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Using Dynamics to Create a Rock, Blues Lead – Guitar Lesson EP335

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll use the 5 notes of the minor pentatonic scale to create a dynamic lead, starting low and building to a crescendo. This approach is about saving the high notes and keeping them in reserve for a dramatic build.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  1. Michael Allen says

    November 15, 2019 at 6:44 pm

    I know I must be repeating myself but I love these lessons more and more every week! I can’t wait to learn this one! Thanks Brian

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  2. Manley says

    November 15, 2019 at 7:20 pm

    Need help please.
    I’m a premium member and when I watch the 1st video I cannot get the screen to open up to full screen neither on my iPad or my laptop. When I go to the learn more that pops up when I attempt to enlarge screen it’s saying that’s it’s on your end that has it turned off.
    The 2nd video and the slow video does enlarge as it should only the first video I’m having trouble with.
    I’ve been having to jump out of this site and go to YouTube app and watch it there with no issue which would be ok except as you know you cannot watch the premium video on you tube so I’m constantly having to jump back and forth from app to app.

    Is any one else have this trouble?

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    • Brian says

      November 15, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      YouTube requires you to be in their site to view full screen on iPad. You can click on the title in the embedded video and it will automatically take you there

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      • Manley says

        November 16, 2019 at 9:14 am

        Thanks

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        • Will L says

          November 16, 2019 at 4:08 pm

          Hi Manley,
          I use the iPad too, iOS 12.4.1 with Safari and JamUp pro.
          Works fine for me.

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  3. Bill B says

    November 15, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    It’s almost like waiting for that paycheck on Friday… I definitely anticipate what you’re going to put out next. Kinda has a newer Gov’t Mule feel to me. Look forward to diving into this one!

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    • Robert K says

      November 19, 2019 at 5:08 am

      Hey Bill, that’s exactly what it feels like, but the guitar lesson doesn’t disappoint : )

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  4. sunburst says

    November 15, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I really like this very much also learned a new word for the “crescendo” lol ty much man!

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  5. Martin P says

    November 15, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Right up my street (English expression)

    Exactly what I’ve been waiting for, for a while.

    Many thanks Brian.

    It’s 2am here in the U.K. and I can’t wait to get started on this. 🎸

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  6. Jim M says

    November 15, 2019 at 8:59 pm

    No to two lesson alike. You are not only a wonderful teacher, but an excellent composer as well.
    Thanks Brian!!!

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  7. San Luis Rey says

    November 15, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    When I listened to this I thought, ok cool. Then playing it bulbs started flashing and wow. This is connecting more dots and helping a bunch with vibrato on some bends. Really great lesson again Brian!

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  8. cristiano z says

    November 16, 2019 at 4:05 am

    AWESOME ! Thanks Brian.

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  9. Jay Guitarman says

    November 16, 2019 at 4:55 am

    Hi Brian, what kind of chord progression is this? Is it a 1 7 4 in the key of bm or a 2 1 5 in the key of A?

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    • Brian says

      November 16, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      I guess technically it’s a 2, 1, 5 in A.

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      • Wheelman says

        November 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm

        I was wondering about this as well…1-7-4 had me going??? So I logged on to leave a question and saw Guitarmans question. But 2-1-5 seems kinda odd too!I sure enjoyed the lesson though!
        If you keep showing off that Meteora I’m going to have to go buy one…so quit it!

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      • RUSSELL H says

        November 27, 2019 at 4:21 am

        A bit late to the party but for my money it’s 1 7 4 in bm, using a major 4 as a non-diatonic chord, much as you might use a minor 4 in a major key. When the G comes in it’s 6 4 1 7 1. All except the Emaj are legit in the key of bm which is why the bm pentatonic fits throughout.

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  10. Allan says

    November 16, 2019 at 5:57 am

    Hi Brian love the reggae backing and flourishes of Clapton great combination cheers.

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    • Barry N says

      October 29, 2020 at 7:26 pm

      Brilliant get this one down methinks takes me back to some great times “We is Rocking” this one has definitely distracted me and I cant go past it…thanks Brian 🙂

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  11. Francisco Javier C says

    November 16, 2019 at 6:40 am

    Thanks Brian,
    LOVE the slow versión, remember.me JJ Cale. Great job, like every week.

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  12. Walter D says

    November 16, 2019 at 9:48 am

    So much fun to play. This pushes the envelope and really develops your sense of timing. I find myself wanting to play too fast with the slow jam track. You really have to pay attention to the rhythm.

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  13. Raymond P says

    November 16, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Another great lesson. Always learning some new techniques each week. Love these lessons Brian.

    Thanks
    Ray P

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  14. San Luis Rey says

    November 16, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    Getting the licks down and now starting to play them with the backing tracks to a REGGAE BEAT! Albert King, SRV, Clapton licks to this beat is crazy good. Your lessons cover such a wide expanse of styles, some of I never thought much about but absolutely love them all. The variety keeps this fresh and fun every week. Thank you Brian for every single thing you put out!

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  15. Theodore J says

    November 17, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    Thank you Brian, Each lesson opens up a new road….much appreciated

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  16. sunburst says

    November 17, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    I like this a real lot, just started this,,it’s a November saved favorite .. I’m so much having fun with this tonight!

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  17. Stobes says

    November 18, 2019 at 10:14 am

    Is this like a 2, 1 5,? or 2,5,1? Somebody told me you could riff/solo on the one all the way through this type of progression. Any theorists out there with the answer?

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    • charjo says

      November 19, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      Stobes,
      Maybe this could be considered a B Dorian progression. It’s 2, 5, 1, in the key of A but the tonal center is the B minor chord. You should be able to play A major or B Dorian, ie. all the same notes or, of course, B minor pentatonic. The G major chord doesn’t fit but Brian just plays B minor pentatonic right over it and it sounds great.
      John

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      • charjo says

        November 19, 2019 at 4:31 pm

        Sorry, Stobes, 2, 1, 5, in the key of A, like you said.
        John

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      • RUSSELL H says

        November 27, 2019 at 4:22 am

        A bit late to the party but for my money it’s 1 7 4 in bm, using a major 4 as a non-diatonic chord, much as you might use a minor 4 in a major key. When the G comes in it’s 6 4 1 7 1. All except the Emaj are legit in the key of bm which is why the bm pentatonic fits throughout.

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  18. David E says

    November 19, 2019 at 1:14 pm

    Lovin’ the sort of early Mark Knopfler sound here, Brian. So good… And always so varied from week to week. It’s such a gift. Thanks!

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  19. Simon P says

    November 20, 2019 at 12:48 am

    Hi Brian
    Some weeks I’m too busy with work and don’t pick my guitar up all week, but I can’t tell you how much I love just watching the lesson and filling in gaps in my understanding of the neck and scales and CAGED etc
    Great teacher

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  20. Thomas G says

    November 20, 2019 at 11:03 am

    Please show us how to play the Reggae Backing Track

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  21. John P says

    November 20, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    One of my favorite lessons. Really like this style.

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  22. Theodore J says

    November 21, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    I am a late comer Brian, stumbled on EP 289, just great

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  23. cloughie says

    November 24, 2019 at 2:05 am

    This is an addictive one. Can’t match your tempo yet but 150% of the slow one is enough for me. Love it!

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  24. Norman W says

    November 25, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks Brian,

    Excactly what i need for my hobby space blues rock band.

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  25. Neal L says

    November 28, 2019 at 11:02 am

    Brian, this is a great composition and I like the idea of holding back and building the crescendo…Right on target. BTW YOUR NEW FENDER SOUNDS GREAT
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING NEAL

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  26. Haukur A says

    November 29, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    Are the MP3 backing tracks not downloadable, i.e. on to your computer?

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    • Brian says

      November 29, 2019 at 3:50 pm

      They are – you’ll get different results depending on the browser you use. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox and click on the “Download MP3” link, it will download the file automatically. Other browsers will try and play the file after it downloads (which is what you’re experiencing). So try RIGHT clicking on the “Download MP3” link if you’re on a Windows computer and then choose the “Save As..” option. If you’re on a Mac, hold down the “Control” key and click on “Download MP3”.

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      • Haukur A says

        November 29, 2019 at 6:26 pm

        Ah! Thanks. (It’s actually the “Option” key, not “Control”). Awesome track by the way, will be working on this over the weekend.

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  27. dave d says

    December 6, 2019 at 10:14 am

    I really love this one, this is the electric one for me. love the fingerstyle acoustics lately as well.

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    • David D says

      April 8, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      So I have to ask, are you the real Dave D from the custom shop lube and tune? I had chatted with Kendrick but didn’t form a relationship like he seemed to think we had. He signed my book as a friend.

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  28. JohnStrat says

    December 26, 2019 at 5:36 am

    I missed this lesson on the way through but what a beauty thanks delighted to find it , Iguess it was my broken shoulder that stopped me for a couple of months but it is thankfully well on the mend now and this will be a must do Cheers

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  29. Simon P says

    December 28, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    My favourite lesson ever Brian
    I was determined to use my Christmas holidays to get this one down, and I’ve just got the last run down nailed😃
    You said in the video that we might perceive it as harder than usual but don’t worry Brian, your great video teaching technique and great arrangements have inspired me to play things this year I never thought would come from my fingers.
    A great big thank you and Christmas blessings to you and your family 🕊

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  30. elerouge says

    January 13, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    To get the same tempo of the regular backing track, i have to put the speed how many percent more on the on screen tab viewer ? Thanks

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  31. Nick L says

    January 23, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    Do you have beginning guitar ?

    Nick

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