In this week's guitar lesson, you'll learn a Dave Rawlings inspired acoustic lead that is played with a 2nd guitar on rhythm. Learn how to accompany another rhythm guitarist using a combination of dissonance and slow bluegrass licks. Here's a Spotify playlist that I put together with 6 songs of Dave and Gillian on guitar in this style - just 2 acoustic guitars. … [Read more...]
How to write a simple stand-alone composition on guitar – Guitar Lesson EP360
In this week's guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a simple melody and chord composition while also learning how to create your own stand-alone compositions like this on guitar. I happened to record the genesis of this composition, explaining my thought process as I began to create it and share that in the video. … [Read more...]
Rhythm and Lead Fills For Acoustic Guitar Using Chord Shapes – EP320
In this week's guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play melodic fills and lead licks that are based on chord shapes. This is particularly helpful for those of you who are frustrated when trying to improvise and feel like your lead sounds too much like you’re just playing up and down a scale. … [Read more...]
Country Lead Guitar Lesson – Learn how to play the chord changes – EP278
In this week's guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a fun, country lead by playing the chord changes. That means you switch scales every time the chord changes. This is a different way of thinking about playing lead in which you connect licks to chord shapes as opposed to focusing on scales. The MP3 jam track for this lesson is available in 2 tempos (normal speed and slow). … [Read more...]
Guitar and Mandolin (Tribute To Levon Helm) – Learn How To Accompany Another Instrument – EP253
In this week's guitar lesson, you'll be learning how to play along with a mandolin by creating an interesting and melodic lead. When only 2 instruments are involved you have to be very careful about not over playing and always remembering to compliment the other instrument. This lesson is a tribute to the late Levon Helm. … [Read more...]
Bluegrass Style Lead Guitar Lesson – Designed to Help Coordination and Speed – EP234
In this week's guitar lesson, you'll be learning a fun bluegrass lead that includes elements of country and blues as well. This lesson serves 2 purposes. 1) You'll learn several new licks and how use them when improvising. 2) You'll learn a couple of fast runs that are designed to help improve overall speed and coordination. Much more fun than practicing a boring a drill :) … [Read more...]
Major Scale Guitar Lesson – Includes 2 Guitar Parts (Rhythm and Lead) – EP217
In this week's guitar lesson, you'll learn how to improvise using the major scale over a basic 1, 4, 5 chord progression in the key of G. I'll show you how to connect the licks back to chord shapes and explain what patterns are being used within the scales. As an added bonus, Premium Members will have access to video and tablature that explains how to play the rhythm track. So you can learn to play this with a friend, or play along with the included MP3 jam tracks. … [Read more...]
Solo Bluegrass Guitar Lesson – Composition on Acoustic Guitar – EP172
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a solo bluegrass composition on acoustic guitar (this can be played on electric as well). These solo compositions are a fantastic way to learn guitar because 1) you can set your own tempo and 2) you have a finished piece that you can perform for others. I'll explain both strumming patterns and all of the melody notes which will give you everything you need to be able to play this composition. … [Read more...]
