July Update: New Video + Denver show TONIGHT Hey folks! I've got a few updates to share and a fun Soundslice to play with at the bottom of this email. Here's the summary My first video from the studio has been released, it's all about Progressions: Lead Guitar There's a free info session + Q&A about Progressions next Tuesday 7/30 I'm playing in Denver TONIGHT at Cervantes Other Side, and four more shows this weekend First video from the studio My first video release from the studio is all...
about 2 years ago • 1 min read
Monthly Online Guitar Workshop Got any music stuff on your mind recently? Come hang and let's talk shop! This is my 8th monthly workshop. Thank you to everyone who's joined thus far! You've made them awesome. Curious what happens? Generally, I start by leading the group through a guitar activity that gets the fingers moving and gets music on the mind. Then we open it up for questions and see where we go. I guarantee we'll play some guitar, make some noise, and have some fun. Today, Saturday...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Making noise with guitar toys As I wrap up this June tour in Colorado, I thought I'd share a bit about the gear I've been using for our shows as well as the lessons and workshops I've been teaching. Here's the one-liner for each pedal, from guitar to... Benson Germanium Fuzz // incredible fuzz pedal with a blues feel Red Panda Tensor // sound processor and tape looper Benson Preamp // my favorite overdrive Eventide H9 // my swiss-army-knife pedal Benson Delay // my favorite delay Strymon...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
From Day 1 to Day Maj7#11 I wanted to make a reference book for common technical questions about the guitar. That way, when you need to look something up, you can find an answer fast and then get back to playing music! I hope you can come back to this book often for help as you are learning songs, taking solos, studying the neck, and otherwise exploring this wild puzzle of an instrument we've chosen. This PDF is formatted for easy navigation on a computer or tablet, and looks great printed,...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Talking Blues in the Monthly Workshop 🎸 This Saturday 3/2, 11am PT (12pm MT) on Zoom This month, I'm breaking down the legendary "B.B. Box." It's a scale shape that B.B. King used throughout his career and it's exactly what B.B. was thinking about during that solo I sent to you earlier this week. So why do I want to share this? I use the B.B. Box every single time I play the blues on the guitar. It's been incredibly valuable knowledge for me and I know you'll dig it. As always, I guarantee...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Want to play the blues? This tasty and accessible blues solo from B.B. King has got something for everyone. He's a big influence on me and I draw from this solo all the time. Fun Fact: B.B. King was my first concert! Interactive transcription via Soundslice This solo is an absolute masterclass in bending. Bending into a note, pre-bending and falling off a note. Big bends, little bends, repeated bends. It gives such a vocal quality to everything B.B. plays. Plus, how often do you hear B.B....
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Monthly Online Guitar Workshop Tomorrow, Saturday 2/3, 11am PT (12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET) Bring a question, or just bring yourself! This is my third monthly workshop so far. Thank you to everyone who came out for the first two! You made them awesome. Curious what happens? Generally, I start by leading the group through a guitar exercise that gets the fingers moving and gets music on the mind. Then we open it up for questions and see where we go! I guarantee we'll play some guitar, make some...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Classic Swing Guitar! This is a slick solo arrangement by Jonathan Stout of George Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm." It's got what I like to call "finger gymnastics." Quick slides up and down the neck, ghost chords here and there, plus an energetic time feel. I know this style isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's a really nice challenge if you're looking for one. Check out bars 5-32 in particular, that's the melody. See the arrangement This transcription is currently incomplete, but if you're...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Happy New Year, folks! I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your 2024. Personally, I've been playing lots of guitar and discovering all sorts of new stuff on the fretboard that I'm stoked about. I'm also the proud owner of a new KitchenAid stand mixer. Let me tell you, never have I gone through sugar so quickly. It's been splendid. As for this newsletter, expect more awesome and free guitar arrangements, transcriptions, PDFs, and more to support your guitar playing at home. Plus new...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read