In this blues guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a Robert Cray influenced lead on electric guitar in the key of A. This is played over an 8 bar blues. You'll learn several Robert Cray signature licks and more importantly, you'll learn the scales that these licks come from so that you can apply them to your own playing and use them when improvising. … [Read more...]
Lonnie Johnson Style Guitar Lesson – Rhythm and Lead – EP140
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 … [Read more...]
Mick Taylor Style Lead – Advanced and Easy – EP135
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a lead on electric guitar that was inspired by the great Mick Taylor. Mick Taylor is a very underrated guitar player and has made significant contributions to the world of rock and blues, playing with the great John Mayall and The Rolling Stones. I wanted to create an electric lead guitar lesson that was accessible to everyone, so the first time through the solo is more advanced and the second time through is much easier. … [Read more...]
Elmore James Style Rhythm and Lead (Simulated Slide) – EP122
In this blues guitar lesson you'll learn how to play a classic Elmore James style rhythm and lead on electric guitar. You'll learn how to emulate Elmore James' classic slide licks, without even using a slide. This is a technique that is commonly used in blues lead guitar. You'll hear artists like Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top using this technique. You'll also learn the Elmore James rhythm shuffle along with some of his lesser known, non-slide licks. Be sure to crank up your overdrive for this … [Read more...]
Cream (Eric Clapton) Style Guitar Lesson – EP119
In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a lead using several of the signature licks that Eric Clapton used when he played in Cream. It’s hard to believe that he was only 21 years old and had only been playing the guitar for 6 years or so. Clapton was (and still is) a bluesman at heart as you’ll hear from these licks, they’re all straight out of the minor pentatonic scale. Crank up your overdrive for this one. … [Read more...]
Chet Atkins Fingerstyle Rhythm and Lead – EP117
This lesson is split into 2 very different parts. The rhythm guitar part is played using a Chet Atkins fingerstyle technique on acoustic guitar, whereas the lead guitar part is a bluesy lead played on electric guitar (so this is essentially 2 lessons in one). I don't use a thumbpick when playing fingerstyle, but if you have one and are comfortable with it, I recommend using one. Most fingerstyle players use a thumbpick because it really makes those bass notes pop. I've just never been … [Read more...]
Lead Blues Guitar Lesson In The Style of Buddy Guy – EP116
In this blues guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a lead part on electric guitar in the style of the great Buddy Guy. Buddy is famous for his stage presence and showmanship, but underneath all of that is an excellent blues guitar player who has influenced just about everyone. If you haven’t had a chance to see Buddy play live, be sure to check his calendar on his website and go see him, as of this writing, he’s 79 years old. He typically does a series of shows at his bar in Chicago in … [Read more...]
Mark Knopfler Rhythm and Lead Guitar Lesson – EP110
I've done a few Mark Knopfler style lessons in the past, but I wanted to create one that shows his very unique way of playing fingerstyle (using 3 fingers). This lesson has a repeating rhythm and every other time a 1 bar lead is introduced (playing within the A minor pentatonic scale). The Part 1 video shows you how to play the rhythm (and includes a version played with a pick for those of you that aren't comfortable with fingerstyle). Part 2 shows how to play the 3 lead parts. … [Read more...]
Jimmie Vaughan Style Lead Guitar Lesson – EP109
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a Jimmie Vaughan style lead using a hybrid picking technique. Although Jimmie primarily plays with only his fingers, this style allows you to use both the pick and fingers to get a similar tone. This lesson also includes 2 versions of the MP3 jam track, one in the key of E, and one in the key of G, so that you can capo the 3rd fret and play those same licks in a higher position (the way that Jimmie often does). … [Read more...]
Surf Guitar Lesson (Dick Dale meets The Ventures) – EP107
In this guitar lesson, learn how to play a simple surf style lead and rhythm. This lesson has some licks from the great Dick Dale and some licks from The Ventures. This lesson is also a great exercise for those that are interested in improving your picking technique and speed with your right hand. I've also included two versions of the MP3 jam track (one at a slower tempo) to practice with. … [Read more...]
