Tommaso Zillio

Guest Columnists

• Applying Negative Harmony To Modes

  Tommaso promised... Tommaso delivered. What negative modal theory is all about.
  Apr 2025
• Avoiding Parallel 5ths In A Chord Progression

  Are there progressions impossible to play without using parallel 5ths?
  Dec 2024
• When The Wrong Chord Sounds Better

  How to get solid sounds by playing the 'wrong' chord.
  Jan 2024
• The Difference Between m7b5 And Half-Diminished 7 Chords

  Two chords. And these two chords have the exact same notes.
  Jan 2024
• "Stealing" Music With Negative Harmony And Negative Melody

  Rachmaninoff composed one of his best melodies by lifting a theme from Paganini.
  Dec 2023
• The Enigmatic Scale: Using Music Theory To Cheat

  The Enigmatic scale has been written precisely to be hard to use.
  Aug 2023
• Learn The Stevie Wonder Chord

  Many things to be learned from Stevie's prodigious songwriting abilities.
  Jun 2023
• Is The Aeolian Scale The Minor Scale, Or Not?

  This may run counter to what you have learned.
  Jun 2023
• You Know Music Theory? Don't Read This

  The basics: notes, scales, and chords and how they work together.
  May 2023
• Explaining The "Fade To Black" Modulation

  How the key change works, and how we can do the same in our songs.
  Mar 2023
• Let's Learn The Japanese Scales On Guitar

  If you are a Western musician, this is probably going to sound 'new' to you.
  Jan 2023
• Tritone: The Interval Of The Devil

  Hell's Bells! You can make music with it.
  Nov 2022
• Which One Is The Right Augmented Scale?

  We have an interesting situation here regarding the augmented scale.
  Sep 2022
• The Minor Add9 Arpeggio - Reimagined!

  The Minor Add9 arpeggio has more uses than you imagine.
  Aug 2022
• G# Is Not The Same Note As Ab

  And... learn from Tommaso why this matters.
  Jul 2022
• Spicing Up The V To I Chord Progression

  Embracing the cliche' and trying to make it better.
  Jun 2022
• The Most Emotional Note In C Major

  Is there such a thing as the 'most emotional note' in a key?
  Jun 2022
• Do You Know How To Use The "Forgotten Chord"?

  The B diminished chord is objectively harder to use than the other major and minor chords.
  May 2022
• How To Work With Chord Progressions: Leading Voices

  Voice leading: unlocking the very DNA of musical structure and showing how it lives.
  May 2022
• How To Make Plain 1 And 4 Chords Sound Amazing

  There are techniques to make the same simple chord progression sound differently.
  Apr 2022
• The Oddly Symmetrical Neapolitan Major Scale

  The Neapolitan Major Scale is, in fact, a minor scale, but don't spread that around.
  Mar 2022
• Most Guitar Players Avoid This Finger Movement (But Should Learn)

  This movement is by far one of the most common 'blind spots' that guitar players have.
  Feb 2022
• Having Fun With The Byzantine Scale: "Miserlou"

  Not all exotic scales are used exclusively by extreme metal players.
  Jan 2022
• 6 Great-Sounding Chords You Can Play Before A Dominant

  Searching for interesting chords to put before a dominant chord.
  Dec 2021
• Considering A Scalloped Fretboard?

  The differences between regular and scalloped fretboards explained.
  Dec 2021
• Writing With The Neapolitan Minor Scale

  Write dissonant but delightful music using the Neapolitan minor scale or chord.
  Dec 2021
• Break Out Of That Guitar Scale Box

  A method to move freely around the fretboard.
  Dec 2021
• Comfortably Playing A Bend After Scales Or Arpeggios

  Start incorporating bends more fluidly into your playing.
  Nov 2021
• Improve The Speed And Precision Of Your Picking Hand

  An exercise that you can use to build a powerful picking hand.
  Oct 2021
• Avoid Injuring Your Hands When Playing Guitar

  Don't neglect your hands. Tips for hand health.
  Sep 2021
• The Hungarian Minor/Double Harmonic Minor Scale

  Learn to make music using exotic scales.
  Jun 2021
• Techniques To Reduce Tension When Playing Guitar

  All it takes is knowing the correct exercises to get your hands working properly.
  April-May 2021
• How To Play First Inversion Chords On Your Guitar

  Adding first inversion chords gives you 7 new sounds to work with.
  April-May 2021
• Chord Progressions From Film Music For Guitar Players

  Appreciating how different this music sounds from typical guitar music.
  April-May 2021
• Too Old To Learn Guitar Or Music Theory?

  How old is too old? The answer may surprise you.
  February-March 2021
• Improving Finger Independence On The Guitar

  Here are three ways to advance and progress in the area of finger independence.
  February-March 2021
• Is It Important To Know How To Read Music As A Guitar Player?

  Is it something that is necessary for your specific musical path - or not?
  February-March 2021
• Negative Harmony Explained In A Simple Way

  We're positive you should be exposed to negative harmony.
  December-January 2020
• Can Hand Size Hold You Back From Playing Guitar?

  Can your hands actually be too small to play?
  December-January 2020
• When Music Theory Is Confusing

  How to avoid getting discouraged.
  December-January 2020
• Guitar Solos: Is Only 4 Notes Really Enough?

  Less is more, more is more - which is it?
  December-January 2020
• Three No-Cost Tricks To Change Your Guitar Tone

  Ways to change your guitar tone without touching an amp or pedals.
  October-November 2020
• How I Learned To Simplify My Guitar Playing From Andy Summers

  Improvise to Darth Vader's Theme by John Williams.
  October-November 2020
• Soloing Over The Imperial March From Star Wars

  Improvise to Darth Vader's Theme by John Williams.
  October-November 2020
• Should You Really Mute Your Guitar Strings?

  Muting your guitar with tape or a hair band!
  October-November 2020
• How To Train Guitar Phrasing In Your Daily Practice

  3-dimensional phrasing - as opposed to 2-dimensional (flat, lifeless) playing.
  August-September 2020
• The #1 Guitar Motivation Killer - And What To Do About It

  The perils of an out-of-balance guitar practice.
  August-September 2020
• Practice Guitar When You Have Limited Time

  The perils of an out-of-balance guitar practice.
  August-September 2020
• 8 Guitar Tips Every Beginner Should Know

  Learn all the little tricks that are easy to underestimate but make the difference.
  August-September 2020
• The Emotions Behind Guitar Modes And How To Use Them

  Using the Pitch Axis technique to express emotion.
  June-July 2020
• Mysterious Arpeggios: X-Files And Metallica

  Create some threatening sounds with your guitar.
  June-July 2020
• Another Brick In The Wall Solo In Major

  Decide to choose modal harmony in your solos.
  June-July 2020
• 7 Tips On Creating Better Guitar Tone

  Don't spend more cash on guitars, effect pedals, and ampsm - better tone for free.
  June-July 2020
• The Simplest Ear Training Exercise For Guitarists

  Hit the 'EASY' button - ear training ideas for the rest of us.
  April-May 2020
• Ascending And Descending Melodic Minor Scales

  What we are being told by traditional music theory, is a load of crap.
  April-May 2020
• An Easy Exercise To Improve Your Arpeggios On Guitar

  A basic skill you need to have - here's how to get it.
  April-May 2020
• How To Manage A Difficult Piece Of Music On Guitar

  Learning a tune by heart - where to begin and how to make it sound natural.
  April-May 2020
• Learning Every Note That Makes Up Every Chord

  The more you get to know chords the better time you will having using them.
  February-March 2020
• Using Dynamics In Your Guitar Playing

  Control your dynamics by controlling the force of your picking.
  February-March 2020
• Chord Tone Soloing

  You'll sound “outside” once you have mastered the “inside sound”.
  February-March 2020
• Chromatic Sequences With The Pentatonic Scale

  Creating unlimited licks using the pentatonic scale.
  February-March 2020
• Chromatic Sequences With The Pentatonic Scale

  The pentatonic scale contains 5 notes; the melodic combinations you have to work with are endless.
  October-November 2019
• New Ideas For Your Next Guitar Solo

  Creativity takes practice, just like anything else.
  October-November 2019
• Systematic Phrasing

  It’s really not about how fast technically advanced it is, but rather how it is phrased.
  October-November 2019
• Is Music Theory The Same For All Instruments?

  Let's explode this myth.
  October-November 2019
• Expanding On A Guitar Solo Using Arpeggio Superimposition

  Let's get those creative wheels turning, shall we?
  October-November 2019
• Is It Possible To Compose Without Knowing Music Theory?

  Answering yes to this question may be a little deceiving.
  October-November 2019
• How To Sound Exotic: Japanese Guitar Scale And Phrasing

  Koto on guitar - let's get exotic, shall we?
  August-September 2019
• Do You Have To Be A Certain Age To Learn Music Theory?

  Is any time a good time to learn?
  August-September 2019
• Is Music Theory Only For Expert Or Intermediate Players?

  If you know scales and chords, then you are ready to start learning music theory.
  June-July 2019
• When Playing Guitar Is A Stretch: Are Your Hands Big Enough?

  Let's see what we can do to overcome our hand's size.
  June-July 2019
• Music Theory And Music Notation Are Very Different Things

  Is it possible to get by as a musician without learning to read music?
  June-July 2019
• Learn More Music Theory - Get More Creative

  Think outside the box when it feels like you've already played everything of which you feel capable.
  April-May 2019
• Four Common Mistakes Made When Learning Music Theory

  This article is a great place to start if you are ready to learn music theory in a more useful and effective way.
  April-May 2019
• Expanding On Your Cool Guitar Riff

  Did you know? Professional guitarists may spend at least 30% of their time refining this skill.
  April-May 2019
• Put An End To Your Writer's Block

  A list of six refreshing ways you can take care of yourself and get back to writing.
  February-March 2019
• How Well Must You Play An Instrument In Order To Compose Music?

  Which instrument should you be using, and is it possible to get away with not using one at all?
  February-March 2019
• Using What Makes Your Guitar Unique To Your Advantage

  Consider taking your playing to the next level - and melt some minds.
  December-January 2018
• A Sure-Fire Way For Beginners Musicians To Learn Theory

  Tips on how to continue your understanding of music theory with the right foot forward.
  December-January 2018
• Don't Get CAGED Part 7: Caged And Pentatonic Are Not The Same Thing

  Tommaso compares and contrasts CAGED and pentatonic scale systems.
  December-January 2018
• Get Over Your Songwriter's Block With This Simple Advice

  It's a misconception that inspiration is something that just appears out of thin air.
  October-November 2018
• Writing Music Lyrics That People Can Sing Along To

  Get memorable - immerse yourself into the world of repetition.
  October-November 2018
• Two Simple Ways That Will Improve Your Guitar Improvisation Game

  Write an inspirational song that people actually want to listen to by incorporating different keys.
  August-September 2018
• Writing Songs That Don't Suck

  If your songs are pleasant to listen to, but not the most captivating, check out these tips.
  August-September 2018
• Key Changes: One Technique That Will Make Or Break Your Composition

  Write an inspirational song that people actually want to listen to by incorporating different keys.
  August-September 2018
• Will Learning Music Theory Change Your Playing?

  Is learning music theory is the way to go, or, will it drain your potential?
  June-July 2018
• How To Use Musical Form To Write Music

  Learning to use musical form will help you "cast" an idea into an entire song.
  June-July 2018
• How To Simplify Your Lyric Writing For The Better

  a simple and fun trick that many professionals often use in their songs.
  April-May 2018
• Getting Out Of The Guitar CAGED System Part 6: Lead Harmonies

  Tommaso delves into guitar solo harmonies - they are not as hard as they look.
  April-May 2018
• How To Transition From An Intermediate To An Advanced Guitar Player

  Take you guitar playing to the next level with Tommaso's best advice for the intermediate player.
  February-March 2018
• Transforming An Idea Into A Song

  Tips on how to ready yourself for your next burst of songwriting inspiration.
  February-March 2018
• Song Writing Basics: Starting From A Single Idea

  There's a chance you have too many unfinished songs sitting on your computer, or maybe even on your bookshelf - let's finish them.
  December-January 2017
• Enhance Your Lead Guitar Playing With This One Simple Technique

  An expert knows to practice simpler things.
  October-November 2017
• Is Talent Required To Play Guitar?

  If left unquestioned, these kind of thoughts can start to really build up and hurt your progress as a musician.
  October-November 2017
• Are Some People Born Natural Songwriters?

  Tommaso maintains the skill of songwriting is developed through years of practice.
  October-November 2017
• Getting Started With Writing Lyrics

  The basis of all lyric writing - you may know one or two of these, but even then you need to practice the third one.
  August-September 2017
• How To Spice Up Your Chord Progressions

  Playing a chord progression accurately does not necessarily mean the progression will sound good.
  August-September 2017
• Three Myths That Have Been Keeping Musicians From Reaching Their Potential

  Tommaso argues these myths are designed to keep your playing stagnant.
  August-September 2017
• Guitarists, Don't Get CAGED, Part 5

  Is there any real benefit to learning more than one scale system? Here's one opinion to consider.
  June-July 2017
• Even Achilles Was Heeled By Practicing Guitar

  Tommaso explores the Harry Potter inspired "wizards only" theory of talent,
  June-July 2017
• Guitarists, Don't Get CAGED, Part 4

  Why do people still use the CAGED system? Here are some answers.
  April-May 2017
• How Pedal Points Can Change Your Guitar Playing For The Better

  One of the oldest concepts in the book, adapted for modern rock guitar playing.
  April-May 2017
• Guitarists, Don't Get CAGED, Part 3

  Why you need to stop dividing your fretboard in 5 today.
  February-March 2017
• Three Reasons Why All Guitar Pros Learn Scales Eventually

  Discover how learning scales actually fosters creativity.
  February-March 2017
• Guitarists, Don't Get CAGED, Part 2

  Integrating scales and arpeggios mechanically.
  December-January 2016
• Guitar Intervals: A Simple Way Make Stale Solos Fresh

  Scales are important to learn, but most instructors have put them emphasis on learning them by heart and simply playing them up and down.
  October-November 2016
• Escaping The CAGED Guitar Part 1: Unlocking The Right Hand's Potential

  Examining the problems of CAGED starting from the effect on your picking hand.
  August-September 2016
• Using The Octave Pattern In Real-Life Guitar Playing Scenarios

  The octave pattern is not as user-friendly for learning to play the notes on a fretboard as many teachers would like players to think.
  June-July 2016
• Four Reasons Why Music Theory Is The Key To Learning Guitar

  It isn't difficult to learn to study theory the correct way. It can actually be easier and more fun than you expect.
  April-May 2016
• Why Not All Music Theory Is Equal, And How To Spot A Hack

  Music theory isn;t learning how to write down different notes, or practicing and reciting scales on a guitar. It's about experiencing the way notes interact and the effect they have on the listener.
  February-March 2016
• Metal Guitar 'Wrong Note' Playing Made Easy

  If you are wondering how modern metal players use all these "wrong" notes and still sound great - here's how.
  June-July 2015
• How To Make The Wrong Notes Sound Right In Blues Guitar

  If your guitar heroes use a lot of "wrong" notes and make them sound "right" (and you can't), here's how to do it.
  April-May 2015
• Blues Progressions And Tritone Substitutions

  Dealing with blues songs featuring incredibly complicated chord changes can be easier than you think.
  December-January 2014
• Rhythmical Variations Of Guitar Phrases: The Missing Element

  How to breathe new life in your licks and prepare for real-life playing at the same time.
  October-November 2014
• Create Awesome Guitar Phrases With Sliding Intervals

  See how one of the least exciting concepts in music theory can actually help you create awesome licks.
  August-September 2014
• The Only Exercise You Will Need To Learn The Fretboard

  Knowing all the notes on your fretboard is more useful and simpler than you think. Read here how.
  June-July 2014
• Expressive Chord Creation

  Wrapping your mind around the old "cowboy chords" but have no idea where to go from there? Here is a simple concept helping you break free and stimulating creativity.
  April-May 2014
• Advanced Blues Rhythm Guitar Made Easy

  A lot has been written on Blues soloing, but preciously little on creative Blues rhythm playing. Don't get caught playing the usual three power chords.
  February-March 2014
• How To Compose Original Phrases On The Pentatonic Scale

  You might think that the pentatonic scale is just an easy scale but with no depth - well, you are wrong.
  December-January 2013
• 9 Ways The CAGED System Is Making Things More Confusing For You

  The CAGED system as is commonly taught has a number of problems that prevent you to reach your full potential.
  August-September 2013
• Six Things Guitar Players Don't Understand About Music Theory

  There is a simple way to learn music theory (more than one in fact).
  June-July 2013
• Advanced Uses For The Old Pentatonic Scale

  Are you playing too much? Well, it may be that you are not using enough pentatonic scales in your soloing!
  April-May 2013
• 5 Things You Should Avoid In Your Blues Guitar Solo

  Let's have a look at some of the problems that may prevent you and many other blues players from realizing their musical potential.
  February-March 2013
• Solving the Mystery of Guitar Harmonics

  Playing high-pitched squeals that are so important in the style of metal players (and others).
  August-September 2012
• Should I Be Able to Sight Read Music?

  Is it really necessary to know how to read music? Let's open this can of worms.
  April-May 2012
• 8 Reasons Why Your Guitar Improvisation Does Not Sound Like Music

  Music is a synthesis of technique and art; making sure you include both in equal measure.
  April-May 2010
• Ideas Without Limits, Part 2

  Explore some other (more advanced) variations of the same sequence, with Tommaso Zillio.
  February-March 2010
• Ideas Without Limits, Part 1

  Getting the most from a single sequence, with Tommaso Zillio.
  December-January 2009