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Lonnie Johnson Style Guitar Lesson – Rhythm and Lead – EP140

Description

In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a ragtime rhythm and a Lonnie Johnson style lead on acoustic guitar.  This is made for two guitars (one playing rhythm and one playing lead), although if you don’t have a second guitar player you can use the provided MP3 jam track.  The jam track allows you to play the lead the first time through, rhythm the second time through, and you can keep alternating back and forth between rhythm and lead.  This is just like being in a virtual jam session and is a great way to practice timing and improvising.

Part 1: Free Guitar Lesson - Rhythm

Part 2: Lead - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through - Rhythm

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Slow Walk-Through - Lead

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  1. madams says

    February 19, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Sounds like a lot of fun! Looking forward to learning it this weekend.

    I love the diversity of songs each week.

    Michael

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  2. Jeem says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I’ll have to admit, I’ve never heard of Lonnie Johnson, but I’m a fan now!
    Thanks for ‘nother great one Brian!

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    • greg l says

      June 2, 2016 at 2:22 am

      Oh man Lonnie Johnson was not just great, he was a genius… this style here is his mid 30’s through to mid 40’s period where he just played with a pick but o back to his early work in the 1920’s and he was fingerpicking lead with some bass notes thrown in like a demon player from another planet… he made dozens of incredible instrumental guitar solos which are some of the greatest guitar recordings ever… he also backed up singers like Victoria Spivey and Texas Alexander and was brilliant too…. he also teamed up with jazz guitar legend Eddie Lang and did some amazing guitar duets with him and on one recording the two of these greats backed up Texas Alexander and that is a MUST LISTEN recording.. Alexander was one blues singer with a gigantic voice and with the guitar accompaniment from Lang and Johnson it is a magical experience. If that’s not enough he also recorded with Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5 making it a HOT HOT 6 on a few occasions…. then Duke Ellington got the message and he got Lonnie to play guitar solos on at least two of Ellington’s greatest masterpieces…. and that my freind is simply scratching the surface… in many ways he is the forebear of ALL single string lead guitar players… Django Reinhardt was even influenced by Johnson…. we are talking one of the top 10 guitar players of the 20th century here… and he had an amazing rich voice for singing… it was his guitar that took a back seat to that voice in his later years but he was always playing that guitar… I do not think there is a single recording where he makes a mistake… not a single bad note ever…. in hundreds of recordings.

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  3. Maradonagol says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    awesome…….really nice….this is full of good music content…..

    Thanks..

    Roberto

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  4. CliffordLance says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Great lesson! Love Lonnie Johnson! BB King often spoke of him.
    Where did you get your Crossroads shirt? I want one!

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    • Brian says

      February 19, 2016 at 9:41 pm

      That was a Christmas gift from one of the site members – 🙂 I thought it was pretty cool too. Wasn’t sure if you’d be able to tell what it is.

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      • nschlueter says

        February 20, 2016 at 12:06 pm

        I’m with cliffordlance. Where can I get one? Maybe your site member can clue us in?

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    • Dougie says

      February 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Awesome lesson, hours of playing it already, fingers are sore 🙂

      I liked the T-shirt also, I googled crossroads, devil & blues and found it on ebay – http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/robert-johnson-t-shirt

      Just bought a couple 🙂

      Dougie

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  5. Aaron P. says

    February 19, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    I don’t know how you keep pumping out these amazing lessons every week….but I love it!! Can’t wait to start this one. Looks like an excellent one to help with my timing.

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  6. Jimmy James says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Awesome Brian! Looking forward to learning it

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  7. Jimmy James says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:12 pm

    Awesome Brian love the ragtime lessons!

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  8. Biker13 says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    Thanks so much Brian! You surpassed my expectations! Love the lesson.

    Ted

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  9. JohnStrat says

    February 20, 2016 at 3:39 am

    Brian i know no better way is the to learn this sort of music. You give us great lessons continuously. For me and im sure most of the people on AM It really inspires me to learn more ..as fast as i can.
    Iwas jut listening to a youtube titled ‘Poor Shane Dwight Surrounded by Samantha Fish and Danielle Schnebelen TUF’ im not sure how to post the link but think many here will really enjoy this.
    Brian thanks again

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  10. JohnStrat says

    February 20, 2016 at 5:16 am

    Here is the link to the music I mentioned above got it from my desk top as i dont seem to be able to grab it from my phone. it warms up nicely with some nice keyboard in the middle as well as great guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKik9X–x3k I think this was one of the blues cruise trips from Fort Laudadale not certain but it might just sow a seed to get an Active Melody group to a booze cruise let me know what you think ..its not that cheap but Im in the UK so that would add cost but wow there you go folks a seed is thrown…

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  11. Pwilsonscott says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:32 am

    Thank you Brian, I have learnt so many new chords from your lesson.
    I do have one question though. The chord you play as an F Sharp diminished 7 was used as a moveable chord in last week’s Jazz lesson, when it was an F7 flat 9. Does it depend on the context in which it is used ? These subtle chord variations make for such an interesting sound.

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    • Brian says

      February 20, 2016 at 8:26 am

      You got it. Same chord (good call), but it depends on the context in which it’s used. Sort of like a G sharp note is the same as A flat

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    • greg l says

      June 2, 2016 at 2:28 am

      moving the diminished chord up once or twice can get a bit cliche’d but if you need to get higher up the neck to get to the next chord destination it’s great…. a pity we never hear this chord in modern music.

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  12. Will L says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:59 am

    Love it already.
    Only difficulty was in the first video, with the G to Gaug switch in bar 17, but I seem to have developed another joint in my left middle finger that now lets me fret the b string at the 4th fret!
    Result!

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    • Will L says

      February 23, 2016 at 7:17 am

      Oh, and the jam session track is a great idea, alternating between melody and rhythm.

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  13. rob y says

    February 20, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Great lesson. I’ve watched this video of Lonnie about a hundred times…so good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDRg3XMfU94

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    • Brian says

      February 20, 2016 at 10:17 am

      That was very cool. Thank you for sharing, I’ve never seen that video before . I love it when someone plays rhythm and lead by themselves. that is one of the best examples that I’ve ever seen.

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      • Islamujeres says

        February 20, 2016 at 10:27 am

        I’d love to learn something along those lines. Rythym/lead. Next lesson maybe or blog? Thanks Brian!

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        • Jim.vancouver says

          February 27, 2016 at 6:22 am

          Hi

          I absolutely love your lessons and the website

          Any chance you could do a cover lesson of the lonnie johnston youtube above….it is quite extraordinary

          Thank you and keep up the wonderful work

          Jim
          Vancouver, Canada

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  14. Steve W says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Lovely tune this week Brian nice chord changes

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  15. ronzenor says

    February 20, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    Cool!! I love the Lonnie Johnson music. You nailed it.

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  16. G David B says

    February 20, 2016 at 2:11 pm

    Brian,
    Could you gives us a clue as to which Lonnie Johnson song this might be “similar” to or is this your own composition in the LJ style. Looking for lyrics that “might” fit with this tune.

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  17. G David B says

    February 20, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    Or if anyone knows what LJ song this composition might be similar to assistance would be appreciated.

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  18. sunjamr says

    February 20, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    Great idea on the jam session jamtrack. Sometimes on the straight rhythm jamtracks I’ve been alternating between rhythm and lead, so this is even better!

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  19. Bill W2 says

    February 20, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    What a fun filled time listening and learning this lesson. Thank you Brian for all your time and effort. I’ve enjoyed Lonnie’s legacy and now can enjoy it even more!!

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  20. klox says

    February 21, 2016 at 4:09 am

    Thanks Brian, another well thought out lesson and some new musical territory for me. In particular a good illustration on how to put together an interesting solo based on a single major scale with minor embellishments and chord tones.

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  21. Della G says

    February 21, 2016 at 8:59 am

    Love this sound. As always a great lesson. Don’t know how you come up with such amazing songs . HUGE fan.

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  22. coreyman97 says

    February 23, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Another terrific lesson, thanks Brian. I’ve learned so many different styles to play. Really great!

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  23. sunburst says

    February 23, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    so much fun just first few bars and i know this is another fav ( everything is really a fav ) going to enjoy this now! ty Brian

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  24. Larry H says

    February 23, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Found this by Lonnie Johnson that might be a little similar in some ways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8Jzp0DNv4

    Brian, you have unique talent to be able to bring variety in so many different genre. This lesson encourages everyone to get right to it and I am one. Being a beginner at guitar, and in my 4th quarter of a century, all these are tough but all lessons brings me to the table and am learning little by little that keeps the interest. This one just might keep me plugging till it might sound worth playing for our grandchildren some day. Like the slow blues, as might sound sensible, and this fits, I hope, within reach. A coupe of other recent offerings have me hooked too.

    Thanks a lot.

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  25. DP2608 says

    February 24, 2016 at 3:18 am

    Wow, great lesson, watched and loved the LJ You Tube Video AND bought the T shirt! Brilliant!

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  26. Albie S says

    February 24, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    Thanks Brian, a Great lesson ! I too had not heard of Lonnie Johnson, so glad you put this up for us. I’ve learned so much already, that mysterious fret-board is starting to come together. I’ve been frustrated with all the “learned”licks, and not knowing what they really mean. The first time I saw a video of your work, I knew I’d found a home. The blues lead course is a genuine treasure trove of information, fun and entertainment.

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  27. brian-belsey says

    February 25, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Very nice. Yet another interesting new musical experience!

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  28. Frank Ouw says

    February 25, 2016 at 11:36 pm

    Brian, marvelous. Frank (Spain, near Marbella)

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  29. Antonio A says

    March 6, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    Great Site. Watch a lot of your video and finally made the jump to premium, wish I would have long ago. Im loving this lesson and use all the video and tabs. I notice on the Tabs for the lead, in the second line when the cord switches to D7, the tab is missing the 7th fret/4th string note right before the slide. This makes the time you take to make the video all the that more important. Thank again for all your work. Amazing Site!!

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    • Antonio A says

      March 6, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Never mind I see it now. Its close to the slide symbol and it kinda blended in. But I think it shows a slide from the 7th fret/4th string to 9th fret /3rd string and that is what was confusing me because I was just using the tabs without the video. Still AWESOME JOB!!

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  30. mike pokai says

    March 7, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Love this style,I to have heard Lonnie Johnston for the first time,I’m in hospital at the moment in Brisbane,Australia slowly recovering from a major operation,and saw this lesson today,can’t wait to get better to go home and learn this song,great lesson Brian.

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  31. bri-uklefty says

    March 19, 2016 at 9:57 am

    Thanks Brian and I’m always drawn to your ragtime, swing, blues lessons.

    I really enjoyed this lesson, as the first lesson of yours that I picked up was ‘Swing Blues Style Acoustic’ and you hooked me then. I agree with your comment about Bessie Smith and Eric Clapton as I mess around with ‘Nobody loves you when your down and out’ it’s been one I always drop back into for a kitchen busk LOL!

    After month challenge I hope to get recording of my efforts into ‘Showcase playing’ forum…………………………cheers Bri

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  32. sunburst says

    April 11, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    I’M UP IN THE STICKS WAITING FOR COLD RAIN TO STOP TO GO FISH ON A DOCK..MEAN WHILE PLAYED THIS GREAT FAVORITE FINGER STYLE ON MY AP 70 ALVAREZ RAW COLD DARK RAINY DAY VERY CLOSE IS BETHAL WOODS MUSEUM UPSTATE NY..PEACE OUT AND THANKS TO Brian again!

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  33. Dortel Fabrice says

    September 22, 2016 at 7:39 am

    Génial et très accessible !
    Merci beaucoup
    Fabrice

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  34. Claude R says

    October 6, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Bonjour Brian,

    Merci pour ce cours magistral, les explications sont bien détaillées, j’aime beaucoup la relation que tu fais avec les notes jouées et les accords. J’attends chaque semaine la leçon et ne regrette pas mon abonnement premium.

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  35. Tony F says

    February 1, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    Great lesson Brian… First time as a premium member, love all the site features and feeling really good learning it.

    Cheers

    Tony

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    • Brian says

      February 1, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      Great Tony! Welcome. Glad to have you as a member.

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  36. Marty V says

    September 26, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Another surprising lesson — I’m a big fan of C.W. Stoneking, and this is right in his wheelhouse.

    I’m interested in how you go about developing leads — do you improvise and then write down things you come up with? Or do you sit down and structure a lead?

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  37. Miami Five 0 says

    February 14, 2019 at 10:32 pm

    Nice shirt Brian – My wife gave me the same shirt today for Valentines Day –

    Robert Johnson and the Devil at the crossroads –

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  38. Caleb says

    July 12, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    I know this is an older lesson, but I wanted to comment on it. I have spent all day messing with this lesson after stumbling upon Lonnie Johnson’s music for the first time this week. His music is wonderful, as is this lesson. Thanks, Brian, for putting this one together.

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  39. David S says

    April 2, 2022 at 2:59 pm

    Found this lesson today.All I can say is WOW,WOW,WOW!!!!!!!! First time to see Lonnie Johnson.Impressed greatly. Thanks again Brian.

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  40. Scott D says

    August 14, 2022 at 5:48 pm

    Hey that’s a fun song. I finally learned one of the Western swing lessons. And now I’m working on this fun song. Thanks Brian. 🤓

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  41. Scott D says

    August 25, 2022 at 7:41 pm

    Hi Brian, hey I’m beginning to use a metronome with this lesson. Ep140 I’m not sure if it’s 3/4 time or what. Please let me know when you get a minute.
    Thanks Scott.

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  42. Scott D says

    October 5, 2022 at 6:01 pm

    thanks again Brian for this lesson. I really appreciate this one being a Rythm and lead part> I’m working on it, as soon as I’m a premium member I’ll try to upload my first video here at active melody. Thanks again Brian.

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