Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Minor key blues – electric lead guitar lesson – Jam track by Quist! – Guitar Lesson EP600

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, we’ve got a special jam track created by the maestro himself, Quist. This allowed me to improvise an electric lead (with lots of string bending) over this incredible minor key jam track.

If you like this jam track, be sure to check out Quist’s social media accounts below:

YouTube channel – full of classy sounding backing tracks by going here
Spotify – Stream Quist backing tracks by going here
Instagram – Featuring some of Quist’s amazing guitar work by going here

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walkthrough

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  2. Paul J says

    Hi Brian,
    congratulations to your 600th lesson, what an incredible journey!! Thank for the hours of learning and inspiration you have given me/us. Here’s to a few hundred more.
    All the very best, PJ

  4. Ralph P. says

    Congratulations on 600 Brian! I recently viewed some of your very old lessons, and they look very primitive compared to your standards today. You’ve evolved your site into a very professional, polished, and user friendly platform.

    Doing what you love to make a living…that’s success.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, and have a great week off.

  8. houliAK says

    I enjoyed a revisit to the minor triad shapes. By sticking to the familar minor P1 and P2 in the key of the song, it allowed me to work on my badly needed “phrasing” . I get the notes and understand why but getting the phrasing and feeling has been a slower journey but I’m getting there. I believe a deep dive into this lesson will help.
    Thank you for the years and Congrats on 600!!
    Enjoy the family.
    Merry Christmas from Alaska!

  9. Peter W says

    Thanks Brian I really like today’s lesson. I usually like most of your lessons, the only problem is that I rarely have time to learn everything in a week before there is something new to learn. Becoming a member of Aktivmelody is one of the best things I have done in my life. Thanks Brian for all the work you put in. Wishing you and all the other guitarists a really nice Christmas and a Happy New Year. / Peter

  11. John E F says

    I’ve been a member for many years and I’ve learned so much and have great fun with it. I’ve decided to stay with my acoustic Martin rather than go with an electric. At 80 I need to not go off in another area though I learn much from your electric lessons as well. there’s plenty to work on your old lessons to keep me busy.

  13. obie123 says

    Another home run great lessson, think I started taking lessons around 300… your playing was always good but still keeps getting better and it shows here. Merry Christmas… ps nice sound from your guitar

  18. Stev G says

    Thank you very much for what you do Brian and congrats on 600 lessons of pure gold. We all appreciate you and look forward to every Friday. Merry Christmas and enjoy your week “off”, you definitely deserve it!

  19. Robert Burlin says

    This brother has soul for real and it comes through loud and clear during this soulful Christmas holy time of year in this touching soul stirring blues jam. I can see Santa and Mrs. Clause dancing with Rudolph and the reindeer on this one. I only wish it was longer!

  21. Dale G says

    Congrats Brian on 600! Thanks for all the wonderful lessons you have done to improve the guitar playing for so many of us! You definitely deserve the week off and hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your family.

  25. Brian B says

    Great accomplishment, Brian-thank you. This time of year I get to man the Salvation Army Christmas kettle for a few hours a week and instead of ringing bells I play Christmas songs on my accoustic and portable amp. Many of them are your versions, which the people enjoy.
    Merry Christmas right back to you.

  26. Steven B says

    Another wonderful lesson ! I’m still here six years on and still enjoying your passion for teaching and our similar ideas on what sounds good and moves us. What a great gift music is and the people who take the time to pass on their knowledge. I hope you still enjoy making these lessons after 600, I am still enjoying learning from them and have to express my respect and admiration for you. Thank You and enjoy the break with your family

  32. charjo says

    Can’t believe we’re here at 600, I’ve been with you since EP 105 and still picking up new tips every week. Congratulations and much continued success, Brian.
    Bending to the 2nd, I heard “All Along the Watchtower” from one of the all time great solos by my other guitar hero.
    John

  33. Manfred M says

    How do you manage that, Brian? 600 lessons and yet you get better and better every week. But of course I don’t mind, so I have more fun learning from you every week. A huge thank you, Brian, for the opportunity every week for us to get better as guitarists. And my heartfelt congratulations for 600 lessons. Incredible!

  34. Kevin S says

    Man you’re getting a lot of love today, and it’s well deserved. Been with Act Mel for years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and appreciate the knowledge that you share. Knowing that your pattern is to take even hundredth lesson off I was expecting to drift into the oldies file, but surprise, a new great lesson! Merry Christmas, Brian. Hope the new year holds the best for you and your family. Peace, Kevin

  38. Jeff H says

    Congratulations on 600 lessons Brian, what an achievement! Every week you surprise us, and inspire us. I look forward to the next 600 lessons. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas. Enjoy your week off, and see you next year.

  39. Daniel H says

    Congrats on 600 Brian!
    Lot’s of members say how long they have been with you…I reckon I do to.
    An idea for you: After the member name, can show “since Month-Year”? I think it would be cool to see how long the member making a comment has been with you (at the time they make the comment). Surely that data is available in your database. Anyway, Merry Christmas and we’ll see you next year.

  40. Victor M says

    For the last month or so when I attempted to watch the part 1 video from the activemelody site I get a prove that I am not a bot and I am unable to watch the video. Please help ( I don’t think I am a bot) the part 2 video is fine

    • Brian says

      this is something new that seems to be exclusive to Safari (not sure why it’s happening to some people and not others) – it’s caused by 1 of 2 things.. 1) if you’re using a VPN, it will happen… you can just change your VPN location to solve it. or 2) it’s something w/ the version of Safari… the easiest solution is to just use a different browser – Firefox, Chrome, etc.

      Sometimes your antivirus software is the culprit (web root, norton, etc) – if it uses a VPN… you might try disabling and see if it works ok without – then you’ll know it’s the culprit (or the VPN within the software is the culprit).

  41. erwin41 says

    A beautiful lesson,Brian. Wish i could play with your Feeling but i will try my Best.Wishing you and your Familie a Merry Cristmas and a Happy New Year from Austria.

    I am a follower over the 600 lesson and before the first Nr. i think i must have 15 lessons with no Number on them.Thanks a lot for all ilearned over all the Music.. Cheers Erwin

  42. David V says

    Hi Brian – I don’t comment much (at all!) – but I do watch all of your lessons and very much appreciate them. I’ve been a frustrated guitar player for many many years and your lessons help me a great deal – and “give me strength” and desire and encouragement to keep going! Thank you.
    Very best wishes to you and your family – have a great Christmas and a great 2025 – and enjoy your break.

  43. Bo R says

    “Just staying with the notes you know.”: This is gold as far I’m concerned.

    Of course, the further suggestion is to evolve, but this is like shedding the handcuffs of anxiety, self-expectation, and impatience. Existential wisdom.

    I’ve been playing on & off since 1967 with a 25-year blockout (deep regrets), and this is probably the best thing I’ve heard any instructor say. Merry Christmas, everyone!

  45. blues46 says

    Good lesson and congratulation. Lesson 600 unbelievable. I look forward every Friday to getting your lesson.
    I have been a member for many years.. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  49. Andy N says

    Congratulations on the 600th lesson. And what a terrific lesson you came up with to mark the occasion, an awesome minor blues just “using the notes you know”. That’s Golden advice. I’m going to make a sign of that to put by my guitar. The Quist backing track is soooooo good too.
    Have a relaxing break and Merry Christmas to you and the family.

  50. newc says

    Thanks Brian

    I use lessons like this all the time when playing by myself and
    I love using them when I gig.
    Please continue bringing on these lessons as the majority of the players are not in bands .
    I agree with you on the energy that comes from your fingers and your soul when you play to someone else tracks

    Have A Great Christmas.
    Newc

  54. San Luis Rey says

    Congrats on 600 lessons Brian! Thanks for all you do every week making us all better players. This minor blues lesson is already on my favorites list. I’ve been around since Ep 49 and it just keeps getting better here!

  57. James S says

    Vicious tone! Do you know what bridge pickup is in that guitar?

    Also, that last first string lick over the five going from C# to C to B is something SRV used to do quite a bit over the five.

    • Brian says

      Standard US Strat – 2001 I believe. Stock pickups. The very first chord that I played the arpeggio of I played in the middle position, but then I noticed I switched to the bridge pickup for the rest of it

  58. Mark W says

    Hi Brian – congratulations on 600 fantastic lessons. I joined in the early 300s but have been back over most lessons and each new lesson is the one of the highlights of my week. I love your teaching style and learn so much each week because of your approach. However these minor key blues you have done with Quist are probably my all time favourites so great way to finish the year. Have a great Xmas and greetings from South Australia. Not sure if you are having a white Xmas but it will be 40C here and we will probably head to the beach. Cheers Mark

  59. Harald L says

    Just want to point out mistake in notation of bar 8 to minimize possible confusion amongst the comrades . Two 16th notes missing. Otherwise another beautiful piece of music. Thank you so much for your lessons Brian, you are a true gift to music education. Best wishes to you and yours for the coming year ahead from Wollongong Australia.

  64. RNArizona says

    Terrific lesson Brian, and congratulations as well. I’ve just recently re-upped and already have three lesson that really interest me. Merry Christmas to you, your family, and all of your student here at Active Melody.

  70. Gary K says

    Is there a way to post a link to this particular backing track by Quist on YouTube, without your guitar overlay? For some reason the quality of the backing track I get from the Active Melody site is really poor. Thanks.

  72. Dick S says

    I’ve been following you since 2012 and have learned so much over the tears. Thank you Brian for helping so many. You and family have a very Merry Christmas. Congrats on number 600. WOW!

  74. Tom B says

    Brian
    You hit it out of the park this week. I love how you took a concept and showed me how to bring it to life with feeling and soul!
    Thanks for going back to the white ground with black notes on the tabs.

    Much appreciated. Also I am now using my iPad instead of my iPhone which helps.
    Here, is to the next 600 lessons!

  75. Tom B says

    Brian
    By the way your enthusiasm speaks volumes about you living your purpose. Thanks for going the extra mile each week, you make guitar learning fun and challenging.
    By the way my third year with you.

  78. Jerry P says

    Sometimes I forget just how much I do know, so learning to make my fingers sing is a good metaphor for me. Congrats on 600! I’ve been with you for much of the way.. Merry Christmas in Tennessee from the Rock Mountains of Colorado!

  84. Christopher K says

    Hi Brian
    Merry Xmas from Down Under! Just got ep600. Fantastic! I’d love more collaborations with Quist and you to create full length songs that we can get out teeth into – even if it’s over a couple of or a few lessons!
    Regards
    Chris

  85. Andrew A says

    Brian, congratulations on another landmark. I joined AM around the 300 th lesson. At that time I was following you on YouTube and was particularly mesmerized by Ep279 and 281. Both were moving , tuneful and rhythmic and we’re exactly what I was looking for at the time. As an added bonus (since then)your teaching of each new song has widened my understanding of guitar playing and music in general , and more specifically has led to me growing as a guitar player. With each lesson you demonstrate and explain your ideas so well, it’s exciting to see what you come up with each Friday. As a teacher you are unsurpassed. Thank you for your hard work. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and all the best in the New Year ! Andrew.

  87. Dennis F says

    Here’s wishing you merry everything in the days and months ahead. I second all the good things said about you above. I’ve learned not to ever skip a new lesson because I think “Oh, I know that stuff already.” There always turns out to be something valuable to take away from every lesson. Looking forward to many more.
    Denny

  88. daniel M says

    Brian, 600 but who’s counting. The experience that you give is the whole is worth more than the sum of the parts. You i’m sure have touched many of us in a wonderful learning experience. Enjoy the holidays and the ones by whom you are loved.

  89. vol46 says

    I need some help! I’ve been a member for years, & will do a lesson only occasionally, when I find one that looks interesting. Recently, When I try to play part one of any lesson, I get a message that says something like “sign in to prove you’re not a bot” – well, I do the login, try part 1 again, & get the same message.
    When I click on the message, I get taken to YouTube and some unrelated content.
    I can’t seem to find a “contact us” or support area on the website to get help with this issue. What am I doing wrong?

    • Brian says

      this is something new that is caused by Safari (not sure why it’s happening to some people and not others) – it’s caused by 1 of 2 things.. 1) if you’re using a VPN, it will happen… you can just change your VPN location to solve it. or 2) it’s something w/ the version of Safari… the easiest solution is to just use a different browser – Firefox, Chrome, etc.

      Sometimes your antivirus software is the culprit (web root, norton, etc) – if it uses a VPN… you might try disabling and see if it works ok without – then you’ll know it’s the culprit (or the VPN within the software is the culprit).

  90. Roy L says

    Great lesson Brian. Lots of emotion with amazingly straight forward notes. If the next 600 are as good as this keep me signed in. Hope you are your family enjoy a good Festive season. Roy

  92. Steve says

    Fun lesson

    Notice you hit a few major notes even though you were playing in minor. Once over the fourth when you matched a note out of its chord and then over the 5th. Presume mixing major and minor works over 4 and 5th but not so much over the 1 chord?

  94. Eric C says

    Thanks for this lesson #600
    How come with 3 basic chords and a minor pentatonic you make music and deliver emotions when I could only play 3 chords and a scale…
    Enjoy your holidays with your family

  95. rjwheeler says

    Thank you for the many years of lessons; became a member of Activemelody.com when you were in the mid 200’s. I have learned so much and increased my knowledge and love of the guitar because of you. I’ll be 81 next month and started playing guitar as a teenager but learned more from you than all the other years playing. Hope we’re still playing when you reach a thousand.

  96. C R D says

    Great lesson Brian. Timing of licks is a real challenge for me but I am making progress. Love your channel! I am having trouble importing that backing track without guitar into my DAW (Ableton). No problem with the backing track with guitar. Error message says file may be corrupt or not licensed. I have downloaded it multiple times. Media player plays the file fine but I get the error message when I try to load into DAW. Any suggestions? Anyone else having this problem?

  99. Scott M says

    Hello—i just joined this site about a week ago—and digging it so far. Been playing for 15-18 years or so and I really like Brian’s approach to teaching. He defiantly stands out (in a very good way) against all the other on-line “teachers” which are available today.
    Looking forward to this journey and getting to know many of you.

  103. Terry P says

    Very nice flow and you get a good feeling for where the song going. So many good blues licks to make it those two patterns, This allows to you work on your timing with a jam track that I can keep up with.
    Thanks

  105. Jim C says

    Hi Brian. love the lesson
    I just joined active melody. love the approach to look at triads, major and minor, in the caged system
    it is finally starting to make sense. esp. cord shapes for melody and lead positions
    a new way to look at the guitar neck
    so much more to learn.
    keep it coming
    thank you,

  106. Paul P says

    I’m also celebrating a special milestone. Five years ago I decided to join active melody as something to do in retirement. One of the best decisions I ever made and I’m looking forward to the next five years. Happy new year everyone

  111. Jeffrey R says

    Congratulations! Another milestone EP 600!

    Thank you for your continued dedication to the craft of playing and teaching!
    Your unique style of teaching ,ideas, methods, and various approaches is incredibly helpful and useful. Your frequent references to what’s going on in each piece with references to chord progressions, pearls, and of course other lessons that dive deep into a particular detail of what you’re explaining is key. ( great pdfs, tracks and tab too)
    All this along with your congenial demeanor and speed at which you teach, really does allow for those “lightbulb moments for some of you out there “ that you mention does happen!
    I’m likely speaking for many others that don’t regularly post as well as myself.
    keep on keeping on!
    And happy new year to all

  113. Andy D says

    Dear Brian, I want to join all the others to say a big thank YOU and congratulations for doing all these wonderful tuition vids. For me they are perfect – I can play some of the stuff but there’s always something new and challenging. And the styles you play are just what I want – rootsy Americana of the very best kind. I can see that sooooo much work goes into these professional, easy-to-absorb lessons. And best of all, they make me want to “pick up that guitar and play (just like yesterday)”.

    Thank you

  114. Ian M says

    Another super lesson Brian and congratulations on achieving that 600 milestone. I hope you did have a happy Christmas, but I’m so glad you did the minor blues lesson. At last i can see how it all fits together. A light bulb moment

  115. Jerry M says

    I think my first lesson after signing up was EP362. Most of them I struggle through but picked up something. This is the first one that every bit of was a “take-away” and the best one ever for someone that is not as experienced as you. 🙂

  116. Brian A says

    Congratulations Brian on your 600th.
    You have been an excellent educator and true inspiration to me.
    I have learned so much from you over the past five years.
    BTW, had a great time at Carter Vintage and Gruhn Guitars at your recommendation, during my visit to Nashville back in September.
    Thank you again,
    Brian A.

  117. Michael B says

    Well done Mr B on the six double zero!

    Personally, i would like a micro every other week as finding time to get through a lesson per week, as well as playing other stuff work ect…

    Micro lessons would be much easier to get to grips with learn faster and give time to to get your fingers under it and the little nuances right which is a big part of getting everything to sound as similar to what you have given us to play.

    I know that might not be for everybody, but that’s just my take on it, nobody else teaching guitar puts out that much material per month.

    Well done fella.

    Michael from England.

  118. Phillip H says

    Brian, may i ask, is there an error in Bar 8 on the on line TAB viewer. I had sensed there was a mismatch between what you teach in the lesson, what the tab shows, and how it sounds when you run the on line tab! It seems to me that you play a final double quarter note on the E on the G string (the lovely otis rush riff). This appears when you first play the song, then on the on line viewer, but in none of the tab. Am i right?!

  119. Ted L says

    Hey Brian…HNY from down under.
    Congratulations on 600!!

    You have a very large library of licks. .Great to see a lesson showing how to use, tie in with scales etc.
    Its sort of where I’m at, at the moment Know the scales / patterns etc but now trying to make it melodic………….. keep em coming 🙂

    Cheers

  121. Charles M says

    Well. I’ve been learning some of the older lessons and just now taking time to learn this one. You and Quist make a great combination. I don’t know how you keep offering new fresh sounding music, but you do. Love this one. Best of the new year so far, for me anyways.
    Happy 2025, at least in the guitar world,

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