Johnny Jam

As an adult beginner learning music, I’ve started a series based on the classic jazz tune “Fly Me to the Moon” to study chord progressions , tone , and melody construction . This project uses piano, electric bass, and electric guitar to: Build a strong foundation in chord tone understanding Explore how bass lines move under chords Practice improvisation and melody with awareness of harmony Learn music theory through real songs, not just textbooks By looping the A section and focusing on jazz movement like II–V–I progressions and circle of fifths , I’m gradually syncing theory with actual sound and playing feel. If you're also learning as an adult or building your musicality with passion and patience, join me on this journey!

As an adult beginner exploring music through hands-on experience, I recorded a loop session of "Fly Me to the Moon" (A section only) to improve my understanding of chords, melody layering , and instrument balance . I began by recording the piano chords (Am7, Dm7, G7, CM7, C7, FM7, Bm7♭5, E7, Am7, A7) as a loop. From there, I layered in electric bass and added two guitars: a humbucker rhythm part and single coil improvisation lines . This approach helped me: Learn the fretboard through melody construction Practice layering sounds without creating clutter Experiment with improvisation and arrangement Feel the harmony and phrasing inside the groove It’s a satisfying way to connect my growing music theory knowledge to actual playing. More than anything, it’s a great way to have fun while learning .

In this guitar jam session, I take on the timeless jazz classic “Fly Me to the Moon” and explore it using fingerstyle technique on the electric guitar . This video is all about blending melody, harmony, and rhythm into one cohesive performance. I use the song’s flowing chord progression as the base for improvisation , experimenting with melody on top of bass notes and chords . It’s a great way to train both ears and fingers to understand jazz phrasing and harmony. The fingerstyle approach gives me full control over each voice – bass, chords, and lead – allowing me to play more expressively and independently. If you're learning jazz standards, improvisation, or chord melody techniques, I hope this inspires you to explore your own musical voice.

Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town, is one of the most exciting and colorful districts in Japan. Known worldwide for its deep connection to anime, gaming, and technology, it's a dream destination for fans of Japanese pop culture. In this walking video, I explore the busy streets around Akihabara Station, where flashy signs light up the buildings and every corner reveals a new game shop, anime figure store, or themed café. I didn’t enter the stores this time—I just wanted to capture the mood of the area as seen from the street. Akihabara is also known for maid cafés, DIY PC shops, retro game arcades, and specialty stores stacked with anime goods. It’s a unique area where the modern and the playful blend together. If you're planning to visit Tokyo, a stroll through Akihabara is a must—even if you're not a hardcore anime fan, the energy and uniqueness of this place is something to experience in person.

Discovering Ueno Park: A Blend of Nature and Culture in Tokyo Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Ueno Park stands as a testament to the city's ability to harmoniously blend nature with culture . Established in 1873, this expansive park offers visitors a serene escape from the bustling city streets . ウィキペディア As you meander through its tree-lined paths, you're greeted by the sights and sounds of nature—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the gentle ripple of water from Shinobazu Pond . The park's lush greenery provides a refreshing contrast to Tokyo's urban landscape . Beyond its natural beauty, Ueno Park is a cultural hub. Home to several of Japan's most prestigious museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art, it offers a deep dive into the nation's rich history and artistic achievements . GPSmyCity A visit to the Ueno Tōshō-gū Shrine adds a historical dimension to your walk. This Edo-period shrine, dedicated to Tokug...

Discovering the Heart of Old Tokyo: A Walk Through Nippori and Yanaka-Ginza Tokyo, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and neon lights, also harbors pockets of tranquility and history. The neighborhoods of Nippori and Yanaka-Ginza offer a rare glimpse into the city's Edo-period past, with narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, and historic temples that have survived natural disasters and wars. Starting from Nippori Station, the journey leads you through quiet alleys where the pace of life slows down. Yanaka-Ginza, a shopping street that retains its Showa-era charm, is lined with family-run shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. A visit to Tennoji Temple reveals a serene garden and a bronze Buddha statue dating back to 1690 . Nearby, Yanaka Cemetery offers a peaceful stroll among cherry blossom trees and historic graves, including that of the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu . Nezu Shrine, with its tunnel of vermilion torii gates, provides...

Exploring Jazz Harmony: My Practice Experience with "Fly Me to the Moon" Embarking on the journey of learning jazz piano as an adult beginner has been both challenging and exhilarating. "Fly Me to the Moon" serves as an ideal piece to delve into the intricacies of jazz harmony. The song's chord progression is a masterclass in jazz theory, moving through the circle of fifths and incorporating 2-5-1 progressions that are fundamental to the genre. Practicing 7th and diminished chords has expanded my harmonic vocabulary, allowing me to appreciate the tension and resolution that give jazz its distinctive sound. Each practice session reinforces the importance of understanding chord functions and progressions. Recognizing patterns like the circle of fifths not only aids in memorization but also enhances improvisational skills. This exploration has ignited a deeper interest in music theory, motivating me to study and comprehend the structures that underpin the mus...

Embracing Bach's Invention No. 1 as an Adult Beginner Embarking on the journey of learning Bach's Invention No. 1 has been both challenging and rewarding. As an adult beginner, I understand the importance of building a strong foundation, and this piece offers the perfect opportunity to develop hand independence and musicality. My practice routine involves: Hands Separate Practice: Focusing on each hand individually to understand the distinct melodies and fingerings. Hands Together Practice: Gradually combining both hands, ensuring coordination and harmony. Consistent Fingering: Maintaining consistent fingerings to build muscle memory and accuracy. Slow Tempo: Practicing at a slow pace to ensure control and precision. This method aligns with advice from experienced pianists who emphasize the importance of hands-separate practice for pieces with independent melodies. Through this approach, I've noticed steady progress in my playing. Each practice session brings me cl...

Exploring Cmaj13 Chords Through the CAGED System The Cmaj13 chord, comprising the notes C, E, G, B, and A, offers a rich and complex sound that can add depth to your music. Understanding how to construct and play this chord across the fretboard is essential for any guitarist looking to enhance their songwriting and improvisation skills. By utilizing the CAGED system, you can map the Cmaj13 chord in various positions, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in your playing. Start by identifying the root note (C) on the 6th string, 8th fret, and apply the E shape from the CAGED system to build the chord. Experiment with different voicings and extensions, such as adding the 13th (A) or the 9th (D), to create unique sounds. Practicing these shapes and understanding the intervals involved will not only improve your fretboard knowledge but also open up new avenues for improvisation. Record your chord progressions in a DAW and experiment with melodic lines over them to develop orig...

Unlocking the Fretboard: From C & A Notes to Musical Creativity Embarking on the journey of learning the guitar fretboard can seem daunting, but starting with the basics makes it manageable and rewarding. I began by identifying the C and A notes across the fretboard, which laid the groundwork for understanding the C Major and A Minor scales. Delving into these scales opened the door to exploring intervals—specifically the Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, and Major 7th. Recognizing these intervals not only improved my improvisation skills but also enriched my songwriting process. This structured approach to learning has transformed my playing, making it more expressive and creative. For those on a similar path, I encourage you to take it step by step, enjoy the process, and remember that consistency is key. What strategies have you found effective in learning the fretboard? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!