Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

EP500 – ActiveMelody Milestone

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This week’s video is a celebration and a big THANK YOU video to each and every one of you in the ActiveMelody family. Let’s keep growing together on the guitar! No lesson this week.

EP500 - Milestone!

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Comments

  6. HenriP says

    Hi Brian,
    Congrats on the 500th lesson.
    Now that I am retired I hope to finally be able to find the time to learn to play better.
    Your lessons are absolutely great. Thanks for all the hard work.

    Henri

  13. Ken says

    Thanks loads Brian. I’ve enjoyed the lessons as well as the group of guitarist that you have gathered.
    We are all like minded in pursuit of becoming better at playing guitar, and because of your excellent teaching style we are all growing as musicians.

  15. Raymond P says

    Congratulations on your 500th video anniversary. I can’t thank you enough for all the time and energy you put into each lesson. I’ve learned and continue to learn so much from you.

    Thanks again.

  18. Kim Hall says

    Thank you Brian for what you’ve done so far. Some milestone to reach. I’ve enjoyed every lesson I’ve been through so far. Yours is my favourite learning method so far and I intend to be here for 600!

    Kim,

    in deepest Dorset UK. I have an American wife, so I feel connected!

  19. Leonard L says

    Brian, I thank you! I’ve been part of your guitar family for a bit over two years and you’ve really helped me and my playing. There’s so much I’ve learned that a simple thank you seems inadequate but thank you anyway. Please keep up with the lessons and here’s to another 500!

  20. Paul N says

    Brian, thank you so much! When I retired, Covid hit within a fewmonths. With commorbidities, I’v been pretty much at home ever since. I played basic acoustic guitar in my teens. I decided to pick up the guitar again, and find someone to teach me how to play. That was you! My wife had bought me years ago an Ibanez Electric and Yamaha acoustic, a small Marshall amp, that have been doing nothing but gathering dust. After a while I got to the point where I finally decided I was good enough to justify a Fender Strat, and I’m going to upgrade my Yamaha acoustic to someting better real soon. You have kept me sane during this time. I practice 2-3 hours every day, and I’ve been working backwards through your archives. I am forever greatful for your service. You are by far the best teacher I have found on the Internet. Please don’t burn out, man. One week off every 2 years sounds hard. I don’t think anyone in our community would object to you taking as much time off as you feel like you need and deserve, whenever you want. My suggestion: A lesson that’s a web page with links to your “Top 10 favorite Blues Compositions / Lessons”. Then another time, Top 10 links to Country. Then Rock. An easy way to give us something of great value, while giving you the time you need to recharge. Again Brian, thank you so much for everything you do!

    • Mike P says

      Well said Paul. I’d be devastated if Brian stopped his fantastic lessons for any reason so I’m voting for him to take a break whenever he feels like it too!
      Enjoy your learning journey!

    • Greg W says

      Paul – thanks for the great comment! Turning Covid into something positive and really investing in practice time. It’s always great when we get to that point of feeling guitar upgrades are deserved! :). Also – great note to Brian on taking some breathers. Always good to recharge the engine and the AM community certainly has MANY lessons to work.

  21. JohnStrat says

    Well done Brian A huge success for you. Many moons back I recall a guy saying you couldn’t teach guitar. We all went for him and said your style suits us big time and we were learning plenty. We’re still here and consider we have learned lots lots more from your most excellent material. I think your following and 500 plus lessons tells the story congratulations.
    JohnStrat

  25. Greg K says

    Congratulations Brian, everyone under estimates the amount of work in another’s profession. I’m sure yours can be daunting at times. Much appreciated for always plowing through. Enjoy the non freak out Friday! I’m sure 501 is percolating. Look forward to it. Thank you again.

  27. Scott N says

    Thank you Brian. I picked up guitar during COVID, watched various YouTube video lessons from different people, and when I saw/heard your stuff I immediately knew you were the teacher I was looking for. Been a member since. Hey – take it easy….have a nice break. We want you for the long haul!

  28. Martin P says

    Congratulations Brian, wow 500 lessons, that’s a lot of work.

    Enjoy your well deserved week off for you and by the sound of it, for your family as well 😊

    Looking forward to the next 500 🎶

  29. Robin S says

    Haven’t watched it yet but as a long term media sceptic (still am minus about 0.1%) Brian is gold dust, honest, honourable and brilliant, a rare combination and a brilliant ambassador for American cultural and efucational ability. Fantastic achievment !
    Robin

  32. Harry B says

    Thank you, Brian. I have learned more since discovering your website than I managed to learn in a lifetime of playing. I especially appreciate your versatility and breadth in covering so many styles of guitar playing while keeping your lessons to a level that all of us who don’t know as much (speaking for myself) can understand. Congratulations on passing this 500 milestone.

  33. Bruce L says

    Congratulations and many, many thanks!

    My guitar journey started 15 years ago and in that time I took private lessons and downloaded lots of lessons from YouTube. Despite all of that I was stuck. Stuck in the same darn place. I love the guitar but most of the time felt frustrated because I couldn’t seem to advance to an intermediate level.

    Active Melody has changed that for me! Not only do I no longer feel stuck, I feel more confident about my playing and am enjoying it more than I ever have. In my view, the thing that really separates you from other online teachers is your unparalleled ability as a teacher and an instructor.

    Again, many, many thanks!

  35. Ralph P. says

    Hey Man, Where’s Part 2, I can’t download the Jamtrack, my tab isn’t scrolling right, what kind of guitar is that?

    Just kidding Brian. Congratulations on EP 500. Such a treasure trove of guitar instructions.

    Do you ever regret giving up your office job?

    Workin’ for the man every night and day.

    What’s that?

    You never lost one minute of sleepin’
    Worrin’ bout the way things might have been.

    I’m so happy that you still love what you’re doing, and have a lot of friends at AM who appreciate and love the work that you do.

    Stay Well Brian,
    Ralph

  38. Kiwi Rowan L says

    AWWWW … SHUCKS …..I can’t be the only member who doesn’t leave a congratulatory comment !
    Thank you and congrats Brian.
    Ditto to all the comments. above.

    Thank you also to everyone in our fraternity who has helped me as well. – I just discovered Catherine in Canada and Manfred on You Tube – awesome inspiration and high standards to aim for !!!!

    Looking forward to whatever challenges you feel like throwing at us in 2023.!!!

    And with that, Dorothy clicked her heels adn said … “There’s no place like home.”

  42. Marek S says

    Man, life has been a bit crazy over here and I haven’t been able to keep up with the forums and post much. However I do run through the weekly lessons and something clicked the past little while. I think it was around the triads lessons if I recall correctly. I have been all over the neck and things have been super fun and liberating.

    Enjoy your vacation Brian, I hope you and your family enjoy chillin’!

  43. Greg W says

    Brian! Thank you and congratulations on the big 500!! I’ve been a member for about 1.5 years. You have the best online guitar instructional program that I’ve ever come across and your lessons, advice and approach has me growing into a musician and actually surprising myself at times with how much I’ve learned and how much more enjoyment I find in my instrument. Thanks for all that you do!
    In my time with Active Melody I have crawled through the coffers and discovered vast amounts of diamonds sprinkled across your 10 years of lessons. 🙂 It is amazing the consistent quality you have delivered over the years! I’ll learn 324, then 047, then 359, over to 090, then 421, etc. Playing electric Chicago blues, ragtime, gypsy, country blues, and on and on. It is truly unbelievable this amazing library of lessons and musical wisdoms gathered in one place.

    I share what I learn from your site with my guitar buddies – 6ths, 9ths, triads, CAGED, major vs minor pentatonic, tying scales to chord positions, mixolydian, etc. My friends respond with ‘man, this is exactly what I have wanted to learn all these years and just didn’t know how to go about it’. From my perspective, the real genius is how you’ve created these lessons with an incredibly wide variety of rhythms and genres, catchy and memorable melodies, and then pack in a ton of lessons that can be reapplied in other songs and settings. The tab scroll, the tracks with guitar that run through 4-5 cycles, the tracks without guitar, etc. Learning an instrument and getting better is not an easy task – but you’ve spoon-fed your audience to make it as easy as possible. Thanks for the hard work, creativity and quality of your lessons. Looking forward to the next 500!!!

  45. Todd B says

    Awesome Brother! You deserve the week off. I’m so glad I joined you. Happy 500 🎉 I agree with you 💯 % I’ve been fronting bands for 40 years as a singer/frontman. I’d much rather be doing what you are doing than anything else in the business. Mazel!

  46. Michael W says

    Congratulations on the first 500. I have learned a great deal with you. It is a rare and beautiful thing when a person finds their true place in life. You are there and all of us are better players for it. Best wishes, Brian.

  50. Pap says

    Thank you for all of your great affordable guitar lessons on Active Melody and Congrats on EP500! I have been a member since April 2019 and have completed around 100 lessons. I joined the AM Challenges about a year after becoming a member and have completed 30. That was a genius idea and a great way to make rubber hit the road with respect to your lessons. I am looking forward to 500 more lessons. Keep up the great work Brian. Your instruction impacts guitar players worldwide. From the Pacific Northwest, Thank You! Pap

  51. NB says

    Thanks Brian – enjoy the rest week (even though you still gave us a video)
    Congratulations on what you have built – it is an amazing creative and inspirational space. Looking forward to more sage advice and fun things to (try to) play!!!
    Cheers

  54. Rick B says

    Congrats on the big 500 Brian! I can’t thank you enough for what you do. Suggestion…do the Highlight Reel another day instead of a lesson…it will be fun relief for everyone. RB

  55. Baggy says

    Many congratulations Brian. Your lessons have made a huge difference to my playing, my ability to move around the fretboard, and my understanding of different guitar styles. I am delighted to hear you managed to take a week off, seriously we appreciate all you do. Take care, David

  56. Stephen K says

    I have been wondering for a few weeks what you would offer us when you got to EP500 and this is the answer. Well done! You are an outstanding teacher and just a genuinely humble and nice man, Stay that way! There are so many overbearing dweebs on the Internet who don’t teach you anything and think they are way cool doing it. You are the best – Congratulations!

  57. Mickle says

    Thanks Brian,
    I’ve been on the same 13 year journey you’ve been on! I found your lesson site right when you began (before EP!), just at a time where I needed something to keep me learning and trying to avoid the usual boredom of repetition and then stopping playing (again). I have followed it since, because you deliver exciting fresh material that covers all kinds of musical tastes and you deliver excellent in depth lessons. Over those 13yrs the lessons have got better and more sophisticated, I’ve no need to shop anywhere else! So; ‘Happy 500′ – ’til next Friday eh?
    PS I’m amazed that you do it all. I always assumed you had help to at least produce the TAB and possibly the backing tracks, impressive. Mike

  58. Michael R says

    Congratulations Brian. I’m 75 and been looking at all sorts of on line lessons for the past several years. Been with for that last few years and have made more progress that I have in lots of years (50 or so). Thanks., please keep up the excellent work. Mike

  59. Charlie R says

    Huge congratulations, Brian! I’ve tried other sites (briefly) for learning guitar, but nothing compares to your thorough approach and the extras you throw in… The content, the archives, the on-screen tab viewer, the PDF TABS, the jam tracks, the challenges, the deep-dive classes (and more)… they all add up to an exceptionally high-quality product! I’m a retired film and video producer, and I have to tell you that your videos are also of equally high quality! I love the lighting and the setups you use, and your attention to the tiny details that bring it all together so beautifully. There is NOBODY out there doing it better! I hope you are able to kick back and enjoy the huge accomplishment and the satisfaction of consistently creating such a high-quality product! Thank you for all you’ve done. You have definitely improved my enjoyment of learning guitar!

  60. Matt Q says

    Thanks Brian – congrats on the amazing milestone. Been with ya a couple years and really appreciate all the insight you’ve shared. You’re like the big brother I never had, imparting wisdom and helpful tidbits along the way. Here’s to another 500. Cheers!

  61. jimbostrat says

    As you’re well aware, Brian……….I’ve been along for this fun and so informative Tennessee ride nearly from the very beginning and I have the right to declare that these lessons have steadily gotten better and more vital and fun than ever before!! Although………I also have to add that ‘Freakout Friday’ would have been more appropriate tonight as it is….Friday the 13th!!Thank you for never merely phoning in these lessons and for being a great, understanding friend to all!! You are absolutely one of the best people around and it’s great that success has not only not gone to your head but rather placed you on a determined path to make ActiveMelody the best guitar site anywhere!! Jim C.

  63. MrO says

    Congrats on 500 Brian!!! You’re making it possible for me to make a life long “Bucket List” headliner attainable!
    Will be a member for a long time to come.
    Thank you Brian!!!

  68. Old McGarney says

    Brian,

    After discovering you online a month or two ago, I finally got around to paying for my first year of Active Melody membership earlier this week. Today I opened up my browser, excited to see what my first weekly lesson would be, only to find this milestone video instead.,

    And you know what? I love it!

    I can’t think of a better way to start my journey with this community than to congratulate you on this significant achievement, and to thank you for the multiple “lightbulb moments” you’ve already provided me in the short time I’ve been watching your videos. I’m sure a lot of the other older players in this forum would agree when I say that finding a teacher like you – who can rekindle the excitement and joy of making music after work, kids, or just life in general got in the way – is worth far more than what you’re charging.

    I’d also like to reiterate what I’ve already seen others say in this discussion: take more time off!

    And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have 500 lessons to catch up on.

    Congratulations again!

  73. Doug P says

    Congrats on 500 episodes Brian. Don’t know how you do it every week. I ve been with you for a couple years now and I am really getting a lot out of it. Thank you! Looking forward to more each week.

  75. mritalian says

    Brian , I was always wondering when you were going to take a well deserved break for yourself, I was starting to think you might be the energizer bunny in disguise. Great content every week. Anyways, Congratulations and continued success to you and your family, Great job. Thank you so much . Ron Terranova

  76. bjung says

    Congratulations Brian. I have been hanging with you since EP-49 in 2014. I really appreciate the time and effort that you put into the lessons each week. I have learned a tremendous amount from you and look forward to more. I wish that I was at the point to keep up to each week, but I am getting closer than when I started. Thank you and congrats

  77. Mark H says

    Congratulations on reaching a solid milestone along the road. Just starting my second year and I’m on board for the long haul.

    Thank you for all the time, thought, creativity and effort you put into it. I’ve learned heaps already “and I still gotta long way to go” 👏

  78. Jim H says

    Congratulations, I have taken your free segments for many years and recently realized I need to pay it back… and I am learning so much with your consistent and never ending wonderful lessons. I still like to listen and try without using notation and tabs as if in a jam with players who are way better than I. but using the lesson format I make shorter work of these improvisation ideas. Thanks so much. Jim

  79. Patrick F says

    congratulations. thanks for all the great lessons.
    Gros merci, du Québec!
    Tellement un plaisir de grandir dans cette communauté! Troisième année de plaisir à gratter la guitare avec passion avec toi Brian! Merci!

  80. John V says

    Hey! How are you getting that awesome tone and what are the settings? (Ha Ha) Congrats Brian! I’ve been with you since June of 2016 and it’s been a pure learning treat and treasure..

  81. Mike P says

    Brian I can’t thank you enough for giving me the inspiration and tools to really learn to improvise and have fun. It feels like you’re my own personal teacher but I’m sure everyone here feels the same! That’s quite an achievement and testament to your teaching gift.
    Your lessons always seem perfectly pitched for my ability as they’re always a challenge but ultimately rewarding, especially as I feel my learning rate is accelerating.
    I love your compositions too!
    Hope you enjoyed the Freakout-Free Friday!
    Here’s to the next 500! (but please take it easy on yourself – we need you in good shape!)
    Cheers, Mike from N. Yorkshire UK.

    • Brian B says

      Well done, Brian! The obvious pleasure you take in playing and teaching guitar ripples through all of us. Thanks especially for

      your original compositions and generous style of instruction.

  86. Glenn K says

    I’ve been a member since March 2019 and every Friday has been like my birthday or Christmas with a new gift to unwrap! Congratulations on #500 Brian and thank you, thank you, thank you! You are truly the best!

  87. Bill B says

    Oops! I hit enter before I was finished. Anyways, I’m very grateful to be a member of this site and have been for 5+ years I believe now, so thank you for all you have done and continue to do.I look forward to many more in the future. Congratulations on the big 500!

  88. David M says

    Brian: I’m not sure how how many years that I’ve been a member however your lessons have become an important part of my life. You have caused me to once again get serious about getting better on the instrument that I have loved for many years. I just want to give you a heartfelt Thank You for all the hard work that you have obviously put into creating this road to excellence on the guitar.. Thank You.

  90. Peter A says

    So,Brian, you take a week off EVERY two years ?So what am I going to do for the next week ? Have you thought about that while you’re lolling about .The concerted effort required for me to reach Rock Star status is unwavering and cannot sustain a week of dilly dallying.I’m 76 and cannot afford delays.Please rethink your frivolous debauchery.

    By the way ,I thoroughly enjoy your lessons,and congratulate you on reaching 500,great effort.I like the slow country lessons,which you do so well.

    Now get back to work.

  93. Mike R says

    Wow ! 500 lessons, and they are all something to be proud of individually. I am happy to be a member of this group for the last 3 or 4 years and my only fear is that you might want to retire. Take all the time off you need Brian and recharge. I think we have a few to still look over and discover. I know I have not gone through all of the 500 yet, but have lots of fun finding new one’s that are fun to play. Please keep this going for another 500!

  95. Kent B says

    So of all the accolades and praise Brian receives here (and he deserves it all!) let me add one about his work ethic. He posts a lesson every week, without fail, and gives himself a week off every two years Seriously?! Who does that? I am sure that most of us cannot imagine how much work it takes each week to post just one of his lessons. And he does it 100 times without interruption. Brian, you are an intuitive, gifted teacher and all around great guy. But lets not forget your work ethic. Particularly in these days of “work/life balance”, what you do week in and week out is amazing. You have the half million followers to prove it. PS- Why don’t you give yourself 2 weeks next time. Life is short!

  99. Gary R says

    You are the best Brian. But I do have a suggestion. Rather than Freak Out Fridays, how about Mandolin Mondays?
    Wait…. So the first Monday of every month, you can relax and provide a Brian lesson of mandolin for guitar players. Give the (genius) guitar professor a break and, well, how much harder could it be ?

    All kidding aside, you have ignited so many light bulbs and connected so many intuitive ear worms for me. This is a just occurring to me, but I would say, the best guitar guidance for me. Where were you back in 1969 when I first started really playing. And not being born yet is not an acceptable absence.
    Thank you! 😎

  102. michael f says

    Congratulations Brian! That’s alot of lesson plans. Not all who are gifted can teach. Not all who teach are gifted. You are both. I’ve become better at guitar since joining Active Melody. It’s a fun ride. Keep it up and thanks.

  104. Barry H says

    What a wonderful achievement, many congratulations.

    Like so many others here, I’ve found (and continue to find) your lessons truly transformative, and it’s a marvel to me how you manage to conjure such gorgeous little songs out of targeted exercises (although I might well be putting the cart before the horse there), as well as elucidating every detail perfectly.

    Case in point: the background music you chose for this video, a huge favourite of mine from EP469. Anyone who hasn’t already done that lesson and is missing this week’s should definitely check it out.

    Thank you, Brian.

    Barry

  105. Mark W says

    Greetings from South Australia. Temperature has just hit 40C outside and I headed for the aircon and the best part of my week to check out your next (Episode – always wondered what the EP meant). I have been a member for a couple of years now and your lessons have been an incredible boost to my enjoyment in playing guitar. I joined in later EP 300s but have been back over most of your lessons. I love everything about what you do, from your teaching style to your general attitude on the enjoyment of music and life. As someone else on here said I will be a member as long you keep going. Congratulations on the 500 and thank you for all you do for us. Cheers Mark

  106. Steve W says

    Congratulations Brian!

    Your lessons continue to inspire and teach me something new every week. When Covid began(3 years ago ?), I had to part ways with my weekly guitar teacher. Looking back that was a blessing. He was into teaching songs and I wanted to learn to play the blues and noodle( improvise) all the time.
    You have led me to reach success in my family. My wife is content to listen to me play while she knits. I catch her tapping her foot to my beat. She will then ask my what song I was playing. I tell her it’s just a song in my head.
    Keep up the great work Brian!

  112. Serge H says

    A big thanks to you Brian!
    Your « freak out Fridays » have made my Saturdays (jetlag to Europe) look like Christmas day for the last 5 years!

    Enjoy your well deserved sabbatical week….

  114. Steve C says

    Congratulations Brian on reaching 500
    Got to say you are an amazing teacher.
    I have been playing guitar for 40 years and been a premium member with Active Melody for 2 years in that short time I feel I have improved 100% with my improvising,
    The light bulb is constantly coming on 😁
    Thank you for all your effort and I will definitely be staying for the rest of the journey

  121. Willem S says

    Congrats Brian en thanks for the good work your do for us. I’m a dedicated follower only since a year or so but I have learned a lot from your video’s, your explanations etc. I really do appreciate the way in which you present your weekly lessons and your principle: “I don’t give you fish but I learn you to catch fish yourself”.
    Congrats again and kind regards from the Netherlands.

  122. Martin R says

    Hi Brian and Congratulations from Manchester, UK, enjoy your week off you deserve it, I’m sure nobody on here would deny you a bit more time to yourself as there’s more than enough super information and lessons on here to keep us all going for a long time in fact my problem is keeping up with it all, without doubt your explanations in the lessons are second to none and it’s most appreciated.

  124. Geoff R says

    Congratulations from over the pond. It might sound futile but Saturday morning starts with a cup of tea, headphones on and listen to the content to be inspired for the coming week. I find your lessons are directed straight to me that in itself is like a one to one lesson. Please keep the great content up, conts grats once again.
    All the best for the future Geoff R.

  125. Andreas D says

    Congratulation and a big THANK YOU for everything you’re doing, Brian. Active Melody has become an important part of my life and weekly routine.
    Looking forward to many more of your great guitar lessons.
    Best wishes, Andreas

  126. Jeff H says

    Congratulations Brian on this Major Milestone, we often wonder how you can do this every week, but you do. You never disappoint, and you always surprise us. I love your work, and I look forward to your lessons every week. It is the highlight of the week, and it always picks me up, and inspires us all. I couldn’t be without Active Melody, it has become a part of my life, and hopefully it will make me a better guitar player. Keep up the good work, and Thank You.

  127. David488 says

    500 lessons is an amazing milestone. To put that in perspective go back to some of Brian’s early lessons and enjoy that “kid” who started teaching us back in the day. I was struck by what you said in the latest video that beyond the comments and analytic from the website, you’re a guy who makes video lessons with an audience out there who is represented by numbers on a chart. How about organizing a one day event in Nashville where your students could meet up with the professor? I’m sure you could sell tickets to pay for a venue. Nothing too formal, just a meet and greet. I know, more work for you to do!! Congratulations and I look forward to the next 500!

  128. Ian C says

    Congratulations Brian !
    You deliver such a great service in a humble and clear way. For me, by far the best delivered guitar teaching on the internet. Well done, thank you !
    I have been a premium member for several years now and still continue to discover something new through your lessons each week – to be honest I have been unable to play for the last 6 months due to the impact of chemotherapy on my fingers but I still go through the lessons each week and think my way through, looking forward to a future when I can feel those strings under my fingers again and put everything into practice !

  129. Ron B says

    hey Brian, almost the first with a comment I see…
    Congratulations on this huge milestone!
    Thank you for your great lessons, I learned a lot the past three years and your lessons helped me a lot in becoming better on guitar.
    I look forward to your new lessons and compositions!

    cheers,
    ron

  133. patmac says

    I hope the other two don’t see this. I subscribe and pay for three guitar lesson sites. Brian, yours is by far the most comprehensive, most detailed and most easy to understand and follow.. I open your site first thing every Saturday morning. Even before my emails!
    Keep up the good work. You’re a master at it.

  135. Daniel H says

    Brian, Every Saturday morning feels like Christmas because of you. I turn on my laptop with great anticipation of “what does Brian have for us this week?”
    … and you never disappoint. Heck, your better than Santa! God bless you and the skill of teaching you have. I’ll be around for lesson 600!

  136. Daryl F says

    While i was sad that there was no lesson today, we all get it, you work hard and we appreciate you so much. I’m really interested in how you do your basic drum/bass backing track. Could you do a lesson on that in 2 parts (premium members get the video on making of a backing track) and the regular viewers get the lead part to go over the jam? that way it doesn’t take away from the regular lesson and nobody would be missing out on that. I started on EP 363, so i guess i’ll go back and do an older lesson so i don’t get rusty…

  139. Timothy W says

    Awesome Milestone, I want to Thank You for your commitment and grind, as well as your family for their patience. You as Active Melody, has rejuvenated my interest in playing again, with ideas and techniques. I’m an older guy whose been playing at and around guitar for many years. Many Thanks and Much Love.
    BTW – The track playing behind you in this episode, sounds much like EP473, which is what I stumbled across that peaked my interest and prodded me to join the family…
    TY

  147. John M says

    Congratulations on the milestone! You are the best. I have been a member for a year now. My guitar playing has really progressed. I’m 71 years old. I recently took a part time job with an agency that sets up gigs for me at nursing homes, schools and the like. I never dreamed that I would be able to say that I am a professional musician, but here I am~! Thanks for all your help!!!!!

  148. David V says

    Hi Brian – many congratulations. Enjoy your well-deserved break. Having been taking private weekly lessons for the last 6 months (trying to get back to playing after a fairly bad attempt to play 30 plus years ago) – I realised that I wasn’t progressing very well. Subscribing was the best thing I’ve done for a while. The ability to watch your videos as many times as I want and to have all the tabs etc has meant that I’ve learnt so much in the relatively short time that I’ve been a subscriber. That you for that. I’ve stopped the private lessons and look forward to learning much more with you. I starting with your early lessons and will work my way though. Keep up the good work.

  150. Dick S says

    Just want you to know that I nailed this lesson with no trouble at all……haha. Seriously Brian, thank you for all you have done to help all of us to become better musicians and understand the guitar neck and find our way around it. Keep up the great work……God bless.
    Dick Spindler

  151. Roland W says

    Congratulations also from me. Beside all the good thinks that are already mentioned here:
    As a German please let me tell you: You’re pronounciation is very clear and also easy to understand for me as a foreigner.
    An extra thank you for that.
    Enjoy you’re 500-party!

  152. chuck w says

    Hey Brian; Congratulations. I have been with Active Melody for about 4 or 5 years now and I enjoy every lesson. I don’t post much but I want to let you know I appreciate all the lessons you give. Thanks for all you do, and congratulations on thirteen years and a 500 milestone!

  153. Philippe G says

    Congratulations Brian, I have enjoyed your site and lessons for the past 3 years and even more so in the last 6 months since I retired! This is an amazing achievement and i can tell you that you are way faster in producing each lesson than I in practicing and assimilating. I focus quite a bit on the basics and venture once a month in picking a new lesson. Really enjoy your work, the lessons, the motivational aspects (e.g: EP498), etc.

    Don’t hesitate to take additional time off, like 2 weeks a year, that would still be 50 lessons/year, quite an achievement. All the best for the next 500 and hope i will be around for most of it. Thanks a lot, Philippe

  154. Louis L says

    Congrats on the 500 ep milestone. There are many guitar great instructors out there. Music, is an art form and teachers are artists. Comparing them is like comparing DaVinci and Michelangelo; both are great, yet different. Thanks for being a great, unique artist. Looking forward to the journey to the next 500 lessons!

  156. Gary C says

    Hi Brian.
    Your love of music and the guitar shines through in all of your lessons and you deserve to be able to live your dream.
    In a world full of hubris your humility is inspiring. As a Brit, it would be great to have a chat with you down at the pub as we would say.
    Keep up the good work.

  157. Bradley H says

    Congratulations Brian and THANK YOU soooo much for doing what you do!!! I recently joined and it is already making a big difference in my progress. I have been trying to break out of the beginner to intermediate plateau for a while. These lessons in this format are perfect for any player at any level and in my experience better than in person lessons. Enjoy your break!!!

  158. Jan M says

    Congratulations Brian! After this 500 milestone, I think this deserves an endlick on the guitar:…..The Brian End-Lick!!

    And at the beginning of the coming lessons, we start with….The Brian Intro!!

    Let us all figure out such an Brian-end-lick and such an Brian-intro in our playing…….TO HONOR OUT MASTER…..BRIAN!!

  159. William R says

    Congratulations, Brian!

    I’ve been a member for about four years now. I remember in 2018 learning EP139, my first lesson with you. I was immediately hooked on Active Melody. Since then, Active Melody has grown beyond anything any of us have any right to ask for! Truly one of a kind.

  160. Jean Francois says

    Congratulations Brian for your hard work!

    It’s always a pleasure to discover and study your lessons, and a tremendous source of inspiration when you are fully engaged in doing a “long” journey towards improvisation!

    Keep going!
    JF

  166. Mark W says

    Greetings from South Australia. Temperature has just hit 40C outside and I headed for the aircon and the best part of my week to check out your next (Episode – always wondered what the EP meant). I have been a member for a couple of years now and your lessons have been an incredible boost to my enjoyment in playing guitar. I joined in later 30so seems but have been back over most of your lessons. I love everything about what your do from you teaching style to your general attitude on the enjoyment of music.

  167. David B says

    Hey Brian
    Congrats on your 500th pretty cool
    Say with passing of Jeff Beck this week it really left me bummed out, I was lucky enough to catch his last US show in Reno in November. He never sounded better than he did that night and although I will never hold a candle to his talent any sort of a dive into his style would be a awesome way to pay respect to, in my opinion without a doubt just one of the greatest to ever pick up a guitar

  168. pfflynn says

    Congratulations Brian on your 500th episode!!! I checked my email logs and discovered that I joined the family on January 23, 2014. I do not recall how I found your site, but it definitely set me on a path toward a much more effective learning experience. Thank you so very much!

  171. Andy Wright says

    Hi Brian, congratulations on your 500th episode. Thank you for the way you teach. You have such a genuine and humble way of sharing your gift. You make your material fun, interesting, challenging and accessible. I have benefitted so much from your lessons. I am so glad you are excited about the future of AM and about your ideas. I look forward to continuing with you.

  172. Capt Dan says

    Congrats Brian,
    A huge thank you for the years and many more (I hope) in guiding my guitar journey.
    I have faithfully been with you and AM since EP274 in September 2018, almost halfway through your lessons.
    Your teachings and site have held true over time as the BEST “bang for the buck” in online guitar and theory teaching. I never hesitate to refer your site to anyone learning to improvise and play the guitar.

    – Dan
    Nashville, Tn.

  173. Todaro G says

    Hi Bian .. my best compliments on the 500 class milestone. I appreciate your hard work and I think if you decide to have a little more rest, every one of us would agree with you. I’ve learned a lot in these last two years and following your lessons has become an important part of the week, of every week, so I hope god keeps you strong enough to continue on this path. Thank you for everything, dedicate yourself to your family (very important!!) and come back as strong as always you have been … we are here ready with our guitar …

  177. Joe N says

    Congrats Brian
    I love your perseverance. You are the best guitar teacher that I have encountered. Like many guitar players I learned to play by ear and ignored music theory, scales and all that stuff. Your teaching style was exactly what I was looking for. I have been a subscriber for approx 3 years or so and I have learned a lot . Please take more time off and feel free to increase your subscription price. Your teaching skill and lessons are worth every penny.

  178. wforrest2 says

    Congrats Brian. I’ve been with you for many years.

    My only request is: don’t forget some of us have been progressing and may appreciate some harder material. May be here and there create a more involved version of what you are teaching for intermediate to advanced players.

  180. Robert G says

    My wife and I had everything set to go to Italy for our wedding anniversary but….. something got in the way. So instead we celebrated at our home. To my surprise she gifted me a new acoustic guitar. I had picked one up since 6th grade.The problem was, I couldn’t take lessons anywhere because of the lockdowns. So I searched online for lessons. Active Melody was the best hands down. I’ve learned a few tunes and started to take deeper dives into other lessons. My only problem is my practice habits are not very good. That hasn’t changed much since 6th grade. Life gets in the way I guess…. So in 2023 I made a pact with myself to pick up the guitar every day chip away at it. You got me through the lockdown and I’m still married to that lovely lady!

    Thank you Brian and congratulations on #500!!!

  183. East Coast Bill says

    Another Milestone. I have enjoyed the last five years that I have been receiving your lessons and they have helped me to improve so much in my quest to learn quitar Your lessons have evolved in a very comprehensive structure that provides all the elements I need to work my way through the various techniques and musical styles. I seem to bounce back and forth between the new material and the older lessons that you have on your site. I cannot thank you enough for all of it. I was curious if you have ever considered putting together a course on blues rhythms. As rhythm is such an important part of the blues, I was wondering if you have ever considered creating a course on some of the basic rhythms used in blues as well as some of the more complex rhythms. Just curious, I know you have put together some material already, but it might be helpful to those folks that are just starting out and need to understand how important good musical rhythm is.
    I look forward to Fridays just like all your other students to see the material you are sending out.

    Thank you.

  184. Charles M says

    Brian,
    You’ve earned some time off. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. You have helped me reach so many milestones over the last several months too. I look forward to many more for you and me both.

  185. jimberna says

    I’d like to join all the others in thanking you for your work over the years. There are many other on line instructors who could provide the same information but I keep coming back to Active Melody because of your genuine, modest, down to earth personality, and consistently high standard of teaching and musicianship. We are being a bit selfish in allowing you only 1 week off every 2 years. In my part of the world 4 weeks off a year is pretty standard. I’d be happy to see you have a week off every 3 months. We’d survive and you’d be less likely to burn out. Thanks again and good luck for the future.

  186. Brad S says

    Congratulations, Brian. Your work is wonderful and useful beyond description. I’ve learned more from you during the 2 1/2 years since I stumbled on Active Melody than in any other 10 years. Thank you, thank you.

    Perhaps in 2023 you might consider adding some “how” to the “what” and the “why” you convey so well. For example, there are almost no useful uTube videos on how to learn to trill. There must be a starting point other than just go hammer on and pull off until you can do it.

    Thanks.

  187. Pat P says

    Of course – Congrats Brian, but more importantly, thank you! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your lessons and have learned so much via your thoughtful teaching methods and instruction. I had been been a folk-singin’ finger picker for many, many years, but had never taken a lesson and had never used a pick. I joined so I could learn to use a pick and be able to play some lead. Needless to say I have come a long way because of my time with you. Fridays are not hectic for me – just impatient for the next “Sherrill Gem” to appear online. The light bulbs keep happening and I’m so grateful for each one. Happy New Year to you and the family. – Pat

  188. Helmut B says

    Hello Brian,
    congratulations on the EP 500!
    Hard to believe you’ve been doing this since 2013 and still full of ideas every week. It’s hard for me to stick with a lesson sometimes because the next interesting blues lesson from you is looming on my iPhone.
    I’ve tried a few guitar teachers on the internet – I think you do it best – keep it up!
    Many greetings from the Black Forest in Germany
    Helmut B.

  189. Steve Rawsthorne says

    Congratulations and thank you Brian for your hard work and dedication to the cause. I look forward each week to the next lesson. Your website is sensational. Whether you play acoustic or electric you cover so much ground, every aspect is covered and everything is always interesting. You are without doubt the best tutor I have come across anywhere.

  192. Scott M says

    Thanks for everything you do to make the amazing lessons. I look forward every Friday night/Saturday morning to seeing what nuggets are in the new lesson. You’ve had a huge impact on my journey.

  194. tad h says

    Enjoy your week off! I’ve learned from you for several years now. I used to feel guilty because I only became a “Premium” member last year, but you have been having a major impact on my journey to become comfortable with my playing. Thank you so much!

  195. Matt2d2 says

    Congratulations Brian, thank you for all you do. My guitar playing has moved to a level I never dreamed possible because of your amazing teaching and humility. Like some others have said you should take at least 3 weeks off a year. I might allow me time to get caught up on all the lessons I have backed up in “my favorites” , lol hope you and your family have a great week!

  198. Ronald T says

    Let me first express my appreciation for the effort you put into your awesome Guitar lessons. There are a lot of good guitar teachers out there, but like other things in life when we are looking for something and you come across it WOW that’s it!,…. look no further. That was my feeling when i met you. Your easy personality, fundamental teaching style and humility is golden. Teaching is transferring information. The best Guitar player is in vain if you can’t transfer the skill. For me, at least, You have that “IT” factor. Let me add a thank you to all the other students that commented. THANK YOU for supporting Brian without you we would not have this blessing. While I’m here let me share something with the class. I will be 80 this year and taught in several different skills for the last 60 years. I believe in learning in “Width then Depth” GET ORGANIZED! List a few of your favorite lessons on paper in order of proficiency. When starting practice start with a warmup lesson i.e. EP436. then go in order the ones that your most comfortable with first. then move on to next one etc. Then add new lesson and so on. Point is learning in Depth then Width. Its not so much muscle memory, its ALL in your brain. You are writing a computer program. Spending a small amount of time on depth every day will put it under your fingers and out of your thinking.. Champions are made when no one is watching :))

  200. Phil C says

    Brian CONGRATULATIONS! Great job!
    I retired from my job nine years ago and while it was a pretty decent one, it was still a job. It appears as though you found a job that you not only enjoy immensely but that you excel at and can take great pride in.
    Please keep up the good work and thanks so much.

  202. John R says

    Hi Brian, As a two-year member, this is my first post, and wanted to join in to thank you for all you do for us and wish you a very happy and well deserved break. Also, you are giving us a break as well, as this is a chance to regroup and re-tackle some of the amazing content you provide. The timing of of this break, with EP 498 and how to practice, is a good opportunity to soliify our training plans, which to my surprise, I have followed 12 days in a row, and is starting to make a big improvement. I greatly appreciate the tremendous fiscal value of your modest subscription, in sharp contrast to those other instructional programs that constantly hard sell expensive cources. Thanks again and hope you wait until the next big milestone befor your next break. All the Best, John

  203. Greg O says

    i’m not one to comment much but had to make an exception to say congratulations to Brian and everyone else on this site. The best investment I have ever made in learning. Brian teaching style is the best . Thanks for all you do.

  204. George V says

    Congratulations Brian! I’ve only been with you a few years but it’s been a really enjoyable part of my life. Thanks so much for the effort you put into this. I’m a lot happier with my playing since I started watching your lessons. I appreciate it.

  208. Ronnie M says

    Congratulations Brian!! Not everyone gets to do what they enjoy . I’m so happy that you do, because you are the best!! I am beginning my third year as a member, and I could not be happier with my choice of a guitar teacher !! Thank you so much , I hope to be around for the next 100 !!

  210. Two Below says

    It’s a good thing you named your posts “episodes.” Had you named them “lessons” you wouldn’t be able to celebrate the milestone with well-deserved time off; number 500 would have had to be another lesson. Congratulation and thanks for your fine work.

  211. jdubster says

    Brian,

    Congratulations. I can improvise on the guitar which is something I never thought I would be able to do. ActiveMelody has truly added a new dimension to my life and I am so thankful.

    Jonathan

  212. Dan L says

    Congratulations Brian! Really enjoyed your message in EP500.
    Been a member for 5 years now and always look forward to your lessons. Your lessons have made me love different styles of music I didn’t before. Enjoy your well deserved week off! Dan

  216. Bob Utberg says

    AMAZING Brian! A HUGE CONGRATS to you my friend! 500 – and counting!! Please!! Your lessons are incredible and challenge all of us at different levels on our journey of music – the Universal language! You do have the bet job on the planet and you NEVER “work” a day in your life for you are doing something that is your absolute passion and love! The way you teach is unmatched and so passionate! Well done Brian!! And, I look forward to EP501 (episode eh? – now i know!)
    Peace,
    Bob Utberg

  217. Bob B says

    Congratulations, Brian!

    I’ve said it here before, but I’ll repeat: in 40 + years of playing, my yearly membership to Active Melody is the most impactful use of my money in terms of my guitar playing.

    Looking forward to many more lessons!

    All the best,

    Bob

  218. Michael R says

    Congratulations Brian. Looking forward to the next 100.

    500 lessons, a variety that makes learning to play guitar a pleasure.

    Your teaching concept is the best what could happen to me.

    Thanks and keep it up.

    Greetings from Germany.

  221. Stuart S says

    Thanks Brian for these lessons. God has blessed you with a talent. You have fit perfectly into the niche He has created for you. After 40 years of not playing I am enjoying guitar again.
    Thank you and God bless

  222. Scott M says

    Congratulations and thank you, Brian. I stumbled upon your website in the spring of 22. Your teaching style and your professional level ideas, lessons, tab, and video made it an easy decision to join the team. I look forward to every “Freakout Friday”, as it’s my time to unwind from my work and focus on my first love. It takes such motivation and dedication to continue to provide these killer lessons weekly. You have a gift for music and teaching. Here’s to the next 500 lessons! Rock!

  223. Kevin L says

    Congratulations and well done Brian! Keep up the great work, educating and inspiring us to continue on our guitar journey. I have learnt a lot from you.
    I do have a suggestion for a possible lesson subject. Christmas 2021 I was lucky enough to get a simple looper pedal as a present from my kids. I had seen lots of references to using a looper pedal as being an excellent practice tool. Unfortunately except for recording a couple of bars of a simple chord to play over I have not have had any light bulb moments with it. It is a lot more difficult to use use than I expected. If you could come up with any suggestions, ideas or interesting ways to use the looper, especially for practicing, I would be most grateful. I am definitely not an Ed Sheeran! I realise that not everyone has access to one of these and so may be of limited appeal. Many thanks.
    Best wishes Kevin

  225. Allan says

    Hi Brian iv been a member since February 2011 and yes things have certainly changed since then but the quality of your lessons has always remained Constant and i thank you for that cheers mate

  228. Eddie A says

    Been a member since 2012, (Had just retired) I just wanted to Congratulate you, with so many guitar instructors online these days you figure it out from the very start, I still look forward to your lessons, & enjoy them very much. I can’t image what goes into making one of these instructional videos you do…..but I wanted to take this moment to Thank you Brain. See you on the next 500…..

  230. Rick C says

    I am spending my free week on the information in EP498. Trying to perfect EP496 as well.

    My .02 is: Rhythm is 50% of music–so I have read.

    As I’ve gained skill in eight note strumming studies–suddenly my lead playing is better.

    Thank you Brain.

  231. Steve S says

    Awesome. Congratulations Brian and THANK YOU!!!! I have become a much better guitarist because if you and thanks to the whole community who when a hack like me asks a question there is never any judgement and everyone supports every one. So happy to be a part of this with you. Your humility and sincere approach to helping us all is just awesome!!!

  237. Jack K says

    Congratulations Brian!

    You definitely deserve a break

    I cant thank you enough for what youve done for my playing

    You’re helping me become a guitarist as opposed to just a guitar player, which ive been for years

    All my love to you

    Jack

    xxxxx

  239. Bill M says

    Congratulations Brian.
    A great milestone to reach.
    And thanks for your easy to understand teaching method that has helped me not only to become a better player but a better teacher to my students.
    Onward and upward.

  241. Steven F says

    First, congratulations and thank you! Second, I must tell you that you need more vacation than a week every two years! Taking a break from work is essential to ones well-being. Plus, speaking for myself, it would be good for me to have some breaks so that I could catch up on any episodes I missed or rewatch those I didn’t do an in-depth workout.

    Again, thanks for all your guidance. It’s made a world of difference to me. And, take some breaks. You’ve earned them!

  243. Robert R says

    Since you thanked us, You’re welcome Brian!
    But I have to say, Thank You!!!!
    I’ve been a subscriber for a number of years, and you
    are the best out there, I’ve been recommending your site.

  244. Brad says

    Hi Brian,

    Not surprisingly many kudos I hope you have a chance to read.
    Having been a self taught guitar player for much of my life stumbling along as so many of us do who are self taught, I have been so impressed with your grace, passion and skills that you are so effectively able to share with all of us even though in a virtual format. Your lessons are wonderful and not only bring us all much joy but absolutely improve our skills and understanding of the instrument and music we all love. Many thanks!
    Brad

  245. Jill B says

    Congrat on 500 video lessons….Love your teaching style and enjoy the different tools that I can use the get those riffs down pat….Here is to 500 more….I recommend your lessons to anyone who will listen….cheers….

  246. Barrie E says

    Congratulations Brian – I’ve tried others but I have stayed with you for several years now. You are always engaging and provide one of the best learning experiences on guitar. Thank you for your presence on You Tube.

  248. David N says

    Brian, First time comment here. Been meaning to write this for a long time. Been a member for a couple years, and i have been addicted to guitar from day 1 of starting your courses. Have been playing for many years but you have upped my level more than anyone. By far the best teacher i have ever had. You are “THE BEST” !! Thank you so much. Can’t even begin to tell you how appreciative i am of your skill in teaching. Life changing. I hope you are getting the message. Again, THANK YOU ! David N.

  250. Craig F says

    Congratulations Brian! I’m very glad I found your program. I love the focus on improvising and moving around on the fretboard., combining rhythm and lead. I look forward to growing technically so that i may take advantage of your many episodes.

  251. Davie d says

    Congrats Brian really happy for you and all of us that have you as our teacher! I have learned so much from you over the years and look forward to this year! Wishing you and your family the very best, healthy, safe and happiness in the new year!
    Dave Delisio

  252. Trevor W says

    Congrats Brian, have been a member for a lot of years now and learnt SO much from your lessons. Am pleased to be a part of your 500th. Keep them coming, I look forward to them every week. Thanks Brian.

  254. Sam S says

    Wow, Brian, so many thank you’s from your fans, students. You are the most impactful guitar teacher I’ve had the pleasure of learning from. You have a unique ability to break concepts down to their bare bones and make them easily digestible, and that’s why I’m a subscriber. Thanks and congrats on EP500.

  255. Gale Y says

    Brian, a Great Big Thank You for so many years of great lessons! Your thoughtful lessons and practical guidance has made a huge difference in my playing and knowledge of the guitar!
    Your catchy creations even inspired me to try new styles that I now love.
    Rest up 🙂 sounds like many of us are eagerly waiting for the next 500! please keep fingerstyle on the menu!

  260. Mark C says

    The number of comments attests to your popularity. You are very smart, honest, relational, and humble. That makes it very easy to learn from you. Congratulations and I wish you many more years of living your dream. Mark

  261. John H says

    Brian – Can’t thank you enough for your lessons – You style combined with your detail makes you easily the best instructor I have ever followed – being involved with Active Melody is a pure delight – I look forward to each new lesson – Congrats on such a successful program. I would NEVER come even close to considering dropping my membership. It’s that good as far as I am concerned – THANK YOU !!!

  265. Paul M says

    Brian! Congrats on 500 episodes! I love these lessons and have grown so much in my ability to play guitar in various styles. Keep up the good work and thank you for being our fabulous teacher!

  266. Perry G says

    Congratulations Brian, keep them coming. There are plenty of sites to find what and how to play but nobody else encapsulates what, how and WHY as well as you. Thanks for removing some frustrations and putting much joy into my guitar.

  267. Stan W says

    Congratulations and above all many thanks for being such a good teacher and motivator! And the EP469 you played in the background of this video is one of my favourite episodes!please could you do more of this style of lessons more in the future! Lots of greetings from Berlin

  269. Christian B says

    Congratulations Brian, thank your for your great work and the helpful and interesting lessons. I’ve learned so much from you. And the lessons were well thought and instructive for me. Take this compliment from a trained teacher. Keep it up – great. Many greetings from Germany.

  270. Gino W says

    Congratulations, Brian! Enjoy your week off. Thank you for learning me all this stuff. I’m improving every week since I discovered Active Melody. For years I was stuck playing the same things over and over again. I’ve had numerous light bulb 💡 moments since you are my teacher. 🙏
    Gino, from Belgium

  272. oswaldibergler says

    Hello Brian, thank you for these many hours of training of a special kind. It is a gift of God to be able to play an instrument so well, but it is also a gift to be a good teacher. Passing on the secrets is a sign of greatness. What you teach will live on like all good things if we are willing to pass it on!
    Thanks jk

  274. Stéphane D says

    Congratulations Brian, I hope than you’ve enjoyed your week off and I would like to thank you too for your pedagogie and your nice soul.
    That’s all the time very pleasant to take a lesson from you.
    Kind regards.

  275. Keith P says

    Congratulations on hitting the EP500 milestone!

    One improvement I would like to see on the ActiveMelody lessons would be the ability to download GuitarPro files for the lesson. I know you provide the pdf files and usually multiple tempo audio/video files. I also know that your embedded Soundslice tab viewer provides a lot of the same functionality as GuitarPro. However, I really like being able to use GuitarPro. Using a GuitarPro file running locally is a lot more responsive than the web base Soundslice tab viewer.

  278. Jay F says

    Thank you Brian!
    I am in awe of what you put together every week. Not only the logistics of getting it all together but the creativity required weekly!….
    Also fun to go back to some of your earlier lessons and see the progress you’ve made as a teacher.
    Congratulations.

  280. Rene Chavez says

    You are the best, Brian! I always promote your courses among my guitar-playing friends and acquaintances. I don’t verbally participate here but believe me, I have and will continue to learn a lot about guitar playing from your lessons. You ROCK!

  283. Mark W says

    Brian! Congrats on 500! and certainly appreciate your efforts and energy toward making us better guitar players! It’s one thing to be a great guitar player (as you are), but it’s something special to teach as well as you do! This has been a part of my weekly regime for a number of years now and I now feel somehow lost if I don’t get my lesson in for the week or behind these lessons! Also, the broad breadth of learning different styles or music genres has made me appreciate the guitar as an instrument and its part in the wider contribution to different music styles. Your efforts to teach us more than the song or the lick as most teachers seem to do is both unique and greatly appreciated! Thanks again for what you do!

  284. Michael S says

    Thank you Brian.
    My playing started taking off when I stopped playing (the same old stuff) for my enjoyment, and started actually studying.
    Your lessons are a big part of that.
    Much continued success…!
    –mgs

  285. pan054 says

    Much deserved applause for you, Brian, you’ve been doing a totally sterling job.
    Thank you so much for all the accessible teaching you’ve given us, guitar players of all levels, all these years, and many more to come, we hope.
    Congrats from a sunny Australia!

  286. Les Brown says

    I’ve used a LOT of online guitar teachers over the years and they’ve all been very good. I don’t know which one is the BEST of all of them. But I can say that if I had to get rid of all of them except ONE, you’d be that guy. The one I absolutely can’t do without. I’ve been a teacher for 31 years in the public school system and have a passion for studying the art. You’ve got the gift and you are VERY generous with it. Those of us who think of ourselves as your students have come upon a treasure in you that we’d be foolish to ignore. God bless you all over the place!!!

  288. Roger W says

    You so much deserve this time of rest. I’ve been watching your videos, feeling guilty, so is signed up as a premium member and love your style. You make it fun without all the drills. After all, we all just want to play guitar. Thanks, Brian. I echo the comments above. You are the greatest guitar teacher I’ve ever had.

  289. John W says

    Congratulations Brian. I’ve been playing for over 45 years, but Ive just retired and I can now sit and play for hours at a time now. Your lessons are such a great help. you cover so many styles for both and acoustic. Enjoy your time off. I’ve got plenty of your lessons still to go! Thank you again. Love your Jerry Vibe lessons and jam Band Lessons. I play in a rock band and a bluegrass, Americana band, so you cover all the bases. Thanks again!

  292. Michael W says

    Thanks so much Brian for all your help in the few months i have been a member.I still struggle some with myself to get to where i really want to be but think this is because i dont have anyone to try and jam with …
    But i will persist for as long as it takes as it is my dream to be able to play at least a little bit like you one day …
    Thank you so much..Michael W

  293. Adrian D says

    Thank you, Brian. Have a relaxing week without Freakout Friday! You are a superb teacher, who specialises in the kind of music l want to play on guitar. Just wish that when l follow your lessons, l could make them sound like you.

  296. David S says

    Congratulations Brian,Iam honoured to be apart of this music family.Many thanks to you for all these lessons,you are a great teacher and because of that I have greatly improved my guitar playing.I have found that learning more about triads and scales has really helped me.My goal with guitar was to be able to play melody breaks in a song as Iam vocalist,some day I would love to send you a video of my singing and playing, I do Elvis ,country Rand B. Thanks again Brian,I hope you plan on teaching for sometime ,proud to be your student. Dave Stotesbury SSMarie,Ont. Canada

  298. Eric2015 says

    Amazing milestone and an amazing achievement Brian. More Congratulations. I thoroughly enjoy your concise lessons & your calm approach to teaching. You have done a truly fabulous job over the years, obviously reflected in the supporting comments you receive. I hope you can continue this forever. Yes, I’m a dedicated fan & look forward to lots more fun, entertainment & learning heaps. Thanks Brian. Cheers, Eric (from Australia)

  299. Arlon G says

    Thanks Brain. God has truly give you a gift. For teaching. I’ve been with active melody for about a year. It’s amazing how much better I have gotten. Thank you. Keep up the good work

  301. SamCrvs says

    Woohoo!!! Way to go Brian!
    Your site and lessons are central to my guitar learning experience, I use other tools but your lessons are primary, they work, and I see progress in my playing constantly. Going on my second year, will be a member of the 100 club… Is there a 100 club?
    Thanks for doing this Brian

  302. Kenneth M says

    Thank you for all you do Brian. I haven’t practiced the last couple months, been involved in a lot of other things. And that bothers me, I miss it every day, just seems I don’t make the time. I’m going to remedy that.

  303. glen s says

    Congratulations Brian on your 500th “episode”… Your teaching style and lesson content are among the best online guitar lessons I have seen.
    Each week I look forward to Tuesdays new lesson…..
    Enjoy your “vacation” One week is not enough…
    Mahalos
    Aloha,Glen

  305. Stratmantoo says

    Brian, congratulations on this major milestone!!! I can’t even remember how long I’ve been a member but joining Active Melody was the best musical decision I ever made and I’m very glad to hear you say you have loads more lessons to come. I’ll be here as long as you continue with “freaky Friday”. I’m also glad you decided to take a day off!

  308. hankunck@gmail.com says

    WOW 500!! Quite an accomplishment, Brian. Being a legacy member, I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. Like so many, I started playing guitar at a young age (13) and played in cover bands. Learning to play the chords, and copying the riffs and lead breaks to popular songs, without knowing scales, came relatively easy to me, but I never really understood the “why” to the compositions, nor was I able to improvise on the spot or create original tunes. Your lessons, have helped me tremendously with those things. Before I retired, I found a lesson a week was too much to process, learn and practice, what with work and family demands, business travel, etc. Back then, I often wished that the pace was more like a new lesson every other week. However, since my retirement a few years ago, I’ve had the time to dedicate to a lesson a week, and even revisit some of the previous ones that I didn’t have enough time for, back then. It just goes to show that you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks. Congratulations to you, and continued success.

  310. Andrew B says

    Just checked number 500 hundred Brian, hats off to you. For me the true worth of your lessons is that you can continually return to past lessons and link technique and theory to whatever your latest lesson offers.
    Enjoy your week off.

  312. Donald W says

    Congratulations
    Your lessons have taught me all of the caged system, scale patterns and numerous tips and tricks. However probably because I don’t practice enough (work gets in the way) turning this knowledge into a fluent playing style is still the challenge. I notice when watching your videos that your knowledge and competence is streaks ahead of mine, I don’t think I will ever catch up.
    There’s so much to learn that I can’t seem to stick to one thing.
    Thank you and wishing you all the best for another year or better still another milestone.

    Cheers Donald of WA Australia.

  315. swampy says

    Congratulations to you Brian on reaching 500!, I’m a longterm member of Active Melody, and you have helped me so much, I can’t thank you enough! Enjoy your week off!
    Best Wishes, Swampy in Oz

  317. Grant R says

    Brian, TOTALLY Awesome !!
    I don’t spend as much time on the guitar as I should but I tune into all the lessons and gain the insights that are essential.

    Keep on Truckin Bud your lessons are totally insightful

  319. Peter K says

    Hi Bri! Congrats on 500!💪🏻 Thanks for making me a better guitar player, I really enjoy and benefit from your work!!! Greetings from The Netherlands, enjoy your well-deserved week off, Peter

  323. Gilles F says

    Thank you so much, merci beaucoup Brian ! Your lessons are exceptionnal , so much to learn, improve, practice … I am playing in two bands, recording, doing a few gigs, composing even (all as a serious amateur) but your teaching really helps to keep learning, and to keep learning is to find new joy instead of relying on what I already know. It is also a way of knowing better what I supposedly know … Keep going. Greetings from France.

  325. Barry H says

    Congratulations Brian,
    Man you have earned a break. Can’t imagine how much work you do to produce these FANTASTIC lessons, I have learned so much in the last year or so from being a member. Thank you for helping me enjoy playing again

  333. Roger B says

    What an accomplishment! – for you and all of us who get to learn from you. I’m 78 and have played since I was 12. But I’ve only learned how to really play in the last several years from you. I’ve played for years in bands (country and classic rock, blues, both electric and acoustic) as a singer and rhythm guitar player. I always wanted to know more about the guitar – theory, composing, improvising, etc. You have opened up a whole new guitar playing experience for me; you have really changed a big part of my life. THANK YOU!! A final note. You MUST take more time for yourself and your family. We will all understand and remain loyal. Replay some popular old stuff several times a year, like you “Throwback Thursday” episodes. Take it from an old man who spent way to much of his life on his career, missing too many family events.

  336. Kenneth S says

    Congrats Brian! The lessons have become an integral part of my practice. As a retiree, I’ve been fortunate to be working regularly as a solo acoustic guitarist/singer. Several years ago, I committed to elevating my guitar playing so as a solo I felt it was more than an equal part with my vocals. After trying several online courses, I fortunately came across Active Melody. The combination of the content you choose coupled with your personal teaching method have made a decided impact on my playing. In the last couple years, I have had numerous people, who come to see me regularly, comment how significantly improved my playing has become. For that, a heartfelt THANKS! Here’s to many more “EPs” and continued success. I hope all these wonderful comments/compliments from your students add to the gratification of your hard work.

  337. Selina R says

    Congratulations Brian !!! You are sooo blessed to have your dream come true. I have been playing guitar off and on since I was a teenager. I have only been with you for less than a year, I am now 76 years old and have learned more from you in this past year than ever before. I am so thankful. You have made my dream come true. keep up the great work, and I am looking forward to learning even more from you in 2023.

  340. jaystrings2@aol.com says

    Huge congrats, Brian! What a grand accomplishment – for you & for us. You ARE the best, you know. And it’s a sincere pleasure to work with you each and every week. Premium membership is the best investment for personal progress and biggest bang for the buck ever. Here’s to the next 500, fella. Jay in South Carolina

  342. gazulli says

    Brian: I like the different approaches you started to use this last year. I have a suggestion for your consideration. Could you do a lesson that just starts with a chord progression and show how you might pick or do simple fills or licks? I am not interested in having a composition to play but rather on getting some insight and ideas for what to do with a progression when you have no idea where you are going with it. This would be a very basic lesson for beginners covering some of the possibilities (Triad riffs – pentatonic box pieces etc. without focusing on a structured composition but rather on the tools and techniques for starting to solo on a very basic level. Thank you.

  346. Jade says

    Congratulations Brian! This is one of the best guitar lesson sites out there, so in-depth and the original music is always interesting and impressive. My playing has come on so much since signing up to AM, I have a much better grasp on theory too. Here’s to 500 nee lessons! 🙂

  347. Eric C says

    Hi

    Just wanted to say thank you for all the amazing work you are achieving; like many other intermediate players I guess, I am very grateful you are so helpful filling in the gaps between mere knowledge and applied knowledge
    Videos, tabs, and so on are perfect
    Your editing is great, you should chill out earlier on fridays!

    I used to watch you on youtube but I am very glad I have subscribed!

    Always a pleasure

    Eric

  348. jnewman says

    Congrats Brian, 500 is a fantastic achievement and as a result you’ve created an extremely valuable resource for any aspiring guitar player, worldwide. One type of lesson I noticed you haven’t done much of lately is ‘In the style of…’. I personally would love to see a new lesson in the style of Muddy Waters that people could use at their first (or one of their first) blues night jams. Something fairly simple that gets you up and playing.
    Keep up the good work, enjoy the mini-holiday and again, congratulations!

  349. Tiburcio1950 says

    Congratulations Brian. We all look forward to your next 500 EP lessons.
    It would be great fun to see you jam with your friends and improving using the various techniques you taught us with something that references the EP lesion you are improving over. Might give us more ideas on how to use what you have covered.

    Live Long and Prosper.

    Tiburcio

  352. Bob B says

    Congratulations Brian! I’m coming to the end of my first year of membership, and like others have said, I will be a member for life.

    I’m 67 this year, retired, and one of my goals is to be teaching guitar to adult beginners within a couple of years. I take a lot of notice of all the teachers and courses online, and the people who I have had lessons from in person over the years.

    I think you have the most balanced approach of all; plenty of challenging lessons but always with a purpose behind them, and also a wide range of easier material to suit those starting out. I very much look forward to sharing the benefits of an annual subscription to AM with my future students. If they don’t wish to use (and pay for) AM as a resource, I probably won’t be the right teacher for them.

    You have built an incredible body of work, and should be enormously proud of your efforts.

    Cheers, Bob

  354. Don P says

    Just want to say Thank You for teaching me so much. I am 69 years old, retired and having a great time learning the guitar. I like playing christian music and try to learn more of the fingerstyle picking. Love you and may God Bless you many times.

  355. Andrew A says

    Thanks Brian for your clear minded teaching style and your wealth of creativity. Like everyone else , Friday is a special day where we all get another chance at discovering more about this enigma, called the guitar. Your lessons and your skill make learning to play fun,and make what I’ve sometimes thought impossible possible . Thank you for your website and all you’ve put into.
    Happy New Year
    Andrew

  357. Richard J.R says

    Congrats Brian, So happy for you- You are a special guy and teacher, full of knowledge, you play beautifully, and a fabulous teacher and communicator. A job always well done, filled with thoughtful information.

    Stay well you and your loved ones for years to come.

    Richard J.

  358. David D says

    Brian,
    Enjoy the time away you deserve the getaway. We are very proud of your accomplishments, especially the 500th! I look forward to your lessons each week and spend a good amount of time digesting the information you provide. When guitar lessons come up in my discussions with others, I always get out my cell and show off the ActiveMelody.Com site and let others know that your site is the best place to go to get started as a beginner, gain a better understanding for all pickers, and a great resource for advanced guitarists.

    Thank you, your humble spirit and wisdom it is greatly appreciated more than know.

    Dave

  362. JB B says

    Congratulations on 500, Brian! You’re exactly the type of instructor I was looking for and I enjoy helping, in a small way, you realizing your dream. You’re certainly helping me realize mine. Thanks, and again, congratulations!

  363. Andre L says

    Active Melody has been in my life for more that 5 years and I look forward to many more of your lessons.
    You are teaching us how to play the guitar and how to be musician.
    Thanks for all the great work.

  364. Jeff ("Jeffro ") J says

    Wow. I doubt if anyone will get this far down in the comments to even read this, but I’ll go ahead and submit it anyway.
    Brian, I told your my story when I joined. I’d been following your YT videos for months, but didn’t actually sign up as a Premium Member until a certain event happened to me. But now, I’m a member for life!
    Here’s my story, just in case anyone ever gets to read it:
    I used to play guitar, some 30+ years ago. I started quite accidentally, a friend showed me how to finger pick a portion of “Blackbird” (by the Beatles) that he had figured out. I tried it, and all of a sudden I was hooked!
    I got good fast. First, I learned several fingerstyle songs. Then, because I didn’t have anyone to play with, but I wanted to actually make music, I bought some books on Classical Guitar (Segovia compilations). So, I taught myself several songs.

    Sometimes I was able to play with friends, and we had fun. But my closest friends didn’t really try to get good like I did. I practiced for at least an hour (usually more) every day, even though I was a full time college student and working full time.
    I played for about 10 years, and I was so practiced that I got to where I could pick up new things quickly. Mostly by ear.
    But, when I met my wife-to-be in Grad school, we went away for a weekend, and I brought a guitar to play for her. When I got it out to play, she told me that she “wasn’t into guitar music,” so I quickly put it away. I had no intentions of quitting, but I always wanted to be with her in my spare time!
    Next thing I knew, 10 years had passed. Then 20. At some point, I tried a couple of times to play, but of course by this time, my hands were out of shape, I was out of practice, so of course I couldn’t play very well. Frustrated, I just threw in the towel. In fact, it got to the point that, in 2010 when we moved to another state, into a tiny house with no storage space, I actually left my guitars behind. (Someone found them and was lucky, to be sure! I had a nice acoustic, a Classical, an electric (LP), and a 12-string acoustic.)
    But I just couldn’t get the music out of my head, that I wanted to play. I was always playing blues lead solos in my head, that would go on for a long time.
    One day I talked with my (now) wife about it. Of course she felt bad about being the cause for my dilemma. She never intended it, in fact, she didn’t know why she told me that she wasn’t into guitar music, likely it interfered with some plans she had at the time! So she encouraged me to buy a new guitar.
    Well, I got a cheap acoustic guitar (because I wasn’t confident that I would play that well again). It sucked, and the more I tried to play, the harder it was. (It turned out to be just a crappy guitar.) Next I decided to get another Classical Guitar (a cheap one of course). I played with that for a few months, but my left hand kept cramping up after only 2-3 minutes. (I always had really strong hands.) A few months later it became evident that something was going on with regard to nerve impingement in my neck. After many diagnostic procedures, I had neck surgery, and they fused 3 vertebrae in my neck. I noticed an improvement the very next morning, that I wasn’t dropping things any more with my left hand. So I worked hard, every day all day, trying to improve my grip and wrist strength. I also kept trying to play guitar. But I still had the problem that my left hand would cramp up within minutes.
    Meanwhile, I had tun across Brian’s YT channel, and I was impressed by his teaching style. I watched several other teachers, but he was clearly the best.
    But why should I subscribe as a Premium Member if I couldn’t even practice the things that he taught?! I would try to play several times per week, to no avail, and it was getting depressing, to say the least.
    Then one day I was trying to remember how to play a Classical song that I used to play so many years ago. I used to play it so well!
    Suddenly, I realized that I had been practicing for almost an hour, making bars and playing chords with very difficult hand positions. Say, what?! Yes, my hand was starting to cramp, a little, but I had been practicing for SO MUCH longer than ever, since I had started trying to relearn again!
    Now,. Keep in mind this was 7-1/2 months after this surgery that relieved the nerve impingement! All of a sudden, all the strengthening work I had done had just “started to take!”
    I kept it up, on a regular basis, several times per day when I could. Eventually I started developing calluses again–wow!
    That’s when I signed up as a regular with Brian.
    Since then, I’ve had to get OT to continue strengthening my left hand. I know it’s coming along, but nerves growing back is a slow process, so I just need to be patient.
    At this point, I have come so far as a guitarist. I can play almost as well now after about 6 months of being able to practice as I did when I played for 10 years! In some ways, I’m better now. But I certainly am not as fast as I was. But that’ll come as the nerve grows back (I hope).
    Also, now I KNOW so much more! I know so much more theory, so much more everything, thanks to (mostly) Brian. Lately, I can learn the song for each lesson in a week, and I’m ready to learn a new one when he posts the new lesson!
    And it seems like Brian always knows what I need to learn next;
    I can honestly say that I can improvise now better than I could back when I played regular for 10 years.
    I know I can’t really compare now with back then. Yes, I had to learn the muscle memory (as well as a lot of brain memory too, like how a song went). I had to develop calluses all over, and get my fingers in shape .
    But, I still knew how to play all the chords that I knew from back then. And anything I had learned about the fretboard was still there as well. So it’s really hard to compare now with then, in terms of how far I’ve come on less than a year of playing regularly (I mean actually playing).
    Anyway, thank you Brian! Have a nice rest, then get back to work! And keep it up!
    I’m a member for life! Maybe one day we’ll get to play together.

  367. David B says

    Congratulations Brian, I’m a little late but here I am. I’ve been with you on and off since the early hundreds. I was online and I saw a comment by James Woods. And I thought well if it’s good enough for James Woods, who is one of my favorite authors, I’m gonna give it a try. I was a singer for Atlantic, recording artist Godspeed. In between touring, I fronted my own bands with guitar. When Godspeed slowed down I got busy. I’m now an instructor my self and have turned plenty of my students on to your lessons. They come back and we work them out together. I post a new video every week on Facebook and the last 2 months I’ve been putting original songs up. I haven’t played out in 3 years but it looks like it might happen at the age of 61. As far as lessons for my self, you are the only constant . You are gifted and I’ve watched you grow and it has helped me very much. Thank you

  368. Lynne R says

    Congratulations Brian. You are a gifted teacher. I appreciate the way you repeat concepts and approach them in different ways. I am 18 months into my membership and my only regret is not finding you sooner. Looking forward to spending many more years in your classsroom

  369. Gerard M says

    Thankyou Brian for all these great lessons every week. They have improved my skills enormously since I have become a member. I am always looking forward to the next lesson on Tuesday’s. Certainly looking forward to EP 501. Keep up the great work! Best regards from The Netherlands

  370. Gary Z says

    Brian
    Thanks for all the great lessons, I had no idea that you were very new at this when I started just taking the free lessons.
    You have a good hook, because who really doesn’t want the second part. I was also taking live lessons here in Prescott AZ.
    My instructor lost his location and so you became my only source of lessons.
    Keep up the good work. For some reason I figured you had a gig in Nashville.

    Gary Z

  371. Wolcott66 says

    Congrats Brian!! I’ve been a premium member for about 10 years I think, going back to around lesson #62? The combination Billy Gibbons and Jimmy Page in a blender lesson. Still one of my favorites. I think if Billy heard that, he’d want to adopt it and we’d hear it on his next album. And you would get royalties every month. It’s still one of my favs that you have produced. All the best for kore success, and thanks for all the help. My membership has been well worth the cost.

  373. greg f says

    Thanks Brian for your lessons and support to the ActiveMelody community! Congrats on reaching this milestone! I’ve been with you for the last couple years and your lessons have helped me advance my guitar skills. I play for pure enjoyment and to express myself – and your teaching style is perfect! Here’s to 500 more!! /greg

  375. Brian B says

    Congratulations Brian, all the way from Australia. What a great achievement, 500 Lessons! Big effort. And you have made my guitar journey and many others a whole lot more enjoyable. Thanks heaps. Regards Brian B

  377. Laurie B says

    You are a true bright light at explaining the workings of the guitar and so often the bulb turns on for me as you explain each part of any music you create.
    Keep up the great work as you are truly a gifted teacher. Although I am now 81 years of age I will be with you as a member until the end.
    Best into the future. And remember that old saying “Any man can find a female partner but a guitar player can have his pick”.
    Laurie

  380. Lyn says

    Brian, I’ve been teaching for over 30 years. I teach theatre and film at a high school and also as an adjunct in a small college nearby. From where I sit, you’re doing a fantastic job!! Bravo sir!!

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