The Swing Rhythm
Welcome to Level 3! We’re going to open up this new section with a blues study, and key to the blues is the swing rhythm. We’ll break it down for you!
Intro to the Blues
The Walking Bass Line
Our first blues lick is an all time classic, the walking bass line. This has been used in countless recordings and is a must know.
Blues Shuffle Riff
We’re learning another classic riff, this time the blues shuffle. This is a riff that’s at home in the blues, boogie, rock, or nearly anything else.
The Holy Grail - Root 6 Pentatonics
The Most Important Scale Ever
Bookmark this lesson, it might be the most important one you’ll ever have. Learn the one secret behind all soloing, lead guitar, jamming and more.
Sound Crazy – Cross String Pattern
This next sequence gives the pentatonic scale a sound unlike anything you’ve ever heard. If you like the bizarre, out-there, avant-garde stuff you’re in for a treat!
Shredding Baby Steps – Up 4 Down 1 Pattern
This is our first sequence and a very common one for solos. Practice slowly, as riffs like this will help to improve technique and speed.
Shredding Baby Steps – Up 3 Down 1 Pattern
In this lesson we’re looking at another pentatonic sequence, this time the 3 up 1 down pattern. Another great one used by legends like Jimmy Page
Linkin Park Style Pentatonic Riff
Here is a very different approach to pentatonics where instead of picking single melody notes we play between two notes. The effect is awesome so let’s go!
Intro to Major Pentatonics
In this lesson we’re going to venture into the world of major pentatonics. The effect will be that our solos and leads will take on a more upbeat sound!
Temptations Style Pentatonic Riff
Learn a major pentatonic riff in the style of the Temptations. Get your Motown on!
Blondie Style Pentatonic Riff
Learn a Blondie style riff that features major pentatonics, a technique very common to this New Wave pioneer.
Get Flashy - Pentatonic Techniques
Foreigner Style Double Stop Riff
Time to get some practice in with those double stops. This riff is in the style of Foreigner who would use double stops to give their pop songs some added edge.
Lenny Kravitz Style Hammer On Riff
Hammer ons are notorious for creating a solid groove and funky vibe. Today’s riff is a rockin’ yet funky inspired Lenny Kravitz lick we hope you enjoy!
Cool Guitar Tricks – The Trill
We’re learning a new technique today – the trill. This distinct technique has been used by Hendrix, Clapton, and many others for an exciting rock sound!
Sound Smooth With Hammer Ons/Pull Offs
We begin our series with a hammer on and pull off lesson, discussing how to use this technique with the root 6 pentatonic scale, sounding super smooth in the process.
Aerosmith Style Hammer On Riff
Time to put those hammer ons to use! This time we’ll be looking at an Aerosmith style riff that showcases Joe Perry’s smooth playing style.
Make Your Notes Sing With Vibrato
For our next technique we’re going to look at vibrato, one of the great tricks behind making your solos sing.
Super Rock With Double Stops
Today we’re leaning about double stops – an easy way to make riffs instantly sound heavy and rockin.
Make Your Axe Wail - All About Bending
Start Wailing – Intro to Bending
At the heart of making your guitar wail is the bend. We’ll show you the proper technique to make bending as easy as possible.
ZZ Top Bending Riff
Get some practice bending with this Texas inspired blues-rock riff from ZZ Top.
The Unison Bend
In this lesson we’re going to start looking at more advanced bending techniques, this time it’s the unison bend. This is best way to make your guitar really screech!
The Unison Bend 2
Today we’re checking out the other main unison bend. The idea is the same as the last and so is the result – screeching guitar awesomeness!
Pedal Tone Bend 1
Today we’re looking into the pedal tone bend, similar to a unison bend but instead we play two different notes.
Pedal Tone Bend 2
Here’s another pedal tone bend, great for playing some tasty lead in all styles!
The Country Bend
This bending riff is one of the classic lead country licks every chicken picker needs to know.
Brad Paisley Style Bending Riff
Next up we’ve got finger licking country bending riff in the style of country great Brad Paisley.
Muddy Waters Style Bending Riff
Here’s a super soulful blues riff in the style of Muddy Waters to practice those advanced blues bends.
Iron Maiden Style Bending Riff
We’re putting the unison bend to work with this old school metal example in the style of Iron Maiden. This one’s definitely a challenge, but we know you can do it!
Pre-Bends
Today we’re learning about a pre-bend, a smooth, soulful bend that can really add some flavor to your lead playing.
Billy Squire Style Pre Bend Riff
Today we’ll get some practice in with those prebends with a super tasty Billy Squire style riff. Enjoy!
Slash Style Pre-Bend Riff
Time to learn a pre-bend riff in the style of top hat wearing guitar god Slash!
The Blues Bend
This signature bend is one of the tastiest around and has been used by the likes of Jimmy Page, David Gilmore, and Chuck Berry. So let’s get started!
2nd in Command - Root 5 Pentatonics
The Root 5 Pentatonic Scale
The root 6 pentatonic scale may be the most important scale we’ll need to know, but the root 5 shape is not far behind. Learn all about this scale in this lesson!
John Scofield Style Pentatonic Riff
We’re going to practice our root 5 pentatonic scale with a great swinging riff inspired by the jazz great John Scofield.
Gov’t Mule Style Pentatonic Riff
In this lesson we’re going to get our southern rock jam band on with a Gov’t Mule inspired root 5 pentatonic lick.
Peter Frampton Style Pentatonic Riff
We’ve got another riff to practice root 5 pentatonics, this time it’s in the style of talk-box wiz Peter Frampton.
John Mayer Style Pentatonic Riff
In this lesson we’re going to check out a root 5 pentatonic riff in the style acoustic/pop/blues great John Mayer. We hope you like it!
All About Barre Chords
Root 6 Barre Chords
This might be the toughest lesson you guys have had yet! We’re of course looking at barre chords, but with some practice and good technique, you’ll pick them up in no time.
RHCP Style Barre Chord Riff
We’ve got another root 6 barre chord riff, this time in the style of the super heavy groovin’ Red Hot Chili Peppers (wearing a shirt is optional for this riff).
Jet Style Barre Chord Riff
Fun riffs always make tough topics easier, so we’ve got an awesome one in the style of garage rock revivalists Jet. Hope you like it!
Root 5 Minor Barre Chords
Now it’s time to learn the next set of barre chords – the root 5 shapes. In this lesson we’re just learning one chord, the root 5 minor shape.
Gaslight Anthem Style Barre Chord Riff
We’ve got another one for you New Jerseyans out there, because today we’re learning a root 5 minor barre chord riff in the style of the Gaslight Anthem.
Root 5 Major Barre Chords
Only one more barre chord to go! This time it’s the root 5 major barre chord, perhaps the toughest of the bunch. But you guys can do it!
Nirvana Style Riff Using Open and Barre Chords
Kurt Cobain would often combine barred and open chords to create his signature grungy riffs, so today we’ll be paying tribute to the Seattle great!
All American Rejects Style Barre Chord Riff
In this lesson we’re checking out an All American Rejects style riff to get practice with those pesky root 5 major barre chords.
Incubus Style Barre Chord Riff
Recently we’ve looked at root 5 major and minor chords individually, but now it’s time to put the two together. To do this, we’ll look at an Incubus style riff.
Stone Sour Style Barre Chord Riff
We’re once again mixing up our root 5 major and minor chords with a heavy hitting Stone Sour riff. Enjoy guys!
Root 5 and Root 6 Barre Chords
You’ve seen root 6 and root 5 barre chords individually, but now it’s time to combine them! In this lesson we’ll break down the movement and offer you some advice.
Weezer Style Barre Chord Riff
You’ve got all the basic barre chord shapes down, now it’s time to put them all together! To do that, we’re going to check a sweet Weezer style riff!
The Who Style Barre Chord Riff
Here’s another riff to practice using all the different barre chords, this time in the style of British rock legends The Who.
Combining Open and Barre Chords
In songs, many guitarists like to combine open and barre chords to create their progressions. This is usually a bit difficult for guitarists, but we’ll show you the best way to do it!
Find Your Groove - Advanced Strumming
The 16th Note Rhythm
Today we’re learning about one of the faster rhythms we’ll need – the 16th note. But we’ll break it down to make it super simple and easy to understand and play!
Bee Gees Style 16th Note Riff
Disco balls, leisure suits, platform shoes, it’s all coming back for this Bee Gees style 16th note strumming lick!
The Triplet Rhythm
We’ve got a brand new rhythm for you guys, this time it’s the triplet. This rhythm can be found everywhere from doo wop to metal, so it’s critical to know!
50′s Style Triplet Riff
Today we’ll be taking a trip back to the golden age of the 50′s for this triplet strumming riff. It was such a simpler time!
Eddie Vedder Style Triplet Riff
In this lesson we’ll be checking out a triplet riff in the style of Eddie Vedder, insane vocalist and sweet guitar player as well.
Chucks
We’ve got a new technique for you guys today – the chuck. We’ll show you the best way to do it and how to use.
Audioslave Style Riff With Chucks
We’ll be putting those ‘chucks’ to good work in this heavy hitting Audioslave riff!
Doobie Bros. Style Riff With Chucks
We’re putting those chucks to work with this country flavored rock riff inspired by the great Doobie Brothers. Enjoy guys!
Mutes
Time for a new technique – this time it’s the mute. Muting is essential for any rhythm guitar player and can help create some awesome grooves!
Rise Against Style Muting Riff
GBU is going punk rock in this Rise Against style muting lesson! We hope you like it!