In this week's guitar lesson, I'll show you how to play a Muddy Waters inspired blues composition that's played solo guitar (meaning no accompaniment). This composition is made up of several classic Muddy Waters licks. Muddy always played with a slide and even though I'm not using a slide for this, I'll show you how to simulate his slide technique while playing everything in standard tuning. This works well on acoustic or electric guitar. … [Read more...]
Tony Joe White Style Rhythm Guitar Lesson – EP212
In this week's guitar lesson, we'll take a look at the bluesy rhythm playing of the great Tony Joe White. He's the songwriter behind "Polk Salad Annie" and "Rainy Night in Georgia" and several other great songs. He also happens to be a fantastic guitar player and his blues rhythm style has always fascinated me. He makes it look so effortless. In this lesson I'll break down a rhythm similar to what he does in "Polk Salad Annie". … [Read more...]
Bluesy, Jazz Guitar Lesson (Solo Composition) EP207
In this bluesy jazz guitar lesson, you'll learn a solo composition that works on acoustic or electric guitar. I'll show you where all of the licks and chords come from so that you can improvise in this style or even write songs like this. This was inspired by the great jazz guitar player Kenny Burrell. Take a listen to his classic "Midnight Blue" to hear the inspiration for this chord structure. … [Read more...]
John Fogerty Guitar Lesson – Rhythm and Lead – EP201
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a John Fogerty inspired lead and rhythm. This was created by pulling together several of Fogerty's signature licks both from his solo career as well as his days in Creedence Clearwater Revival. You'll learn both lead and rhythm in his style and this lesson includes the MP3 jam track in 2 tempos as well as the tablature. … [Read more...]
Jerry Garcia Style Guitar Lesson – Grateful Dead Style Lead – EP196
In this guitar lesson, I'll break down several Jerry Garcia style licks and explain how to play them and where they come from. Jerry was really good at playing the chord changes (which means switching the scale to match whatever the chord was). I'll show you how to change scales to match the chords by visualizing chord shapes and linking the licks you'll be learning to those chord shapes. … [Read more...]
Angus Young (AC/DC) Style Guitar Lesson – Rhythm with Fill Licks – EP195
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a classic rock rhythm in the style of Angus Young from AC/DC. Angus Young has always played the same heavy rock, blues guitar style throughout his career. This lesson is built in layers (much the way that AC/DC structures their songs). The first time through, it's only guitar, second time through it's guitar and drums, and the third time included rhythm guitar, bass and drums. In addition to the chords, you'll learn several fill licks to play … [Read more...]
Carlos Santana Style Guitar Lesson – Dorian Mode Guitar Lesson – EP178
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a classic Carlos Santana style lead in the Dorian Mode. I'll explain what the Dorian Mode is and how you can find it in any key. Carlos Santana often uses this mode when he plays, so what better way to showcase this mode than to play a Santana inspired lead. I've included the MP3 jam track in 2 tempos (this includes a slower tempo jam track). … [Read more...]
Eric Clapton (Cream Era) Blues Rock Guitar Lesson – EP176
In this Eric Clapton guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a rock, blues solo guitar composition (no accompaniment required). This uses the "call and response" technique, which means you alternate back and forth between rhythm and lead. The rhythm parts are inspired by Robin Trower, while all the lead licks are Eric Clapton licks from his days with Cream. … [Read more...]
George Harrison Style Slide Guitar Lesson – Standard Tuning – EP163
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a George Harrison inspired solo that's played with a slide in standard tuning. I'll be playing this one without a pick - using my thumb and index finger on my right hand. I'll also show you the scales that are used so that you can improvise your own slide leads in standard tuning. … [Read more...]
James Burton Style Lead Guitar Lesson – EP161
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a lead on electric guitar that is made up of several signature James Burton licks. James Burton is a good combination of country and blues. He's a fantastic "chicken pickin" style player, but he also injects a lot of soul which gives him more of a bluesy tone. He's played with just about everyone you can think of, but is probably best known for his work with Elvis Presley. I'll provide all of the background information in this lesson, including … [Read more...]
