Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

  • Log In
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up

Have a Blues Jam Session By Yourself on Guitar (Just 4 Chords) – Blues Guitar Lesson EP292

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play both rhythm and lead in a solo jam session (no accompaniment needed). You’ll also learn a right-hand strum technique and how to play the Mixolydian scale when soloing. Everything is created with just 4 basic chords (E, Bm, A, and G)..

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Slow Walk-Through

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Video Tablature Breakdown

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Curious about the benefits of
Premium Membership?
Try it for FREE!
arrow_downYou need to be logged in as a premium member to access the tab, MP3 jam tracks, and other assets. Learn More

Add to "My Favorites"

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.

Comments

  1. Michael Allen says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:09 pm

    I’m looking forward to learning this one. Thanks Brian!

    Log in to Reply
  2. John V says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    I’m breaking out the thin body electric acoustic tomorrow….this one sounds awesome!

    Log in to Reply
  3. Jeem says

    January 18, 2019 at 10:49 pm

    And the hits just keep coming!

    Log in to Reply
    • Ricky M says

      January 24, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      I think these stand alone ones are My favorites, Thanks Brian.

      Log in to Reply
  4. Ian M says

    January 18, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    Love it! Lots of tasty ideas here.

    Log in to Reply
  5. JohnStrat says

    January 19, 2019 at 12:43 am

    Do I detect a bit of Tony Joe White? Looks as if there are lots of goodies here thanks Brian

    Log in to Reply
    • Rollover33 says

      January 19, 2019 at 9:54 am

      Hey John, I worked on Lou Reed’s Sweet Jane, there is a bit of that too ! Good music !

      Log in to Reply
  6. Hans says

    January 19, 2019 at 1:20 am

    Awesome Brian! Looking forward to learning this one 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  7. Chris J says

    January 19, 2019 at 3:32 am

    Think I’ll dig the old acoustic out myself, great mixo comp Brian.

    Log in to Reply
    • Joseph S says

      September 10, 2020 at 7:51 am

      Brian, I had a question regarding the mixolydian mode. I noticed the chord structure was E Bm A G and is in the key of E, wouldn’t the 7th be D# to D?

      Log in to Reply
  8. Jim M says

    January 19, 2019 at 7:21 am

    Great Lesson Brian.

    Just wondering about studying the style of Dave Mathews sometime ?

    Log in to Reply
  9. sciencefiction says

    January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am

    Nice lesson, Brian! Finally, a lesson in a major key (E) with a minor 5 chord (Bm). Also, a major 4 chord (A). Sounds very cool!
    Larry

    Log in to Reply
  10. charjo says

    January 19, 2019 at 11:06 am

    Didn’t catch my ear at first listen but then those great rhythm ideas got me. Love that idea of practicing myxolydian licks while making music. New takeaways every week. Thank you, Brian.
    John

    Log in to Reply
  11. Paul L says

    January 19, 2019 at 2:02 pm

    I hear a hint of Clapton’s She’s waiting.

    Log in to Reply
  12. Steve M says

    January 19, 2019 at 2:11 pm

    Brian, I love this rhythm! Once you get it down it flows into such a cool groove. For myself, I think learning a number of completely different rhythms is a big key in be able to play more than a couple of songs for folks and keeping their interest. Keep it coming!

    Log in to Reply
  13. sunburst says

    January 19, 2019 at 4:02 pm

    Cool lesson and even though I know mixolydian .. I love the basic theory lesson.. I like the relative concept ..been working on lessons like this and enjoy your take too😀

    Log in to Reply
  14. Greg H says

    January 19, 2019 at 4:20 pm

    Great one Brian! Been waiting for a while for an acoustic lesson like this one. Thanks!

    Log in to Reply
  15. Will R says

    January 20, 2019 at 5:40 am

    I’m ‘ Drifting Back’ with this one Brian. Many thanks for all of the lessons Cheers.

    Log in to Reply
  16. Carl Z says

    January 20, 2019 at 9:36 am

    The mode business is not easy to grasp. This is how I try to understand it. The song consists mainly of chords from A major. But since you emphazise the E major chord, the fifth in A major, it becomes E mixolydian mode. And thus, in the solo parts , you can use A major notes. Is that correct?

    Log in to Reply
    • Jeff F says

      April 6, 2019 at 11:46 pm

      I’m not not best with theory but thats how I understand it. With that said, I’m confused how the G chord fits in. I thought it should be a G# (diminished). I’ve spent the last hour looking this up and trying to wrap my head around it.

      Log in to Reply
  17. John M says

    January 20, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    Are you playing E Mixolydian?

    Log in to Reply
    • Brian says

      January 20, 2019 at 6:59 pm

      Yes

      Log in to Reply
      • Jeff F says

        April 6, 2019 at 11:49 pm

        See my above response to Carl Z. How does the G chord fit in. My understanding of Mixolydian is centering around the 5th chord, but the major scale of the first chord can be played over it- in this case A major. If that’s true, then how does that G chord fit in? Wouldn’t it have to be a G#? Love this lesson though!!

        Log in to Reply
  18. cyril b says

    January 20, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    excellent Brian! thanks to have avoided to my fingers to play this in G!!! even if it sounds great, maybe another time?

    Log in to Reply
  19. Geof C says

    January 20, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    I spent quite a bit of time with this one trying to get the hang of the muted strings and catching the notes when pulling my arm up. I’m often able to keep my arm moving, but it takes a bit to get it to be fluid with the direction you’re going. Great lesson!

    Log in to Reply
  20. Mathew W says

    January 21, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    I really love this type lesson and this one in particular. The strum pattern is great but I find the b minor bit so difficult, do you actually inject pace into the down up down before the a cord? I just can’t make it seamless or as smooth. Great stuff as always.

    Log in to Reply
  21. Paul B says

    January 21, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    brian
    is E Mixolydian aMaj

    Log in to Reply
  22. Terry H says

    January 21, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    Great lesson!

    Thank You,

    T.Harper

    Log in to Reply
  23. Jan L says

    January 22, 2019 at 2:50 am

    Nice lesson, love that. Could you create in one of your next lessons a texas blues style with call and response ?

    Log in to Reply
  24. Robert R says

    January 22, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    I love these standalone lessons. I was hooked on this one immediately. I’ve already got these parts committed to memory, but have a lot of practice to do before it will be played as easily as you make it look! Well done!

    Log in to Reply
  25. David S says

    January 22, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    And The Beat goes On !!! Another great lesson. David

    Log in to Reply
  26. ljg says

    January 22, 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Hi Brian,

    Quick question. Why does the G chord work in the key of E? Is it because it resolves to an A chord ?

    Thanks. Lucas.

    Log in to Reply
    • Carl Z says

      January 24, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      Well, this song is not really in the key of E major, it is in what they call the E mixolydian mode.

      Mixolydian means we are basing the song around the fifth chord in a scale. So if the fifth chord is E major, then counting backwards we find A major as the being first chord.

      All the chords in this song is from the A major scale, and so are the solo notes.

      Why not say we are in A major then? Well, A doesn’t play a big part in this song, it revolves around E which gives it a special feel, the mixolydian feel…

      Log in to Reply
      • ljg says

        January 24, 2019 at 5:18 pm

        Hi Carl,

        Thanks for your reply.I am still a little confused I think the A mixolydian mode has a G chord and the
        flat 7 which is a G note and based on the key of Dmaj.Maby i am missing something in my logic.
        I do know a G chord is used in many songs in the key of E just don’t know why it works.
        Thanks again.

        Log in to Reply
      • Brian says

        January 24, 2019 at 7:05 pm

        You are correct – but if you were describing the key of this song to other musicians you’d say it’s in the key of E – and call it a 1, and a 5 minor chord.

        Log in to Reply
  27. Gary T says

    January 22, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    Great Lesson , just draws you in , love it
    Cheers Brian.

    Log in to Reply
  28. [email protected] says

    January 23, 2019 at 7:25 am

    I hear C.C.R. and a bit of Dead – superb! Another winner, Brian!

    Log in to Reply
  29. wrightclick says

    January 24, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Loved it Brian , would like an expansion and breakdown lesson of that blues in G at 8:20 sounds great transposing that open E section to a G barre and C7 D7 . would make a great Micro lesson.

    Log in to Reply
  30. Sonne says

    January 24, 2019 at 3:20 pm

    Hi Brian,
    A great lesson 🙂 More lessons like this with the mix of rhythm and smal easy licks.

    Log in to Reply
  31. Andy N says

    January 25, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    I wasn’t sure if this was for me on first listen but thought I’d give it a try. I’m absolutely hooked now!! Great rhythm take aways, especially the variations on the E and this percussive style is totally addictive once you get it down. Great teaching as always Brian. Thanks 👍

    Log in to Reply
  32. István H says

    January 26, 2019 at 9:03 am

    What kind of guitar do you use? I can see Martin, but which one?

    Log in to Reply
    • Pierre D says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:09 am

      I too would like to know the model of that little Martin.

      Log in to Reply
      • Robert G says

        March 1, 2021 at 6:03 pm

        The Martin is a CEO 7.

        Log in to Reply
  33. kurt neumann says

    January 26, 2019 at 9:47 am

    How about a tribute to Reggie Young?

    Log in to Reply
  34. Nick S says

    January 28, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    It takes me two weeks to either get through a lesson or give up on it. I am going to get this one

    Log in to Reply
  35. Ike S says

    January 30, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    I’m new to the guitar and want to learn to play but don’t know where to start. Want to learn to plat finger style

    Log in to Reply
    • john p says

      March 18, 2019 at 10:20 am

      I just thought I’d mention, you should try learning anything you like. You don’t have to learn it all in your “first day”. Just have fun with it. If and when you get stuck, go learn other things. I have struggled with some things. Only to revisit them even years later to nail them. And for me, it takes me an hour to warm up and loosen up. And don’t forget to learn the easier stuff. As you learn techniques, and you will learn them here especially, you will find that you can learn the things you thought impossible before. Minimum 2 hours a day. I try to get 8 to 10 hours when I can. Brian is one of the best!

      Log in to Reply
    • Ray L says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:26 pm

      I’ve been “new to the guitar” for about 24 years… HAHA!! I’ve never taken it seriously. Just learned a little then lost interest. I’ve decided to take it seriously this time though and im actually progressing. Just stick with it and realize you won’t get good overnight.

      Log in to Reply
  36. Ike S says

    January 30, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    Thats blues

    Log in to Reply
  37. Brian K says

    January 31, 2019 at 8:26 am

    Maybe the best lesson yet…this draws you in…
    This isnt super easy….but…if u take time and learn to play it….u really feel like ur jamming…all by yourself….a great feeling.

    Agree with “wrightclick” …. would like to hear more about the part around 8:10 of the second video, where Brian describes transposing the E7 sequence to the key of G7/C7/D7 blues. A microlesson on that would be nice.

    Great stuff Brian….and thank you for what u do for your learning and playing community.

    Log in to Reply
  38. glen s says

    February 7, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    hey howzit Brian,
    many thanks for the lessonS…. great stuff you’re putting out.
    I hear shades of The Who. Shakin’ all over …. LIVE AT LEADS …. offf to the guitar woodshed I goes….
    laterz, G

    Log in to Reply
  39. william s says

    February 8, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    Love it.

    Log in to Reply
  40. stratatatcat says

    February 14, 2019 at 11:18 pm

    I am enjoying this one very much Brian! Just what I needed to challenge me and hone my strumming and rhythm abilities. You are a truly talented teacher. Best on the net for standalone compositions 4 sure!
    And this one being just a tad different was a welcome surprise. Great job!

    Log in to Reply
  41. john p says

    March 17, 2019 at 7:10 pm

    I have learned much from you and that’s coming from a slow learner. But this me be my biggest challenge yet. Because of you, I can’t put down the guitar. I’m not sure if I will get this one down. But it won’t be because i didn’t try. The rhythum is hard for me to get timing down. But I’m sure it will come to me like everything else I’ve learned from you. I really like this. Probably my favorite. Thanks!

    Log in to Reply
    • Ray L says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:18 pm

      I’ve spent all day on part 1. I’m sloppy but moving on to part2…

      Log in to Reply
  42. Ray L says

    March 30, 2019 at 11:20 pm

    I really like this one!! Kinda reminds me of being on hold with Comcast customer service or something, but I’m really digging it!! Thanks, Brian!

    Log in to Reply
  43. Dennis T says

    April 6, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    I don’t reply much, but just wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge! I’m improving because of your encouragement and teaching method. Also inspired to practice more thanks to your melodic lessons. Keep up the good work!

    Log in to Reply
  44. Nathan S says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:02 am

    Love this one – its fun to play and sounds great too!

    Log in to Reply
  45. shaun d says

    April 19, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    Terrible explanation of the Mixolydian scale.

    Log in to Reply
  46. jabadead says

    April 27, 2019 at 10:59 am

    Brian, first time I have posted here. May I say you are the first cd/dvd/ on line tech that has so inspired me to move onward. Please provide a technique that would help out in the muting. In this song, should I look to do more with the left or right hand? My first inclination is to play it hard and leave out the mute, but as you know it adds alot to the song. This is one place I loose the rhythm, but if I could only mute better, it might flow better…..peace and many thanks in advance

    Log in to Reply
  47. David Alkalay says

    July 28, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Hi, I don’t do tab, but I work with music notes. It appears here, but not in a downloadable form. The only download is in tablature. Also, it says to for full view to click on the gear icon and then scroll down for full view; that function isn’t working…unless it is and I’m just missing it. Can you either guide me to it or send me the arrangement in music notation?

    Log in to Reply
  48. Deuan says

    August 29, 2019 at 3:57 am

    learnt it, now enjoying playing and grooving.. sounds so good!!! Nice on Brian.. thanks from London

    Log in to Reply
  49. PATRICK H says

    January 28, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    Hi Brian, I am your new french fan! Love your lessons! I think there is a bit of dancing with Mr D in this one?
    Patrick –

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Don’t have an ActiveMelody account? Sign Up.

Links

  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Sitemap

Recent Lessons

Trying to improvise in a minor key? Try using these – Guitar Lesson – EP520

The CAGED System in Action – How to USE the CAGED System for rhythm and lead – Guitar Lesson EP519

Ragtime Acoustic Blues Ideas For Guitar – Play this ragtime blues by yourself – Guitar Lesson EP518

Contact

For all support questions email: [email protected]
For all other inquires email: [email protected]
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2023 · Active Melody LLC. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Free Weekly Guitar Lessons
Enter your email address below to have the weekly guitar lesson delivered to your email address. I take privacy very seriously and will not share your email address.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Active Melody
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up
  • Log In