ML 137 Making Rhythm Blues Fun

[John H]

For my 65th Birthday, I thought I’d share a guitar story and a tune with my AM family. While learning this most recent lesson of Brian’s, I realized that I have come full circle in my guitar journey, in enjoying and learning these stand alone rhythm/lead lessons Brian creates. It seems it is how I began learning (early 1970’s at Lawrence Music Studio in suburban Pittsburgh). Vic Lawrence was the Mel Bay of Pittsburgh and he published a lot of guitar music for his students. He had a little shop in Castle Shannon, PA (which has been driven out of business by places like Guitar Center) and developed a system for guitar education staffed by local rock and rollers and Duquesne University Music Students. It was the ‘place’ for guitar instruction. The thing was, in looking back at Lawrence’s instructional methods, aside from graded instructional books, the focus on site reading and the lack of modern technology, Victor Lawrence focused on similar styles that Brian teaches: Ragtime Blues, Western Swing, Gypsy Jazz, Folk etc. etc. and all we wanted to do is play like Clapton, Jimmy Page and the Beatles. I started with these styles, took a long departure/detour(focusing on classic rock and blues etc.) and have found myself back where I started, studying a wider variety of guitar music but with the added influence of guitar tablature, backing tracks, video, discussion forums and an Active Melody Family. It’s been a lot of fun. Here’s to rockin’ in the free world over the next 20 or so years! Hope you enjoy this mini lesson of Brian’s. I did change out a diminished chord and replaced it with a diminished lick at about 0:45 seconds. Kind of made it my own as I usually do.

[Geoff]

Well happy 65th John 😄. As it happens, I am not far behind you.

This sounds like a great lesson very well played by you of course. It looks like you have taken a lot in the way of chord patterns with this one.

Funny the twists and turns our playing takes over the years. I started out with classical and had a teacher who was brilliant but severe. Taught in the Segovia style and didn’t take fools or any kind of slacking gladly. At some point I decided my buddies playing rock and blues were cooler than I was so I switched to that for a while then gave up playing for many years.

I have come back on and off with many styles but, in the end, I always turn back to classical with a different perspective. In the end , we follow what hits us at the time without really knowing what we are doing. I am just glad I stayed with classical, it is still the style that inspires me the most thanks to my grumpy teacher all those years ago 😅

[John H]

Thanks Geoff, I like your story and glad you have enriched us all with your gifts/passion. It’ fun straying but equally rewarding coming back to a place of familiarity.

John

[JoeD1]

Well Happy Birthday John and thanks for the present of your playing! This sounded so good and your lick you mentioned was very cool. It’s always a pleasure listening to you play.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[San Luis Rey]

Happy 65th John! You are really into the Gibson and having some fun with this lesson. I think you could do a few more verses easily. Sounding great as always. 👏

Mike

[Michael Krailo]

Happy Making Music day 🙂 It looks like you got this one down pretty good John. That opening rhythm part took me a couple of days to really get comfortable with the timing and flow of the hammers and pull offs. But it’s one of those licks that can dress up any standard E chord strum and make it sound interesting. I’m only half way through the lesson, but it’s a keeper for sure.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[John H]

Thanks Michael
I changed some things up to suit my own style, but I’m still holding true to the spirit of the lesson. It’s a lot of fun connecting the CAGED dots any way you can.

John

[Byron]

Really love your style man! If only if i could play like that! 😀

Byron

[Garry]

Happy Birthday John. 65? You don’t look it (maybe 55). Anyway, you had my foot tapping here. Top acoustic playing, really enjoyed it and thanks for your back story too. It’s always interesting how or when people started and their pathway through to the now! And … which ever way we go, we all love playing the instrument. All the best! 😎🎸😎

[charjo]

Happy 65th, John, so good to see you doing your thing. Love those bluegrass style runs.
I had experience with good old Mel Bay back in my elementary school days, I only remeber learning “Volga Boatmen”. Thank goodness for the arrival of internet guitar learning.
I’m going to try to develop a little more love for the acoustic as you demonstrate so beautifully.
John

[Richard G]

All the best for your 65th John, you were certainly making that J45 sing out. Mel Bay were the only books around when I started playing guitar. Happy days ……🤔

Richard

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