In this blues guitar lesson, you'll start by learning how to play the chords fingerstyle (you can use a pick if you'd prefer). In the next video (Level 2), you'll learn how to integrate fill licks in-between the chords to spice things up a bit. In the final video (Level 3), you'll learn the lead part. All three levels use the same jam track, so you'll have a lot of material to practice with. Lots of takeaways in this one! … [Read more...]
Slow Funky Groove – Rhythm and Lead Guitar Lesson – EP138
In this guitar lesson you'll start by learning how to play a laid back rhythm groove in the key of G. At the beginning of the rhythm lesson (Part 1), I'll spend a few minutes discussing chord theory, so you understand where the chords in this arrangement come from and why they work together. In the second half, I'll show you how to play the lead part, note for note, and will explain where those licks come from to put it all in context. … [Read more...]
Bossa Nova Style Rhythm With Fill Licks – EP137
In this guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play the Latin Bossa Nova style rhythm with no accompaniment. I'll break down the rhythm in detail and show you exactly how to count it. In addition, I'll show you how to improvise and play some fill licks in-between the chords so that you can have your own mini jam session. … [Read more...]
Minor Key, Funk Blues Rhythm in A – EP112
In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play an up-tempo bluesy sounding rhythm in the key of A. This is a great lesson for practicing strumming and timing, complete with up-strokes, down-strokes and muted strums. This lesson works on acoustic or electric guitar, no effects are needed. There are 2 versions of the MP3 jam track provided, one at normal tempo, and one that’s at a much slower tempo for those of you that are new to this style of strumming. … [Read more...]
Wilson Pickett – Stax era Guitar Lesson – EP077
I had a recent request from an ActiveMelody site member for a Wilson Picket style guitar lesson and so after thinking about it, I realized this could be a fun one to work up. I listened to a lot of those Stax recordings, classics like Midnight Hour, and Mustang Sally and pulled out several guitar licks and compiled them into this composition. This would sound even better with a horn section! … [Read more...]
Rhythm and Timing Guitar Lesson – EP070
In this guitar lesson I'll show you how to play 2 different R&B rhythms. The first one uses palm muting and has a Freddie King feel to it, the second uses some sliding chords and is a combination of Bo Diddley and Steve Cropper. Outside of learning the notes, the primary focus of this lesson is understanding the timing involved. This lesson can be played on either electric or acoustic guitar. … [Read more...]
Slow Minor Key Jam in Cm – EP069
In this guitar lesson, you'll be playing in the key of C minor and will be alternating back and forth between rhythm and lead. The jam track has no guitar tracks so you'll be filling in all guitar parts, which is great practice from both a creativity and a timing perspective. These types of lessons really force you to be on your toes (in order to keep up with the jam track) and help you develop a sense of timing. This lesson can be played on electric or acoustic guitar. … [Read more...]
Electric Rhythm and Lead Blues Guitar Lesson – EP067
This lesson was created exclusively for premium members. The jam track for this lesson contains only drums and bass, so your goal in this lesson is to play all of the electric parts (just like you would in a blues trio), so you'll alternate back and forth between rhythm and lead. Half of this lesson is devoted to the back and forth (call and response) technique and the other half is devoted to rhythm (timing). … [Read more...]
Acoustic Blues Guitar Lesson – Solo – No Accompaniment – EP049
In this lesson you'll learn how to jam by yourself on acoustic guitar by playing an up-tempo 12 bar blues using a pick. This can also be played on electric guitar. If you like this lesson be sure to check out the previous How To Jam With Yourself on Guitar lesson. … [Read more...]
Funk Blues Rhythm Guitar Lesson – EP043
In this lesson I'll show you how to play an up-tempo bluesy funk rhythm on electric guitar. Techniques in this lesson include palm-muting, left-hand muting, and alternate picking. … [Read more...]
