Christopher Schlegel's Guitar Lessons

Christopher Schlegel

Christopher was born with music in his bones. At the wee age of 5 he built a makeshift podium so he could pretend to conduct to Tchaikovsky. At 6 he was making guitars out of yardsticks, rubber bands, shoeboxes, and twine.

40 years later, through The Ramones, Kiss, and Hendrix, to jazz, blues, and other areas of rock, and a BA in Music with emphasis in Applied Guitar, Christopher is still at it, composing music and teaching. His encyclopedic knowledge of music and the guitar makes him an essential guide and mentor on the Guitar Tricks forum and as a teacher in our tutorials!

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Beginner Basics

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Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Parts & Functions

This tutorial covers the functional aspects of various parts of a Stratocaster style guitar. Topics covered include the pickups, selector switch, knobs, vibrato system (block, bar, springs), and body shape and style. A Gibson style guitar is also included for comparison and contrast.

Published: 07/02/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
How To Hold The Guitar

The goal in this short tutorial is to learn how to hold the guitar comfortably so you can begin to play the instrument.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Left Hand Technique for Absolute Beginners

What does the left hand do? This tutorial of 3 lessons shows absolute beginner guitarist students the basics of left hand technique. Topics include fretting the strings with fingertips, fingerpads, barring with the whole finger, muting, hammer-ons, pull-offs and trills.

Published: 06/07/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Necks And Fretboards

In this tutorial we'll have an upclose look at the various types of necks and fretboards used to make electric guitars. Featured are maple necks, rosewood and maple fingerboards, scalloped necks and even a fretless guitar!

Published: 02/11/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Parts of the Acoustic Guitar

In this single lesson tutorial, you'll learn about all the different parts that make up an acoustic guitar.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Parts of the Electric Guitar

In this single lesson tutorial, you'll learn about the parts that make up an electric guitar.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Project Guitar

In these 13 videos, I'll show you how you can build your own custom guitar. You'll get a listing of all the parts you'll need before you start, then we'll go step-by-step through the assembly process: attaching the tuners to the neck, then the neck to the body; installing the claw plate and vibrato block bridge and springs; how to do all the necessary wiring; stringing the guitar; then attaching the string tree, strap buttons, and vibrato bar.

Published: 01/10/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Right Hand Technique for Absolute Beginners

What does the right hand do? This tutorial of 4 lessons shows absolute beginner guitarist students the basics of right hand technique. Topics include striking the strings, using a pick, muting, using hybrid picking, fingerpicking.

Published: 06/07/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
The Mechanics of Fretting Notes

This tutorial explores the mechanics of playing the guitar in more detail; this covers the physical motions required of your arms, hands and fingers. This tutorial explores the mechanics of playing the guitar for absolute beginners in more detail; this covers the physical motions required of your arms, hands and fingers.

Published: 10/08/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Warmup Stretches

Before playing or practicing guitar everyone can benefit from the basic hand, wrist and shoulder stretches in this tutorial. If done properly, these simple exercises can help build strength and loosen tight muscles.

Published: 09/09/2012 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
What A Pick Is And How To Use It

In this tutorial you will learn how to hold a pick and how to start using it.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade

Tuning The Guitar

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Christopher Schlegel
Tuning with an Electronic Tuner

This tutorial shows you how to use a standard electronic tuner to tune your guitar.

Published: 10/16/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Tuning with the Guitar Tricks Reference Tuner

This tutorial shows you how to use the Guitar Tricks Reference Tuner to tune your guitar.

Published: 10/16/2008 Upgrade

Learning The Notes

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Christopher Schlegel
How To Read Tablature

By the end of this tutorial, you should understand how to read guitar tablature (or tab).

Published: 05/03/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
How Notes Are Named (Introducing A-G Terminology)

In this single lesson tutorial, you will learn how notes are named, using A to G terminology.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Note Names on the 1st and 2nd Strings

This tutorial introduces notes on the 1st and 2nd string with a simple melody to practice what you learn.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Note Names on the 3rd and 4th Strings

This tutorial introduces notes on the 3rd and 4th strings with a simple melody to practice what you learn.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Note Names on the 5th and 6th Strings

This tutorial introduces notes on the 5th and 6th strings with a simple melody to practice what you learn.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Natural and Accidental Notes

In this single lesson tutorial, you'll learn about natural and accidental notes.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Tips on Learning and Practicing Music

This single lesson tutorial gives you some tips on how best to learn and practice music.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade

Learning To Read Music

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Christopher Schlegel
Learning To Read Music Tutorial 1

In this tutorial series we will learn the basic concepts of music notation & apply them to reading music for the guitar.

Published: 12/26/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Learning To Read Music Tutorial 2

This is Part 2 in a series of tutorials that are an absolute beginner's guide to reading music notation. In this tutorial series we will learn more concepts of music notation & apply them to reading music for the guitar. This series covers the topics: key signature, dynamics, phrasing.

Published: 03/12/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Learning to Read Music: A Quick Reference

This single lesson tutorial provides a simple reference for reading music notation. This chart shows you rhythm symbols, the time duration, and how to count them.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade

Scales And Intervals

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Christopher Schlegel
Intervals for Beginners

What are intervals? This tutorial covers the basic concept of an interval as a musical distance and how to apply it on the guitar.

Published: 06/17/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Picking Technique For Beginners: Scale Exercise

In this tutorial we will learn more about picking and to play 3 basic picking techniques. These techniques are the foundation of most of the riffs and licks you'll learn. Every time you'll see someone using a pick, there's a good chance he'll be using one of the techniques we'll learn here.

Published: 06/25/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Scales for Beginners

This tutorial series will introduce the beginner guitarist to the concept of systematically practicing scales using a metronome. The C major and minor scales will be used. Four patterns will be used as examples of a systematic practice method: up and down, in 3's, in 4's, and pedal point. Use of the metronome is stressed as crucial for proper practice and development. While this tutorial is primarily written for beginners, experienced players might benefit from this detailed method of how to practice scales.

Published: 12/14/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
C Major Scale for Beginners

This tutorial explains the concept (theory) of the C Major Scale and how to apply it (practice) to the guitar. This tutorial is primarily written for beginners. But even experienced players might benefit from this quick, concise review of what constitues a scale.

Published: 06/17/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
C Major Scale Exercises For Beginner Guitarists

In this tutorial we will combine the C Major scale in two different positions with the proper picking techniques learned in the previous tutorial: <i>downstrokes, upstrokes, </i> and <i>alternate picking</i>. We will apply all three picking techniques to the C Major scale, and achieve a basic system of practicing scales for beginner guitarists.

Published: 06/25/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
A Minor Scale for Beginners

This tutorial explains the concept (theory) of the A Minor Scale and how to apply it (practice) to the guitar. This tutorial is primarily written for beginners. But even experienced players might benefit from this quick, concise review of what constitutes a scale.

Published: 12/06/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
A Minor Scale Exercises For Beginner Guitarists

In this tutorial we will combine the A Minor scale in two different positions with the proper picking techniques learned in the previous tutorial: <i>downstrokes, upstrokes, </i> and <i>alternate picking</i>. We will apply all three picking techniques to the C Major scale, and achieve a basic system of practicing scales for beginner guitarists.

Published: 06/25/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
C Minor Scale for Beginners

This beginners series explores the basics of the C minor scale.

Published: 12/06/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
C Minor Scale Exercises for Beginners

This tutorial shows how to do basic scale exercises with the C Minor Scale. This tutorial is primarily written for beginners. But even experienced players might benefit from this quick, concise review of how to "practice scales".

Published: 12/06/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Scale Patterns Series 1

In this tutorial you will learn to visualize and play the major scale in the multiple patterns and positions it forms on the guitar fretboard. We will start with the A major scale as an example and eventually play the major scale in all 12 keys. Backing track play alongs are included for practice.

Published: 11/20/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Scale Patterns Series 2

In this tutorial you will learn to expand the major scale patterns to visualize and play the major scale in multiple octaves across all 6 strings. We will start with the A major scale as an example and eventually play the major scale in all 12 keys.

Published: 12/21/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Minor Scale Patterns Series 1

In this tutorial you will learn to visualize and play the minor scale in the multiple patterns and positions it forms on the guitar fretboard. We will start with the A minor scale as an example and eventually play the minor scale in all 12 keys.

Published: 12/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Minor Scale Patterns Series 2

In this tutorial you will learn to expand the minor scale patterns to visualize and play the minor scale in multiple octaves across all 6 strings. We will start with the A minor scale as an example and eventually play the minor scale in all 12 keys.

Published: 01/11/2021 Upgrade

Basic Music Theory

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Christopher Schlegel
Music Theory: a Brief Overview

Christopher will cover the the main concepts in music theory. Music Theory is the set of concepts that describes the nature of musical events. It is the process of mentally identifying the sounds that occur in music. We do this in order to build a consistent set of ideas to describe what happens in music.

Published: 09/21/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Scale Harmony

Christopher will show you how the major scale is harmonized by building the notes of the scale into chords and their relative functions.

Published: 08/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Minor Scale Harmony

Christopher will show you how the minor scale is harmonized by building the notes of the scale into chords and their relative functions.

Published: 09/14/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Altered Minor Scales

In this tutorial we will learn how the minor scale can be altered to make different scales, chords and harmonies. We'll build a minor chord progression and learn how to play the natural diatonic minor scale as melodic lines along with those chords. Then we'll alter the chords and scales to show the different possible minor sounding flavors that are used in music.

Published: 10/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Circle Of Fifths: An Introduction

Christopher will explain the Circle Of Fifths. Topics covered include key signatures with sharps, key signatures with flats, and practical applications of Circle of Fifths.

Published: 10/20/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Ear Training For Intervals

Christopher will show you basic ear training exercises designed to be used for guitarists. You will use the guitar to play, hear, sing and identify all 12 chromatic scale degrees. We'll start with the diatonic major and minor scales. Then we'll add the remaining chromatic degrees. Then we'll try some basic exercises to practice identifying all those intervals in order to gain the aural skill of relative pitch identification.

Published: 11/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Ear Training For Chords

Christopher will show you basic ear training exercises designed to be used for guitarists. You will use the guitar to play, hear, and identify major chords and minor chords. We'll also learn to identify chord progressions by listening for their bass motion and using functional harmony Roman Numerals. Then we'll try some basic exercises to practice identifying those chord qualities and chord progressions in order to gain those aural skills.

Published: 12/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Harmony Guitar Series 1 Part 1

This tutorial series is about creating and playing two part harmony guitar lines in rock style music. This is often one guitar part playing a melody, lead or solo part that is harmonized by a second guitar. Major scale harmony will be used to explore the basic types of contrapuntal motion.

Published: 09/24/2014 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Harmony Guitar Series 1 Part 2

This tutorial is part two in a series is about creating and playing two part harmony guitar lines in rock style music. This is often one guitar part playing a melody, lead or solo part that is harmonized by a second guitar. Major scale harmony will be used to explore the basic types of contrapuntal motion: similar, oblique and contrary.

Published: 01/15/2015 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Harmony Guitar Series 2 Part 1

This is the third tutorial about creating and playing two part harmony guitar lines in rock style music. This is often one guitar part playing a melody, lead or solo part that is harmonized by a second guitar. Minor scale harmony will be used to explore the basic types of contrapuntal motion: similar, oblique and contrary.

Published: 02/19/2015 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Harmony Guitar Series 2 Part 2

This is the third tutorial about creating and playing two part harmony guitar lines in rock style music. This is often one guitar part playing a melody, lead or solo part that is harmonized by a second guitar. Minor scale harmony will be used to explore the basic types of contrapuntal motion: similar, oblique and contrary.

Published: 01/08/2016 Upgrade

CAGED System

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Christopher Schlegel
CAGED For Rhythm Guitar

Christopher will show you how to apply the CAGED system to rhythm guitar playing. CAGED is a method for visualizing all the integrated, interlocking patterns that any given chord forms on a guitar fretboard. The name CAGED is a mnemonic device with each letter representing a shape of the open chord forms C, A, G, E, and D. In this tutorial we'll cover how to use CAGED to play rhythm guitar.

Published: 06/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
CAGED For Lead Guitar

Christopher will show you how to apply the CAGED system to lead guitar playing. CAGED is a method for visualizing all the integrated, interlocking patterns that any given chord forms on a guitar fretboard. It can also be used as a guide to locate scale degrees near the chord tones.

Published: 06/19/2020 Upgrade

Connecting Scales And Chords

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Christopher Schlegel
Scales And Chords Relationships

This tutorial explains how scales and chords are related to each other. You will also learn musical examples that show how to combine scales and chords.

Published: 11/21/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Using Scales to Connect Chords Exercise 1

This tutorial shows you an exercise on how the A major scale can be used to "walk in and out" of a group of related major chords (A, D, E major).

Published: 11/21/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Using Scales to Connect Chords Exercise 2

This tutorial shows you an exercise on how the A minor scale can be used to "walk in and out" of a group of related minor chords (A, D, E minor).

Published: 11/21/2007 Upgrade

Simple Chords Group

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Christopher Schlegel
Simple Chords Group 1: Intro To C Major & G Major

This tutorial introduces simplified versions of the C and G chords at a beginner level.

Published: 12/04/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Simple Chords Group 2: Intro To A Minor & E Major

This tutorial introduces simplified versions of A, E and C chords at a beginner level.

Published: 12/04/2007 Upgrade

Full Chords Group

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Christopher Schlegel
Full Chords Group 1: A, D, and E

This series introduces you to some of the basic chords on guitar: A, D, and E.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Full Chords Group 2: C, F, and G

This tutorial introduces the beginning guitar player to the full (non-simplified) versions of the C, F and G major chords in first position. These are the standard basic chords that form the basis for thousands of songs.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Full Chords Group 3: Introducing the B Major Chord

In this single lesson tutorial, we're going to learn how to play a B major chord.

Published: 01/27/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Full Chords Group 4: A, D, and E Minor

This tutorial introduces the beginning guitar player to the full (non-simplified) versions of the A, D and E minor chords in open position. These are the standard basic chords that form the basis for thousands of songs.

Published: 01/07/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Full Chords Group 5: B, C, F, and G Minor

This tutorial introduces the beginning guitar player to the full (non-simplified) versions of the B, C, F and G minor chords. These are standard basic chords that form the basis for thousands of songs.

Published: 01/08/2008 Upgrade

Chord Practice

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Christopher Schlegel
Practicing A, D, E Major Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords A major, D major, and E major. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing A, D, E Minor Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords A minor, D minor, and E minor. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing C, F, G Major Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords C major, F major, and G major. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing C, F, G Minor Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords C minor, F minor, and G minor. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing E, A, B Major Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords E major, A major, and B major. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing E, A, B Minor Chords

In this tutorial series we will use a backing track to practice the chords E minor, A minor, and B minor. We are going to focus on two things: getting from one chord shape to the next and doing it in time with the music.

Published: 12/20/2007 Upgrade
The Animals image
The House of the Rising Sun (old GF1) The Animals

This tutorial teaches you how to play a beginner arrangement of "House of the Rising Sun". There are only five open position chords you need to know to play the song. First I will introduce you to the song, then I'll show you how to play a simple strumming version. Next I'll show you how to pick through the notes in the chords, or "arpeggiate". Finally, we'll play through the song with a backing track using arpeggiation.

Published: 12/08/2007 Upgrade

Switching Chords Practice

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Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Switching Chords 1: A, D, and E

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial for the beginning student introduces changing chords at a very slow pace.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Switching Chords 2: C, F, and G

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial for the beginning student introduces changing chords C, F and G at a very slow pace.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Switching Chords 3: E, A, and B

Playing the B chord can be very challenging. Switching from B to other chords is also difficult in the beginning. This tutorial for the beginning student introduces changing chords E, A, and B at a very slow pace.

Published: 12/05/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Switching Chords 4: A, D, and E Minor

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial for the beginning student introduces changing minor chords at a very slow pace.

Published: 01/07/2008 Upgrade

Mixing Major And Minor Chords

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Christopher Schlegel
Mixing Major & Minor Chords 1: G, E minor, C, D

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial teaches the beginning student how to switch between G, E minor, C and D chords in time with a backing track.

Published: 01/08/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Mixing Major & Minor Chords 2: C, A minor, F, G

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial teaches the beginning student how to switch between C, A minor, F and G chords in time with a backing track.

Published: 01/08/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Mixing Major & Minor Chords 3: A min, C, D min, E

Playing chords is the first step in guitar playing. Switching between chords is the first great leap in guitar skill. If you can switch between chords, you can play a song. This tutorial teaches the beginning student how to switch between A minor, C, D minor and E chords in time with a backing track.

Published: 01/08/2008 Upgrade

Barre Chords

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Christopher Schlegel
Introduction to Barre Chords for Beginners

This tutorial explains the concept (theory) of barre chords and how to apply them (practice) to the guitar. We will start with the mechanics of how to "barre" and then learn how to use our barring index finger as a sort of "movable capo". Using this idea enables us to use the basic open chords of E major, E minor, A major and A minor to play any given major or minor chord chromatically in many different positions covering the fretboard.

Published: 12/13/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Barre Chords

This tutorial provides a way of systematically practicing all the basic barre chord shapes. This tutorial assumes you know the four basic shapes: E major, E minor, A major, and A minor. Once you know and can play those four shaped barre chords in any fretboard position (rooted on any given fret) it is time to learn to move them around the fretboard. It is time to practicing switching back and forth between them in order to practice using them as you would when playing them in a piece of music.

Published: 01/05/2008 Upgrade

Introduction To 7th Chords

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Christopher Schlegel
Introduction to Dominant 7th Chords

Christopher will show you an introduction to dominant 7th chords mostly in open position. We'll cover all the basic open position dominant 7th chords A through G. We'll also have a review of basic chord theory and why each shape forms a dominant 7th chord. At the end we'll have a couple of play alongs with backing tracks to practice these open position dominant 7th chords.

Published: 11/20/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Introduction to Movable Dominant 7th Chords

This tutorial is an introduction to barred & movable dominant 7th chords. This tutorial assumes you already know all the basic open position major chords and dominant chords A through G. It also assumes you understand and can play basic barre chords. By the end of this tutorial you should know how to use E, A, C and D barred and, or movable chord shapes to play dominant 7th chords.

Published: 12/10/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Introduction To Major 7th Chords

Christopher will introduce you to major 7th chords. This tutorial assumes you already know & can play basic barre chords & barred, movable chords. In this tutorial you will learn to play various voicings of major 7th chord shapes rooted on the E, A and D strings.

Published: 01/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Introduction To Minor 7th Chords

Christopher will introduce you to minor 7th chords. This tutorial assumes you already know & can play basic barre chords & barred, movable dominant 7th chords. In this tutorial you will learn to play various voicings of minor 7th chord shapes rooted on the E, A and D strings.

Published: 01/22/2020 Upgrade

Practicing 7th Chords

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Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major & Minor 7th Chords

In this tutorial we will practice a variety of major 7th & minor 7th chords shapes. The goal here is to play & switch between these chords in time with a backing track. This tutorial assumes you already understand and can play the chord shapes. By the end of this tutorial you should be able to play a variety E, A and D string rooted major 7th & minor 7th chord voicings along with a backing track.

Published: 02/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Moveable Dominant 7th Chords

Christopher will show you how to practice a variety of the barred & movable dominant 7th chord shapes learned in previous tutorials. The goal here is to play & switch between these chords in time with a backing track. This tutorial assumes you already understand and can play basic barre chords. By the end of this tutorial you should be able to play E, A, C and D movable dominant 7th chord shapes along with a backing track.

Published: 12/20/2019 Upgrade

Triads And Inversions

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Christopher Schlegel
Chord Theory: An Introduction

This tutorial covers the basics of chord theory: how chords consist of notes from scales played together, the origin of open and barre major and chord shapes. You'll also learn about chord voicings by using triads and inversions in order play any major or minor chord across the fretboard in order to make your playing more musical. Then we'll look at some basic practical applications of triads and inversions.

Published: 05/09/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Introduction to Triads & Chord Inversions

By the end of this tutorial you should understand and be able to play basic triad chord shapes and their inversions in multiple fretboard locations. You should understand how chords are built from scales and the concept of triadic harmony or tertiary harmony.

Published: 09/15/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 1

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the E, A and D strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 05/05/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 2

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the A, D and G strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 05/05/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 3

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the D, G and B strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 09/14/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major Triads & Inversions Series 4

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the G, B and E strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 11/15/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Minor Triads & Inversions Series 1

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice minor triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the E, A and D strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 05/15/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Minor Triads & Inversions Series 2

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice minor triads and their various inversion shapes on the A, D, & G strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 08/15/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Minor Triads & Inversions Series 3

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice minor triad chords and their various inversion shapes on the D, G & B strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 10/15/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Minor Triads & Inversions Series 4

In this tutorial we will use a backing track to systematically practice minor triads and their various inversion shapes on the G, B & E strings. Among the goals of this tutorial are integrate the theory of chord voicings and voicing motion with practicing and visualizing the specific shapes of triad chord inversions.

Published: 12/15/2016 Upgrade

Visualizing Scale Patterns

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Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Visualizing Fretboard Patterns Series 1

In this tutorial we will look at a way of visualizing the guitar fretboard. First we will look at playing diatonic scales (major, minor and the various diatonic modes) in patterns that result in 3 notes per string. Because there are only 3 different shapes to learn, the result is that every natural diatonic scale can be played by using combinations of only these three basic fingerings. This is also a good way to get used to the musical alphabet. There will be a lot of backing track play along exercises to practice the ideas.

Published: 02/19/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Visualizing Fretboard Patterns Series 2

In this tutorial we will look at a way of visualizing major scale fretboard patterns and intervals on the guitar. We will use the E major scale on sets of two adjacent strings. We will visualize the E major scale in patterns that result in 3 notes per string on 2 adjacent strings. We will do this in three octaves (lower, middle and higher) that cover the entire range of the guitar. There will be a lot of backing track play along exercises to practice the ideas.

Published: 03/19/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Visualizing Fretboard Patterns Series 3

In this tutorial we will look at a way of visualizing the minor scale fretboard patterns and intervals on the guitar. We will use the E minor scale on sets of two adjacent strings. We will visualize the E minor scale in patterns that result in 3 notes per string on 2 adjacent strings. We will do this in three octaves (lower, middle and higher) that cover the entire range of the guitar. There will be a lot of backing track play along exercises to practice the ideas.

Published: 04/09/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Visualizing Fretboard Patterns Series 4

In this tutorial we will visualize the chromatic scale in multiple positions in order to see any given chromatic interval as a possible scale degree or chord tone.

Published: 04/20/2021 Upgrade

Pentatonic Scales

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Pentatonic Scales: Boxes & Frameworks

In this tutorial series we will discuss pentatonic scales, patterns & shapes. We will use them to build pentatonic "frameworks" (or "box shapes") as a visual aid to see familiar patterns on the fretboard. And then use them as a springboard to understanding scale degrees and why scales sound the way they do.

Published: 02/11/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Pentatonic Major Scale Exercises

Christopher will show you all five major pentatonic boxes, how they form an interconnecting pattern across the entire guitar fretboard and how to systematically practice them. You will use each pentatonic box to play 2 types of scale exercises, at two different tempos along with backing tracks.

Published: 02/10/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Pentatonic Minor Scale Exercises

Christopher will show you all five minor pentatonic boxes, how they form an interconnecting pattern across the entire guitar fretboard and how to systematically practice them. You will use each pentatonic box to play 2 types of scale exercises, at two different tempos along with backing tracks.

Published: 03/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 1

In this tutorial we will learn 2 basic fretboard patterns that integrate all 5 pentatonic minor scale positions or boxes. The idea is to play a simple repeating 5 note pattern in 3 octaves in order to cover the fretboard.

Published: 08/11/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 2

In this tutorial we will learn another way to integrate 5 fretboard patterns or shapes that form the pentatonic minor scale. The idea is to play a simple repeated phrase on two adjacent strings, then move the pattern up to the next pentatonic pattern or box until all 5 patterns are used. Using this little pattern we can cover the entire fretboard with a variety of little lead lick phrases.

Published: 08/24/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 3

In this tutorial we will learn a lick that incorporates all 5 fretboard shapes/positions that form the pentatonic minor scale. This simple 4 note lick is very widely used in solos of many genres. The lick involves a hammer-on and a pull-off. Using this little pattern of 4 notes we can wind our way through connecting the pentatonic boxes.

Published: 09/08/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Connecting Pentatonic Patterns: Series 4

In this tutorial we will learn to connect the 5 pentatonic patterns using tapping technique. This is another tutorial in the overall series of connecting pentatonic patterns in rock style lead guitar.

Published: 10/11/2021 Upgrade

Rock Basics

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Ritchie Blackmore Artist Study

In this set of lessons we'll learn some essentials in the style of legendary rock guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, starting with a look at his tone. We'll then lay out finger-plucked riffs, blues licks, and minor triad sweeping followed by a play along. Next up is octave riffing, scale sequencing, and 2-string arpeggio pull-offs and a play along; then we'll look at "snake charmer" riffs and licks and phrygian triads, and another play along!

Published: 05/18/2012 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Rock Amp Setup: Solid State

This tutorial covers controls and usage of solid state amplifiers.

Published: 03/09/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Syncopated Rock Rhythm Series 1

In this tutorial we will learn the basics of syncopated rock rhythm guitar playing patterns. We'll start with a few simple open major chords and learn to apply a technique that alternates palm muted bass notes on the strong beats and punchy chords on higher strings on the backbeats.

Published: 06/11/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Syncopated Rock Rhythm Series 2

In this tutorial we will learn the basics of syncopated rock rhythm guitar playing patterns. This time, we'll use a few simple open minor chords and learn to apply a technique that alternates palm muted bass notes on the strong beats and punchy chords on higher strings on the backbeats.

Published: 06/21/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Syncopated Rock Rhythm Series 3

In this tutorial we will learn more about playing syncopated rock rhythm guitar patterns. This time we'll use open chords but add more notes to our rhythmic pattern that alternates between palm muted bass notes and punchy chords on higher strings.

Published: 07/09/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Syncopated Rock Rhythm Series 4

In this tutorial we will learn more about playing syncopated rock rhythm guitar patterns. This time we'll use barre chords to play our more advanced syncopated pattern that alternates between palm muted bass notes and punchy chords on higher strings.

Published: 07/20/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Whammy Bar from the Beginning

In this tutorial, we'll learn some rock whammy (or "vibrato") bar techniques. I'll start by looking at some basic techniques and licks, then talk about how the whammy bar works and some insights into tuning issues. Then I'll teach you a rock riff with whammy, some "divebombing", and some ornamental dips. Next up are a few lessons using hammer-ons and pull-offs, followed by "harmonic dipping and screaming". We'll end with a play along.

Published: 05/04/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
70s Arena Riff Rock

In this tutorial we will learn some rocking riffs in the style of 1970s arena rock bands. I grew up in the 1970's listening to and learning the music of Deep Purple, Montrose, Kiss, Van Halen, ACDC. These bands were well known for their powerful, energetic, melodic take on rock music. They played, sounded (and often performed) in a way that was larger than life!

Published: 06/13/2011 Upgrade

Introduction to Improvisation

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Introduction to Improvisation For Beginners

Christopher will introduce the concepts needed for the beginner to understand and learn how to improvise a single note melody, lead or solo over a major key chord progression. This includes key signature as the scale that relates all chords in a progression, rhythmically targeting chord tones, building melodies and musical phrases from the scale and chord tones as a basis for improvising over the chord progression.

Published: 10/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Improvisation in a Major Key

Christopher will show you the concepts required to improvise. You will learn how to improvise a single note melody, lead or solo over a major key chord progression. This includes finding the key signature as the scale that relates all chords in a progression, rhythmically targeting chord tones, building melodies and musical phrases from the scale and chord tones as a basis for improvising over the chord progression. You will also gets a lot of practice applying those concepts.

Published: 11/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Improvisation in a Minor Key

Christopher will show you the concepts required to improvise. You will learn how to improvise a single note melody, lead or solo over a minor key chord progression. This includes finding the key signature as the scale that relates all chords in a progression, rhythmically targeting chord tones, building melodies and musical phrases from the scale and chord tones as a basis for improvising over the chord progression. You will also gets a lot of practice applying those concepts.

Published: 12/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Improvisation in a Major Key Series 2

Christopher will show you more ideas on how to improvise. You will learn how to improvise a single note melody, lead or solo over a major key chord progression. In this tutorial we'll learn more about finding the key signature, rhythmically targeting chord tones and building melodies and musical phrases. We'll also practice alternating between playing the chord progression and the lead melody.

Published: 01/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Improvisation in a Minor Key Series 2

Christopher will show you more ideas on how to improvise. You will learn how to improvise a single note melody, lead or solo over a minor key chord progression. In this tutorial we'll learn more about finding the key signature, rhythmically targeting chord tones and building melodies and musical phrases. We'll also practice alternating between playing the chord progression and the lead melody.

Published: 02/15/2018 Upgrade

Modes

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Modes of the Major Scale

Christopher will show you the seven modes of the major scale. He'll show you each mode, how to play it, why it is unique, how it fits into the overall pattern of modes. There will also be play alongs and backing tracks to get a lot of practice at using all the modes.

Published: 07/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Major Modes

Christopher will discuss and demonstrate the major modes: ionian, lydian and mixolydian. We'll review the unique interval formula of each major mode and how to play them. We'll play each mode on the same root note to use them in an ornamental manner. We'll get a lot of practice playing and hearing the unique characteristics of each mode.

Published: 07/21/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Practicing Minor Modes

Christopher will discuss and demonstrate the minor modes: dorian, phrygian, aeolian and locrian. We'll review the unique interval formula of each minor mode and how to play them. We'll play each mode on the same root note to use them in an ornamental manner. We'll get a lot of practice playing and hearing the unique characteristics of each mode.

Published: 08/10/2020 Upgrade

Building Speed

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Speedy Ideas Series 1: Building Speed

Christopher will show you a method of building speed at playing scale sequences on one string. We'll start with a focus on efficient picking hand technique and control. Then we'll add a focus on fretting hand positions to play both the minor and major diatonic scales linearly on one string. Finally we'll combine these techniques into several exercises designed to help gain and improve speedy scale line playing.

Published: 09/21/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Speedy Ideas Series 2: Major Scale Patterns

Christopher will show you how to expand on building speed at playing linear single note melodic lines. We will use the E major scale on two adjacent strings covering a complete octave in three note per string groupings.

Published: 11/09/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Speedy Ideas Series 3: Minor Scale Patterns

Christopher will show you how to expand on building speed at playing linear single note melodic lines. We will use the E minor scale on two adjacent strings covering a complete octave in three note per string groupings.

Published: 11/22/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Speedy Ideas Series 4: Advanced Minor Soloing

Christopher will show you how to expand on building speed at playing single note melodic soloing lines. We will apply the skills and ideas taught in the previous speedy idea tutorials to a chord progression in a minor key. We'll learn linear lines, pedal point lines and arpeggio lines.

Published: 11/07/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Speedy Ideas Series 5: Advanced Major Soloing

This tutorial expands on building speed at playing single note melodic soloing lines. We will apply the skills and ideas taught in the previous speedy idea tutorials to a chord progression in a major key. We'll learn linear lines, pedal point lines and arpeggio lines.

Published: 11/21/2022 Upgrade

Sweep Picking

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 1: The Basics

This tutorial covers the basics of sweep picking technique. We'll apply the technique to an exercise involving 3 note triads in major and minor key chord progressions. We'll also get a lot of practice playing these examples along with backing tracks.

Published: 01/10/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 2: Expanding The Sweep

This tutorial expands on the basics of sweep picking technique. We'll apply the technique to an exercise involving chord tones on 4 adjacent strings in major and minor key chord progressions. We'll also get a lot of practice playing these examples along with backing tracks.

Published: 01/24/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 3: Basic Applications

In this tutorial you will learn to apply sweep picking technique to some basic chord progressions in a pop rock, R&B and country style setting using major and minor chord tones and scale notes.

Published: 02/08/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 4: More Applications

In this tutorial you will learn to apply sweep picking technique to some basic chord progressions in a blues and jazz style setting using major and minor chord tones and scale notes.

Published: 02/21/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 5: Advanced Applications

This tutorial covers advanced applications of sweep picking technique. We'll apply the technique to an exercise involving multiple voicings of major, minor, augmented and diminished chords and chord progressions. We'll also get a lot of practice playing these examples along with backing tracks.

Published: 07/11/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sweep Picking Series 6: More Advanced Applications

This tutorial covers more advanced applications of sweep picking technique. We'll apply the technique to an exercise involving 4, 5 and 6 string voicings of major, minor, augmented and diminished chords and chord progressions. We'll also get a lot of practice playing these examples along with backing tracks.

Published: 07/20/2022 Upgrade

Rock Songs

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Carol Of The Bells (Electric) Holiday

Christopher will show you all the rocking electric guitar parts to this arrangement of a holiday classic. From the quiet intro volume swells, to the harmonized melody lines to the soaring solos!

Published: 12/02/2015 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Pachelbel Canon In D Baroque & Roll Johann Pachelbel

In this tutorial we will learn a rock style arrangement of Pachelbel's "Canon In D". Because this piece was originally in Baroque style, it was written for a string group (violins, violas, cellos). But, we are going to learn it in a rock guitar style. So, we'll call it "Baroque and Roll"!

Published: 09/01/2011 Upgrade
Rossini image
William Tell Rock Rossini

In this tutorial we will learn a rock style arrangement of the main theme from Rossini's "William Tell Overture".

Published: 12/20/2012 Upgrade

Jazz Guitar

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Chord Melody Style Series 1

Christopher will explain the basics of chord melody style playing in a jazz context. The basic technique involves playing or suggesting more than one part at a time. In this case, a bass line along with higher register chord tones that suggest a melody. We'll start by applying this technique to major 7th chords, dominant 7ths chords, and minor 7th chords. Then we'll put them together to play along with some backing tracks.

Published: 09/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Chord Melody Style Series 2

Christopher will expand on the basics of chord melody style playing in a jazz context. The basic technique involves playing or suggesting more than one part at a time. In this case, a bass line along with higher register chord tones that suggest a melody. We'll expanded the bass line to a complete octave with upper voicings of major 7th chords, dominant 7ths chords, and minor 7th chords. Then we'll put them together to play along with some backing tracks.

Published: 10/09/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Chord Melody Style Series 3

Christopher will expand on the basics of chord melody style playing in a jazz context. In this tutorial we'll focus on making all the upper register scale notes available for a melody line. We'll still keep a bassline going along with chord tones from major 7th chords, dominant 7ths chords, and minor 7th chords. Then we'll put them together to play along with some backing tracks.

Published: 11/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Extended Harmony Chords Series 1

This tutorial is about extended harmony chords, covering 7th chords beyond dominant 7ths, major 7ths and minor 7ths. This tutorial assumes you already know & can play those more basic 7th chord forms & shapes. We will extend the concept of triadic harmony to include: diminished 7ths, dominant 7th/flat 5th, minor 7th/flat5th, and minor/major 7th chords. We will learn how to play these as chord shapes rooted on the E, A and D strings. Then we will play them in a jazzy chord progression with a backing track.

Published: 02/20/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Extended Harmony Chords Series 2

This tutorial is about extended harmony chords. We will learn types of 9th chords. This tutorial assumes you already know & can play those more basic 7th chord forms & shapes. It also assumes you have worked through Extended Harmony Chords Series 1. We will extend the concept of triadic harmony to include the 7th and the 9th of: 6/9ths, minor 9th, dominant 9th, dominant 7th flat 9th, dominant 7th flat sharp 9th (also called dominant 7th flat augmented 9th). We will learn how to play these as chord shapes rooted on the E, A and D strings. Then we will play them in a jazzy chord progression with a backing track.

Published: 03/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Extended Harmony Chords Series 3

This tutorial is about extended harmony chords. This covers types of 11th and 13th chords. This tutorial assumes you already know & can play 7th and 9th chord forms & shapes. It also assumes you have worked through Extended Harmony Chords Series 1 and 2. We will extend the concept of triadic harmony to include the 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th of: dominant 11th, minor 11th, dominant 13th, dominant flat 13th. We will learn how to play these as chord shapes rooted on the E, A and D strings. Then we will play them in a jazzy chord progression with a backing track.

Published: 03/23/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Intro To Jazz Rhythm Guitar

In this introduction to jazz style rhythm guitar, we'll cover the three primary characteristics of jazz as a distinct genre of music: sophisticated harmony, swing rhythm, and improvisation. We'll look at an 'A' section and a 'B' section, learning the chord changes and some rhythm variations; we'll also do play alongs for each section at different tempos.

Published: 06/24/2013 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Intro To Jazz Lead Guitar

This tutorial is an introduction to Jazz style lead guitar. We'll cover the three primary characteristics of jazz as a distinct genre of music: sophisticated harmony, swing rhythm and improvisation. We'll learn how the essence of lead guitar in jazz style is "playing the changes". We'll learn how to build and play chord scales that follow the chords of a stereotypical jazz progression. We'll also learn how to build and play arpeggio lines that are based on the extended harmony chords typically found in a jazz tune.

Published: 09/05/2013 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Jazz Walking Bass Line Turnaround

Christopher will show you a four chord turnaround, then add the bass line notes that connect the chords. Playing a bass note in between each chord fills in the time between each chord and creates the sound of motion "walking" from one chord to the next.

Published: 04/22/2016 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Jazz Blues In B-Flat

Christopher will show you how to modify a basic 12 bar blues into a jazzy sounding piece of music. We'll cover chromatic approaches, secondary dominant chords, shell voicings. Next we'll play the chords as arpeggios in order to learn an important aspect of jazz blues guitar called "playing the changes". Finally we'll put it all together in a play along with a backing track.

Published: 04/10/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Jazz Blues In F

Christopher will show you how to modify a basic 12 bar blues into a jazzy sounding piece of music. We'll cover chromatic approaches, secondary dominant chords, shell voicings. Next we'll play the chords as arpeggios in order an important aspect of jazz blues guitar: "playing the changes".

Published: 05/08/2020 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Joe Pass Style Series 1

In this series of lessons we're going to take a some of the elements of the style from the great Joe Pass, jazz guitar giant: how to orchestrate in his style by using jazz guitar drop 2 chord voicings and walking basslines. First I'll introduce the concepts to you, then show you how to play them. Then I'll show you how to use voice leading with these concepts, and finish off by putting everything together in a blues context.

Published: 10/31/2005 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Joe Pass Style Series 2

In this second series of lessons in the style of jazz legend Joe Pass, we'll expand on the first series and apply drop 2 voicings and walking basslines to three typical types of 7th chords. First we'll look at what we'll be learning in this set, then learn drop 2 voicings with major 7th chords, minor 7th chords, and dominant 7ths. Next we'll learn how to use all three chord types in a progression, and we'll conclude with putting everything together.

Published: 11/20/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Joe Pass Style Series 3

Now we're going to move on to the third set of lessons in the style of Joe Pass, and learn to extend our drop 2 voicings and walking basslines across the fretboard. We'll start by examining the basic concepts here, then learn how to walk the G7 drop 2 voicing along the neck. Next we'll break down how to keep walking those chord voicings way up the entire fretboard, and we'll end by putting things in context and practicing the concepts.

Published: 03/21/2009 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Joe Pass Style Series 4

In this final set of lessons on the style of master Joe Pass, we're going to learn how to play jazz lead lines. As always, we'll start with an overview of the concepts, then we'll look at using chord tones to solo, then practice chord tones with a backing track. After that we'll use scale tones to solo, also followed by a practice lesson with a backing track. We'll then break down two Joe Pass style lead lines, and follow it up with combining them.

Published: 04/18/2011 Upgrade

Jazz Songs

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Turner Layton image
After You've Gone Turner Layton

Christopher will show you a two guitar arrangement of this classic jazz song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. Guitar 2 also plays a solo that is based on the melody with embellishments. This is a great opportunity to learn how to use some extended harmony chords in a song setting, how to learn to embellish a melody with some typical lead guitar vocabulary in an early jazz style.

Published: 05/06/2021 Upgrade
Turner Layton image
After You've Gone (Chord Melody) Turner Layton

Christopher will show you how to play a chord melody version of this classic jazz song. Chord Melody style guitar playing is playing a solo arrangement of a tune by playing the melody, some supporting bass notes and, or chords all at the same time. Usually, this involves playing a jazz standard, a song from the "Great American Songbook", but it doesn't necessarily have to be. Many jazz standards are tunes original written for Broadway musicals and Vaudeville shows of the early 20th century, pop tunes, or early film favorites.

Published: 10/25/2021 Upgrade
Al Jolson image
Avalon Al Jolson

Christopher will show you a two guitar arrangement of this classic jazz song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. Guitar 2 also plays a solo that is based on the melody with embellishments. This is a great opportunity to learn how to use some extended harmony chords in a song setting, how to learn to embellish a melody with some typical lead guitar vocabulary in an early jazz style.

Published: 12/08/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Limehouse Blues Philip Braham

This is a two guitar arrangement of an iconic jazz tune. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. Guitar 2 also plays a solo that is based on the melody with embellishments. This is a great opportunity to learn how to use some extended harmony chords in a song setting, how to learn to embellish a melody with some typical lead guitar vocabulary in an early jazz style.

Published: 03/10/2023 Upgrade
W. C. Handy image
St. Louis Blues (Easy) W. C. Handy

Christopher will show you how to play the chord progression and the melody to this classic blues song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. There is also a basic chord melody version later in the tutorial.

Published: 08/20/2020 Upgrade
W. C. Handy image
St. Louis Blues (Chord Melody) W. C. Handy

Christopher will show you how to play the chord progression and the melody to this classic blues song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. There is also a basic chord melody version later in the tutorial.

Published: 01/20/2021 Upgrade
Ben Bernie image
Sweet Georgia Brown Ben Bernie

This is a two guitar arrangement of this classic jazz song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song. Guitar 2 also plays a solo that is based on the melody with embellishments. This is a great opportunity to learn how to use some extended harmony chords in a song setting, how to learn to embellish a melody with some typical lead guitar vocabulary in an early jazz style.

Published: 02/02/2023 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Take Me Out To The Ball Game: Advanced Version Traditional

In this tutorial we will learn a more advanced version of 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game', the classic American tune about baseball in a jazz chord melody style.

Published: 12/10/2009 Upgrade
W. C. Handy image
The Memphis Blues W. C. Handy

Christopher will show you how to play the chord progression and the melody to this classic tune song. Guitar 1 is a rhythm guitar part playing the chord progression. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar part playing the single note melody of the song.

Published: 06/21/2022 Upgrade

Blues Orchestration

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 1

Christopher will show you how to play a blues type arrangement for solo guitar. To orchestrate means to put many parts together. In this tutorial we'll combine a walking bass line with upper chord tones. The end result is two parts playing together at the same time.

Published: 04/15/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 2

Christopher will show you new ways to play a blues type arrangement for solo guitar. To orchestrate means to put many parts together. In this tutorial we'll combine a walking bass line with upper chord tones. The end result is two parts playing together at the same time. We'll also add a variety of classic blues turnarounds.

Published: 06/14/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 3

Christopher will show you new ways to play a blues type arrangement for solo guitar. To orchestrate means to put many parts together. In this tutorial we'll combine a walking bass line with upper chord tones. The end result is two parts playing together at the same time. We'll also add a variety of classic blues walking bass lines.

Published: 07/15/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 4

Christopher will show you how to move the familiar pattern of the earlier solo guitar blues orchestration tutorials to any fretboard position by barring with the index finger and using it as a sort of movable capo. These new options will give us new skills and tools to play more varieties of blues type patterns!

Published: 09/10/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 5

Christopher will show a new way to play a blues type arrangement for solo guitar. We'll move the standard boogie diad pattern up an octave to have motion in the upper register while making the bass notes more static.

Published: 10/14/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Blues Orchestration Series 6

Christopher will show you a new way to play a blues arrangement for solo guitar. This involves combining a bass line with middle chord tones as well as upper chord tones. In this way we get a very full sound and suggest three separate voices or things happening at once!

Published: 11/11/2019 Upgrade

12 Bar Blues

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
12 Bar Blues Form

The <i>First Law of the Blues</i> is the <i>12 Bar Blues Form</i>. By the end of this tutorial you should understand what the 12 Bar Blues Form is and be able to play a simple example of this important idea.

Published: 07/17/2008 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
12 Bar Blues in E for Beginners!

In this set of beginner blues lessons, I'll teach you how to play a simple blues in E. I'll start off with the riff and the triplet shuffle rhythm in E, then move it to A. Next I'll show you how to change those chords in time, then we'll learn the B7 chord. I'll go over the 12 bar form before I show you some fills you can play to spice things up. Then we'll put everything together, and finish up with a play along.

Published: 04/21/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
12 Bar Blues in A

In this Tutorial Series we are going to learning how to play a 12 Bar Blues in A.

Published: 08/25/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
More 12 Bar Blues in A

In this Tutorial Series we are going to expand upon our 12 Bar Blues in the key of A.

Published: 09/17/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
12 Bar Blues In All 12 Keys

In this tutorial I've created a 12 bar blues backing track in every key and at two tempos (80 BPM and 120 BPM). I play each blues with a different rhythm guitar and lead guitar approach to show how much variation is possible within the 12 bar blues form. This is a valuable way to get used to playing in every key and comfortable with playing anywhere on the fretboard.

Published: 12/22/2010 Upgrade

Learning Blues Licks

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 1

Learning to switch between the wide strumming of a whole chord and the smaller motions of playing one string or note at a time is an important skill to develop. In this tutorial we'll use a simple blues rhythm and some fills as an exercise to learn that technique!

Published: 08/10/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 2

By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to play a basic 12 bar blues using simple open chords and combine it with simple lead fills by alternating between the rhythm chords and single note lead fills.

Published: 08/21/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
G Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 3

Learning to switch between the wide strumming of a whole chord and the smaller motions of playing one string or note at a time is an important skill to develop. In this tutorial we will learn to play a basic 12 bar blues using simple open chords and combine it with simple lead fills by alternating between the rhythm chords and single note lead fills.

Published: 09/21/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
B Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 4

Christopher will show you a basic 12 bar blues in B major in an early rock and roll style that combines and alternates between power chords and basic, beginner lead fills.

Published: 10/24/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
C Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 5

In this tutorial we will learn to play a lead fill that uses double stops in a basic 12 bar blues in C major. This is an important step in developing a style that combines and alternates between a blues rhythm riff and a beginner lead fill.

Published: 03/13/2014 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
G Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 6

In this tutorial we will learn to play a basic 12 bar blues in G major in a style that combines and alternates between a blues rhythm riff and a lead fill. We'll learn two different turnarounds, use an applied dominant chord and add a bluesy ending lick!

Published: 07/24/2014 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Basic Blues Licks Series 1

Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.

Published: 03/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Basic Blues Licks Series 2

Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.

Published: 04/13/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Basic Blues Licks Series 3

Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.

Published: 05/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 1

In this set of lessons, I'll teach you a "bread and butter" blues lick that you can use in almost any blues solo. I'll start with an introduction to the lick, then how to do the tricking picking and bending. The we'll play the lick using the IV and V chords, then we'll review the whole 12 bar form before we do two play alongs in different tempos. Next we'll look at straight 8th rhythm, and finish up with two more play alongs.

Published: 02/11/2013 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 2

In this next set of lessons on bread and butter blues licks, I'll teach you a major pentatonic lick. I'll introduce you to the concepts and lessons and show you the basis of the lick, then how to apply the picking and bending. We'll then play the lick over the IV and V chords, then add some variation. We'll do play alongs in two different tempos before we examine the lick in a straight 8th rhythm. We'll conclude with 2 more play alongs.

Published: 03/21/2013 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 3

Bread & butter means the central or fundamental part of a thing. It also means how you earning a living; how you earn you bread to pay for your bread & butter! In this tutorial we'll learn another, more advanced major pentatonic lick that you've heard many times.

Published: 11/20/2013 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Spiced Up Blues Series 1

Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions, chord voicings and lead licks! First we'll look at a chord progression that's not the standard 12 bar form. Next we'll add some extended chord voicings. Next, we'll add some licks that are more chord tone based than standard pentatonic. Finally, we'll put them all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.

Published: 01/15/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Spiced Up Blues Series 2

Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions, chord voicings and lead licks! This time we're going to use the 12 bar blues form as a standard, but add more chords to the progression. Next, we'll add some lead licks to play over our new chord progression. Finally, we'll put it all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.

Published: 02/15/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Spiced Up Blues Series 3

Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions and lead licks! We'll take a complex blues chord progression and learn some next level licks that build on the previous tutorial in this series. We'll put them all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.

Published: 03/15/2019 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Building A Blues Arrangement

Christopher will show you how to build a blues arrangement. We'll use various rhythm and lead guitar techniques and combine them in a dramatic way to build and release tension over the course of many repeated passes at a 12 bar blues form. We'll experiment with loud & quiet dynamic levels, various approaches to alternating rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Published: 07/13/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Building A Blues Arrangement Series 2

In this tutorial we will learn to build another blues guitar arrangement. We'll use various rhythm and lead guitar techniques and combine them in a dramatic way to build and release tension over the course of many repeated passes at a 12 bar blues form. We'll experiment with loud & quiet dynamic levels, various approaches to alternating rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Published: 03/08/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
3 Whammy Bar Blues Tricks

In this tutorial we will learn 3 whammy bar tricks to spice up your blues playing technique.

Published: 05/26/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
16 Bar Blues

Often, we hear of the 12 Bar Blues. But blues doesn't have to be 12 bars or measures! It can be any number of bars or measures that you want. In this tutorial we will learn to play a jazzy 16 Bar Blues in C.

Published: 11/04/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Advanced Blues Licks

Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues lead playing with these advanced licks! First we'll look at the basic pentatonic minor box as scale degrees. Then we'll do the same for the mixolydian mode. Then we'll start building licks from combining those two scales and play them over the changes of a 12 bar blues in A.

Published: 06/15/2018 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Jingle Bell Blues Holiday

Christopher will show you how to turn the old Christmas standard tune "Jingle Bells" into a swinging blues tune with a harmonized diad melody, some fun bluesy licks for a solo and a rocking rhythm guitar.

Published: 12/12/2014 Upgrade

Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1

Christopher will show you how to spice up your blues licks by adding major scales notes to the minor pentatonic "box" blues shapes. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones.

Published: 04/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Notes in Minor Pentatonic Series 2

In this tutorial we will learn to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scale. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorial "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor".

Published: 05/13/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 3

In this third tutorial of the series we will focus only on targeting chord tones in order to learn more ways to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scales. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorials from the series on "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor". For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major.

Published: 06/15/2017 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 4

In this tutorial we will learn to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scale. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorials in the series "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor".

Published: 07/14/2017 Upgrade

Rhythm And Blues Style

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Soulful R&B Series 1

In this tutorial, we will learn to play some soulful R&B (Rhytm & Blues) guitar style rhythm parts & lead licks in a major key. This style is rooted strongly in blues and jazz, with distinctly soulful melodies and bittersweet jazzy chords. You can also hear a bit of a funky approach in the use of syncopated, percussive and staccato rhythms.

Published: 10/01/2011 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Soulful R&B Series 2

In this tutorial, we will learn to play some soulful rhythm and blues guitar style rhythm parts & lead licks in a minor key. This style is rooted strongly in blues and jazz, with distinctly soulful melodies and bittersweet jazzy chords. You can also hear a bit of a funky approach in the use of syncopated, percussive and staccato rhythms. We'll put it all together in this tutorial.

Published: 04/04/2012 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Basics

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Classical Guitar Style: An Introduction

This tutorial explores the unique characteristics of classical guitar style. These include the general musical approach and technique, the historical genre and style of music, the specific type of instrument and a brief overview of fingerstyle right hand technique.

Published: 06/24/2010 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
How To Hold The Classical Guitar

This tutorial covers how to hold the classical guitar in order to better approach playing the style. Related issues include the foot rest, proper posture, left hand and right hand overall placement.

Published: 06/24/2010 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Classical Guitar: Left Hand Basics

This is a tutorial series covering some basic, introductory classical guitar techniques of the left hand. Topics covered include: bringing out multiple, simultaneous voices, lines, melodies, vibrato, harmonics, etc.

Published: 03/26/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Classical Guitar: Right Hand Basics

This is a tutorial series covering some basic, introductory classical guitar techniques of the right hand. Among topics covered are: fingernail use, fingering identification & use, rest stoke, free stroke, tremolo, rasgueado, pizzicato, etc.

Published: 03/26/2007 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Exercises Beginner

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Classical Single String Exercises

This tutorial will teach you how to play six simple single string exercises that will help you learn the names of the notes in the first position. It will also give you practice learning to sight read notes and rhythmic notation. Finally, it will help you get used to playing with your fingertips and fingernails on nylon strings.

Published: 06/10/2015 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Simple Melodies For Classical Guitar

This tutorial will teach you how to play some simple, single note melodies using two adjacent strings. This will give you more practice in reading and playing notes in the first position of the all 6 strings in classical style. It will give you more practice learning to sight read notes and rhythmic notation. Finally, it will help you get used to playing with your fingertips and fingernails on nylon strings.

Published: 07/28/2010 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Classical More Simple Melodies

This tutorial will teach you how to play more simple, single note melodies using three adjacent strings (and sometimes more). This will give you more practice in reading and playing notes in the first position of the all 6 strings in classical style.

Published: 08/16/2010 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Basic Two Voice Exercises

In this tutorial we'll learn some basic two voice, or two part, classical guitar exercises. In each exercise, one voice will be scale played up then down; the other voice will be a repeated pedal note. Playing two voices simultaneously in two different registers (bass & treble) is an important aspect of classical guitar style. We'll use an E major & an E minor scale. Both scales will be played in the bass register (lower, bass strings) & then in the treble register (upper, high strings). The pedal notes will be played on the opposite register as the scale.

Published: 09/20/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Basic Chord Exercises

This tutorial we'll practice basic open chords in a classical guitar style. Chords covered include: A major, A minor, A7, B7, C, C7, D major, D minor, E major, E minor, E7, F, G7. In each exercise two chords are paired for a tonic (I) to dominant (V7) musical pattern. Classical guitar style right hand fingerstyle technique will be used to illustrate the way classical guitar style uses minimal chord voices, close harmony motion & small melodic phrases to walk from the dominant chord back to the tonic.

Published: 09/06/2022 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Pieces Beginner

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Au Claire De La Lune Traditional

In an earlier tutorial learned to play the single note melody of the French folk tune "Au Claire De La Lune". This time we are going to harmonize the melody in order to create and play a simple classical guitar style arrangement of the tune.

Published: 12/05/2022 Upgrade
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Beethoven Fur Elise Simple Arrangement Beethoven

Beethoven's "Fur Elise" is one of his most widely recognized pieces. It's an exquisitely beautiful piece originally written for solo piano. In this tutorial series we will learn a simple arrangement of the main theme of the piece.

Published: 04/09/2014 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Mary Had A Little Lamb: Harmonizing A Melody Traditional

In this tutorial we'll learn a simple classical guitar style arrangement of the nursery rhyme "Mary Had A Little Lamb".

Published: 10/10/2022 Upgrade
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Mozart 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' Mozart

"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is a very simple nursery rhythm tune. But this quality is what makes it perfect for learning how to orchestrate it into a full arrangement to play as a solo classical guitar style piece. The melody has been arranged many different ways and in this tutorial we'll take a cue from Mozart who famously made a solo piano arrangement for the melody. We'll learn to harmonize the melody with chords and bass notes that work along with the melody to make a fuller sounding piece of music.

Published: 10/24/2022 Upgrade
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Ode To Joy Beethoven

Let's learn a very simple arrangement of a beautiful melody: Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" theme! We'll take this one in three steps: first the single note melody, the we'll learn the theme in two voices, and finally we'll add a third voice for a full arrangement.

Published: 04/23/2013 Upgrade
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Paganini Caprice 24 Theme Paganini

Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) was a brilliant violin virtuoso from the Classical Era. He wrote a group of 24 pieces called caprices for solo violin. He wrote these pieces as showcases for his amazing technique. In this tutorial series we are going to learn a classical guitar arrangement of the theme from the last of Paganini's Caprices, the 24th. It's a very simple melody in two parts. But this simplicity lends itself easily to Paganini's astounding variations on this simple theme. This arrangement has three variations on the theme: single note melody, two voice counterpoint and arpeggiated chords.

Published: 01/23/2023 Upgrade
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Sor Study Opus 60, No.1: Absolute Beginner Melody Sor

Description: This tutorial will show you how to play a very simple classical piece by Fernando Sor, Study Opus 60, No.1.

Published: 05/15/2006 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Pieces Easy

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
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Carulli 'Waltz In E Major' Op. 241 No. 15 Carulli

Christopher will show you how to play the solo classical guitar piece 'Waltz In E Major' Op. 241 No. 15 by Ferdinando Carulli. This is a beginner level classical guitar piece that focuses on developing proper right hand technique.

Published: 05/20/2021 Upgrade
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Carulli 'Waltz In E Minor' Op. 241 No. 21 Carulli

Christopher will show you how to play the solo classical guitar piece 'Waltz In E Minor' Op. 241 No. 21 by Ferdinando Carulli. This is a beginner level classical guitar piece that focuses on developing proper right hand technique.

Published: 12/21/2021 Upgrade
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Dvorak 'New World' Symphony Theme Dvorak

In this tutorial we will learn a classical guitar arrangement of a theme from Antonin Dvorak's "New World" Symphony. This is a great piece for learning to transition from beginner level to intermediate level.

Published: 08/08/2022 Upgrade
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Haydn 'Surprise' Symphony Theme Haydn

In this tutorial we'll learn an easy solo classical guitar arrangement of the theme from Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Surprise' Symphony.

Published: 01/09/2023 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Sor 'Etude In B Minor' Op 35, No. 22 Fernando Sor

In this tutorial we will learn a Fernando Sor (1778-1839) piece for solo classical guitar, 'Etude In B Minor Op 35, No. 22'.

Published: 03/20/2023 Upgrade
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Strauss 'The Blue Danube' Waltz Theme Strauss

In this tutorial we will learn a simple arrangement of Johann Strauss' 'The Blue Danube' waltz theme in classical guitar style.

Published: 04/17/2006 Upgrade
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Tchaikovsky 'Marche Slave' Theme Tchaikovsky

In this tutorial we will learn a classical guitar arrangement of a theme from Peter Tchaikovsky's 'March Slave'. This is a great piece for learning to transition from beginner level to intermediate level.

Published: 08/22/2022 Upgrade
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Tchaikovsky 'Swan Lake' Theme Tchaikovsky

In this tutorial we will learn a solo classical guitar arrangement of one of Tchaikovsky's themes from his 'Swan Lake' ballet score.

Published: 02/20/2023 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
The Star Spangled Banner Classical Traditional

In this tutorial we'll learn a solo fingerstyle arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner". We'll start with the basics, understanding the melody and how to add bass notes and chord tones. Then, we'll work through the entire arrangement note by note. After we get the notes in place, we'll learn how to add some performance flair by means of musical pauses called commas and fermatas. Finally, we'll add a dramatic ending flourish.

Published: 03/09/2012 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Exercises Intermediate

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Giuliani Right Hand Studies Series 1

This tutorial series of 10 lessons is the first 10 (Study 1 - Study 10) of Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies for Classical Guitar. Giuliani, a 19th century guitar virtuoso created these studies in an effort to systematize guitar playing skills for students. They are for developing right hand dexterity.

Published: 04/09/2007 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Giuliani Right Hand Studies Series 2

This tutorial series of 10 lessons is the second group of 10 (Study 11 - Study 20) of Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies for Classical Guitar. Giuliani, a 19th century guitar virtuoso created these studies in an effort to systematize guitar playing skills for students. They are for developing right hand dexterity.

Published: 05/30/2007 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Pieces Intermediate

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
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Bach 'Bouree' From Lute Suite in E Minor Bach

In this tutorial we will learn to play a masterpiece of the classical guitar repertoire, the 'Bourree' from J.S. Bach's Lute Suite in E Minor.

Published: 12/19/2022 Upgrade
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Bach 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' Intermediate Bach

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach is a beautiful piece that's been arranged many times for solo classical guitar. In this tutorial we'll learn to play an intermediate level arrangement by the master of the Baroque era of music.

Published: 07/13/2006 Upgrade
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Chopin 'Grand Waltz' Op. 18 Chopin

In this tutorial we will learn a simple classical guitar arrangement of Frederic Chopin's 'Grand Waltz' Opus No. 18 piano piece.

Published: 04/17/2006 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Malaguena Traditional

Christopher will show you how to play this traditional classical guitar piece that has beginner level skills as well as intermediate.

Published: 01/16/2017 Upgrade
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Mozart 'Symphony 40 Theme' Mozart

Christopher will show you an arrangement of the main theme from Mozart's "Symphony 40 in G Minor". This theme is one small part of a much larger symphonic work. The fretting hand has some challenging chord shapes and the picking hand will be required to do some challenging patterns.

Published: 03/10/2021 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Pachelbel 'Canon In D' Pachelbel

In this tutorial we will learn a classical guitar style arrangement of Pachelbel's 'Canon In D'.

Published: 11/27/2011 Upgrade
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Tchaikovsky 'Nutcracker March' Theme Tchaikovsky

In this tutorial we will learn a simple arrangement of the main theme to the "Nutcracker March" by Tchaikovsky in classical guitar style.

Published: 01/15/2007 Upgrade
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Tchaikovsky 'Pathetique' Symphony Theme Tchaikovsky

In this tutorial we will play a simple arrangement of the main theme to Tchaikovsky's 'Pathetique' Symphony in classical guitar style.

Published: 02/15/2007 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Exercises Advanced

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Christopher Schlegel
Advanced Classical Exercise

In this tutorial you will learn to play an advanced classical exercise using typical right hand classical fingerpicking patterns and harmonizing major and minor scales in across the fretboard.

Published: 06/07/2022 Upgrade
Christopher Schlegel
Classical Tremolo Technique

In this tutorial series we will learn how to play the classical guitar style technique called tremolo.

Published: 12/06/2010 Upgrade

Classical Guitar Pieces Advanced

Artist / Title / Progress
Difficulty / style
Bach image
Bach 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' Advanced Bach

Christopher will show you all the parts to this complete transcription of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". Baroque music consists of polyphonic counterpoint. This is a huge playing challenge for guitarists. Keeping two melodic lines moving at the same time requires the fretting hand to constantly change shapes and patterns. The picking hand will be required to do a fingerpicking technique in which the thumb plays the bass notes and the other fingers play either melody notes or chord tones.

Published: 11/13/2015 Upgrade
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Bach Prelude In C Major BWV 846 Bach

Christopher will show you the complete transcription of Bach's "Prelude In C Major". This piece was originally from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier which is a kind of early keyboard. The piece consists of a long flowing series of arpeggios or chords played one note at a time with the notes held. The fretting hand has some challenging chord shapes and the picking hand will be required to do a repeated fingerpicking pattern.

Published: 02/10/2021 Upgrade
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Beethoven Adagio Cantabile Beethoven