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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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David R says
Congratulations Brian 500 up
luc v says
Congrats, Brian; respect!
Dave W says
Absolutely,,Brian is the best teacher ever. I am a Premium Member for life. I can’t get enough of guitars in everything. It is everything. I hope someday I can play as much as I love it. With your lessons Brian I’m waaaayyyy better than I ever thought possible. Can’t thank you enough. Enjoy your day off.
Amador R says
Brian-
Hey thank you for what you do. I believe you truly have a gift. Not many teachers breakdown where we/I understand how things work. The tools you give us in your videos are like little pc of gold. Hats off!!!
6thstring says
Congratulations Brian, I’m thrilled that I have been apart of it.
I’ve enjoyed your lessons for a long time now.
Ken M says
You have been a real blessing, keep it up👍😏🎸
Michael Wise says
Hi Brian
Thank you for all your help with my Guitar journey !! Michael W
DEAN M says
Well done, Sir!
You’ve earned our respect as well as our keenly focused attention.
Cheers to the next 500!!!
Jos d says
Thank You, Brian! For beïng the teacher you are, for helping me to re-enjoy the guitar; congratulations, to you and the ones you love.
Richard B says
Congratulations Brian-you have been my go-to teacher for many years. Your lessons are challenging but that’s good.
Lee K says
Congratulations! What a milestone. Pleased for your success and thank you for the outstanding content.
George V says
Congratulations on a significant milestone Brian. I’ve learned a lot from you over the years and I can tell that you really enjoy teaching. It is your gift to the guitar world. Keep up the good work!
George V.
David L says
Thank you Brian and congrats on this achievement.
Dave L
MARK K says
SO GLAD I SIGNED UP. YOUR DEDICATION AND PASSION TO TEACHING GUITAR ARE INSPIRING TO ME. EVEN IF I NEVER GET TO A LEVEL I DESIRE I AM ENJOYING THE PROCESS OF LEARNING BECAUSE YOU LIKE WHAT YOU DO.
I ONCE WAS A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND I HAD THE SAME PASSION FOR TEACHING SOMETHING I LOVED AND I SEE THAT IN YOUR APPROACH.
MUCH APPRECIATED,
MARK KODISH
Ronny K says
You deserve it Bryan, thanks for all the hard work 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🇵🇬
Donald C says
Brian, You should take two weeks. You have taught me so much. Enjoy your time off. Don
Alwin B says
Congratulations, Brian! I’ve gained a lifetime of valuable lessons from your excellent videos just over the past few months, and I wanted to express my profound thanks on this occasion of your 500th. I look forward to the next 500. Happy anniversary!
Jeff H says
Congrats to you! So enjoy your lessons….it’s a life lesson as well….
Peter B says
Congratulations Brian and thank you.
It is my fortune and privilege to be one of your students.
Peter
Konstantin S says
Hello Brian,
congratulations!
You are the Best!
Thank you for creating this music school, which realy bringing a result.
Great stuff!
Philip C says
Congratulations on another milestone Brian! I’m glad that I came across your channel on YouTube. You’ve helped me improve my guitar playing and understanding of the theory behind stuff, and I’m immensely grateful for that. Glad to be part of your journey cause you’re part of mine!
Matthew B says
Congratulations Brian. I often advise other budding guitarists to check out your site. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Matt
Michael S says
Congrats and thanks Brian. For the last 10 years since retirement with no musical background, just a passionate ambition to learn how to play and to understand music, you have been my ‘light bulb moment’ tutor. Keep those light bulb moments coming! All best all the way from England.
David G Smith says
Well done Brian for creating your own “Best job”, you deserve it. I’ve played guitar for 60 years and still regularly learn new stuff and get inspiration from you. You are the only person I am happy to subscribe to. Thank you!
Scott B says
Thanks for what you do.
Brad S says
Congratulations Brian! I love the way you teach and I am definitely improving, not only on guitar, but on some other instruments as well. Keep up all your wonderful work!
garry p says
Congratulations!!!
don k says
Brian, thanks sooo much for putting your heart and soul into your videos, it shows or I wouldn’t be a member, we all need a week off from time to time, glad you can skip a “freak out Friday”, enjoy and thank you!
Andy W says
Brian,
Suggestion: Maybe once every two months play something from a student. Before a lesson starts.
Comunnicate thru music. Might be fun!,,,,
Andy W says
Brian,
Suggestion: Maybe once every two months play something from a student. Before a lesson starts.
Communicate thru music. Might be fun!,,,,
Andy W says
Brian,
I have really enjoyed your lessons. I really get your teaching. It’s been a great couple years with you. Awesome work. I have a couple recorded songs on utube. Listed under Andy Waechter. I wrote Richer Than Rich . Let me know what you think.
Jerry M says
Thank you Brian, this has meant a lot to me. Congratulation, you are awesome
Edward S says
You’re awesome Brian. Take 2 weeks off. You deserve it!
Ed
Norbert B says
I always enjoy watching your videos and practicing or playing a few songs myself.
Many thanks from Germany for your many good musical ideas and implementations, keep it up!
And of course continued success and all the best for the future.
Greetings Norbert
ledrou says
Congratulations!!
Bob B says
Congratulations Brian!!! I love Active Melody. I have learned so much and actually getting good on the guitar.
Question, Would it be possible to pay extra to cover copy right? I would love to play “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” note for note with the sound track and Carlos Santana “Europa” with required pedals.
Not sure if it’s possible but would be awesome!
JEAN PHILIPPE V says
hello, de france, i don’t speeck very good english, ça se voit, 2 for tee and me and you ! un film whit Great actors frenchs Bouvil and De Funes.. The for 2 and … bla bla bla good life and see you later (c’est ok?)
Lyn says
Brian,
A very genuine thank you!!! I’m a public school educator. Theatre and film. This is year 30. For the past several years, I’ve been teaching adjunct night classes at a nearby college. From this vantage point. From where I see you and your work on Active Melody. You’re fantastic man! Bravo!!
Andrew R says
Well done. Love this site
David R says
Congratulations Brian 500 up well dne
herby m says
Congratulations great lessons
David R says
Congratulations Brian 500 up well done.
Bruce G says
Congratulations Brian. Quite an accomplishment. THANK YOU for all you do. Active Melody is a part of my daily and weekly routine. You are the best!
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
Juanjo M says
Thank you to you to be there. you are our light, our guide.
Michael D says
Congratulations Brian. Looking forward to the next 100.
Gary M says
Brian, Congratulations and encore!
Havasumark says
Congratulations Brian!!
Nevada Fats says
Cheers Brian! A sincere thank you!
Greg B says
Congratulations, Brian. You’re literally the best and this achievement couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. It’s a privilege to be here and long may you run.
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.
Jeancsimon@gmail.com says
I been a member for a long time every Friday you have something new make me pick my guitar and practice thank you much and I like to congratulate on your 500 lessons
Trevor G says
Thanks for all of the great lessons Brian!!
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.
CRAIG J says
You are a true inspiration Brian. Thank you for your knowledge and patience. Greatest guitar teacher online by a mile
Mike D says
Congrats! I’ve learned so much and you make it very easy!!
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!
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!
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!
Kurt W says
Dear Brain, as Paul said one week off every two years is not enough. As a life coach i racommand to applay the idea of Paul and take some more holidays.
It’s for you, but also for us, we need your inspiration it means a lot to many of us. You bring a lot of colors and joy in our lifes,
Thank you so much for your engagement!
Martin P says
👍
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.
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
jimbostrat says
Hey, John!! Jim C.
kennard r says
Great work! 500 is a lot. Thanks Brian.
Ian E says
I’m new here Brian, and I’m so impressed. Congratulations on your 500th!
PatrickE says
Thank you and congratulations! As I mentioned to you a few years ago you have enriched my life.
Patrick McGuire
Ottawa Canada
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.
Alexander S says
congratulations. thanks for all the great lessons.
greetings from germany
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!
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 🎶
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
Aaron C says
Thank you Brian. My life is better because of what you do.
kurt neumann says
You’ve earned a week off, buddy!
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.
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!
Alan I says
Congratulations Brian. Love the lessons – you are now my primary teacher.
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
Rick L says
Congrats Brian…your lessons are pertinent and insightful…you lead students to make discoveries and that’s what teaching is about. Keep up the great work
Leo v says
Congratulations from Germany!
Leo
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.”
Don M says
Thanks Brian. I sure am glad you enjoy doing this because I as well as many others definitely enjoy learning from what you do. Looking forward to learning more in the next 100.
iamkick says
Hey Brian,
Congratulations!
Keep it up.
R.D. Kick
Theodore J says
Congratulations Brian, 500 is a huge milestone…thank you for all your hard work…much appreciated.
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’!
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!!!
Tyrone M says
Jam On🤗
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!
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.
Anthony C says
Well said Michael, that about sums it up exactly.. as well as Ditto for many many other comments to this 500 milestone.
Tony
William H says
Thanks Brian,
Look forward every week to your lessons. you have inspired me and many others to
play everyday. to learn and improve. your hard work is immensely appreciated.
Bill H
rickwallenbrock says
Thanks for your dedication and hard work. It is quite a commitment to do this every week. Now go have a beer.
One Take Toni says
Congratulation, Brian! Great to have you, I learned so much, and I still do, its always a pleasure listen to your lessons!
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
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
Vernon says
Thank you Brian! I’m here as long as you are…..see you at 1000. You deserve the day off. Enjoy!
cloughie says
Congratulations and thanks a lot Brian. Please don’t change the format. Weekly lessons, Monthly challenge. Perfect. 👍
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
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
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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.
William Y says
Many thanks to you, Brian.
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!!!
steph_70 says
Congrats! Break well deserved. Can’t imagin the hours you must put in being a one man show! Enjoy time with the family!
Willy L says
Congrats Brian ,, stay well and guide us through the music …so we can leave this planet a better place !
Pierre L says
Congrats! Best value on the web!
Jary N says
Thanks a million for the 500. Congratulations and a worthy week off.
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!
mikepcse says
Congratulations. I have watched pretty much everyone, and you have helped my guitar playing a great deal. Thank you.
William K says
Thanks Brian,
I’ve been on your site for little over a year now and I look forward every week to what you have for us. You have made it fun again. So glad you are staying with it.
God bless.
Strykerward says
I am happy to be here celebrating another milestone with AM. I have been a member since 2018 and my playing has definitely improved. I look forward to every lesson. Congratulations Brian.
Jim M says
Chill Brian! Outstanding accomplishment.
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.
Paul B says
Wow! Congratulations, Brian!!!
What a wonderful milestone. Thank you for your hard work. I look forward to learning more from you in the future. Keep up the good work!
Paul
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
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
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” 👏
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
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!
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..
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.
Ken H says
Thanks Brian. You are one of a kind! You found your nitch and we are happy for you.
Steve M says
Hope you are enjoying vacation Brian. Everyone deserves recharge time. There is no shortage of past material for us to revisit this week. So glad you see no end!
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.
Bobs Ultra-339 Electric Guitar Level 2 Vintage Sun says
Congrats to a , not good, but great guitar instructor, you have taken it to a new level. I have recommended you to several people , I always get people thanking me for doing that. Never have heard a complaint. Good luck , keep up the great work.
Bill B says
WOW! What a phenomenal journey is has been for yourself and all of those that have jumped on board along the way. You should be super proud of what you have been able to accomplish
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!
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!
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.
Paul S says
Thanks Brian…love your lessons. They are so often “spot on” …looking forward to many more!
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.
Michael M says
Congratulations. Enjoy your time off! See you next week!
Charlotte P says
Thankyou for all you do, can’t imagine how you do it , have learned so much appreciate all your hard work
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!
Simon B says
Happy 500th Brian, you don’t look a day over 499 🙂
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!
stephen a says
I think I wrote this same comment after EP 400. Take more time off, please! Even if you do love the work. Especially if you love the work.
Paulsh says
Congrats Brian
Quite an achievement!
Its been great watching you grow and hone your craft. Always trying something new. Keep up the great work.
Robert M says
Your Fridays may be “freaky,” but ours are fantastic thanks to the high-quality lessons you create each week. Congrats on reaching this latest milestone — here’s to 500 more!
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! 😎
Shashanka S says
Congratulations, Brian!! Many thanks for all the guidance. Look forward to learning more. Best wishes!
Patrick D says
Congratulations Brian!!! Big fan, long time subscriber, I love what u do but more importantly, how u do it
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.
jesse m says
Best source for training and growth I’ve ever found……a great value….
congrats and thank you…..
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
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
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!
Barry K says
Thank you Brian. Enjoy your milestone!
Truly inspired by you, your teaching capability, and the music you’ve helped me make.
Gratitude!
Don M says
Well done Brian, I look forward to the next milestone journey. Any chance of a tutorial on modes and possibly more jazz guitar?
Sorin M says
Chapeau Mr Brian and keep going. I personally miss “in style of” episodes (may be updated, refined, etc)
Congratulations !
John B says
WOW Brian. I’ve been with you for a few years now and all I can say is thank you. You are amazing and I’m so happy for you. Thanks
Alexander R says
Thank you Brian, I think that all of us are grateful for the excellent way that you are leading us to practice and discover or rediscover the joy of playing on guitar
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….
Rollover33 says
Hey Brian. so happy to be here this morning, those years with ActiveMelody (… since 092 I think) very fun !!! Thanks a lot !!!
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
Paul J says
Many thanks and congratulations Brian.
Alain L says
Now I know that “the best job on the planet” makes the best teacher too !
Thank you so much, and please take care of you, Brian !
Alain from Paris
Nacho S says
Congratulations Brian. Muchas gracias y abrazo desde Bilbao.
jadm says
Brian “happy 500th”
this has been a great place for me to learn and meet people and share information
Hope you throw your self a great party – you deserve it
don
Malcolm D says
Much appreciated to all the lessons week in week out.
Congratulations to you Brain from Wild and woolly Wales, May the journey continue for us all. 🙂
Paul H says
Congratulations Brian. Thank you for your total commitment.
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.
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.
Holger G says
Hi Brian
congratulations on your anniversary.
I look forward to your exercises every Saturday and you have become a regular part of my weekend as a result.
Kind regards from Germany
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.
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
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.
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!
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 !
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
tripod32 says
Well deserved week off Brian. I’m sure your Friday was a bit more relaxed. Now get back to work!
Malcolm M says
Great site Brian such an inspiration you are the best. Thank you so much. Malcolm.
Francisco Marto says
Many thanks for all your lessons and congrats, Brian.
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.
Grégoire R says
Thank’s Brian for these years of high quality education
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!
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…
Chris R says
Greatest guitar teacher on the internet!
Thanks for all your efforts and passion for everything guitar
Tom M says
Congratulations! Excellent lessons, content, and organization. Your success is a benefit to all of us! Here’s to continued success!
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
Barry H says
The background tune is actually EP469, but EP473 is certainly in similar vein, and is another of my great favourites.
Gordon C says
Congratulations Brian. Looking forward to following you to your next milestone.
Michael G says
Best 10 bucks a month i’ve ever spent. In today’s dollars 18 eggs per month.
Patrick R says
Thanks Brian.
Thanks to you, I made enormous progress !
I can’t wait to celebrate EP 1000.
Patrick from Brussels (Belgium).
Tred says
Congratulations Brian, what an achievement. Glad to be a part of your milestone. Thank you for all the work you do with sharing your skills & lessons. (Thumbs UP!)
David N says
Can not tell you how fortunate I was to stumble upon your web site 2 years ago! Been a game changer! THANK YOU and CONGRATS!
obie123 says
Thank you, figure by the time no 1000 comes around will be able to play half way decent
Tim A says
Congratulations Brian! A great milestone! My 3rd year as a member and I must say the best teacher in my journey, thank you.
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!!!!!
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.
jeanlouis70 says
Merci for what you do .
eagerly wating every saturday morning for new content. 🙂
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
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!
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!
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
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!
rob y says
Congratulations, Brian! Thanks for all the effort over the years. You’re the best!!!
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.
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!!!
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!!
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.
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
David J says
Can’t thank you enough. Might have hung up the strings if I hadn’t found your site five or six years back. Enjoy the week off!
Stephen M says
The break is well deserved. Thanks for the EPs, and congratulations.
Julie I says
Congratulations Brian! love your lessons and always learn a little nugget every time! Enjoy your week off!
Nick W says
Thanks Brian, your episodes have definitely taken my music in a new direction and expanded my knowledge.
Howard B says
congrats Brian, your lessons have been a blast. i can truly say my guitar has improved and look forward to every lesson. enjoy your week off !!
ajfaulf@hotmail.com says
Truely happy to be a member
of active melody i’ll be with you as long . as i I have been .i think maybe eight yr.s. @ 71yr.s old really do enjoy this as #1 pass time.
bless u & family
AJ
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.
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
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!
James H says
Congratulations Brian. Your lessons a consistently great and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you.
Myles L says
Congratulations Brian on your achievement. And thanks for all the insights.
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.
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.
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 …
Aaron P. says
Congrats on making it to 500 Brian. You deserve much more than one week off every two years! Thank you for your commitment to Active Melody and the passion you put into every lesson.
Lyn C says
Way to go Brian.. 500 lessons is very impressive.. enjoy your week off! It is well deserved.
michael d says
Love your stuff, thanks Brian!
please make more country/bluegrass rhythm fill lick stand alone content!
Martin B says
Congratulations Bryan, Five Hundred!!
Glad to be part of it and yes, Chill, Relax and enjoy Man.
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.
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.
Christine H says
A well deserved mini break…. plus it will give me a wee bit of time to catch up. Thank you for coming at the learning process in so many creative ways.
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!!!
Anthony C says
Congrats Brian, We feel very fortunate to be a part of this and thank you so much for what you do week in and week out. can’t imagine Guitar life without you anymore.
Tony
DouglasAlaskaDad says
500! Wow man thank you Brian.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Daniel K says
Congratulations from Zurich
Christopher K says
Congratulations on 500 Brian!!!
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.
Peter B says
All I can say is you are the first to speak my language,
Learned more than I have over several years,
Wish I was a lot younger and retired,
Many thanks,
Peter
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!
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!
Robert H says
Thanks Brian! Looking fwd to the next years lessons!
Catherine Arsenault says
Thank you Brian and congratulations on achieving #500 sorry no video today the forum feed keeps crashing lol. You are a true inspiration keep it up!!!!🇨🇦🎶👍🥰
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 :))
Barry B says
Good for you Brian, nice one, all the best
Barry B UK
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.
ELWIN B says
Congrats keep it up:)
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
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.
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.
Anthony D says
Congratulations Brian on a significant milestone. You have ignited the musical genes for so many people and continue to produce brilliant lessons.
Neil W says
congratulation mate I have been a member for quit some time, and love every one of your amazing lessons so Thanks Brian enjoy your break
Larry B says
Contratulations Brian. Thanks for the melodies.
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 !!
Paul T says
Congratulations Brian. I’m looking forward to see what you post this year.
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.
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
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
Michael J says
G’day Brian,
Thank you just is nowhere near enough! You really are the best!
Michael Jordan, Kilmore, Australia.
Chandler says
Great work brian – you have made my life better and I really appreciate it. thank you and congratulations.
Max d says
Congratulations and thank you from DownUnder, Max
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
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
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.
jgreen says
Hi Brian,
A very grateful member now for 8 years. Appreciate your commitment to providing lessons EVERY WEEK for all those years. I’ve learned a ton!
Congratulations on 500!
Jim
Ray B says
Thanks and congratulations. What you do is amazing! I am a much better guitar player as a direct result of being part of ActiveMelody. Thank you.
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
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!
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
Rick C says
my experience exactly…except for the kids part 🙂
Ad v says
Great , and greetings from holland.
Ad
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
Rick C says
You take one week off every two years? You are a tough taskmaster!
Great teacher. Great support materials. Always inspiring.
Best value for $$ on the internet.
Onward to 600!
Stephen T says
Congratulations Brian. I’m very glad I found your channel.
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…..
Andrew W says
Congrats!!!!
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.
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!!!
Walter J says
Dear Brain,
Your videos are great! As far as I am concerned you ought to take one week off a month. You’ve got loads of material!
Jo C says
Super, congratulations, Brian and Thanks!
Dermot M says
Congrats Brian! Recently joined and loving the lessons and improvving week by week! Thank you.
Tim V says
Your dedication to us is inspiration in itself. Thanks for everything you do!!!
Thomas B says
Top greetings from Vienna
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
Tim N says
Enjoy your week off Brian. Discovered your site during the lockdown and wish I had done sooner. Best guitar tuition site out there hands down and worth every penny/cent.
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.
Piotr P says
Wszystkiego najlepszego 👌
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!
Jason H says
Congratulations, Brian!! And thank you for the years of lessons and inspiration!
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.
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
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….
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.
OveDaniel says
Thank you Brian, your guitar lessons is inspiring and you make my guitar dreams come true!
Warm regards from Norway, I will be a premium member forever
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.
ruleoutloud says
Hi Brian,
Congratulations and well done. 500 is a major milestone.
Your lessons are a constant source of inspiration.
Thank you for all of dedication and awsomeness!!
Rick Smith
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.
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
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.
BRIAN M says
500!!
Love the lessons, honestly it got me motivated to play again!…. Love them root acoustic blues !
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.
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!
Patrick D says
Congrats Brian! You are a great teacher!
Clark E says
Way to go Brian. I agree with you about having the best job. I really enjoy your lessons, your enthusiasm and your knowledge. Thank you for all you do!!!
Terry L says
Congrats Brian !! Job well done
Would love you to do more blues songs like the Chicago blues EP with Quest
Looking forward to it .
Rod G says
Thanks Brian for all your efforts over the years. Happy 500 and to many more!
Joseph K says
Really getting alot from your lessons….thanks and congratulations
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
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 !!!
Dan M says
Well done!!!!! Congrats!!!!
Chris says
Congrats.
You have been a great source of knowledge and inspiration over the years.
Thanks x 500
Cgris
Chris says
Thanks x 500.
You’ve been a great source of knowledge and inspiration
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!
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.
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
CARLOS S says
Congratulations , Brian , from Brazil .
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.
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
Roger B says
Congratulations, Brian. I have learned so much from your lessons, more than from anyone else. Thank you for sharing your expertise, great teaching and cheerful presentation.
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
Steve says
Congratulations on EP500 Brian! Thank you for working so hard and sharing your knowledge. You’ve been a huge inspiration for me! Enjoy your time off!
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.
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.
Lynn R says
Congrats Brian I have learned more from your Episodes than anything I’ve seen anywhere. You deserve the time off so enjoy.
Pyles K says
Congratulations Brian,
You are one of the best instructors I’ve ever sat under. I do learn something every time I watch a lesson. I am happy to hear no end in sight. Keep it up!
Keith
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.
Michael I says
Thank you…. I very much appreciate all that you have given us in our journey….and I cant wait until the next 100!
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!
brian g says
Congratulations! I enjoyed your lessons over the past couple of years very much, they really help! Really appreciate the work you put into them.
Ted L says
Congratulations Brian…….. !! and thank you.
Onto my second year now and my playing has improved so much.
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!
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
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!
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!!!
George C says
Thanks Brian! Great lessons, I always enjoy and your theory explantations always make great sense of it all. Best Wishes to you and your family.
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.
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!
Nelson K says
Congrats Brian!
Great job creating Active Melody. It’s really good! Here’s to 500 more “EP’s”. Keep it rolling. Cheers! – Nelson
Marcel v says
Thank you Brian, for all what you do for us and for the way you do this. Wishing you all the best.
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
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.
David S says
Brian what can I say, all of the above comments are testament to your great work.
Keep up the work. 😊
David W says
Thank you Brian, may God richly bless you!
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
Don S says
Congrats Brian, love your lessons.
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)
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
Wayne S says
So glad to have found you Brian..congratulations on your 500th EP
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
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.
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
Brother Tarheel says
Congrats and a sincere Thank You to the best guitar teacher ever. Really. Seriously.
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!
daniele f says
Congratulations!
And thank you so much for what you share with us every week.
It has been such help and pleasure to be part of your group.
From Hawaii 🎶
Daniele.
Kit R says
Hi Brian, Congratulations on a great job and rewarding landmark. I learn new things from you all the time. Best YouTube channel ever.
From Lawrenceville, GA
Kit
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.
Jeff H says
Congrats to you! So enjoy your lessons….it’s a life lesson as well….
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.
Vegimite says
Good on you Brian, well done, I have learn’t so much from your lessons. Paul Australia
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.
George H says
Happy 500th Milestone! A break well-deserved. I am looking forward to #600.
Cliff Carbaugh says
Brian, I hope you enjoy your week’s vacation and get a lot of rest! 🙂
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
Maurice M says
Thank you very much for your services.
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
Yves L says
Thank you Brian!
Greetings from Belgium!
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
Jan T says
Brian, you’re the best!
Jan
Andy K says
Well done Brian – Superstar
Christian K says
Hello Brian,
Congratulations. I’m glad that I have been apart of it.
I’ve enjoyed your lessons for several years now.
Greatings from Austria!
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.
judah L says
You’re a humble beautiful guy! Did I mention a great instructor as well! Happy, Healthy, and prosperous new year to you Brian!
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
John W says
‘Well Done’ Brian..Lessons have been excellent 👌..
Ojb says
Thanks a lot, and congratulations!!
Charmaine N says
Congratulations Brian. Best wishes always.
Gabriel S says
Congratulations Brian on this milestone. I’m just gald to be oart of it.
Dennis R says
Congrats brian for the good and hard work. I’ve enjoy your lessons from the Netherlands.
Robin B says
Congratulations and thanks Brian 🙂
George F says
Great job,Thanks Brian.
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.
Nick C says
great post Roger. keep on rockin brother
johnontherock says
Hello Brian, I have been with you since 2015 so I want to say …THANK YOU
wil mintz says
Thanks my man. I’ve learned so much over the years from you.
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.
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.
Nick C says
Hey Brian. you’re the best! Had no idea about freak out Fridays! You make it look so easy…….
Jay D says
CONGRATS BRIAN !!! YOUR VERY HELPFUL IN MY GUITAR JOURNEY KEEP UM COMING !!! THANKS AGAIN JAY DEE
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
Edgar P says
Congrats to 500, Brian; so fantastic lessons. I love following your videos and working through your lessons. Thank you so much for this great inspiration you keep giving me.
Edgar
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.
Bob B says
you’re the best, the last chords of this video would make a great lesson.
Ryan L says
Love your work. Thank you.
Martin J says
You are one of a kind and do great work. Thank you.
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! 🙂
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
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!
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
Robert W says
Congrats. It’s really hard to do this as consistently as you are doing it.
William B says
Great lessons! Thank you!!
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
George K says
Well done Brian, top man & guitar teacher. Great site too.
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.
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
Peter B says
Congrats on 500 Brian, appreciate what you do and your help on my guitar journey.
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.
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
Liz says
Congratulations, Brian! I’m so grateful to have found your site as a new student. What a gift! Thank you and happy 500!
Klaus S says
TX Bwian. You opened it for me tx. carry on love it
Charles S says
Thanks for the help Brian, I’m actually starting to be introduced by friends & family as a Guitar Player!
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!
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.
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.
Silver Player says
Many congratulations on 500, that represents a fantastic volume of work, thanks for it all.
Don H says
Brian, absolutely the best guitar lesson/instruction website around. Love your material and instructional method.
Keep it going!!
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
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
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
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
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.
kenk says
Bottomline is – don’t stop!
We need this kind of mentorship..
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
Giuseppe (Joe) R says
As a born again guitarist in my latter years, I am so appreciative of finding you and thoroughly enjoy your enthusiasm and instruction style.
Looking forward to the next 100 ……….
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
Mike H says
Congrats Brian! I really appreciate you and what you do here. You have helped me a lot!
Regards,
Mike
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
Newt Havasu AZ says
Very cool Brian congratulations
Vicente N says
A Great job. Congratulations.
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!!
Jennifer Ruby says
Congratulations, Brian! I think what you’ve achieved, and what you do, is outstanding. Thanks for putting so much into your teaching. You really stand out above the crowd of guitar teachers online.
guitarmanny says
Thanks for your lessons,now I can pick up my guitar and join in on whatever CD or anyone play live music is like a dream come true.
Larry Jay says
Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.
Eric H says
Super excited for 2023. Love everything on the site!!!!
LaMar K says
Thank you Brian for your lessons. You are a great instructor … Keep up the good work!!
Kenneth M says
Congratulations Brian! You are my “go to” instructor. Great lessons. Thank you so much.
José Luis A says
Congratulations Brian! You are the best, (translated into my language: “el puto amo”. jajajajaja.)
Thank you so much.