BEN GARNETT WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES

"Instrumental Songwriting"

Some say a song is a song because it has words, and a tune is a tune because it doesn't. Ben Garnett disagrees. A song is a song because of its lyrical content, and lyrical content doesn't require language. In this workshop, Ben will guide you through mechanics that make instrumental music behave like songwriting: phrasing, developing a motive, building contrasting sections that stay tethered to one another. The class will culminate with writing a new section for a familiar song that draws on its own compositional material.

"Rhythm That Sings, Leads That Groove: Guitar in a String Band"

When you're the only guitarist in a string band, or the only one at a jam, it feels like there's nowhere to hide. Drawing on his work leading the Ben Garnett Trio and playing with Missy Raines & Allegheny, Ben Garnett will show flatpickers how they can be a distinct voice in a string ensemble, rather than just flipping between rhythm and lead. This class will explore the mechanics of engaged acoustic guitar playing, including bass runs that read as counter-melodies, varied and responsive rhythm playing, and solos that keep the groove alive without a drummer.

"Speaking Music: Playing Before Thinking"

You didn't wait to learn grammar before you started speaking as a child, so why do musicians wait until they've mastered theory before they'll let themselves play? Music-making at its core is a heart language, irrational and intuitive. It's about communication rather than getting it right. This class explores rituals and exercises that build intuition rather than second-guess it. Ben will send you home with simple routines you can do ten minutes a day.

“Reexamining The Fundamentals & Noticing Tension”

Technique fundamentals for intermediate or advanced players, but also beginners. Holding a pick, left hand posture, producing tone, hammer ons, pull offs, etc.

"Improvisation For Everyone” 

Intro to improv class

“Intro to Jazz Harmony” 

Intro to jazz harmony, 7th chords, extensions, chord-substitutions, triads, etc.

"Guitar As An Ensemble Instrument”

A holistic view of the acoustic guitar as a world-building instrument, rhythm guitar, etc.

"How to Practice With a Metronome” 

Removing the tainted & misunderstood view of metronome practice, i.e. creative ways to work with a metronome.

"Mindful Musicianship” 

Talking about the “inner game” so to speak, ways to stay mindful & present while making music, no instruments.