In this week's guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a minor key blues lead in C minor. You'll be playing the chord changes as well as staying within the key of the song (explained in the video). This is made up of influences by Santana, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour. To learn how to play the R&B style rhythm for this lesson, visit MicroLesson ML055 … [Read more...]
Blues Rock Trio – One Chord Blues – EP206
In this week's guitar lesson you'll be sitting in as the guitar player in a rock / blues trio, filling in both rhythm and lead parts. There are no chord changes in this song, only a single chord. Since there are no other rhythm instruments, you'll be defining the song as minor or major, and will be going back and forth between them. … [Read more...]
Eric Clapton’s Guitar – Gibson Byrdland Custom
I recently added a lesson video showing you how to play a blues rhythm and lead along with a tempo change, here's a link to that lesson if you missed it. After posting that lesson video, I received lots of comments and emails from you asking about the guitar that was used. The reason I didn't mention it is because it's such a special guitar that I figure it needs to have it's own video created to explain the origin. Here's that video: … [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...]
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...]
The Thrill Is Gone Style Guitar Lesson – BB King – EP078
In this lesson you'll learn how to play a bluesy lead over a slow blues in the key of A minor, similar to the B.B. King classic, "The Thrill Is Gone". The lead is actually made up of licks from Albert King, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King as well - I wanted to put my own twist on things by combining influence. If you're trying to do this on acoustic guitar, I recommend using light gauge strings for the bends. … [Read more...]
Eric Clapton Blues Lead Guitar Lesson – EP074
In this lesson you’ll learn how to play an Eric Clapton inspired, bluesy lead in the key of C. The backing track has a bluesy gospel sound and is available to download for premium members (tablature is available as well). You’ll also learn how to alternate back and forth between the major pentatonic scale and the minor pentatonic scale. … [Read more...]
Electric Blues Lead Guitar Lesson in C – Clapton, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan influence – EP056
I wasn’t 100% sure what to title this lesson when I recorded it, but after I listened to the final recording I realized that there are 3 primary influences in this. Clapton, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I’m nowhere near any of those guys, but they certainly have influenced my playing through the years. You should always try to pick up things from other players and incorporate it into your own playing. My guitar tone in this lesson is a very heavy overdriven sound – something that … [Read more...]
Blues Rhythm and Lead Guitar Lesson – EP040
I’m always trying to find more interesting ways to play both rhythm and lead when playing the blues and it seems that there are endless combinations of styles for either. This lesson is split into 2 parts, the first part shows you how to play the funk rhythm part. Also included are 3 versions of the jam track in different keys, so that you can practice playing that rhythm in various keys. The second part breaks down the Eric Clapton / Buddy Guy inspired lead which has a lot of dramatic bends. … [Read more...]
Cream Guitar Lesson – Eric Clapton – EP035
In this lesson I'll show you how to play an Eric Clapton (Cream era) bluesy rhythm and lead, using the call and response technique. Clapton's style has changed a few times through the years, but the way he played during the Cream years is still legendary because of his unique phrasing and perfect tone. Most ActiveMelody guitar lessons can work on either acoustic or electric guitar, but this lesson is really intended for just electric (because of the high position on the neck and the bending … [Read more...]