In music, an octave is a term that refers to a note eight tones (or notes) above any starting note. Playing a C in one position on the guitar and then playing that same tone in the next highest position means you are playing two octaves of the same note. Octaves can be applied to playing more than one note, which is what the lesson in this video is all about. While the A natural minor, or Aeolian mode, is used here, the same playing technique can be applied in any key. This video demonstrates how playing a licks in octaves, while simple in principle, can add a lot of variation to your licks and solos. The instructor shows you a lick in A minor and then moves it through two and three octaves, starting slow and then picking up the pace and playing the same pattern throughout the octave shapes to demonstrate the power of the octave. Playing octaves is a great way to use the same lick over the length of the fretboard to develop a run that, while simple in concept, can make your playing sound complex and layered. Take a little time to watch the demonstration provided in the video and then master it in A minor. Once you’ve got this down, experiment by applying these concepts to other keys and modes and you’ll hear how playing octaves has the power to add depth and variety with minimal effort. As the instructor demonstrates, you can learn one lick and apply it to higher and lower registers on your instrument to give the pattern an entirely new level of versatility and complexity. Give it a try. You’ll be amazed how much musicality can be milked out of one guitar lick in three different octave positions.
