Guitar Study
A Look into the Original Music of Marco Sfogli
Instructor: Rick Graham
Total lessons in study:
Join Rick Graham as he takes an extremely in-depth look into two original tracks by the great Marco Sfogli (guitarist for James Labrie).
1. "Still Hurts" by Marco Sfogli - Full song study
Hey there Lads and Lasses and a very warm welcome to a special tutorial!
Following on from my tutorial of the solo section of 'Andromeda' by Marco Sfogli, today's tutorial will be an in depth look at the full track entitled 'Still Hurts' taken from Marco's debut album, 'There's Hope'.
This track is an absolute winner in e...Read More
OK, let's start with the intro.
The first thing we will want to do is take note of the time signature and key, which I can tell you is 7/8 and F#minor.
The first phrase begins on the fourth semiquaver of bar 9 and may require some extra work to keep it rhythmically accurate.
Pay close attention to the way Marco shapes hi...Read More
In practicing this section, I have found that it is good practice to attempt to sing each phrase as it occurs. The melody line is very vocal in nature and when sung, can give you a much more clear understanding of how to phrase it. Again, Marco's idiosyncratic approach with the subtle nuances really make the lines speak to ...Read More
Take note of the change in meter at this point from 4/4 to 6/4.
This section has a particularly bluesy feel to it regarding some of the licks and you will need to be 100% in control of your intonation during some of these bends. The bend and release lick in bar 36 is particularly reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, and if you are...Read More
Now this chorus is a highly melodic affair with a soaring melody in the high register of the guitar that evokes an awful lot of emotion. Whilst practicing the chorus section for the full performance, I found myself thinking how I could relate to the title 'Still Hurts', and it really helped me to build the tension in the pe...Read More
OK, we're back to a second verse, however this time Marco takes the vocal approach one step further by playing this section entirely with tapped harmonics with the right hand. Using this technique gives an even more exaggerated singing quality if the harmonics are cleanly produced.
The best results are achieved by using a ...Read More
This section contains some particularly challenging licks, so take your time here and remember to subdivide the sections to enable you to really get to grips with these licks and shapes.
There are quite a lot of pickup changes throughout the whole piece, so be sure to follow the video and implement these changes into the w...Read More
The part of this section that may give you the biggest challenge is the tapped arpeggio section. As always, if you need to, subdivide the sections so that you know exactly what you are doing at any given time. I always find these kind of sections easier to approach once I have subdivided the beat. However, when you play the...Read More
Now we hit the pre 2nd chorus section. It is imperative that you try to capture the sense of anticipation that Marco captures on the studio recording throughout this section. We are building up to a highly emotive return to the chorus and you will have to put your heart and soul into the music if you want to achieve the sam...Read More
The only difference between this chorus and the first chorus is in bars 130-135, where you shouldn't find anything too challenging.
What you should be working on more than anything is linking the end of this section into the opening of the unison, and remember to do so at a very conservative tempo.Read More
Ok it's time for the 'Still Hurts' unison!
What you will need to do is subdivide this section into bars as I did in the above video. If necessary, subdivide the bars into sections as well so that you can really get a grasp on the patterns.
I have to tell you that this particular section represented quite a challenge for m...Read More
Now we reach the wonderfully melodic and inventive final section.
I have a real fondness for this section and particularly enjoy Marco's use of the trem bar for emotional effect. You will have to make sure that each trem bar dip is weighted perfectly in order to achieve that singing quality. Really try to listen to the eff...Read More
Here's the backing for you to get practicing with. Have fun!
Visit Marco's website: www.marcosfogli.com
Check out Marco's Album: There's Hope
Get More Backing Tracks from Marco's AlbumRead More
2. "Andomeda" by Marco Sfogli - Solo study
Hey all, thanks for joining me!
In this tutorial we will be taking an in depth look at the style of one of the finest emerging guitarists of our generation, Marco Sfogli.
Born in 1980, Marco started playing music at 4 years of age. He got his first electric guitar at the age of 9 and started playing along his heroes like ...Read More
Hey all, thanks for joining me!
In this tutorial we will be taking an in-depth look at the style of one of the finest emerging guitarists of our generation, Marco Sfogli.
Born in 1980, Marco started playing music at 4 years of age. He got his first electric guitar at the age of 9 and started playing along his heroes like ...Read More
Welcome to section 1!
The first thing I'd like you to be aware of is the numerous changes in meter. It can be very easy to forget about these things while you're learning a new piece so try to keep it at the forefront of your mind if you can.
OK, the first three bars shouldn't present too many technical challenges for you...Read More
Let's continue with section 2!
You'll need to spend most of your time on bars 14 to 15 here. Remember that throughout this legato passage, the lightest touch will yield the best results. Use a pickstroke(up or down) when playing the first note on every string and try to focus on the fluidity of the phrase more than anythin...Read More
On with the show into section 3!
The first thing you're going to need to be aware of is the change of meter here from 6/8 to 5/8. It may feel a little unusual at first so I would suggest watching the video to really digest how these sections work together. For this kind of meter you really need to 'feel' where the beats oc...Read More
Now it's time to tackle the most difficult part of the solo.
Although it is vital for you to understand what is happening here on a note for note level, it is much more important that you concentrate on the phrase and its crescendo from a dynamic, emotional point of view.
The first step is to subdivide each quarter note b...Read More
Hang in there people, we're almost there!
Bars 31 and 32 display Marco's wonderful bluesy style phrasing. To achieve this effect to the fullest, you will need to concentrate on achieving perfect intonation with a subtle but still relatively wide vibrato. I always find the best approach is to sing these type of lines to he...Read More
Ok people, here's the backing track for you to play along with. Get recording because we all want to see your version of this over at the forums.
Thanks guys!
Get More Backing Tracks from Marco's AlbumRead More