In this jazzy / blues guitar lesson you'll learn how to play an up-tempo, poppy sounding rhythm the first time through. The second time through you'll be changing scales to match the chords while playing lead, giving you a more sophisticated sounding lead. You'll also learn how to play double stops (2 notes that are harmonized) on both the 1 and 2 strings, and the 1 and 3 strings. … [Read more...]
Acoustic Blues in G – No Accompaniment – EP121
In this blues guitar lesson, you'll learn how to play a blues arrangement with a pick that requires no accompaniment. This is something that can be played on either acoustic or electric guitar and is lots of fun to play! It's also not that difficult, so even beginner guitar players should give it a try. This is not the typical and predictable 12 bar blues, but is a ragtime style arrangement that you might hear on piano. You'll be playing both rhythm and lead parts on 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...]
Simple (Very Basic) Blues Rhythm Guitar Lesson
Hey folks, normally I would put out a very thorough 45 min - 1 hour lesson (as I do every Friday), but due to the launch of the new ActiveMelody website, I was just too swamped to get the lesson complete in time. However, I didn't want to leave you with nothing at all! So I put together a really simple little video that shows you how to play a fun little blues rhythm that can easily be transposed to any key. There are no open strings in this one! I get emails from people all of the time … [Read more...]
J.J. Cale Style Simple Blues Guitar Lesson – EP103
J.J. Cale was probably best known as being a great singer / songwriter, but his unique approach to playing lead and rhythm (without a pick) has influenced thousands of guitarists. His style was simple and elegant, and always seemed to perfectly compliment the music. This guitar lesson showcases some of J.J. Cale’s style of lead and is perfect for even beginner guitar players. As a bonus, I’ve included a breakdown (with tab and video) of the fingerstyle rhythm. … [Read more...]
Slow Groove with rhythm and lead fills – EP087
In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to strum a laid-back rhythm using barre chords. You’ll also learn how to play fill licks in-between the chords to spice up your playing and make it more interesting. This lesson works on either electric or acoustic guitar. … [Read more...]
Winter Acoustic Blues Guitar Lesson – With a Pick – EP084
In this lesson, learn how to play an acoustic blues with a pick (no fingerstyle), with no accompaniment. You'll be alternating back and forth between rhythm and lead (call and response style). This works on both acoustic or electric guitar. … [Read more...]
Blues Fingerstyle Lesson – Delta meets Ragtime – EP076
In this lesson, I'll show you step by step how to play an original blues composition on acoustic guitar (played fingerstyle). Fingerstyle means playing without a pick, so the focus of this lesson will be on the right hand. You can play this delta blues / ragtime composition on either acoustic or electric guitar (although it sounds better on acoustic. You need to be a premium member to access any of the lesson material associated with this week's lesson. … [Read more...]
Fingerstyle Rhythm and Lead Guitar Lesson – EP072
This lesson is perfect for beginners or intermediate players that want to either learn the craft, or take it to the next level. This lesson includes 2 MP3 jam tracks to help you practice each part (1 with only rhythm and 1 with only lead). Also included is the tablature for each part, and slow walk-through videos for both parts. … [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...]
