Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

“Key To The Highway” Style Blues – 1, 5, 4 chord progression – EP129

Description

In this blues guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play an 8 bar blues in the style of the song, “Key To The Highway”. The other thing that is unique about this lesson is the chord progression which is a 1, 5, 4 progression. This mixes up the order of the 4 and 5 chord from a traditional 12 bar arrangement. In addition to the Freddie King / Eric Clapton style lead, you’ll also learn how to play the rhythm part as well.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - (Lead) For Premium Members

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Part 3 - Rhythm Lesson - For Premium Members

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Slow Walkthrough - Lead

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Slow Walkthrough - Rhythm

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  3. Jimmy James says

    Awesome lesson! I almost bought a studio but forked out $2000 for my Les Paul Traditional…its really the same guitar just striped down. Also I bought my Red Es-335 Gibson for $3000 at Guitar center. Check out the Gibson Es-335 Memphis double cut away…for less than 1/2 the price and same pick ups!!

  6. Tremelow says

    I got to steepen my learning curve significantly to finally catch up with all the great lessons. This one goes straight on my to-do list, the backlog keeps growing.. I’m with Roberto (Maradonnagol) – my next renewal is a given, I might as well do it now. Congrats to your “new” Les Paul – what a steal for only $ 299,00! High5

  9. wrightclick says

    Heard it, liked it stayed up all night nailing it lol ! more guitar is good right ? amazing information along the route of the solo this is how you understand and learn guitar . Spent loads on books learnt the pentatonics Min and Maj but never really knew how to apply it to the fretboard like this .

  11. Bill W2 says

    Great lesson in combing the patterns and the utilization of open strings with fine run ups. That guitar is awesome looking at an insane price!! You beat me to it..lol Thanks again Brian.

  12. Havasumark says

    Another great lesson Brian!! It’s on my list.. but now I’m focused on the next challenge. Have not been able to participate in one yet, but I’m all in on the Christmas challenge..

    p.s. Great sounding and looking Les Paul. It seems that you are spending lots of time in Guitar Center Lately!!! LoL!!!

    Mark

  15. charjo says

    Brian,
    Thanks very much for the rhythm piece, I’ve got to start hearing and understanding those chord changes. I’m making great progress in just the past few weeks you have been posting rhythm lessons. Love this addition to the lesson.
    John

  19. fondstring says

    I agree and agree, too. Really a great lesson for understanding the relationship between scales and chords, and sounding so good, very much fun 🙂
    (Don’t tell him that the prize is insane, he might realize it one day or another…) 😉

  23. madams says

    In addition to a great lesson, I was thrilled that you are working on a theory course (can’t wait) and are now adding the rhythms.

    I also liked the extra theory as you were going through the lesson. It was a good balance between learning the song and helping me understand how to create and play my own blues songs.

    Michael

  24. Don D. says

    When you do the theory class, I’d like to ask you to comment on the “tones to avoid” when soloing. Thanks! I know I’ve read about them more than one place, but I went searching recently and couldn’t find what I needed. Don’t want to say what I remember, because it may be wrong and confusing to others (but I think it’s of particular importance over the IV7).

  27. Purple Hazer says

    Hey Brian.. I agree with Jay that what U present us with in your lesson(s) with guitar setup and means to acquire the tone, etc.. is very helpful in your lesson.. not considering the instructions for the means to accomplish playing the song to sound somewhat decent or actually good.. given the talent/level of the player. .. I’m a Premium Member and will continue to be one for a long time. This has been my 1st year at this level and I find it most rewarding for all you provide your members..so let me know when I need to extend my membership! .. Tks again for all U do .. because all your time and efforts R appreciated. .. Ron
    … do U play out anywhere?? if U did ..would like to see U live ..if I get in your area in the future!

  29. Samuel W says

    I know how to play this note for note, which is great, but I’m worried I won’t know how to apply it otherwise. Can someone please explain to me how this works?

    1) The scale changes three times. Once for every chord. Usually it’s the major pentatonic scale or major scale of each chord.

    Can you do this elsewhere? Why and when does it work?

    2) The scales per chord aren’t specifically major pentatonic or major, but instead a hybrid between the major and minor scales.

    Why and when does this work? Are there specific notes you can do this with?

    It’s a fun lesson, I just want a clue as to how I can include the licks in this in other songs that might be different.

    • Brian says

      1) The scale changes three times. Once for every chord. Usually it’s the major pentatonic scale or major scale of each chord. Can you do this elsewhere? Why and when does it work?

      You can always switch a scale to match a chord – in any song.

      2) The scales per chord aren’t specifically major pentatonic or major, but instead a hybrid between the major and minor scales. Why and when does this work? Are there specific notes you can do this with?

      You just have to feel it out. I always think of it simply as minor pentatonic = bluesy, major pentatonic = happy. So depending on what feeling you’re trying to portray, or what tone you’re trying to create, you choose that scale. I realize I’m oversimplifying, but that’s the short “comments” section answer. On a side note, I’m planning on covering this in more detail in this week’s lesson so stay tuned on Friday.

  33. Kc409 says

    Hey Brian, glad to see you could get some time outdoors for awhile. Great job on this one. You should know by all the positive comments you are nailing it every week. This one has been on my bucket list since Derek and the Dominos, many moons ago.

  34. AndersDejenfelt says

    You stuffed some real good stuff in this one again! Real useful stuff, and it all sounds really good together, honestly bluesy.
    Now, if I could only get all of that under my skin ….
    I guess that’s my part, practice, practice, practice …
    But you showed me a good and fun way to practice this with the jamtracks and all. Better and more fun than any other lessons I’ve seen.
    Key to the highway is also one of my favorite songs alltime.

  35. BrianH says

    Hey, has anyone else noticed Brian has a sort-of catch phrase?? In every lesson, right before doing something really cool, Brian says: “Now watch this!”

    You should put it on a T-shirt!

  36. hotrod1941 says

    Great lesson Brian. Lots of fun to play. Great price on that LP studio, I have one identical which I bought new about 4 or 5 years ago, easy to play and has a great sound.

    Always fun hanging around Active Melody

    Don

  37. KingB says

    Hi Brian love your teaching, especially your chord to melody links and the way it ties in the caged system. My question relates to the part at 13.50 – you say to bend a full tone (from E 9th fret to F#, the 3rd of the D chord you are playing over) but the tab refers to a 1/2 step bend (typo perhaps), and in that great Clapton style fill after this, I note that you did not pick the B note (9th fret 4th string) so this is actually a tapped note. So that’s how Eric manages to sound so fluid!

  38. Tacey says

    Nice one Brian……. finally the jig- saw is coming together … it takes time and practice, great lessons, well worth the premium rate,
    Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year…..

  40. Jbond@aol.com says

    I’ve been an active member to Active Melody for the past few years even when it was free. I never get a chance to look around the forum because I’m so focused on the lesson at hand I never get around to checking it out. Does the Man, “Brian” respond to all your questions or do they go un-answered as they would if you were trying to get a stair’s attention on Twitter or something. 🙂

    • Brian says

      Oh yeah, I’m right up there with Taylor Swift in terms of star power – so ….. yeah… I probably won’t have time to respond. I’ll be too busy in my trailer sipping on champaign 🙂

  42. Dan P says

    Hey Brian. I’ve just had another go at this lesson (after a three month break) and are amazed at how quick I picked it up and played it.
    I left a comment in January 2016 – at that time I was struggling. I bought a Mexican Strat with Humbucker option and through a little guitar processor I’ve nearly got the right tone. A testament to your teaching – I’m definitely improving.
    Many thanks
    From Dan in the UK

  43. Matt D says

    Thanks Brian great lesson always wanted to do that one justice and now I can, more of that ilk would be great, I’m a new member and got here through watching you on YouTube really enjoying it just wish I had more time.
    Regards
    Matt d
    Scotland

  45. Vince S says

    Hi Brian I’ve only been a premium member for a short while. I’m always impressed how you can break things down and explain the detail simply and clearly. I spent years and dollars learning to play guitar and seemed to be treading water for a long time, but since discovering Activemelody.com my blues playing is improving rapidly. Love this lesson lots of goodies in there.

  46. Tim F says

    Hey Brian awesome lesson! I know a lot has been asked about the Gibson Les Paul Studio so sorry if I’m being redundant, but can you please tell me which model? I’m trying to find the Studio just like it.

    Thanks a million!!!

    Tim

  52. Herb S says

    Great lesson. I’ve finally took some time to check the site. This lesson hit squarely on the Clapton button. I was able to play roughly 80% of this in one pass after watching the video but the nuance and fills you show has shown me how to further explore my playing and connecting the major/minor scales. As well as peppering in triads vs chords (things i didn’t realize I already know!). I’m getting closer to visualizing the fretboard as a whole rather than stuck in one spot.

    That said what is good next step lesson from this one from your POV? Thanks

    • jboy says

      Herb 5…just read your comments…you and I are on the exact same page…very lucky to have found Brian…I really do not know where else I could have learned this….

  53. jboy says

    Herb 5…just read your comments…you and I are on the exact same page…very lucky to have found Brian…I really do not know where else I could have learned this….

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