Guitar Tricks Channel

Songwriting Exercise

In this video Gary will demonstrate an exercise that can be used to write songs!

Guitar Vocabulary

In this video Gary will explain and demonstrate a wide variety of guitar related terms and concepts.

Basics of Reading Music

In this lesson Gary will cover the basics of reading music. This will include understanding musical notation on the treble clef, note location and basic rhythmic symbols and subdivisions.

Time Signatures

In this video Gary will explain how time signatures work and demonstrate the most common times signatures, how to count them and play them.

Arpeggios Overview & Examples

In this lesson Gary will demonstrate arpeggios with lots of examples.

Using A Looper

In this video Gary will discuss the looper pedal and demonstrate how to use one.

Mixing Funky Riffs and Chords

In this video Gary will show you how to develop funky riffs and chords.

Strum and Sing Happy Birthday

In this lesson Gary will show you how to sing and play guitar at the same time.

All About Thumbpicks

In this video Gary will show you how to use a thumb pick.

Basics of Funk Rhythm Guitar

In this video Gary will discuss and demonstrate the basics of funk style rhythm guitar playing.

Timing And Rhythm

In this video Gary discusses and demonstrates the importance of acquiring, practicing and maintaining good timing and rhythmic feel.

Tube Amp Versus Solid State Amp

In this video Gary will discuss and demonstrate the differences between a tube amp and a solid state amp.

5 Tips For Better Chord Changes

In this video Gary will show you 5 practical tips for improving your chord changes.

Travis Picking Basics

In this video Gary will show you the basics of a fingerpicking technique called Travis picking.

Is Acoustic or Electric Better For Beginners?

In this video Gary will discuss the pros and cons of a beginner guitar player starting on an acoustic guitar versus and electric guitar.

Vibrato Versus Tremolo

In this video Gary will demonstrate the difference between tremolo and vibrato. These terms are often confused with each other.

Star Spangled Banner

In this video Gary will show you how to play an electric guitar version of the United States national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner".

The Difference Between Acoustic Steel String And Nylon String

In this video Gary will discuss and demonstrate the differences between steel string acoustic guitars and classical style nylon string guitars.

Getting to Know Your Pickups and Electronics

In this lesson Gary explains the layout of pickups, knobs and switches on various electric guitars. He also demonstrates common ways to use these elements in order to get the most from an electric guitar's pickups and electronics.

Understanding & Applying The Circle Of Fifths

In this lesson Gary explains the circle of fifths & how to apply this wide ranging, useful musical concept.

What To Do With A New Guitar

In this channel episode Gary will show you what to do with a new guitar! He will show you how to get the plastic wrap off, get it tuned up and get started playing and learning with Guitar Tricks.

Guitar Tricks has an online tuner, along with a bunch of other great tools in the Toolbox.

GT Toolbox

The best place to get started learning with Guitar Tricks is the Core Learning System. If you are an absolute beginner, then start with the Guitar Fundamentals 1 & 2 courses.

Guitar Fundamentals Courses and Beginner Lesson Links

If you are a more experienced player, then you can dive into the Style Courses: Blues, Country or Rock.

Styles Courses and Experienced Lesson Links

When you are ready to learn songs, Guitar Tricks has a huge library of song tutorials in many styles, at all skills levels.

Guitar Tricks Songs Catalog

Congratulations on your new guitar! Best of success with your guitar learning and playing!

Basic Moveable Jazz Chords: 7ths & 9ths

In this lesson Gary will show you how to play some basic moveable jazz chords, including 7th chords and 9th chords.

Turning Simple Open Chords Into Beautiful 7th Chords

In this lesson Gary will show you how to turn simple open chords into beautiful 7th chords.

Simple Suspended Chords: What They Are & How To Play Them

In this lesson Gary will show you how to play simple suspended chords, what they are and how to play them!

Essential Strumming Patterns

In this lesson Gary will show you some essential strumming patterns.

All Of The Power Chords

In this lesson Gary will show you have to play power chords all over the fretboard.

Basic Variations of the 12 Bar Blues

In this lesson Gary will show some basic variations on the 12 bar blues form.

4 Essential Barre Chords

In this channel episode Gary will show you the 4 most essential barre chord types. If you are interested in learning more about barre chords, then the Guitar Tricks Fundamentals Level 2 course has much more detail on that topic. Guitar Fundamentals Intro To Barre Chords

4 Most Essential Beginner Chords

In this lesson Gary will show you the 4 Most Essential Beginner Chords! He'll show you the basic open chords G major, D major, E minor and C major. With just these 4 chords you can play the chord progressions to many songs.

If you like this lesson, then you'll really enjoy the GT Fundamentals Courses that teach all the basic open chords in the context of a step-by-step guided curriculum.

GT Fundamentals 1

GT Fundamentals 2

The First Scale To Learn

Gary will show you a fun and easy way to get started with a pentatonic scale that you can use in a lot of different musical situations.

How To Toughen Up Your Fingers

In this lesson Gary will give you some great tips on how to toughen up your fingertips.

Making Pentatonic Sound Jazzy

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to make the standard minor pentatonic scale sound jazzy!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 1

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 2

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 3

Knopfler-Style Lead Playing

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play some lead guitar licks in the style of Mark Knopfler.

Knopfler-Style Rhythm Playing

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play a rhythm guitar chord progression in the style of Mark Knopfler.

Nashville Number System

In this channel episode Gary will show you Nashville Number System. This system is a shorthand way of labeling chord changes. It's related to the standard system of using Roman Numerals to identify chord progressions. If you like this lesson, then GT has more than cover how to identify and label chord progressions! tutorial=2387 tutorial=2393

Fuzz Pedal Shootout

In this channel episode, Gary will demo three different fuzz pedals. tutorial=1621

Easy String Bending Trick

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play an easy string bending trick in a rock guitar lead style!

If you like this lesson, then the GT Rock Style Courses have a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock style lead guitar!

GT Rock Style Course 1

GT Rock Style Course 2

Simple Piano Style Blues Lick

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play a piano style blues lick and how to use it!

If you like this lesson, then the GT Blues Style Courses have a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues style guitar!

GT Blues Style Course 1

GT Blues Style Course 2

Chicks And Fills

In this channel episode Anders will show you all about chicks and fills!

The tip of the week is to try different pickup combinations on your guitar. Most electrics guitars have more than one pickup. And even though you might be really used to one particular setting, it's a great idea to experiment with all the possible configurations that are possible on your guitar. It's a great way to find new ideas, tones and inspiration!

This week's lesson is how to approach rhythm guitar by playing in a rhythmical style using "chicks and fills". This approach relies on a lot of short staccato stabs and muting. The idea is to lock in with the drums in a band setting. This helps keep the full band sound from getting too muddled.

The chicks are meant to work with the snare drum playing on the backbeat, beats 2 and 4.

The fills are meant to be short licks in between chicks to add a little interesting variety.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover rhythm guitar approaches in the blues courses!

GT Blues Style Course 1

GT Blues Style Course 2

Making Riffs Out Of Chords

In this channel episode Anders demonstrates how to get creative by making riffs out of chords.

The tip of the week is to practice with your eyes closed. It's only natural to look at your fingers, especially when you are learning. But eventually it's a great skill to be able to play without having to look at the fretboard and strings all the time. When you are performing or interacting with other musicians you will have to keep you eyes on them at some point. And eye contact with your audience is always a great idea!

This week's lesson is how to make riffs out of chords. Anders show you how to take barre chord shapes, add some motion and rhythm to get a cool sounding rock riff.

If you like this lesson, then the GT Rock Style Courses have a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock rhythm riffs!

GT Rock Style Course 1

GT Rock Style Course 2

Hybrid Picking

In this channel episode Anders show you how to use a technique called hybrid picking.

The tip of the week is to put down your pick! It's possible to get a variety of sounds from your guitar by using your fingers instead of a pick. It's fun to experiment with your fingers if you are usually a pick player.

This week's lesson is how about hybrid picking. The idea is to use your pick normally held by your thumb and index, but to also include your other fingers in the mix! The musical example has a separated bass note played by the pick and upper string diads played by the middle and ring fingers.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more that cover hybrid picking ideas!

Hybrid Picking Primer

Basic Hybrid Picking Exercises

Chicken Pickin'

Double Stippin'

Cowboy Chords

In this channel episode Anders will show you an approach to playing cowboy chords on acoustic guitar.

The tip of the week is to remember that good rhythm playing will turn heads! A good groove is the one thing that works on any guitar, in any style.

This week's lesson is how embellish and ornament the most basic open chord that are typically called cowboy chords. Just by using a good grooving rhythm and a few embellishments you can get a full, rich, interesting sound.

This is a great way to get a lot of mileage out of very basic material.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on embellishing open chords.

Campfire Chords With Character

GT Country Course Level 1

Conquering Stage Fright And Nerves

In this channel episode Anders will give you some advice in how to conquer stage fright.

The tip of the week is a related point that you should remember everyone gets nervous! It's a perfectly normal and natural reaction to performing in front of other people.

Here are some tips that you can use to remain calm and conquer your stage fright nerves. First, try breathing slowly and deliberately. Focus on long, slow exhaling. Also, accept the fact that you are nervous and dial down your expectations of what you can actual accomplish and play on stage. Remember that you'll have to count on your muscle memory of what you've practiced and rehearsed.

Writing Music On Guitar

In this channel episode Anders will show you an approach to writing music on guitar.

The tip of the week is to use a song's lyrics to help you remember the song form. This is a great way to get a road map or birds eye view of a whole song at a glance.

This week's lesson is how to approach writing music on guitar. A common misconception is that writing music on guitar requires a magically ability or super advanced amount of music theory. But there are plenty of examples of simple songs that are a lot of fun and very successful. The main thing is to just get started and do something that sounds exciting enough to keep working on it!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on composition and musicianship.

GT Tutorials on Musicianship

GT Rock Course Level 1

GT Rock Course Level 2

Arpeggiating Open Chords

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to use arpeggiation to spice up your rhythm guitar playing.

The tip of the week is to break the rules to find new ideas! This is a great way to find new ideas for playing and writing. Often you might not find anything interesting. But if you keep experimenting you can sometimes come across something new and inspiring to use!

This week's lesson is how to take the basic open chords that we all start with when learning guitar and arpeggiate them to create a more interesting guitar part. The idea is to rhythmically separate each note to spread them out in time and create an interesting effect.'

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to arpeggiate chords and spice up your rhythm guitar playing in the rock course!

Rock Course Level 1

Rock Course Level 2

Cool Surf Riff

In this channel episode Anders will show you a neat surf style riff to use!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more lessons and songs that cover surf style guitar playing!

Surf Guitar 101

Beach Boys Song Lessons

Jan & Dean Song Lessons

The Ventures Song Lessons

Outlaw Western

In this channel episode Anders will you how to achieve a county style flavored tone that recalls the outlaw vibe from the old Spaghetti Westerns!

Start with a clean tone, then add a thick, deep, lush reverb (or echo) and some vibrato. If you can add a little vibrato from a whammy bar then you're ready to go! Play some bass notes, then an A minor chord, walk up to the next chord, a D major as the IV chord.

Finish by adding an F major then walk down the minor scale to start again! This creates the instant atmospheric vibe of those old Westerns!

If you like this lesson, then GT has 2 courses that include ideas on how to get country style guitar tones!

GT Country Course Level 1

GT Country Course Level 2

Open Position Blues Tricks

In this channel episode Anders will show you some open position blues licks.

The tip of the week is to turn your guitar's volume knob down when you aren't playing! This clean up any extraneous noise and makes your playing more professional.

This week's lesson is how to make the most of the open position for neat blues licks and tricks.

If you like this lesson, then GT has 2 entire courses on blues guitar playing!

GT Blues Course Level 1

GT Blues Course Level 2

The Ultimate Country Lick

In this channel episode Anders will show you the quintessential country lick!

This lick is a classic you've heard a million times. It's also a great lick to use as a foundation for a rhythm part and can serve as a spring board to get creative and make your own licks based on it.

If you like this lesson, then GT has 2 whole courses on how to play country guitar style licks!

GT Country Style Course 1

GT Country Style Course 2

Breaking Up Barre Chords

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to ramp up to working on barre chords to make them easier to learn.

If you are just learning barre chords this exercise is a great way to break up a full barre chord into smaller sections in order to practice getting used to them. At first just start with the bass note. Then add a few more strings as you get it to work. Try the same approach from the treble register and just play the high strings! Then gradually add the other strings.

This is a great way for beginners to ramp up to learning to play barre chords.

If you like this lesson, then the GT Fundamentals Course covers barre chords. Also the Rock course has a lot of material on using barre chords in various ways!

GT Fundamentals 2, Chapter 5: Intro To Barre Chords

GT Rock 2, Chapter 2: Rock Your Barre Chords

Thumbs Voicings

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play thumb voicings!

The tip of the week is to change your strings on a regular basis. We have a tutorial aimed at learn that skill.

Changing Strings & Basic Maintenance

This week's lesson is about learning to use thumb voicings. The basic idea is to hang your thumb over the top of the neck and use your thumb to play the bass note of a chord. This frees up your other fingers to play the higher register strings.

If you like this lesson, then the GT has other tutorials that incorporate thumb voicings!

Hendrix Style Embellishments

How To Get Creative With A Blues Lick

In this channel episode Anders will show you a basic blues lick and how to get creative with it!

The lick is a classic and widely used type of blues lick that involves a diad on the upper strings and a bluesy bend and release followed by a bass note. Classic stuff!

If you like this lesson, then the GT has a lot of other similar material in the Blues Courses.

GT Blues Course Level 1

GT Blues Course Level 2

Dominant 9th chords

In this channel episode Mike will show you to play dominant 9th chords.

The tip of the week is to practice playing power chords with your pinky to give it some extra practice to build it's strength and dexterity. Here's another GT tutorial aimed at that idea.

Building Pinky Strength & Dexterity

Dominant 9th chords can be used in many different styles of music. Mike will show you how they work in blues and funk styles. If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that demonstrate and show how to use 9th chords.

Funk Guitar

James Brown Style Guitar

Using Accents For Speed Picking

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to use accenting to help increase your picking speed.

This week's lesson is how to use accenting to help increase your picking speed. This will help open up the fretboard. You won't just be stuck in one position using only one pentatonic box shape. Using this simple idea really helps you gain confidence in playing in new areas of the fretboard.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to increase your picking speed.

Speed Building

Mixed Scale Speedster

Speedy Ideas Series 1: Building Speed

Speedy Ideas Series 2: Building Speed

Speedy Ideas Series 3: Building Speed

What Is I-IV-V

In this channel episode Mike explains the concept of a I-IV-V chord progression. We use numbers in music to label to chords of a chord progression so we know how the chords relate to the key and each other.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on chord progressions!

Scales and Chords Relationships

Intro To Improvisation

Improvisation in a Major Key

Music Theory: a Brief Overview

How To Find Octaves

In this channel episode Mike will show you a fun method for locating and playing octaves across the fretboard.

Playing Triads Instead Of Barre Chords

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to play triad voicings instead of full barre chords. It will make your playing more musical!

The tip of the week is to turn your volume knob to zero when you aren't playing! There's also a whole world of timbre options in your volume knob.

There's a GT tutorial that covers this topic in detail.

Volume Knob: The Secret Tone Tool

This week's lesson is how to see, use & play triads instead of full barre chords. This simple idea really helps you gain confidence in playing in new areas of the fretboard and makes your playing more musical.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play triads!

Triads and Inversions

Practicing Major Triads and Inversions 1

Practicing Major Triads and Inversions 2

Practicing Major Triads and Inversions 3

Practicing Major Triads and Inversions 4

Practicing Minor Triads and Inversions 1

Practicing Minor Triads and Inversions 2

Practicing Minor Triads and Inversions 3

Practicing Minor Triads and Inversions 4

Major Pentatonic

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to use the pentatonic major scale.

The tip of the week is to borrow from the song's melody. If you playing a solo, the best place to look for notes to play is the main melody of the song. Use the exact melody of the singer. Or just use the rhythm or phrasing of one of the lines. Or just use the notes as a way to start the solo or end it! It will make the solo sound more integrated with the rest of the song.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to us the pentatonic major scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Pentatonic Scales In Rock

Major Pentatonic Scale Exercises

Double Drop D

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to use the alternate tuning called double drop D.

The tip of the week is to use strap locks. It's a great way to insure that your strap will stay attached to your guitar and you won't drop it in the middle of a song. Or even worse, damage it.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on alternate tuning!

Drop D Slide Guitar

Grunge Rock: the 90's

An Introduction to Drop C Tuning

The Evolution of Metal Rhythm Guitar

Keith Richards Style Chord Lick

In this channel episode Anders will show you insight into the playing style of the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

The tip of the week is to look up! It important to remember to keep your eyes on the other musicians you are playing with. Eye contact is an important communication skill. It's also important to make eye contact with your audience and to enjoy the moment.

This week's lesson is an easy Keith Richards chord lick. This lick involves isolating just 3 notes on 3 adjacent strings and making the most of just 2 chord voicings!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a whole tutorial on how to play in the style of Richards.

The Keith Richards Style

There's a whole lot of Rolling Stones songs in the GT song catalog.

Rolling Stones GT Song Lesson

And there's also tutorials on understanding, learning and playing triad inversions like the lesson chord lick.

Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 3

Playing Behind the Bridge and Above the Nut

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to create special effects sounds and ambient noises with your guitar by playing behind the bridge and above the nut.

The tip of the week is to use the graphite tip of a pencil to reduce friction in you nut slots if you find your guitar going out of tune a lot. It's a quick simple fix that might be worth trying before attempting more complex or expensive fixes.

If you like this lesson, then GT has others on creating odd and unusual guitar parts!

Guitars From Outer Space

Halloween Guitar Lesson

Pick Scrape Lesson

Inside Picking

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to use a technique called inside picking.

The tip of the week is to be skip playing a chord occasionally! Sometimes it's okay not to play every chord in a progression. If another instrument is already covering that chord, it can help add some sonic space in the arrangement to drop out for a chord here & there. You can also try just playing partial chords, or a stripped down version of the chord. Also try playing a simple static part that works over a few chords. While the chords change over your static part you are creating an interesting tension.

Be creative with your rhythm playing!

Inside picking is a tricky thing to get a handle on but it's a very important technique to be able to use confidently.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to pick improve your picking technique on licks that use inside picking!

Bread & Butter Licks 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 2

Scales On One String

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play a scale using only one string.

The tip of the week is to think like a rhythm instrument in your playing (like drums!). Focus more on your strumming and picking how to make it more percussive and use interesting phrasing.

This week's lesson is how to visualize and play a pentatonic scale linearly on one string. Use your ear to explore and experiment with taking the notes from the normal pentatonic ox pattern and find them linearly all on one string.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to expand your fretboard knowledge of the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 1

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 2

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 3

Getting Musical With Harmonics

In this channel episode Anders will show how to play and use natural harmonics.

The tip of the week is to set artificial limitations for yourself to find new inspiration. If you take off a string, or limit yourself to only using two or three strings then you have to get creative to play something within those limits. It can be a great way to shake things up and get your creative juices flowing!

This week's lesson is how to find and play various natural harmonics. Anders shows you the natural harmonics at the 12th, 7th and 5th frets. They even form chords!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on how to play and use harmonics!

Harmonics: Pinch & Natural

Harp Harmonics

Harmonics Over Chords

Fun With Open Strings

In this channel episode Anders will show you how to play some neat licks combining open and fretted notes. By using the pentatonic scale you can make use of the open strings in the key of E minor.

The tip of the week is to learn to change your guitar strings! It's a handy Do-It-Yourself skill any guitarist should have. GT even has a tutorial on how to learn to do it.

Changing Strings & Basic Maintenance

This week's lesson is how to combining open and fretted notes using the pentatonic scale to make some neat sounding licks!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more that cover ideas on how to use open strings and pentatonic licks!

E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 1

E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 2

12 Bar Blues in E for Beginners!

Augmented and Diminished Chords

Mike is here with another Guitar Tricks channel lesson. This lesson is about augmented and diminished chords.

The tip of the week is about visualization. Even when you’re away from your guitar, you can still work on becoming a better guitarist! For example, on a train, airplane or waiting room, visualize your fingers fretting the parts of a song, lick, chord or scale. Also visualize your picking hand picking or strumming. This even works to visualize playing music in front of an audience!

On to this week's lessons about Augmented and Diminished Chords. Most guitarists learn about major and minor chords pretty early on. But some don’t realize there are to other types of chords that give an even more colored sound. They are augmented and diminished chords.

Augmented chords are essentially major chords but the 5th has been raised a semi-tone (also called a half-step). So an augmented chord has: root, major 3rd and sharp 5th. Diminished chords are essentially minor chords but the 5th lowered a half-step. So a diminished chord has: root, minor 3rd and flat 5th. Both of these chords can used to function as a dominant chord, a V or vii leading to another tonic chord. They can also be used ornamentally, just as interesting sounds to spice up an otherwise standard chord progression. Experiment with them!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more that cover ideas on how to use augmented and diminished chords!

Extended Harmony Chords Series 1

Using Triads

Speedy Ideas Series 4: Advanced Minor Shredding

Legato

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to expand your technique by playing with legato articulation.

The tip of the week is to practice your fretting hand technique without picking. It will help build your muscle memory!

To play legato means to "play a series of notes so they are smoothly connected with no silence (or as little as possible) in between them". One note sounds and keeps sounding until the next note starts. This is often indicated in musical notation by a curving arc over or under the series of notes meant to be smoothly connected. It is also called a slur mark or a phrase mark.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play using legato articulation!

Legato: An Introduction

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

3 Types of 7th Chords

In this channel episode Mike will show you the three main types of 7th chords used in music. He'll show you how to play voicings of:

Major 7th chord

Minor 7th chord

Dominant 7th (or just abbreviated as 7th chord)

The tip of the week is to practice picking and strumming without fretting chords or notes. Just mute all the strings and focus on staying in specific rhythms.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that demonstrate and show how to use 7th chords!

Introduction to Major and Minor 7th Chords

Practicing Major and Minor 7th Chords

Introduction to Moveable Dominant 7th Chords

Practicing Moveable Dominant 7th Chords

Add Major Thirds To Minor Pentatonic

Mike is here with a great channel episode on adding major thirds to the minor pentatonic scale.

The tip of the week is to use a metronome to practice. Using a metronome helps improve your rhythmic sense. You can track your progress & use it to develop your internal sense of timing.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others that cover the topic in greater detail.

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 3

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 4

Hendrix Chord Voicing

Hey there and welcome to the Guitar Tricks Channel. My name is Anders and I'll be your host today. Before we get started, make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don't miss any of our future lessons. First let me start you off with a tip of the week:

My tip this week is to record yourself playing and listen back- even if it's just a basic voice memo. Be critical of what you need to do better, but also notice ways in which you have improved. Do this frequently as a part of your practicing and it'll do wonders for your playing.

In this lesson I'm going to show you one of the most useful chord voicings on electric guitar. The word “voicing” refers to how the notes of a certain chord can be laid out in different ways to achieve very different sounds.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to voice chords in creative and musical ways!

Hendrix Style Embellishments

Chord Inversions: An Introduction

Major Triads & Inversions 2

Intro To the Blues Scale

Mike is here with a channel episode that will give you a practical intro to the blues scale.

The tip of the week is to used focused, repetitious practice sessions to drill difficult parts of songs, riffs or licks.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has a lot of other lessons that go into much more detail on how to play the blues scale.

Blues Style Most Important Notes

Basic Blues Licks

We also have two entire curriculum courses that delve deeply into teaching you how to play blues style guitar! Blues Style Course Level 1

Blues Style Course Level 2

Timing, Timing, Timing!

Hey there and welcome to the Guitar Tricks Channel. My name is Anders and I'll be your host today. Before we get started, make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don't miss any of our future lessons. First let me start you off with a tip of the week:

My tip this week is to work on your timing! Most players realize this way too late, but rhythm timing is what's going to make everything you do sound pro. If you play with great rhythm and timing you can even play bad notes and they'll still sound good.

So for this week's lesson I'm actually going to show you how to work on your rhythm and timing using a metronome. Metronomes are very affordable, and it's something every guitar player at any level should really have! You can even buy some great ones as apps, so if you're watching this video, there's no excuse for not having a metronome.

I hope you're excited to go practice with the metronome and become a guitar player who defies the stereotype with some solid rhythmic skills and great timing. If you liked this lesson, then GT has other lessons that can show you how to improve your timing by playing with a metronome.

Subdivisions: Splitting Up The Beat

Blues Strumming Patterns

Rhythm, Time and Feel

Practicing Scales for Beginners

Practice Makes Perfect

This week's lesson is how to build a great effective practice rig. Anders uses a small headphone amp. And talks about the settings he uses for optimal practice.

The tip of the week is to practice standing up! Most of the time when we perform we stand. So it's great preparation for performances!

You can build a perfect small, portable practice rig, with a cheap headphone amp, a pair of headphones an aux chord and your phone. This little setup can help you get countless of hours focused practice time- really in any place. You can use it in crowded public spaces like airports, out in nature and many places you wouldn't normally think of as practice spaces.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on best practice ideas!

Learning and Practiing

Mastering the Art of Practice

How To Practice

Open Tunings Made Easy – Open G/A

Hey there and welcome to the Guitar Tricks Channel. My name is Anders and I'll be your host today. Before we get started, make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don't miss any of our future lessons. First let me start you off with a tip of the week:

My tip this week is to us to use a headstock tuner. Headstock tunes come in all brands, shapes and sizes and they're highly affordable. I don't recommend them for live use, but they're perfect for any guitar you keep in your home, since they can just live on your headstock.

In this lesson we're gonna continue to demystify the concept of open tunings. Once again, the concept is to figure what is easy to play in each of the open tunings. That's what they were made for- not to adapt everything you already know in standard tuning. This applies to any open tuning, but in this lesson I'll show how it works with open G-tuning. This is the same as the open A-tuning, only down a whole step.

I hope you're excited to learn more about open tunings on your own. If you liked this lesson, then GT has other lessons on how to use open tunings!

DADGAD: Adventures in Alternate Tuning

An Introduction To Drop C Tuning

CAD Tuning

Rollin' And Tumblin'

Open Tunings Made Easy - Open D/E

Hey there and welcome to the Guitar Tricks Channel. My name is Anders and I'll be your host today. Before we get started, make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don't miss any of our future lessons. First let me start you off with a tip of the week:

My tip this week is to use a tuner app for your smartphone. You can buy them for a couple of bucks, and many of them are really, really good. That way you always have a tuner handy, whenever you have your phone.

In this lesson I'm going to try to demystify the concept of open tunings, cause that's a concept that so many people misunderstand. They think they have to adapt all the things they already know and therefore they get intimidated and overwhelmed by the open tunings. But open tunings are created to make certain specific things really easy, so you just have to look for what those things are and not worry about all the rest. This applies to any open tuning, but in this lesson I'll show how it works with open D-tuning. This is the same as the open E-tuning, only down a whole step.

I hope you're excited to go the open D and E-tuning some more on your own. If you liked this lesson, then GT has other lessons on how to use open tunings!

DADGAD: Adventures in Alternate Tuning

An Introduction To Drop C Tuning

CAD Tuning

Rollin' And Tumblin'

King Of The Capo

Anders is here with another channel episode.

The tip of the week is for those of you who like to use capos, and the tip is to use a capo with a spring in it, as opposed to the classic ones you have to tighten manually. This means that it's quick to put on and when you're not using it, you just clamp it on to the headstock like this.

For the lesson this week Anders will show you a new creative way to use a capo. Most people know how to use a capo across all six strings, but it can be a lot of fun to leave a string ringing open, particularly the low E-string.

So the classic way to use a capo is once again to make sure it's barring across all 6 strings and that all the strings are ringing open. Most often you have to tune again once you add the capo.

Now put the capo in the 2nd fret, but leave the low E-string ringing open. It can be a little tricky to do. Then you retune real quick.

Now we have what's essentially a drop D tuning, only our chords will look the same.

If you are excited to go explore some new sounds with your capo then GT has other lessons that cover using it in more detail.

GT Songs Using a Capo

Using A Partial Capo

Turning One Lick Into A MIllion

Anders is here with a new channel episode!

The tip of the week is to start playing your guitar solo before the solo section actually arrives. If you play a little as a pick up measure, then it helps lead into the solo section, makes the connection to the rest of the song sound stronger and shows your confidence as a player!

This week's lesson is how to turn one lick into a million. Anders shows how to take one basic idea and turn it into many variations to make your playing more varied and musical.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play lead guitar.

Blues Style Course Level 1

Rock Style Course Level 1

Sweep Picking

Dave's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to make sure your guitar is completely and solidly in tune. He shows what happens if your guitar is even slightly out of tune. For the main lesson content Dave shows you how to get started with sweep picking. This technique can be a great addition to your skill set for more ways to express yourself on lead guitar. If you want to learn more about sweep picking GT has tutorials covering that technique in greater detail & depth. tutorial=1071 tutorial=1072 tutorial=985 tutorial=1000

Suspended Chords

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to be aware of how much finger pressure you need to play guitar. Many times beginners press way too hard! This can cause your hand to fatigue too soon & even make the strings sound out of tune. Mike shows you how to gauge the right amount of pressure to use: just enough to make the notes ring clearly!

For the main lesson content Mike shows you how to use suspended chords to add a little spice to your strumming. This is a great way to add variety and motion to basic open chords as musical ornamentation.

If you want to learn more about playing suspended chords as ornamentation, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Chord Alchemy In Action!

Chord Extensions In Rock

Right Hand Tapping

Dave's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to keep track of your practice achievements in order to measure your learning and playing progress. Just writing down what you've done can help keep you focused, organized & on track. For the main lesson content Dave shows you how to get started with right hand tapping. This technique can be a great addition to your skill set for more ways to express yourself on lead guitar. If you want to learn more about tapping, then GT has tutorials covering that technique in greater detail & depth. tutorial=1474 tutorial=1477 tutorial=1493 tutorial=1609 tutorial=1277

Pulloffs and Hammerons

Dave's here with another channel episode! His tip of the week will help you with your chord changes. He shows use fingers that are common to two chords. Then he shows you that keeping those fingers on the string can make connecting those two chords much easier and smoother. This can help make you playing more musical.

For the main lesson content Dave shows you the basics of hammer-ons and pull-offs. These are foundation techniques in lead playing, they are the corner stones of many licks, fills and riffs.

If you want to learn more about hammer-ons and pull-offs, then GT has these tutorials covering those techniques in greater detail & depth.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs in Rock

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Playing Staccato Chords

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to record yourself while playing or practicing. It's a great way to get a clear, unbiased perspective on your playing skills. You'll find out what skills you need to work on for improvement, as well get the thrill of capturing and hearing yourself play something when you get it right!

For the main lesson content Mike shows you how to play staccato chords. Staccato means to play notes or chords with shortened length. It's a technique that's widely used in many genres.

If you want to learn more about staccato chord playing, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Funk Guitar

Funk Lick Library A1

Soulful R&B Series 1

Playing a Shuffle Rhythm

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to try different strings gauges to experiment and see if a certain thickness of string works better for your playing style.

For the main lesson content Mike shows you how to play a bluesy shuffle rhythm. This rhythmic strumming style is the foundation of a lot of blues playing. It's also used in other styles.

If you want to learn more about playing shuffle rhythms, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Feels, Rhythms and Grooves

12 Bar Blues in E For Beginners

Essential Blues Rhythm: The Blues Shuffle

Pentatonic Relative Major and Minor

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to build your finger strength and dexterity by using trilling exercises.

This GT tutorial covers that topic in greater detail.

Trill Drills

For the main lesson content, Mike shows you how to use the pentatonic box for relative major and minor. This is a great way to quickly visualize the fretboard and find your place when soloing.

If you want to learn more about pentatonic box patterns, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Pentatonic Major Scale Exercises

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Expanding Pentatonics Diagonally

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to expand the pentatonic scale box patterns diagonally.

The tip of the week is to learn any guitar solo note for note. This is a great way to improve your ear training, or aural skills, and learn new ideas to increase your own guitar playing vocabulary. It can also help boost your own creativity and improvisation skills.

This week's lesson is how to expand the pentatonic box patterns we all know and use as guitarists. This will help open up the fretboard. You won't just be stuck in one position using only one pentatonic box shape. Using this simple idea really helps you gain confidence in playing in new areas of the fretboard. >p> If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to expand the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 1

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 2

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 3

Double Stops

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to play double stops in a blues context.

The tip of the week is to focus on small sections of music when learning new material. If you're learning a new song, then just focus on 1 or 2 bars at a time. If you're learning a new riff or lick, break it down into small sections so you don't overwhelm yourself. It's easier to manage and make progress if you learn and practice new material in smaller chunks.

This week's lesson is how to play a double stop riff in a bluesy context. This is a neat idea that really makes a full sound. Essentially you are taking a simple blues melody and harmonizing it to make a richer sound. This is a widely used technique that applicable to many blues songs.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues guitar. Check out the Blues Style Courses!

Blues Style Course Level 1

Blues Style Course Level 2

Blues Turnaround

Dave's here with another channel episode! His tip of the week will help you with your chord changes. He shows how to lift your fingers off the strings on the last beat & strum right before a chord change in order to get in position to the next chord on time.

For the main lesson content Dave shows you a classic blues turnaround. This is a corner stone of any blues style guitar playing. He shows you how to use it to start and end a blues riff in order to give it more structure and sound more musical.

If you want to learn more about blues turnarounds, and blues style playing in general, then GT has guided style course covering all those techniques in greater detail & depth.

Blues Style Course Level 1

Blues Style Course Level 2

Blues Orchestration 1

Blues Orchestration 2

Another Pentatonic Box

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to help you play your F barre chord with an easier exercise.

For the main lesson content Mike shows you the fifth pentatonic box shape. This is the box shape below the first one, the main one that guitarists often learn first.

If you want to learn more about pentatonic box patterns, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 1

Add Eighth Note Accents to Your Strumming

In this channel episode Mike will show you how to add eighth note accents to an acoustic strumming pattern.

The tip of the week is about using a capo to play in different keys, matching a vocalist's voice range and to get different timbres.

This week's lesson is how to spice up your acoustic guitar strumming patterns. He adds an eighth note accent to a simple pattern to make it more interesting and musical. >p> If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to spice up your acoustic guitar strumming.

Basic Country Strumming

Better Strumming

12 Bar Blues Soloing Using Chord Tones

Mike's here with a channel episode! His tip of the week is to make sure your bends are in tune. Make sure to know what your target note is. Hit that note and compare it to the bend you are making to see if you getting it right.

For the main lesson content Mike shows you how to use chord tones to solo over a 12 bar blues progression. This is a great way to start soloing because it is literally using the notes of the underlying chord progression as the material for the solo licks.

If you want to learn more about using chord tones to solo, then GT has tutorials covering that topic in greater detail & depth.

Targeting Chord Tones

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 2

Play Along with the Power Chord Groove

Let's bring in the drummer and start making some music with power chords!

Guitar Tricks 181 Mixing Major & Minor Blues

Neal shares his soloing tricks to mix major and minor notes within a blues lead. This tasty lick is in the key of E minor. You can get an extra bluesy flavor to your tone by setting your pickup selector to the neck position here. This lick grabs the listener's attention and is a lot of fun to play and it works well with rock or blues.

Tip of the week: how to get more dexterity in your fingers. Neal will show you a finger exercise to help!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 4

Major and Minor Lead Within a Solo

Guitar Tricks 180: Call and Answer Blues Lick

In the key of A minor, Neal shares a tasty blues like in the 8th position. This lick is a good example of the call and answer concept for blues lead.

The first half of the lick is the "call" or "question" and the second half of the lick is the "answer" (sometimes called "call and response".) To get the idea, imagine two people standing across the street from each other. One shouts out a short sentence, then the other person answers.

That's the idea behind call and answer, and it's a must-know concept for any serious blues player and is used by all the greats: Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the list goes on.

Tip of the Week: how to test if your song is a good one. Try it in different genres or styles.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play great blues licks!

Less Notes, More Blues!

Basic Blues Licks

Guitar Tricks 179: Two Note Chord Riff

In this channel episode Neal show you a lesson that's great for songwriting or just coming up with really melodic ideas for solo guitar. You've probably heard the sound in this lesson, Neal shows you how to duplicate it and use it creatively in different positions, in different keys, and on different strings.

The tip of the week is a quick way to help memorize the fretboard. If you know the notes on the E or A string, then use the idea of an octave higher to quickly find the same note letter on a higher string.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to find the notes of the major scale.

Rock Riffs

70s Arena Rock Riff

Guitar Tricks 178: Blues Turnaround in F

Answering a request for more blues lessons, Neal teaches a tasty blues turnaround in the key of F. This one works best with slow blues but can be used at any tempo. Based around the "blues box pattern" you can move this lick anywhere on the neck for an authentic blues turnaround at your next jam session.

Tip of the week: great blues tone secret. If you have an older style tube amp, then turn the master up and the gain down.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play great blues licks!

Less Notes, More Blues!

Bread & Butter Blues Licks 2

Guitar Tricks 177: Iron Maiden Style Riffs

Neal responds to a request for how to create Iron Maiden styles riffs in the vein of "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "Aces High". Riffs may seem complicated but it's really the notes in between the chords that make a riff work, Neal shares his insight on how to create rocking riffs using this and other techniques.

The tip of the week is about the best pick to use for fast picking techniques.

If you like this lesson, then GT has an artist study focusing on the legendary metal band Iron Maiden.

Iron Maiden Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 176: 80s Hair Metal Chords

If you want to sound like your favorite metal player or you're interested in an 80s retro metal sound, Neal got just the chords for ya. You'll hear these chords all over songs by artists like Van Halen, Ratt, Night Ranger and many others. These sus2 and sus4 chords have been the foundation of many, totally awesome, 80s hair metal monster hits. Bust out your bandana and crank up the gain! (hair spray optional)

The tip of the week is about a handy product called a pick bay.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on metal guitar playing techniques.

Van Halen Artist Study

George Lynch Style Artist Study

Heavy Metal

Guitar Tricks 175: Texas Boogie Turnaround

Awesome blues turnaround this week from Neal, you'll have a lot of fun learning and playing this tasty turnaround in they key of E, Stevie Ray style. Check out the previous lesson, "174: Texas Boogie Pattern", for tips on how to nail the Texas rhythm that compliments this turnaround.

Tip of the Week: How to project your sound within a band situation, it's easy! Turn up the mid range!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues style guitar licks!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

Blues Orchestration Series 2

Guitar Tricks 174: Texas Boogie Rhythm

Neal fills a request for a lesson on the boogie pattern. This week he share's his tips to getting the hard swing feel of Texas blues guitar, like Stevie Ray Vaughan. It easy but involves dampening with both the left and right hand. These little tips can really make your Texas-style boogie feel "Pop".

Tip of the Week: The benefit of cheap guitars.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues style guitar!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

Blues Orchestration Series 1

Guitar Tricks 173: Breaking Pentatonic Ruts

Neal shares his favorite tips on creating melodic and memorable leads and riffs in the lesson and the best part is it's using chords you're already playing. This lesson will take your guitar playing far!

The tip of the week is how to get more mileage out of the licks you already know by trying the same notes but using a different rhythmic phrasing.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more on how to spice up your lead guitar playing by using chord tones!

Chord Tones: Expand Your Soloing

Improvisation in a Major Key 1

Improvisation in a Major Key 2

Chord Tone Soloing

Guitar Tricks 172: Connecting Chords

The weeks lesson is a request on how to connect chords when songwriting. Using the techniques taught in this lesson you'll also learn how to create great guitar riffs and what makes them work. There's a lot of great stuff in here for you songwriters and guitar players and it applies to all styles. Tip of the Week: Memorization tip (from Anders)

Guitar Tricks 171: Open String Lead

Check out Neal's insight on how to make open strings work for you. In this lesson he shares 4 examples of using open strings within the E minor and E pentatonic scale to create dynamic licks, riffs and lead ideas that will grab the listeners ear.

The tip of the week is about string muting.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on lead guitar playing techniques.

Meat and Potatoes: Standard Rock Licks

More On Intervals: Flavor Your Leads

Tools of Emotion: Tried & True Techniques

Guitar Tricks 170: Classic Rock Lead

In this channel episode Neal will show you a fun lick for the beginner to intermediate player. This lick uses some the well-known pentatonic scale with a little string skipping, sliding and bending thrown in to spice it up. And it's moveable to any position.

The tip of the week is the best way to change strings, your guitar will thank you. If you change the strings one at a time it keeps constant tension on your guitar neck.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock licks across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales in Rock

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs in Rock

Rock Soloing: Put It All Together

Guitar Tricks 169: Motown Classic Funk Riff

Neal shares one of his bluesy, funky rhythm riffs in this lesson. Using 16th notes and a constant right-hand rhythm with left hand dampening, this riff will sound great at your next jam session. Using the A7 chord and some double stops, you'll be getting funky in no time. Chords used are A7, D7 and E7. Tip of the Week: Dynamics are key!

Enclosure Lesson by Dweezil Zappa

In this lesson Dweezil's got you playing "outside of the box", literally. Using just a couple notes outside of a scale or chord pattern you can add a new dynamic to you're lead playing without learning new scales. What a difference a half-step can make! Tip of the week: Dweezil showcases the just-released Gibson Frank Zappa Model SG, from the Roxy era. This guitar was made to the specs of Frank's guitar, down to the last detail. Demo'd by Dweezil himself.

Guitar Tricks 168: Southern Rock Licks

In this channel episode Neal shows you a Southern rock style lick. If you're into blues rock or chicken fried rock, this is a must-have lick to add to your arsenal. It's very easy and comfortable, and you can move it anywhere on the neck. You'll hear artists like Slash, Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd use this handy lick often. Dive on in!

The tip of the week is on how to pick faster with an easy adjustment: angle your pick to smoothly slide across the strings instead of digging in to them.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play in this style!

Southern Rock Style

Lynyrd Skynyrd Song Lessons

Guitar Tricks 167: Fast Open Chord Changes

"Right under your fingers." Caren is our guest host on the GT Channel and she shares her valuable insight on making efficient chord changes in the open position. If you're just getting the hang of smooth chord changes, Caren's lesson will put you on the fast track, with some bonus info too!

The tip of the week is to place your third finger first when fretting notes.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more that cover getting your fretting hand into better shape!

Left Hand Training

Dweezil Zappa Interview

Live from Dweezil's studio, he gives us a sneak peek into his latest musical venture and the details of the upcoming Dweezilla guitar boot camp. It takes place in New York (near Woodstock) and features a 4-day teaching-intense/hangout-intense immersion into the world of guitar, Dweezil and his hand-picked band of guitar instructors. Tune in to hear more about it!

Guitar Tricks 166: Right Hand Position

Guest host Caren Armstrong shares her insights on consistent right hand use, whether strumming or fingerpicking. If you're struggling with good right hand technique, Caren will help you become a better player with this demonstration of good strumming and BAD strumming habits. This lesson will help you RELAX and in the process, improve accuracy, speed, and more importantly, TONE.

The tip of the week is to take care of your most valuable guitar tools (we all have 'em!): your fingernails.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to improve you picking hand technique.

Better Strumming

Travis Picking Simplified

Guitar Tricks 165: David Gilmour Style Lead

In this channel episode Neal shows you a tasty lick in the style of David Gilmour. You'll also learn the secret behind his great sounding solos. Using the neck position pickup is best for this tone, Neal is using a Les Paul with the neck position pickup with just a little bit of gain.

Fun fact: Gilmour played a 50s gold top Les Paul straight into the board (no amp) for his legendary solo in "The Wall."

The tip of the week is how to become more musical. When you are learning something new, then it's important to keeping repeating it until it gets into your muscle memory. Once it becomes an automatic physical process, then you can focus on making it an emotional, musical riff or lick because you aren't still struggling to just play the notes!

If you want to dig deeper into Gilmour's style, then check out the GT Artist Study.

David Gilmour Style Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 164: Specialty Metal Chords

This week Neal one of his favorite metal specialty chords to spice up your metal rhythm. This one adds power and melody and works as great accent chord for metal songwriting, works great for the style of Killswitch Engage.

Tip of the week: how to get that difficult rhythm down.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on how to use chord progressions to improve your metal songwriting.

Metallica Style Artist Study

Megadeth Style Artist Study

Randy Rhoads Style Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 163: Blues on the Low Notes

This lesson offers a very tasty blues lick that can also be applied to rock (in a Slash style) with a few minor adjustments. Neal shares his favorite keys for playing lead on the low notes.

The tip of the week will help you expand your lick knowledge with this simple suggestion.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Less Notes, More Blues!

Less Notes, Even More Blues!

Guitar Tricks 162: Joe Perry Style Lead

In this channel episode Neal shows you a lick in the key of G using a combination of the best notes in rock; the minor 3rd, major 3rd, flat 5th and 7th. It's really a challenge to make these notes work well together but this lick does a great job. You end up with a very tasty, melodic and bluesy sounding lead.

The tip of the week is on how to expand your inspiration: try playing a different guitar than your favorite one to shake things up!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a Joe Perry Artist Study tutorial so you can go deeper into his playing style.

Joe Perry Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 161: Soulful Blues Lead

Neal shares his insight to getting more soulful sounding blues licks in this lesson. This "call and answer" lick is In the key of G minor and uses the box pattern commonly used by BB King and Eric Clapton. The simple tips in this lesson can help get you from "just playing notes" to playing more melodic and soulful blues lead.

Tip of the Week: How to track your progress easily. Record yourself practicing and playing. It's the best way to get objective feedback on how well you are playing.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

B.B. King Style

Building a Blues Lick

Guitar Tricks 160: Allman Brothers Style Lead

This is a great lesson for the beginner blues player. It's in the key of E major and includes some easy patterns using hammer-ons to get your feet off the ground with some smooth and tasty sounding leads.

Tip of the Week: From your Idol's Idol comes great knowledge. To take it a step further, learn licks from your idol's idol!

If you like this lesson, then GT has more that cover ideas on how to play in this style!

Dickey Betts Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 159: Drop D Rootsy Rock

Anders host this week's channel with an insightful lesson in his riff-creating techniques. This one is in drop D tuning, one part Steve Earle, one part aggressive and weird, with a little slinky and cool thrown on top for good measure. Tip of the Week: How to get that "nod of approval" from other players, it's easier than you think!

Guitar Tricks 158: Swampy Guitar Riffs

This week guest host Anders shows you his key ingredients to creating a great guitar riff using classic blues licks in a groovin, bluesy, swampy guitar style. Half part Creedence, half part Richards, there are a bunch a really cool blues licks to learn in this awesome lesson from Anders Mouridsen. Have fun! Tip of the Week: Backwards Whammy!

Guitar Tricks 157: Speed & Memory Exercise

This week special guest instructor Mike Olekshy shares his secrets for building speed, dexterity and fretboard knowledge. It's a timed exercise, feel free to use the Guitar Tricks Ultimate Metronome to challenge yourself. Hint: click the "Speed Drill" box.

Tip of the Week: Boom! Secret pick stash spot!

If you're still working on learning note names & locations, then you can start with this tutorial on learning the notes of the musical alphabet on the fretboard.

tutorial=1136

Guitar Tricks 156: Anders Blues Lick

This week we answer a request to teach the ending lick by Anders from GT Channel episode 41. This is a super tasty way to end a blues jam, or you can use it in a turnaround.

Here's a direct link to GT Ch 41:

Blues Turnaround Lesson

The tip of the week is to drop the major 3rd from the dominant 7 aug 9 chord to make it sound better if you are using a lot of gain.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues style guitar!

Building a Blues Lick

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 4

Guitar Tricks 155: Rhythm Blues Lick

For you beginner blues players, this lick will really spice up the basic blues pattern. This one is in the key of A and sounds great on acoustic or electric. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and anyone in the room who's listening.

Tip of the Week: Just relaaaxx!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues style guitar!

Breakin' Down the Classic Blues Riff

12 Bar Blues in E for Beginners!

Guitar Tricks 154: 4-Note Rock Lick

This rock lick boogies! And it's only four notes. In this channel episode Neal shares a favorite lick of his that's easy to play and focuses on the right hand rhythm which is often overlooked when learning leads, scales and solos. This lick is also a good exercise in alternate picking and is in the key of F#.

The tip of the week is how to improve your ear training. Instead of looking on the internet for a tab to a lick you are trying to learn, try to learn it yourself by ear!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock licks using the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales in Rock

Pentatonic Speedster

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Guitar Tricks 153: Beginner Major Blues

Super-tasty is the name of this simple lick in A major. If you're beginning to solo, this lick will sound great at your next jam. Even for more advanced players, this lick will sound timeless and is moveable anywhere on the neck.

Tip of the Week: How to expand you lick collection. Play a familiar lick in a different position or on different strings.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues licks!

Targeting Chord Tones

Major In Minor Pentatonic 1

Guitar Tricks 152: SRV Style Blues Lick

For you a classic blues lick this week, and very tasty! This lick is in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Jimi Hendrix and is a combo of two classic blues licks with a little melodic flavor added. Tune in as Neal shows how to play this dynamic lick, note-for-note.

Tip of the Week: if you are new at learning blues, this is an easy way to play the blues boogie pattern.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

E Bleus Rhythm & Lead

Guitar Tricks 151: Chord Lead

We've had some requests of how to use chords in soloing. This week Neal shows you one of his favorite licks for applying chords to your leads. In the key of D major, it's actually a combination of 3 licks. And it's a moveable lick so once you learn it you can play it in any key. TIP: An easy trick to using chords in soloing

Guitar Tricks 150: Pentatonic Shred in A

In this channel episode Neal uses the pentatonic scale in A to show you a classic-styled rock lick that will have you sounding super-shreddy in no time! This one is easy to move about the neck to any key.

The tip of the week is an easy way to improve your practicing skills. If you have your guitar out of the case and plugged in ready to go it makes it easier to get motivated to practice.

This week's lesson is how to use the pentatonic box and a few technique tricks to play a great sounding rock lick. If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock licks using the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales in Rock

Pentatonic Speedster

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Guitar Tricks 149: Blues Rock Lick in A

If you're looking to solo high up on the fret board, this is a must-learn lick from Neal's lick collection. Utilizing the melodic 3rd and 7th note as target notes, this one will have you sounding bluesy and rock at the same time.

Tip of the Week: how to improve your fret board knowledge. Play in a key you aren't used to playing in. It will force you to get out of your comfort zone.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Building a Blues Lick

Bread & Butter Blues Lick 1

Guitar Tricks 148: Rock Solo Lick in B

Neal teaches a fast lick in the key of B that is a great practice in finger independence, hammer-on's and alternate picking. Play it up to speed and you've got a very cool, fast and melodic lick on your hands. Have fun! Tip of the Week: Overlooked Soloing Tip!

Guitar Tricks 147: Hendrix Style Lick

Here is a Hendrix-inspired lick that works over major chords. Once you learn the pattern for this lick you can play it anywhere on the neck, easily. And it works for country music as well, goes to show just how universal Jimi's music really is. Tip of the Week: The key to good lead playing

Guitar Tricks 146: Extreme Bends

In this channel episode Neal shows you how to make your soloing sound over-the-top! You may have heard and not known how to do it, but this week Neal shows you some tips on how to get this wild and energized sound out of your leads. Warm up your fingertips cuz this one might hurt.

The tip of the week is how to upgrade your tone without spending any money! Just adjust your pickups!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use bends and vibrato to make your playing more musical and expressive!

Bending & Vibrato in Rock

Boost Your Rock Bending

Guitar Tricks 145: Blues Lead & Turnaround

A classic blues lick to add to your arsenal, Neal shares his insight on 2 key notes that make the blues sound bluesy. Also, a key note to use when you switch to the IV chord that will make your blues leads sound more dynamic and exciting. The turnaround lick you'll want to use all the time, it's great!

Tip of the Week: How to make difficult barre chords easier. Angle your index finger in order to get more leverage.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Building a Blues Lick

Bread & Butter Blues Lick 1

Guitar Tricks 144: Halloween Special 2012

BOO! It's that time again, the award-winning Halloween Episode is here. Wondering what Tony Bones has been up too? You'll have to ask this wicked vixen what happened to him. Guest host Sharon Aguilar spooks up this year's scary Halloween theme song lesson. She's got some magic tricks to teach you too, so tune it and BEWARE!! Watch at your own risk! A special 13th Birthday Shout-out to Ross, an aspiring guitarist and GT subscriber!! Happy Birthday Ross from Neal and Guitar Tricks!

Guitar Tricks 143: GT Channel Theme

By popular request, Neal shows you how to play the new GT Channel theme song. Also included in this lesson is how to make basic chord progressions and turn them into awesome rock riffs. Little tricks like using pentatonic bass notes, double stops instead of power chords, and sliding into chords really make your progressions "pizzazy!" Tip of the Week: How to get better rhythm

Guitar Tricks 142: Best Blues Vibrato

Vibrato is key to the blues sound, Neal shows you his secret to getting that killer blues vibrato. Using the classic "call & response," this lick is very useful to beginner guitarists. You can use it over the I, IV or V chord of a 12-bar blues and it sounds great on every chord.

Tip of the Week: How to save your 9 volt batteries. When you are not using your pedals, then unplug the cable from the input jack.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Less Notes, More Blues

Basic Blues Licks

Guitar Tricks 141: Unison Bends

Unison bends are one of the most recognized techniques in rock guitar. Used by great guitarist like Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page and Slash, they're a must-have tool to any rock guitarist. In this channel episode Neal teaches you the ins and outs of making good sounding unison bends sound great. If you're new at soloing, they are fairly easy and sound huge.

The tip of the week is how to build a fan base at your gigs. Make sure to get an email from each fan at a gig in order to stay in communicate with them and get feedback from them.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on rock lead playing techniques!

Bending & Vibrato in Rock

Boost Your Rock Bending!

Best Custom Acoustic Guitar @ NAMM 2012

Neal's pick for best custom acoustic guitar at NAMM show is the black Titanic Southampton guitar. A limited run of high-quality acoustic guitars, made in Scotland, to commemorate the Titanic anniversary. Dave explains while Neal demos..and have a little fun in the process.

Best Custom Electric Guitar @ NAMM 2012

These are some amazing guitars! Neal shows you his favorite picks from the 2012 NAMM show. Guitars featuring custom inlays, diamonds and jewels and a leather clad exterior! Take a tour of the wild world of high end custom guitars from the Fender Custom Shop right here on the Guitar Tricks Channel.

Guitar Tricks 140: SRV Style Lick

Here is a classic lick that every blues player should know. You may have heard Stevie Ray Vaughan use this one but it's been around for years and used by many great blues players. Neal shows you the lick in open E position and in a moveable position so you can play it anywhere on the neck.

Tip of the week: Drop that pick! If you play with just your fingers you might approach your lead playing differently.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 2

Guitar Tricks 139: Blues Song Riff

Neal combines these elements to make a riff that you can play through a whole blues progression: Hammer-on, double stops, finger roll, slide, chord tones. This is a great way to better understand mixing techniques to create a riff in the blues format. Key of A. The tip of the week is how to reduce string noise. When changing chords, release pressure from the strings. You can also use the natural oil from your hair or skin. And there are several products aimed at helping this problem.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

G Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 5

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Blues Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 138: Moveable D Chord

Using a first inversion D chord, Neal shows you an easy chord that you can play anywhere on the neck for a "new" twist on an old chord. The same chord can also be used to add some chords to your lead playing, click for an example from Neal. Tip of the Week: How to make your blues lead sound more melodic

Guitar Tricks 137: Hendrix Style Lead

This week Neal shares one of his Hendrix-style chord based licks in A major. This is a very handy, movable lick that sounds very melodic over major chords and is instantly reminiscent of Hendrix style leads. If you new at leads and have your hammer-ons down, this is the perfect lesson for you. Tip of the Week: is a surprise! Hint: some magic is involved.

Guitar Tricks 136: Guit Solo Technique 5

For the beginning to intermediate guitarist, Neal shares his insight solo over the whole fretboard, and how to use trills and slides to flavor your lead lines. If you only know the 1 main pentatonic scale, this lesson will help you expand your knowledge and cover more of the fretboard. Tip of the week: Use THESE notes to start a solo

Guitar Tricks 135: Soloing Secrets

If you're new at soloing, or just stuck with note selection, this lesson is for you. Neal shares his personal insight on what makes a dynamic lick. With the focus on the right hand rhythm, this lesson is bound to offer some helpful tips on your path to being a great guitarist. Tip of the week: don't get electrocuted! Here's how:

Guitar Tricks 134: Blues Lick in C

This tasteful, major-flavored lick combines string-skipping, using major and minor in a solo, chord tones, and the 2 note chords from GT #106. It's a lot easier than it may sound, so tune on in for your tasty blues lick of the week from Neal.

The tip of the week is how to get better sustain. First try to keep pressure on the string to keep it ringing. Good intonation will also help. Adjusting your pickups to the optimal height will also help.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

C Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 5

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Blues Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 133: Two-Hand Tapping Bends

In this channel episode using tap-bend and bend-tap, Neal shares some very cool Eddie-inspired licks up and down the neck. These concepts are fairly simple and will get you playing fast hammer-on licks ala Eddie, lickity split!

The tip of the week is how to shift your pick from fingers to tapping position.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that show Van Halen style and how to use the tapping technique!

Van Halen Artist Study

Tapping: Level 1

Tapping: Level 2

Pentatonic Power Tapping

Guitar Tricks 131: 5-String Sweeps

This week we follow up Ben Lindholm's series on sweep picking. This is an advanced lesson but if you'd like to work your way up, Ben provides 2, 3 and 4 string lessons on the Guitar Tricks Channel. The arpeggio examples you'll learn here will have you sounding like a metal master and full-sweep madness will be yours!

The tip of the week is about the theory of the arpeggios used in the lesson. If you build a minor triad from the major 3rd of a chord, you'll get a neat major or minor 7th extended harmony chord sound.

If you liked this lesson on sweep picking, then GT has a lot of other lessons that cover the topic in more depth and detail.

Intro To Sweep Picking

Advanced Sweep Picking

Sweep Picking Series 5: Advanced Applications

Sweep Picking Series 6: More Advanced Applications

New Joe Bonamassa pedal from Dunlop

Take a detailed tour with Dunlop Senior Engineer Bob Cedro as he demos the latest hot pedals from Dunlop including the new Joe Bonamassa Wah, MXR Custom Badass Modified Overdrive and 6 years in the making, the new Eric Johnson Fuzz Face.

Guitar Tricks 130: Metal Songwriting Tips

Using simple chord progressions Neal shares his favorite secret to good metal riffage. This lesson is a follow-up to the rock songwriting lesson so be sure to view that one as well to see how these basic concept work across all genres. You'll be writing dynamic riffs in no time with these insightful lessons.

Tip of the Week: using accidental harmonics to your advantage.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on how to use chord progressions to improve your songwriting.

Metallica Style Artist Study

Megadeth Style Artist Study

Practicing Minor Triads & Inversions Series 1

Guitar Tricks 129: Rock Songwriting Tips

In this episode Neal share's his most important songwriting tips, the 3 elements needed to create a great rock riff. It's easy, and once you know these 3 elements you'll be able to create your own, original, great rock riffs, the foundation of just about every great rock song.

Guitar Tricks 128: Coolest Guitar Cases

Have you ever wanted your band logo on your whole guitar case, or just a bunch of flames!? Or just the toughest case out there to protect your precious vintage axe? Neal shares some of the coolest guitar cases found at the NAMM show, including odd sized cases for flying-V guitars, ukelele and banjos.

Guitar Tricks 127: Texas Style Blues

In this lesson we answer a request for the intro to episode 121. Easy because it's in one position but a little challenging because of the right hand rhythm. It's a tasty double-stop lick that combines rhythm and lead, and it will get you respect on stage in any Texas bar.

Tip of the Week: How to get more out of you guitar licks! Reuse a bass line as a guitar lead lick.

Tip of the Minute: Listen to this lesson with headphones for the full Texas effect!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

Blues Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 126: Southern Rock Lick

In this channel episode Neal combines major and minor for a southern fried rock lick in A. This lick sounds great in a country style with clean guitar or also with a dirty tone for rock and blues.

The tip of the Week is how to use licks you already know to create a riff. Try a lick an octave lower to turn it from a lead lick to a rhythm riff.

This week's lesson is how to use some simple note choices and techniques to get a Southern rock sound.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play in this style!

Southern Rock Style

Lynyrd Skynyrd Song Lessons

Guitar Tricks 125: Best Beginner Amp

There are a lot of beginner amps and guitars out there, and deciding which to get can be a daunting task, so we thought we'd give you our two cents. Take a romp through the NAMM show with Neal as demos his personal favorite beginner guitar amp, complete with jam tracks! The Roland Micro Cube RX.

Guitar Tricks 124: Slash Style Lick

Good and easy, this week's Slash style lick will have you playing a cool lead in no time. The great thing about this lick is that it can be played over just about any chord. It's an easy way to target "chord tones" and sound great, quickly. Tip of the week: Don't limit your bends to one direction.

Guitar Tricks 123: Maj & Minor in a Solo

Why do major and minor work together in some solos? Many people have asked, and Neal sheds some light on the subject with the reasons why and a sweet lick in the key of A to get you started. Tip of the Week: Be nice to your soundguy! Why? click to find out.

The First Guitarist To Record a Wah

We were fortunate enough to interview this man at Dunlop, Del Casher, the first man to record a wah wah pedal with guitar. Previously it had been designed for use with a trumpet. As the story goes, Del told Frank Zappa about this new gizmo, and Frank told a guy named Jimi Hendrix, who then went down to Manny's Music in NY in 1967 and picked one up, the rest is history. But it starts here with Del, we'll let him tell you the details of wah wah's humble beginnings. Who knew The Addams Family had something to do with it?!

Guitar Tricks 122: How-To Convey Emotion

In this channel Neal shows you how to impart emotion into your playing. Conveying emotion can be a challenging task for guitar players. Using bends you probably already know, Neal shows you how to take simple half-step bends and use them in a way that is mood-evoking.

The tip of the week is how to do a pinch harmonic chord scrape.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use bends and vibrato to make your playing more musical and expressive!

Bending & Vibrato in Rock

Boost Your Rock Bending

Guitar Tricks 121: Stevie Ray Vaughan Style Lesson

Neal teaches you one of his favorite Stevie Ray Vaughan style licks in this lesson. It's super cool and involves easy hybrid picking. So if you haven't tried hybrid picking yet, this lesson is a great place to start!

Tip of the Week: How make your whammy bar easier to use. You can adjust the springs in the back cavity.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study

Basic Blues Licks

Guitar Tricks 120: Using The Whole Fretboard

Neal shares his tricks to expanding your knowledge of the fretboard so you can solo "outside" of the pentatonic box. These simple tips can easily take you from knowing one pentatonic scale position, to covering half of the fretboard. Tip of the Week: how to get better recording mixes

Guitar Tricks 119: Easy Blues Rock Licks

In this channel episode Neal shows you a great beginner blues rock lick. If you're just getting your feet wet with soloing, this lick is a great place to start: it's easy and it sounds good. It's used by beginners and total pros so you can't go wrong. The best part is that it introduces you to the concept of "chord tones", which is the key to great note choice.

The tip of the week will keep you wound up! It's about keeping your string winder in good shape by cleaning and oiling the moving parts

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play these kind of basic blues rock licks using double stops!

Standard Rock Licks

Expand Your Soloing

Guitar Tricks 118: Best Beginner Electric Guitar 2012

Neal's pick for NAMM 2012's best entry-level electric is here: the Silo 3 from Sterling by Music Man. Whether you're just starting on guitar or you're an experienced player who doesn't want to bring your priceless vintage guitar to the local jam night, this guitar from the Sterling Sub Series is just right. With an incredibly low street price of $199, this axe has all the bells and whistles you might be looking for: single coil and humbucker pickups, tremolo bridge & short neck for fast action. Not bad looking either!

Guitar Tricks 117: Turn 1 Bend Into 10 Licks

There's more to one bend than meets the eye. This week Neal shows you how take a bend you may already know, and one of the most common, and turn it into 10 licks. These lead lines are great with blues mostly, but also rock and a little country.

Tip of the week: This one tip can improve and color your rhythm playing. Play partial chords instead of the whole barre chord shape.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 4

Major and Minor Lead Within a Solo

Guitar Tricks 116: Rockabilly In 3 Mins

In the channel episode Neal shows you a key element to getting the Rockabilly sound, in only 3 minutes! A couple bonus licks and tips are thrown in get the most out of your rhythm playing.

The tip of the week will help you better understand your playing. If you give a lesson to a beginner guitar player you will get a better understanding of what you are trying to teach.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more on playing in the rockabilly style!

Rockabilly 101

Sun Studio Rockabilly

GT Rockabilly Songs

Guitar Tricks 115: Coolest Tool at NAMM

Check out Neal's pick for the coolest undiscovered gadget at NAMM 2012, the Stageplayer II. This awesome little gadget doubles as a playing stool and guitar stand, a great tool for you singer songwriters out there. Also handy if you have a small practice room in your home and are looking to save space. Neal interviews the inventor Nick to get all the details.

Guitar Tricks 114: Blues Lead Chord Tones

Break out of the pentatonic box with these soloing secrets used by the best guitarists. This simple concept will elevate your soloing to a new level using chords you probably already know.

Tip of the Week: Take no toll on your tubes with this tip! Carry your amp, or keep it in a road case.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic 4

Blues Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 113: David Gilmour Style Lesson

In this channel episode Neal explores an important aspect of David Gilmour's style is his use of 3-note chords or "triads."

The tip of the week will extend the life of your amp's tubes. If you have a tube amp, then make sure to use the standby switch. It's there to help the wear and tear on the tubes.

Neal will show you these important chords to the Pink Floyd style in an easy to understand way. When you're done, check out the full tutorial on the Gilmour style taught by Anders Mouridsen, including the Gear & Tone for that killer delay sound.

David Gilmour Style Artist Study

Guitar Tricks 112: Alex Lifeson Style Lesson

In this channel episode Neal shares one of his favorite Alex Lifeson techniques. Using one-string hammer-ons and pull-offs, and a little practice, you can emulate this dynamic Lifeson technique and sound really cool!

The tip of the week is on Neal's favorite gear bag and what to include in it.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use hammer-ons and pull-offs in a legato style.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs in Rock

Using Open Strings To Shred

Guitar Tricks 111: Metal Pedal Point

What is pedal point? Even if you don't what it is, you've probably heard it before. This lesson shows you what it is and how to use it in the metal/rock genre. Neal shares his two favorite positions for using the pedal point technique in a solo or as a musical theme. First open string example uses dorian mode, the second uses harmonic minor.

The tip of the week is to listen to the other musicians in the band to get a more cohesive sound happening.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use pedal point!

Speedy Ideas Series 4: Advanced Minor Shredding

Speedy Ideas Series 5: Advanced Major Shredding

Essential Shred Licks

Guitar Tricks 110: Blues Rock Pedal Point

Get creative with "Blues Rock Pedal Point." This week Neal shares some of his most common techniques for creating memorable blues and rock licks.

Tip of the week: Listen to the bass player for key soloing tones to improve your musicianship.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues lead guitar!

The Most Important Notes

Blues Style Course 2

Basic Blues Licks

Guitar Tricks 109: Playing Melodic Phrases

In this channel episode Christopher will show you how to take those old standard blues-rock licks to the next level by making them musical. Don't play licks, play music!

The tip of the week is to bend with a purpose. When you bend a note, have a target in mind that you are aiming for. Practice aiming & playing that target note. Bend to a note, don't just bend a note!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to make your lead guitar playing more musical!

Improvisation in a Major Key 1

Improvisation in a Major Key 2

Improvisation in a Minor Key1

Guitar Tricks 108: Metal "Deck The Halls"

Watch metal guitar master Ben Lindholm rip it up in this very cool metal version of the Christmas classic "Deck The Halls". You'll learn how changing from a major key to a minor key can really morph a classic song into something new. This lesson shreds! Have fun and a great holiday from Guitar Tricks!

Anders Mouridsen "Live from the Mothership"

Guitar Tricks 107 - Live From the Mothership: Awesome tips from Anders that apply to all styles of guitar playing. Let Anders' experience in the world of guitar help you get to your next playing goal faster. Filmed live in L.A. at Steve Vai's Mothership with Neal as your host. Tip of the week: Throwing out the rules to capture that guitar magic. -Don't forget to put on your "guitar face!"

Guitar Tricks 106: 2 Note Blues Chords

This week Neal has some really tasty, easy blues chords you can use as a rhythm guitar player. These key notes will sounds great on either acoustic or electric, as a solo guitarist or with a group. Put 'em in your box o' tools and you can use them at your next jam session!

Tip of the week: for beginners, how to get that string right in pitch. Use the harmonics at the 5th and 7th frets to tune.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues rhythm guitar!

Alternate Chord Voicings

Blues Style Course 1

C Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 5

Guitar Tricks 105: Easiest Blues Chord

It doesn't get much easier than this. You can use this two-note chord pattern within 3 frets and cover a whole 12-bar blues progression. It's easy and it sounds great!

The tip of the week is to keep a flashlight in your gig bag. It will come in handy when you are changing batteries, looking for cables, looking at amp settings on a dark stage.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play blues rhythm guitar!

Alternate Chord Voicings

Blues Style Course 1

Blues Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 104: First Inversion Chords

In this channel episode Christopher is about first inversion chords. Spice up your rhythm guitar playing with 1st inversions make a standard open or barre chord sound more musical, thick, bluesy, Stones-ish, Hendrix-y, Black Crowes-ish R&B licks.

The tip of the week is to warm up slowly.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play chord inversions across the guitar!

Chord Inversions: An Introduction

Introduction to Triads & Chord Inversions

Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 2

Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 3

Guitar Tricks 103: Sweep Picking Lesson

Tired of sounding like every other sweep-picking guitarist? This week Lee Wanner teaches his secrets to creative sweep-picking and many other playing secrets. Recorded live from Steve Vai's Mothership Studio!

If you liked this lesson on sweep picking, then GT has a lot of other lessons that cover the topic in more depth and detail.

Intro To Sweep Picking

Advanced Sweep Picking

Sweep Picking Series 5: Advanced Applications

Sweep Picking Series 6: More Advanced Applications

Guitar Tricks 102: Chromatic Blues in G

This week's lesson teaches you what chromatics are and how to use them in rock and blues. They're easy and fun, and they sound cool too! Neal also gives you a tip on how to break out of a creative rut.

The tip of the week is to use a chorus setting or pedal for a fuller sound when using a clean tone. Delay and reverb can also help make the sound a little fuller.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to expand the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Diatonic Notes

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic

Guitar Tricks 101 - Halloween Special 2011

Well it's that time of the year again! Tony Bones has made his long journey from the depths of the underworld, dusted himself off and is ready to teach you some of his favorite creepy guitar riffs for this year's Guitar Tricks Channel Halloween Special.

Guitar Tricks 100: Diatonic Notes

In this channel episode Christopher Schlegel is taking over. Christopher's lesson is of the week is about adding diatonic notes to the pentatonic box. Use the pentatonic box to visualize your position & pattern, but use notes inside the box to add variety.

The tip of the week is to play a low bass note in between licks. This makes your playing sound more musical by providing a harmonic foundation for licks.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to expand the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 4

Guitar Tricks 99: Intro to GT Ch 94

In this channel episode Neal shows you how to play the rock intro lick featured on a previous Guitar Tricks Channel episode. Click below to check it out!

GT Channel Episode 94

The tip of the week is how to drill through that ever so frustrating songwriters block: reuse chord progressions for other songs as a place to start a new song.

If you like this lesson, then the GT rock courses have more that cover ideas on how to play rock riffs!

GT Rock Style Course 1

GT Rock Style Course 2

Guitar Tricks 98: Legato Lick in A Minor

Legato is the word for this week's channel episode and that's what Neal's teaching, a legato lick in A. Great for metal and rock, if you're still working on alternate picking, this lick will get you playing fast using a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs. It sounds smooth and fast!

The tip of the week is about how to get un-stuck in your lead playing.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on how to use legato in your playing.

Legato Introduction

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Essential Shred Licks II

Guitar Tricks 97: Slash Lick in F#

In this channel episode Neal show you a lick in the style of Slash! lick for you in the key of F#. This lick from Slash cleverly combines pentatonic shapes, blues phrasing with some chromatics thrown in for fun and color. Hat and hair not included!

The tip of the week is on songwriting; strip it down to the basics! Try writing on acoustic if you are used to electric!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to use the pentatonic scale to create solo licks.

Major and Minor Lead Within a Solo

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Bread & Butter Licks 3

Mike Clark/Suicidal Tendencies Interview

Tie on your blue bandana! Neal interviews Suicidal Tendencies' Mike Clark about dream jams and blowing up amps. Check it out!

Guitar Tricks 96: Shred Lick in E

Warm those fingers up, because this week's channel episode covers shredding in the key of E! Think you can handle the new lick that Neal has for you? Also, he'll show you the contrast between singing notes and shredding notes to create emotional phrasing. By adding a slow bend you get a great contrast to the faster section of the lick.

The tip of the Week is on the importance of collaboration! You'll learn your own strong and weak points and sometimes you can get more done faster with another person's help!

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock licks using the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales in Rock

Pentatonic Speedster

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Guitar Tricks 95: Santana Lick in C Minor

In this channel episode Neal will show you some insight into the guitar style of Santana

The tip of the week is to play just below your skill level when you perform. It's a good way to be comfortable and confident when you perform. You know that you'll do well! Stay away from licks and skill you are still working on and woodshed them until you've got them completely under your command. Then use them in a live setting!

If you like this lesson, then GT has tutorials on Santana's songs so you can dig deeper into his style!

Evil Ways

Oye Como Va

Soul Sacrifice

Guitar Tricks 94: Shred Lick in A

In this channel episode Neal shows a blues rock shred lick in A that you can use to shred quickly. For beginner to intermediate players, this is a power-packed lick to add to your collection, enjoy!

The tip of the week is to write bad songs! Sometimes it's best to let your creativity flow and see what happens. It takes the pressure off of trying to write a great song every time. And all songwriters have to write a ton of bad or mediocre songs to find that one great one.

This week's lesson is how to use the pentatonic box and a few technique tricks to play a great sounding rock lick. If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock licks using the pentatonic scale across the guitar!

Pentatonic Scales in Rock

Pentatonic Speedster

Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Guitar Tricks 93: Santana Lick Request

In this channel episode Neal fills a request for leads in the style of Carlos Santana. You can use the opening and closing chord progression as a backing track to test drive 'em.

The tip of the week is to jam with other musicianship by jamming with other musicians. You'll get better at communicating musically.

If you like this lesson, then GT has tutorials on Santana's songs so you can dig deeper into his style!

Evil Ways

Oye Como Va

Soul Sacrifice

Guitar Tricks 92: Blues Lick in A

Learn a new lick! Neal's got one for you this week. If you like Slash-style soloing you'll appreciate this blues lick in the key of A, it's catchy!

Tip of the week will help you improve your guitar tone for your next recording session or live gig. It's so simple, you might not have thought of it! Change your strings before playing live or recording for the best possible sound.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others on playing blues solo licks.

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 3

Pentatonic Minor Exercises

Guitar Tricks 91: Fast Blues Lick

This week on the Guitar Tricks Channel Neal Walter demonstrates a fast blues lick in G! This is a great lick for beginners because it follows the pentatonic scale pattern, and allows you to barre your first finger and play the pattern nice and fast. Use this lick for your lead playing, and just move the pattern around on the neck to change keys.

Tip of the week: Get the right string gauge for the best bending potential.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others on playing blues solo licks in sequences.

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 3

Pentatonic Minor Exercises

Guitar Tricks 90: Blues Flat 5 Lick

This week on the channel, Neal takes a request from our Facebook friends for more blues licks. Neal has got a fresh new flat 5 pentatonic lick, plus a great tip of the week!

The tip of the week is use a small amp when recording for a different sound.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others on playing blues box soloing.

Blues Style Most Important Notes

Basic Blues Licks

Guitar Tricks 89: Blues Box Soloing

This week on the Guitar Tricks Channel, Neal takes a request from fans on Facebook for some new blues guitar licks. Check out his Blues Box pattern lick, which is perfect for your next 12 bar blues jam.

Guitar Tip Of The Week: If you mess up while performing live, just keep going! Everyone makes mistakes, even the pros. If you stop after you mess something up, everyone will know and it will throw the band off. If you keep going, most people will forget it even happened.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others on playing blues box soloing.

Building Blues Licks

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 2

Guitar Tricks 88: How To Play Dual Solo

This is a very special channel episode, featuring two Guitar Tricks instructors from Nashville: JD Jarrell and Andy Gurley! Andy and JD have a cool dual lead harmonic lick to teach.

The tip of the week is on how they warm up before playing gigs.

Bonus: Don't miss the bloopers at the end of the video!

If you liked this lesson on a country lick, then GT has two complete Country Style Courses that dig much deeper into the style in more depth and detail.

GT Country Style Course 1

GT Country Style Course 2

GT also has lessons on how to create and play harmony guitar parts.

This is a very special channel episode, featuring two Guitar Tricks instructors from Nashville: JD Jarrell and Andy Gurley! Andy and JD have a cool dual lead harmonic lick to teach.

The tip of the week is on how they warm up before playing gigs.

Bonus: Don't miss the bloopers at the end of the video!

If you liked this lesson on a country lick, then GT has two complete Country Style Courses that dig much deeper into the style in more depth and detail.

Harmony Guitar Series 1 Part 1

Harmony Guitar Series 1 Part 2

Guitar Tricks 87: Andy Gurley Country Lick

In this channel episode Nashville picker/GT instructor Andy Gurley takes over the Guitar Tricks channel as guest host!

The tip of the week Andy teaches is the old-school secret to getting beautiful clean guitar tone that anyone can use! Turn your guitar volume knob down

Andy also takes a request from the Guitar Tricks forum and teaches the famous intro lick heard in Country Level 1.

If you liked this lesson on a country lick, then GT has two complete Country Style Courses that dig much deeper into the style in more depth and detail.

GT Country Style Course 1

GT Country Style Course 2

Devin Townsend Interview

As Canadian musician & producer Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, STEVE VAI, LAMB OF GOD) was just finishing up his thirteenth studio album entitled "Ghost", Guitar Tricks Channel got some of Devin's insights about guitar playing. Tune in to watch while Neal asks the probing questions.

Guitar Tricks 86: Blues Shuffle Lead

Guitar Tricks 86: Tasty blues lead is the theme of this weeks lesson. Neal shows you one of his favorite licks using the voicing of the 6th 7th and 3rd notes over a B Major chord. The tip of the week is from Ben and it will have you thinking of your music in a whole new way!

The tip of the week is to transcribe one of your own improvised solos. It's great ear training & will help you critique your playing for improvements.

If you liked this lesson, then GT has many others on playing blues riffs, licks and shuffles.

Blues Rhythm Riffs

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Guitar Tricks 85: Volume Swells

In this channel episode Neal shows you how to do volume swells. Create a mesmerizing effect with only your guitar and volume knob. This technique works great with rhythm chords or with leads and it's an excellent way to convey emotion in your playing. He'll show you the technique as used in Van Halen's "Cathedral".

The tip of the week is to clean your volume knob (the pot or potentiometer) in order to make it easier to use smoothly.

If you like this lesson, then GT has more on how to use your volume knob to make your playing more musical!

Volume Knob: The Secret Tone Tool

Dynamic Effects: Volume, But Much More

Connecting Pentatonic Patterns 2

Carol of the Bells (Electric)

Steve Vai Interview

This week on the Guitar Tricks Channel, Neal Walter interviews guitar virtuoso Steve Vai at the NAMM show. In this interview, Steve Vai discusses his first guitar rig, the most important thing for guitar players, and who has been inspiring him.

Howard Leese Interview NAMM 2011

This week on the Guitar Tricks Channel: An Interview with Howard Leese at NAMM 2011. Howard was the guitarist in rock band Heart for 22 years from 1975 to 1997, and was behind countless guitar classics. He is an amazing guitar player and definitely an inspiring musician.

Guitar Tricks 84: Fast Pull-Off Rock Licks

This week Neal has got some pull-off rock licks to share that will make playing fast incredibly easy. By using the pull-off technique with a simple pattern, you will be surprised at how fast you can play these rock licks in the key of E, A, D and G Tip of the week: Record a new riff every day for a year.

Guitar Tricks 83: Major 3rd Lead

In this channel episode Neal shows you how to spice up your lead playing with the oldest trick in the book, using the major 3rd. This is a classic blues rock sound and this week Neal shares three of his favorite licks using these tasty notes. You'll immediately recognize the sound. Take one for a test drive!

The tip of the week is to use your neck pickup for a thicker, bluesier sound.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more on how to combine minor pentatonic licks with major 3rd note.

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1441

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 2

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 3

Guitar Tricks 82: Blues Rock Lick

In this channel episode Neal shares one of his favorite blues rock licks. You would expect players like Slash, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton to use this style of lead playing often, now you can make it your own! Neal's got some great tips on being "conversational" in your lead playing style, even with just one note.

The tip of the week is to listen to musicians other than guitarists for inspiration.

This week's lesson is how to play a very stereotypical blues rock lick.

If you like this lesson, then GT has a lot more that cover ideas on how to play rock lead licks!

Bending & Vibrato in Rock

Rock Soloing: Put It All Together

Bruce Kulick Interview

This week we catch up with Bruce Kulick from Kiss at the NAMM show in Anaheim. He talks about his latest album featuring Gene Simmons, Steve Lukather and Jon Corabi. And he talks about one of his favorite choices in practice amps.

Guitar Tricks 81: Octaves

This week Neal explores Octaves and how to incorporate them into your playing. If you've just learned your scales, they are a great way to branch out from the "practicing scales" sound to something more melodic. Octaves are also helpful to memorizing the fretboard. The tip of the work will get you heard when jamming with your friends.

Guitar Tricks 80: 4-String Sweeps

This week Ben Lindholm picks up his series on string sweeps. In this lesson he's got a twist on the usual sweep method as he creates some insane video game type effects using four-string sweeps.

The tip of the week is to listen to non-guitar instrumental players for licks and inspirations for variety.

If you liked this lesson on sweep picking, then GT has a lot of other lessons that cover the topic in more depth and detail.

Sweep Picking Series 4: More Basic Applications

Intro To Sweep Picking

Advanced Sweep Picking