENHANCED VERSION: This is a major upgrade and a completely revised re-release of my early 16th guitar tutorial!
I often get the impression that the subject of Odd Time Signatures triggers an intuitive fear in many musicians, a fear of being overwhelmed. In this video, I want to show you that learning to play in Odd Time Signatures is not a secret reserved only for over-talented musicians. Actually, the approach is ridiculously simple. Nobody counts to 13 in a 13/16 time signature - it just doesn't work that way. The trick is to divide an Odd Meter into smaller, countable units.
Check out the video where I demonstrate these subdivisions in numerous practical examples to give you an idea and inspire you with how cool a groove can sound in an Odd Time Signature!
July 19th 2024
Cross Rhythms: Essential Skills for Jaw-Dropping Prog Rock Guitar [Guitar-Nerdery 015 ENHANCED]
MAJOR UPGRADE! A Must-Learn, Skill-Building and Rewarding Prog Rock Guitar Experience!
Guitar-Nerdery 015 ENHANCED VERSION:
This is a major upgrade and a completely revised re-release of my early 15th guitar tutorial. Improved image, audio and editing quality as well as additional on-screen features to greatly improve comprehensibility.
CROSS RHYTHMS (also known as polyrhythms) are not only fun, but also an essential skill to learn in order to play mind-blowing riffs and solos in the genre of progressive music. Progressive music is often associated with odd time signatures, and it is also the case that using odd time signatures automatically comes with the association of progressive music. A similar, equally cool effect can also be achieved in 4/4 time by using cross rhythms. Cross rhythms are small, usually odd rhythmic motifs that do not start on the 1 in the next bar when repeated. The last motif within a bar is a transit motif, so to speak, which crosses the bar line. Hence the name! It's great fun to play cross rhythms and allows you to make the position of the 1 unclear for a moment, which can lead to really exciting grooves!
July 09th 2024
Beat the Odds! How to Groove in Odd Meters [Guitar-Nerdery 014 ENHANCED]
Rhythm and Sole: Learn to Prog! A Guitarist’s Guide to Grooving in Odd Time Signatures!
Guitar-Nerdery 014 (ENHANCED VERSION)
This is a completely revised re-release of my early 14th guitar tutorial on this channel!
(Enhanced Quality of Picture, Audio & Edits + Additional On-Screen Features)
Not only in my former video, I always advice to get used to practice with a metronome and tap along with your foot, making a part of your body connected and glued together with the beat! I guess everyone starts in 4/4 time signature, but the big question arises when it comes to Odd Time Signatures. How can you tap your foot here, what strategy makes sense? To put it bluntly, there is no such thing as THE solution, but in this video I'd like to give you a comprehensive demonstration of my strategy for getting the right groove feeling in different Odd Time Signatures.
July 03rd 2024
The Metronome: The Hidden Truth Behind Guitar Success [Guitar-Nerdery 013 ENHANCED]
No Metronome, No Mastery: The Non-Negotiable Tool for Guitar Progress
Guitar-Nerdery 013 (ENHANCED VERSION)
This is a completely revised re-release of my early 13th guitar tutorial on this channel!(Enhanced Quality of Picture, Audio, Edits and Additional On-Screen Metronome)
It's all about the rhythm! Whether you are a rhythm or solo guitarist, instrumentalist or singer - there is no difference in dealing with rhythm. The number of notes or chords doesn't matter at all if the rhythm isn't right. The metronome is the ideal partner right from the start to build up a secure and precise sense of timing. What can initially feel like an enemy quickly becomes a best friend for life!
Beat The Boring: Master Vital Strumming Grooves with Irish Triplets [Guitar-Nerdery 030 ENHANCED]
Elevate your rhythm skills: Learn an Irish Strumming Technique that opens doors to worlds of new, creative and fantastic grooves!
Guitar-Nerdery 030 (ENHANCED VERSION)
This is a completely revised re-release of my 30th guitar tutorial on this channel. While the guitar recordings were fine, something went wrong with the recording of my speaking at the time. I was able to improve the audio quality a bit, but more so the sound of the guitar, as well as the picture quality. Additional on-screen info and tighter scene editing will help you understand better.
In this video I first show you an important rhythm exercise, the 16th note off-beat training. This is followed by a series of rhythm exercises in which I adapt an Irish triplet strumming technique to 16th notes. By also making subdivisions of a 4/4 bar and therefore not playing with a constant alternate strumming technique, super interesting and inspiring grooves come to life. Difficult to explain, better watch it right away and be inspired!
June 09th 2024
EXCEPTIONAL ARPEGGIOS that Shine in the Spotlight
STRING SKIPPING [Guitar-Nerdery 004 ENHANCED]
Discover the Extraordinary Power of Shred with String Skipping Arpeggios
This is a completely revised re-release of one of my very first guitar tutorials on this channel. The recordings were made with the integrated camera microphone and the audio quality was accordingly poor. I have improved the audio quality as much as I could and also the picture quality. In addition, new graphics help you learn the arpeggio fingerings.
I'll show you some great arpeggios played with the string skipping technique. The hybrid picking technique is a good partner here. There are many ways to play arpeggios on the guitar and the fingering is crucial for what you can do with them. These string-skipping arpeggios make it possible to implement totally crazy rhythmic ideas and phrasing. I wish you lots of fun!
May 24th 2024
JAPANESE HIRAJOSHI SCALE: Incredible Versatile!
Play All 7 Modes [Guitar-Nerdery 107 ENHANCED]
One Scale (Shape) / Seven Marvelous Sounds! "The Hirajoshi Scale is the Most Versatile Pentatonic Scale I know! It's So Simple, Why Didn't I See This Sooner?"
Guitar-Nerdery 107 [Enhanced Version]
In Guitar-Nerdery Episode 106 I've shown you a nice sounding Japanese Pentatonic Scale, the Hirajoshi Scale. When I looked into it again, I had a spontaneous inspiration. I can't believe I didn't think of it straight away. If the Hirajoshi can be regarded as part of the Phrygian scale, then it is obvious that it can also be used to play the other six modes (Church Modes / Church Scales) of the Ionian System. I was curious to see whether the Hirajoshi Scale would also cover the important notes that the special sound of each mode requires. Yes, wow, even though two notes are missing, because it is a pentatonic, but in every mode this Japanese Scale cuts an amazingly fantastic figure. All modes work and even in a wonderful way, because the missing notes give all the others a special emphasis and you play the modes differently than usual. Totally cool!
In this improved video I show you, with the help of many scale diagrams, how you can use this wonderful Japanese Scale, the Hirajoshi Scale, to play all seven modes. The best thing is, it's totally easy. I only use one diagonal scale diagram to play everything. This scale pattern is also totally symmetrical, so it's easy to remember, and covers three octaves. A guitar with 24 frets has four octaves, so you can get really far with three octaves! Have fun!
May 12th 2024
ALL MODES BACKING TRACK (Key A Atmospheric Rock)
Sonic Remix in Logical Order
This ALL MODES BACKING TRACK is the Ultimate Practice and Experience Tool to understand the REAL SOUND (Difference) of Modal Scales, with your fingers and your ears! It is the same Backing Track I use for demonstration in my tutorial
Guitar-Nerdery 161.
MODE ORDER
1st Round: Lydian - Ionian - Mixolydian - Dorian - Aeolian - Phrygian - Locrian
2nd Round: Locrian - Phrygian - Aeolian - Dorian - Mixolydian - Ionian - Lydian
What it's about / description:
When you first learn about the modes (church modes), it's always about their origins, that all notes of the major scale (ionian scale) can act as independent fundamental notes, and that from their respective point of view, the semitone steps within the scale each take on a different position. This results in 7 differently structured scales, the modes, which also all sound different. To experience the real difference in sound, it makes sense to play all scales from the same root note (here Root A), and this is exactly what happens in this Backing Track. But that's not all, because I haven't arranged the modes in the same way as they are created, but according to intervals and therefore also according to sound!
The Backing Track begins with the mode that contains the largest intervals, the Lydian mode. The transition to the next modes is made by decreasing a single interval at a time until the seventh mode, Locrian, with the smallest intervals of all, is reached. Each mode is played for 16 bars, which should be enough to build up a feel for the sound and then experience how changing a single interval affects it. After the seventh Locrian mode, after counting in again, there is everything again, in reverse, from Locrian to Lydian.
The order of the modes is shown in real time on the display, including the notes contained in each mode. In addition, a Scale Pattern is displayed for each mode if you don't have your own to play along with the backing track, but also to visualize the metamorphosis through all modes for better understanding.
Enjoy and have fun!
Cheers, Benjamin
May 5th 2024
THE MODES REMIXED: An Eye-Opening SONIC REVELATION
(Use Scales as Colors) [Guitar-Nerdery 161]
Incl. FINAL EPIC GUITAR SOLO (which puts this New Approach to the test), because in the end it's the ear that decides how it sounds!
The Modes Reimagined - The Modes in a New Logical Order:
This video is a comprehensive guide that looks at the concept of the modes (on the guitar), their structure and how they relate to each other. I deal with the sonic world of the modes, which offer a wide range of sonic possibilities, a MUST KNOW for guitarists / musicians who want to develop their ability to play diverse and expressive solos, melodies and chord progressions.
The modal scales within a key are essentially created by using the same notes, but each with a different starting point. This respective starting point changes the arrangement of the whole and half steps within the scale, which is the reason for the different sounds of the modes. Using the notes of the Ionian scale (the major scale) as a reference scale, the following modes are created: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian. The development of this order is purely technical in nature, but has no relation to a logical order of sounds. And that's exactly what this Guitar-Nerdery episode 161 is all about! I start each individual mode from the same root note and thus deprive them of any reference to a common key. This makes the different sounds honest and obvious. Subsequently, I arrange the modes differently, logically according to the size of the musical intervals they contain.
My very personal experience is that the modes then also follow a logical sequence in terms of sound. The larger the intervals, the more open and brighter the sound. But as I said, this is my own personal perception! The finale of the tutorial consists of an extensive improvisation over a specially compiled backing track that runs through all the modes in the new order. I would be very interested to hear whether you perceive this in the same way as I do and would be delighted to receive your feedback!
I hope you enjoy my sound journey!
Benjamin
April 28th 2024
Mastering the LOCRIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery 160]
April 21st 2024
Mastering the AEOLIAN MODE / The Sound, Scale & Chords
(Frank Gambale Method) [Guitar-Nerdery 159]
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!
