Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Visualize Chord Shapes To Create Melodic Leads – Guitar Lesson EP377

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you will learn how to play a slow and easy, melodic lead by visualizing chord shapes in different neck positions. This is a different way of thinking about playing lead, that relies less on scales, instead focusing on the chords themselves.

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

  3. JohnStrat says

    Brian The Soundslice is fully functional but the videos are still just script titles ony. On my second and third run through now I would ask is the the most beautiful tune on the site? Its utterly fantastic in my thinking Brilliant.

  10. San Luis Rey says

    Wow! Haven’t seen the CEO7 for awhile. Good to hear it gettin some love. Perfect timing for an acoustic lesson. There may be more rolling blackouts here in So Cal this weekend. I love these lessons that help visualize chord shapes in different positions. Thanks Brian, you are the best, most creative teacher on the planet!

  13. jur says

    I also like your explanation at the beginning of why the A7 chord is in the progression and not the A7m (which would be in the chord family of G). It’s because the previous chord E is the V chord of A, as you nicely explain. But: why is the E major chord in there and not the Em? Since the song is in G, you would expect the vi chord of the G-family to be a minor chord, wouldn’t you?

  18. Jeff H says

    I have to agree, what a Beautiful Melody. I thought, wow, I have to learn this one. Another one in my Favorites. You always make our week Brian. With a world gone crazy, especially here in Melbourne at the moment, you bring a little sanity back to us. Thank You very much.

    • charjo says

      Brian,
      I think you were right about that lick being E harmonic minor. You played a B7 followed by an E minor. I think that’s briefly putting you in the key of E minor but with a dominant V chord, so the E minor harmonic would fit perfectly.
      John

  23. John B says

    I’m so impressed at how great you really are Brian. Last week lesson was killer and then you come back with This amazing tune. My eyes are all blurry from all the practicing. Ha ha.

    Thanks for making Covid tolerable.

    • David LC says

      I agree that the past 20 or so lessons have been so enjoyable. It’s fun, it’s musical. It’s also getting easier and faster for me to pick up and play the tunes, which I try to split into a melody and rhythm blend so I can extend a 1 minute to 2 minute segment into a 3 to 5 minute version….without repeating the same thing over and over.

  24. sunjamr says

    I’ve kind of intuitively been doing this for a while now, so it’s nice to see it all carved in stone. Of course, the key to it all is to knuckle down and learn all those alternative chord voicings (the dreaded CAGED system).

  27. charleydelta says

    In addition to Brian’s September 4, 2020 lesson, EP377, the following are also “eye-openers” – using chord shapes:

    EP 156 Play Lead Using Different Chord Shapes Key of E
    EP 199 Chord Shapes, Triads and Embellishments Key of A
    EP 320 Rhythm & Lead Fills Using Chord Shapes Key of G

  29. ron D says

    Brian, I learn something from every lesson, even those that are not my favorite style of music. I especially like more melodic tunes like this. Thanks I look forward to some chord melody.

  30. Ted M says

    Hey Brian, the more I play this the more I really enjoy it. I got the first half sorted, now for the second! You are correct I am learning the chord shapes all over the neck. It is a pretty straightforward waltz and great practice, but it is so lyrical. Thanks for this, as always.

  31. Steven B says

    This lesson has so highlighted to me the connection of the melody to the chords, something Brian has been at pains to get through to us. Somehow this makes it so clear. It is the culmination of some inspired teaching especially lately. I think the importance of learning the notes of each string and practicing major scales has also helped me. I am greatly enjoying it and benefiting so much. Thanks

  33. André H says

    Hi Brian,

    Thanks again, these last weeks were tremendous, I really understand how and “why” to play the guitar.
    But this week, wouah! I agree with what JohnStrat says, its the most beautifu melody of this “site”. That explain why when you are listening to Neil Young or Pink Floyd, all melodies seem so “evident” (french word, I don’t get the english word, but hope its understable).

  34. Frank N says

    Brian, I have learned so much from your lessons. There is so much to take away from this one and it is so rewarding to learn how to play such a beautiful melody. I’m sure we would all agree that you are simply the best guitar instructor on the entire internet. That is not hyperbole, it is the truth. I am grateful for having discovered AM.

  35. Countryman says

    Hi Brian.

    This has got to be one of the prettiest tunes you have ever composed ! I speak as someone who has been with your Site since lesson 042! I absolutely love this piece, and will really enjoy learning it! As an Englishman, I can use the phrase, “Just my Cup of Tea!” Also, the tone you get from that Martin is something very, very Special !

    Thanks Brian, more of of the same please.

    Kind regards.

    Countryman.

  38. Glenn W says

    I really love this lesson and love that there is a lot of scope for changing little bits of it as I go and the chromatic runs are to die for. On this lesson I accidentally discovered how to use Soundslice to repeat selected parts so it makes memorising much easier.

  40. David LC says

    I’ve been thinking about the know the chords up and down the neck, connecting chords, major and minor pent scales, and playing some chord changes with a melody line, combined with the ability to rub my belly and pat myself on the head, musically speaking of course.
    I would tend to agree that I’d have a heck of a good start on becoming a decent guitar player.
    ..
    Actually, it better be true because that’s what I’m learning from you!!
    Thanks for sharing your ability to just play guitar without all the gobbily-gook that some online course throw out there. Your style reminds me of many a night, back in the 60s and 70s, hanging out with the other players. Just making music.

  42. Jay B says

    Hey Brian,
    Short timer, BIG FAN! Love your weekly lessons, your teaching style is perfect for me!! A question/favor… On the download tablature PDF file, is there any way you can increase the font size of the individual note fret numbers? I typically print it off and (retired guy, older eyes) I really need to squint to see the number. Thanks for your lessons, I look forward to them every week!

    • David LC says

      Jay B
      I print it using POSTER in the PDF print dialog. That allows me to tape together 2 pages and wide and usually 4 pages hihgh as a single, complete lesson or song. No more squinting and I can look at it without breaking stride as I can see “ahead” a bit.

      • Jay B says

        Thanks David, Good suggestion. I’ve poked around a little and see that I need to use a laptop with full Adobe Reader print driver features, rather than my iPad. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion and I’ll give it a try…

    • Joe W says

      Jay, I had the same problem with the font size. I bought a 27” monitor and hooked it up to my laptop and that solved my problem completely. I can go full screen with the tab and it’s plenty big enough.

  44. Benjamin S says

    HI Brian, this was a great lesson of a beautiful song. I rarely play barre chords, and this lesson implemented the types and shapes i utilize in me playing throught the neck. Your statemnet of learning chords in different positions on the neck, spot on!!! makes playing so much easier and nicer for diffderent voicing of the same chords.

  49. Michael T says

    A little confused here. You go through the G – E7 – A7 – D7 the first time. That’s clear. Then you go back to G. I’m expecting E7 next, but you go to that D7 (C shape), and say, “That’s how we turn it around.” So, it’s 1 – 6 – 2 – 4, then 1 – 4 (for a turn around), and then back to 1 – 6 – 2 – 4? Is that correct?

  52. Bobbie C says

    Great lesson!! Definitely opened some doors for me regarding how to use the chromatics to get to the chord shapes to pick around while keeping a melody line moving…..
    I tell all my friends just starting out that your site is a must!! I playing and understanding get significantly better after each lesson.

  55. MarioK says

    Hi Brian,
    I just started that great lesson and I really like that triad approach. Thank you for that. But I’m a little bit confused concerning the idea of the G6th and the G9th chord. If I understood you right, the G6th chord is the e minor so the 6th chord in the G major scale. If I go down 2 frets I play a d minor and I can’t see, why this should be a G 9th chord. I’m sure, I’v overseen something. Could you please explain. Thank you very much.

  57. Macca says

    Hey Brian,I just want to say many thanks for your wonderful lessons. :@)
    Love this one especially.
    well worth the subscription,the best site ive found.10/10..
    seems i have found a new internet home. 😀 thanks again.

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