Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

  • Log In
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up

MicroLesson: 016 – Play a Harmonized Lead in the Key of D

Description

In this MicroLesson (ML016), you’ll learn how to play a harmonized lead in the key of D. This takes advantage of the open D string and allows you to improvise a lead / rhythm on top of it. Very easy to play as well.

Short Version

Extended Version (For Premium Members)

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Slow Walk-Through

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Video Tablature Breakdown

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Curious about the benefits of
Premium Membership?
Try it for FREE!
arrow_downYou need to be logged in as a premium member to access the tab, MP3 jam tracks, and other assets. Learn More

Add to "My Favorites"

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.

Comments

  1. Steve M says

    May 9, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    Love it. Has a bit of a Sweet Judy Blue Eyes feel.

    Log in to Reply
  2. Robert J says

    May 9, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    lots of fun. it’s also got a little Grand Funk a la “Captain/getting closer” feel.

    Log in to Reply
    • Robert J says

      May 9, 2017 at 11:40 pm

      also, almost every one of these micro lessons are giving me great song ideas.

      Log in to Reply
  3. paul b says

    May 10, 2017 at 12:27 am

    Thanks Brian, I like when you explain the theory. It really helps me connect ideas.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Tom l says

    May 10, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    love this !

    Log in to Reply
  5. Thomas T says

    May 10, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Wow! Another fine lesson. These micro lessons are just perfect for me. Thanks Brian for helping me become a better musician.

    Log in to Reply
  6. magpie says

    May 11, 2017 at 6:39 am

    Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    Log in to Reply
  7. Bob Q says

    May 11, 2017 at 10:55 am

    These micro lessons are a brilliant addition. The brevity of them should draw more folks in to learning. Nice job!

    Log in to Reply
  8. sunburst says

    May 12, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    Brian congrats on your new investment ..the Martin CEO-7 sounds awesome!! I remember playing a small Guild parlor (forget the model but it was a steal for 400.00..But I’m content with the little ap70 ..yeah and also enjoy my other acoustics too! But now I get to listen to your new addition and look forward to more!

    Log in to Reply
  9. Ian C says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:09 am

    I was a bit sceptical of the value of speedy micro lessons when first introduced,
    but the extended versions for premium members are a great addition to full lessons.
    OK some of the topics have cropped up in full lessons, but often these are
    like having a friend just quickly demo and explain a playing nugget you’ve admired.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Arnold M says

    May 17, 2017 at 10:25 am

    Great lesson, as usual Brian.
    I am intrigued by these harmonized double stops. You also did a good one in microlesson 002, with 6th intervals. That one related to the Mixolydian scale. And now in this one you use the major scale. So I was wondering, when (or for what music) would a person consider which scale double stops to use (ie, the Mixolydian having the flatted 7th)? Say, if I’m doing a blues piece would it be more likely to best use the Mixolydian double stops? Would rock or country be more the major scale types? Thanks.

    Log in to Reply
    • Brian says

      May 17, 2017 at 11:13 am

      It really just depends on the feel you’re going for (no right answer). Mixolydian if you want more of a bluesy feel, major scale if you want a happier, more positive feel

      Log in to Reply
  11. Sandra C says

    April 24, 2021 at 10:12 am

    That’s my favorite Mini-lesson!!!Ok i often think that…!!! I love the folky vibe! So much to learn from it! Guitar is fun again!!! Merci Brian!Greetings from the province of Québec!

    Log in to Reply
  12. Scott T says

    February 6, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    Test

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Don’t have an ActiveMelody account? Sign Up.

Links

  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Sitemap

Recent Lessons

Improvise a Ragtime Blues lead PLUS a fingerstyle rhythm – Guitar Lesson – EP613

Classic Blues by yourself (on acoustic or electric guitar) – Full of Blues lick ideas – Guitar Lesson EP612

Funky Dorian Groove + Swing rhythm strum pattern for your right hand – Guitar Lesson – EP611

Contact

For all support questions email: support@activemelody.com
For all other inquires email: brian@activemelody.com
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Active Melody. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Free Weekly Guitar Lessons

Enter your email address below to have the weekly guitar lesson delivered to your email address. I take privacy very seriously and will not share your email address.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Active MelodyLogo Header Menu
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up
  • Log In

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

    No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.