This lesson demonstrates 8th note strumming in the key of G.

This lesson demonstrates 16th note strumming in the key of E.

Who says you can't play a great blues solo on one string!? This tutorial introduces you to some intermediate level solos using one, two and three strings. Lesson 2 demonstrates a solo played on the 12th, 14th and 15th frets of the 1st string. Lesson 3 demonstrates another solo using the 12th, 14th and 15th frets of the 1st and 2nd strings. Lesson 4 demonstrates a solo using the 12th, 14th and 15th frets of the 1st and 2nd strings along with the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th frets of the 3rd string.

In this lesson you'll learn how you can create a tasty solo using only one string and 4 notes. The 1st string, 10th, 12th, 14th and 15th frets will be used to create the solo. The first few measures of the solo are tabbed out on the video to help you see how the solo is played.

This lesson contains 3 more licks/riffs that can be used over the southern rock progression as well as other blues/blues-rock progressions. Each lick is played at speed and then at 1/2 speed with on-screen tablature.

In this lesson I'll demonstrate a solo played on the 1st and 2nd strings using the 12th, 14th and 15th frets. The first turnaround includes the C note while the C (b6) and D (Maj7) are used to end the tune.

Jamming over Amaj7-Gmaj7 can be lots of fun and relatively easy as well. Using the A Mixolydian scale offers a simple, yet effective solution for soloing over these chords. The notes of the A Mixolydian scale are the same notes contained in the D Major scale because the A MIXOLYDIAN scale is the scale that accompanies the 5th chord (A major) in the key of D Major. As was mentioned in a previous lesson: each note of a major scale has a chord that accompanies it and each chord has a scale that accompanies it. The notes of the D Major (also known as the D-IONIAN) sca...

Here's an intermediate level blues solo in the key of G. Originally sold as an audio lesson; I put together a video version for guitartricks. The lesson is broken down into 9 licks. The 3 notes that start the solo off are actually played prior to the first measure and are referred to as "pick-up" notes. If you were to count off this solo, it would be: "1-2-3, 2-2-3, 3-2-3" and then play the first 3 notes of the solo. This particular lesson demonstrates the entire solo at speed. The next lesson demonstrates the same solo at half speed. The lessons after that demonstrate t...

Learning slide guitar can be very intimidating.......I hope this lesson will remove some of the mystery and help to get you on your way to playing basic slide guitar. When the slide is covering the 5th fret you'll be playing the A chord, when the slide is above the 10th fret you'll be playing the D chord and when the slide is over the 12th fret you'll be playing the E chord. When playing slide it's a good idea to keep your thumb on the back of the neck to aid in sliding from fret to fret.

Lesson 4 demonstrates 4 notes on the 3rd string that you can use when creating a solo for a blues in the key of E. The next lesson incorporates these notes (along with notes on the 1st and 2nd strings) into a solo.

In 1987 I put together an audio tape and booklet titled: Blues Soloing for Beginning Guitarists. The booklet and tape covered the basics of blues guitar: chords, scales, rhythms and a few licks for a slow blues, up tempo shuffle and what I refer to as an "Electric Delta" style blues. This tutorial will (eventually) contain most of the information from the original audio lesson including the various positions of the A pentatonic minor scale, playing in 3rds (triplets), 7th and 9th chords, single note, double note and chordal fill. Some of the video clips are being played ove...

This tutorial contains a few shuffle licks along with a couple of shuffle solos. Lick 1 is a relatively simple blues shuffle lick in the key of A that uses notes from the 5th to the 8th fret. As with the other licks in this tutorial, this one can be played against the entire 12 measures of blues.

Here's an intermediate level solo using notes on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings.

This lesson contains a simple vibrato technique. Vibrato adds sustain and depth to a note. Depending on who you talk to: vibrato can be achieved in different ways. Some say it comes from your fingers while others say it's all in the wrist. Because there's no bending of the string: the vibrato demonstrated in this lesson can be done either way. The video above contains the vibrato technique. I added a hammer-on from the 4th string, 5th fret to the 4th string, 7th fret to emphasize the vibrato. The video towards the bottom of the page contains the video used in a "passage" or...

This lesson demonstrates a beginning/intermediate level solo. The strings are raised up high; the hair ties are on; the guitar is tuned to an open E and you're ready to go. Start slowly. You will learn this solo.

Here's the 1st in a series of 6 video licks. These 6 licks combine to make a 12 measure blues solo in the key of G. The 1st 4 notes introduce the solo. The band would come in on note number 5. Notice that the 3rd string, 4th fret (B) and the 2nd string, 5th fret (A) are not typical blues notes but come right out of the G major scale.

When completed, this tutorial will contain a number of lessons containing demonstrations and explanations relating to soloing over an A minor to D rhythm. Lesson-1 introduces the modal scale that accompanies the 1st chord in the key of G major.

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the beginning blues guitarist to the first 2 positions of the pentatonic minor scale in the key of C along with 3 chords from the same key that are used in many blues tunes. While this minor pentatonic scale is great for soloing over the blues; it also works well against rockabilly and good ol' rock 'n' roll rhythms. The flatted 3rd and dominant 7th notes contained in the minor pentatonic scale make this a great scale for soloing over many southern and blues-rock rhythms as well. The next lesson (Lesson-2) in this series w...

Many of B.B. King's licks blend notes from the major and blues scale. The 4 B.B. style lessons contained in this tutorial use only a few notes from the major scale* in the Key of E and range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. This lesson uses the 1st (E), 2nd (F#), 3rd (G#)** and 6th (C#) notes of the major scale in E. The rhythm is the last 12 measures of a blues boogie and will give you practice ending a blues tune. This lick contains the least amount of notes and while there is some bending and vibrato there is no bending with vibrato used in this lick. *les...

When we think of the basic blues scale in the key of C we think of playing notes located between the 8th and 11th frets. But like any scale those notes can be played in other locations on the neck. And the same note can be played an octave or two higher. This lick starts on the 3rd string, 12th fret and uses the notes from the 11th through 15th fret.

Here's another intermediate solo played against the same rhythm as the previous lessons in this tutorial. This solo also includes the E note played on the 4th string, 14th fret. The solo is played at speed and then at half speed*. Notice that the second to the last note is a Major 7th (D-sharp). The major 7th is used in many songs as part of the ending lick. *The next lesson contains the same solo played at quarter speed with on screen tab.

Here's a relatively simple lick using the notes of the A-MIXOLYDIAN scale played (for the most part) on the 2nd through 5th frets. Again: these are the same notes contained in the D-MAJOR (IONIAN) scale.

Since both the key of Dmajor and Amajor contain the: A, B, C#, D, and E notes this pattern could be in either key.

This lesson demonstrates 2 positions of the C Dorian scale along with 2 relatively simple licks.

From a chordal perspective, this tune* is easy to play. The song utilizes an E chord played in two different positions: the standard open E chord and another open E chord played one octave above. This open E chord played 12 frets above the standard E chord will have a different sound because you'll still play the 1st and 6th strings open while playing the 3rd, 4th and 5th strings an octave above the traditional open E chord. The only other chord contained in this rhythm is an Aadd9..........Some would call it an Aadd2. This chord has a wonderful, spacious sound that adds t...

Who says you can't play a tasty blues solo using only a few notes. In this tutorial you'll learn how to create a blues solo using only a few notes on one or two strings.

After completing this tutorial you will have a better understanding of how to solo over an A-minor to D rhythm using alternatives to the A-minor pentatonic scale.

Albert King was a great blues singer/guitarist who inspired many players including Eric Clapton and SRV. This tutorial was designed to introduce the intermediate player to some Albert King signature licks.

One of the fun things about playing the guitar is getting together with other musicians to jam. This tutorial will help you have a better understanding of how to jam over the C9 chord by introducing you to a few of the scales and licks available to you.

A while back I developed a tutorial entitled: "Intermediate Lesson". The tutorial consisted of a series of lessons that, when combined, created a 12 measure blues solo. The "MORE SOLOS....." tutorial introduces some licks and solos ranging in difficulty from easy to advanced.

This tutorial was originally published as a booklet/cassette tape in 1987.

This tutorial will show you how to play a complete blues solo. The solo is broken down into 9 licks that we will cover in detail.

This tutorial will introduce you to a style of music popular in the 60's and 70's. You'll learn how to play chordal rhythms, melodies and simple solos in E and harmonize notes from the E major scale.

This tutorial will cover stereotypical up tempo blues fill in the key of A. The lessons will become more and more difficult as you progress in the tutorial.

This tutorial is a series of funky boogie licks created to help you recognize and play over a progression in the key of G using the G pentatonic minor scale.

Many of B.B.Kings' licks blend notes from the major and blues scale. The 4 B.B. style lessons contained in this tutorial use only a few notes from the major scale in the Key of E and range in difficulty from beginner to advanced.

This tutorial uses another rhythm and blues chord progression popular during the 50's and 60's. It's played in 6/8 time and utilizes the A(I), D(IV), and E(V) chords in the key of A. I will show you with the use of a few solo licks, how you can play lead guitar over this progression.

This tutorial is a series of lessons showing you different licks to play over a blues shuffle backing track in the key of G. The lessons vary from easy to advanced difficulty level.

This tutorial will show you how you can play lead guitar over a C-Ami-F-G chord progression. First we'll look at the chords, then the scale used and we'll finish the tutorial by showing you licks you can use over the backing.

Each note of a major scale has a chord that accompanies it. In the key of A the I and IV chords are A-major and D-major. This progression is a fun way to practice your scales and licks and has been used in many rock and blues-rock songs through out the years. This tutorial will show you how you can play lead guitar over this specific progression.

This tutorial introduces some scales, licks and fill that work well with an A to G chord progression.

The lessons contained in this tutorial will give you an introduction to some basic country-rock scales,licks and fill. Each lesson in this tutorial contains some of the original audio from the Country-Rock lesson along with a supplementary video.

This tutorial is a series of licks to help you learn how to play Lounge style blues. The lessons have different difficulty levels so you have harder material to work on as you progress.

This tutorial will show you how to play a one chord Boogie. We will work on the rhythm by adding fill-ins then move on to licks to solo over that rhythm.

This tutorial will teach you to play a blues in E. We will first look at the chords then show you how to play the rhythm. Then we'll take a look at what scale we can use and show you many cool licks you can play over the progression.

This tutorial will show you how to play a basic blues rhythm in G. It will also show you how to add basic and advanced fills to add flavor to your playing.

This tutorial will teach you how to play a funky rhythm and lead. We'll first look at the chords and strumming then add some chord fills. We'll finish it up by learning some licks to play over the chord progression.

This tutorial is a series of intermediate and advanced blues solos and licks. The solos are shown in both normal and half speed.

This tutorial will show you how you can play lead guitar over a Amaj7 to Gmaj7 chord progression. First we'll look at the chords, then the scale used and we'll finish the tutorial by showing you licks you can use over the backing.

In this tutorial I will show you how you can use many different scales to play lead guitar over a Ami-G-F-G chord progression.

Lesson 2 contains an intro to the A pentatonic minor scale and it's application to the chord progression. Practice the scale, parallel notes and licks included below along with the mp3 rhythm track to develop accuracy,fluency and speed.

Normally a standard blues or blues-rock chord progression will "turn around" on the 5(V) chord then continue the progression on the 1(I) chord. The progression contained in this lesson turns around on the V7#9 (E7#9) then returns to the IV chord (D7). This return to the IV from the E7#9 (IMO) is very dynamic and can give your solo a more powerful feel. Practice playing the chords then move on to lesson 2.

This lesson contains 3 more licks/riffs that can be used over the southern rock progression as well as other blues/blues-rock progressions. Each lick is played at speed and then at 1/2 speed with on-screen tablature.

This lesson includes 3 licks. Each lick is played at speed and then played at 1/2 speed with on-screen tablature. Lick 1 uses lots of hammer-ons to give the elusion of speed; when, in fact, the lick is relatively simple. It's a matter of training your fingers to go to the note you want them to go. Lick 2, on the other hand, is not as simple as it sounds. You can hear similar riffs used in many blues-rock solos. The key to lick 2 is timing. Start slowly and build up speed. Lick 3 is a stereotypical riff heard in many blues/blues-rock solos.

This lesson contains 3 licks that range in level of difficulty from beginner through intermediate/advanced. The licks are played at speed then at approximately half speed with on screen tablature.

This lesson contains two licks based on the Dorian scale. The licks are played at speed then at approximately half speed with on screen tablature.

Learning slide guitar can be very intimidating.......I hope this lesson will remove some of the mystery and help to get you on your way to playing basic slide guitar. When the slide is covering the 5th fret you'll be playing the A chord, when the slide is above the 10th fret you'll be playing the D chord and when the slide is over the 12th fret you'll be playing the E chord. When playing slide it's a good idea to keep your thumb on the back of the neck to aid in sliding from fret to fret.

This lesson demonstrates a beginning/intermediate level solo. The strings are raised up high; the hair ties are on; the guitar is tuned to an open E and you're ready to go. Start slowly. You will learn this solo.

Here's a lick, riff or mini-solo.......depending on how you use it. Like many blues licks, this one will work over the entire 12 measures. It's simple in that it contains only 2 notes. The A note: played on the 2nd string, 10th fret and the C note: played on the 2nd string, 12th fret BENT to the approximate pitch of the 13th fret. The chords for this boogie are A (I), D (IV) and E (V)

This lesson demonstrates 2 positions of the C Dorian scale along with 2 relatively simple licks.

This lesson contains a demonstration of the mixolydian scale in 2 positions along with 2 licks derived from the mixolydian scale.

This lesson contains a demonstration of the 6 note major scale in the key of C. The scale is played in 2 different positions.......using notes from the 7th through 10th frets then played again using notes from the 5th through 8th fret. Familiarize yourself with both positions.

This lesson introduces and demonstrates the 6 note major scale in the key of C.

In this lesson we'll demonstrate how the 6 note blues scale can be used against the C/B-flat/F chord progression. Three minor pentatonic scale licks and two blues scale licks are also included.

In this lesson we'll explore how the 5-note (pentatonic minor) scale works against a 3 chord rhythm in the key of C. The 3 chords we'll be using are the C (I), the F (IV) and the B-flat (dom.7th); this chord progression has been used in many southern/blues-rock/progressive-rock songs.

This lesson demonstrates 16th note strumming in the key of E.

This lesson demonstrates 8th note strumming in the key of G.

This "lick" could be used as a mini-solo. It uses notes from the A minor pentatonic scale.

This lick uses notes on the 1st and 2nd strings and is relatively easy to play. The 3h5p3 (trill) played on the 1st string makes this passage sound more difficult than it actually is. Like so many riffs; this one could be used throughout the entire 12 measures of blues.

This progression uses the A(I), D(IV) and E(V) chords. I've tabbed out 3 ways to play the basic 5-note country scale in the key of A. The mp3 file contains the notes of these scales being played against this rhythm. I call the 3rd version a sliding country scale because it's easy to slide between certain notes. You don't have to slide. THIS RHYTHM IS INCLUDED IN THE COUNTRY JAM SECTION LOCATED AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE. The chord progression is: A-D-A-E-A-D-A-E-A

Here's a 12-bar up tempo shuffle rhythm. If you'd like to use the jam track to play along with select the "JAM" button [from above, right] and then SHUFFLE IN A) This blues shuffle contains the I (A7), IV (D7) and V (E7) chords. The tabbed out CHORDAL RHYTHM shows you what to play when accompanying the I chord (A7). When accompanying the IV chord (D7), move the CHORDAL RHYTHM progression up the neck 5 frets to the 10th fret. When you're accompanying the V chord (E7), move the progression to the 12th fret. Notice that after you strum the 5th fret barred you h...

This lesson contains a demonstration of 2 vibrato techniques. The "BB KING" style vibrato and the standard vibrato only and "bending with vibrato" techniques.

This lesson demonstrates some of the basic techniques that will enhance your "playing personality"*. All the demonstrations are performed using notes from the C pentatonic minor scale. *"Blues Soloing for Beginning Guitarists"-copyright 1987 D.R Fearman

This lesson demonstrates quarter note strumming for a 12 bar blues progression in the key of E. E is the I chord, A is the IV chord and B7 is the V chord.

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the beginning blues guitarist to the first 2 positions of the pentatonic minor scale in the key of C along with 3 chords from the same key that are used in many blues tunes. While this minor pentatonic scale is great for soloing over the blues; it also works well against rockabilly and good ol' rock 'n' roll rhythms. The flatted 3rd and dominant 7th notes contained in the minor pentatonic scale make this a great scale for soloing over many southern and blues-rock rhythms as well. The next lesson (Lesson-2) in this series w...