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Whitley's Twisted Blues Sep 20, 2008

Show notes

McErlain shows you one of Chris's more twisted blues pieces, played on open-tuned Dobro. Chris describes it as Bukka White meets Thelonius Monk. Need we say more? Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=2042 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

Burrell's Funky Comping Mar 16, 2006

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Burrell's funky comping powers many of the best late 50s and 60s beatnik-jazz records. Andy Ellis helps you summon this late-night mood by using the comping moves in this rhythm figure. Played at faster tempos and with a tighter feel, the lower line is the foundation for '50s rock and and much of '60s soul and honky tonk. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=2398 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

Slash and Burn Mar 02, 2006

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It's an amazing sight. Armed exclusively with a twangy 6-string resonator-an instrument most audience members associate with the likes of Son House and accompanied by a pumping drums-and-bass rhythm section, the lanky, tattooed, 6'2" Eric Sardinas delivers a fast-paced set of adrenaline-drenched blues. But because Sardinas cranks through a Rivera half-stack and displays a penchant for crunchy, feedback-laced tones, his wicked solos evoke Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman, even as they pay homage to Charley Patton and Elmore James. An hour before show time, the soft-spoken Sardinas sat with GP, sharing his techniques and demonstrating the slide riffs he used on his latest album, Black Pearls. Produced and mixed by the legendary Eddie Kramer, the disc is packed with taut grooves and snarling resonator tones. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=5632 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

Joni Mitchell Opens Up Feb 21, 2006

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She's not only an enchanting singer and superb songwriter, but Joni Mitchell is also an outstanding player and master of open tunings. This lesson from Andy Ellis, explores her penchant for open tunings, and details how she uses these tunings to spur inspirations for songs including how she developed the classic riff for "Big Yellow Taxi" out of open D. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=1222 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

John Lee Hooker Jan 27, 2006

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Few guitarists become so strongly identified with a genre of music as John Lee Hooker and his timeless boogie. Hooker laid down his share of classics, such as "Boogie Chillen" (a.k.a. "Boogie Chillun"), "I'm in the Mood," and "Boom Boom," and inspired a host of musicians to elaborate on his insistent, hypnotic themes. ZZ Top ("La Grange"), one-hit wonder Norman Greenbaum ("Spirit in the Sky"), Booker T. & the MG's ("Green Onions"), Stevie Wonder ("Higher Ground"), and even Steely Dan ("Black Friday") are among those who paid homage to Hooker by reworking his swampy riffage. Andy Ellis guides your Hooker tour. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=6203 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

The Blues/Metal Connection Jan 17, 2006

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Even metal icons like Metallica's Kirk Hammett go searching for the roots. This lesson deals with his recent interest in the blues and how using blues style can add emotional heft to your hard-rock solos. Instead of just shredding through modes and scales, Hammett is interested in phrasing and bends. Fig. 1 is a cool blues-rock lick that you can master and include in metal solos. One among several. 3120, Achtung Baby!, (The Sound & The Fury/Kirk Hammett). When you're a rocker and you get up in front of people, there ain't a thing wrong with doing handstands. Show off, babe. Jimmy Brown demonstrates three of Hammett's favorite ways to put the achtung' in his solos: killer bends, repeated speed licks and other ways to get the crowd's attention away from their beer and on you. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=1776 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

How To Play Like: Dickey Betts Jan 05, 2006

Show notes

When most guitarists think of the Allman Brothers Band, the image usually held in their minds is that of the late, great slide master Duane Allman. While Duane was a peerless icon of the electric blues, his counterpart in the Allmans' potent twin-guitar assault, Dickey Betts, was equally responsible for the group's innovative sound. Betts injected the band with a healthy dose of jazz and country, and was the major architect of the Allmans' extended in-concert improvisational forays. Protracted instrumentals such as "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Jessica" showcase Betts' stellar mastery of theme and variation. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=6327 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

15 Days to Better Chops Dec 14, 2005

Show notes

Want to be a better player? Of course we all do. That's why we practice. So why does it seem like all that practice time isn't paying off? It could be because you're not practicing the right stuff. Guitarists tend to associate the term chops with playing fast. And while technical proficiency is definitely part of the equation, there's a lot more to chops than just burning through scales. To really grab a listener's attention you've got to play with confidence and conviction. You need accuracy, dexterity, and a solid sense of time. The good news is that if you strive for all these things, the speed will come. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=1600 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

Tal Farlow Dec 13, 2005

Show notes

He's one of the most under-heralded geniuses of the jazz guitar. After cutting his teeth on the NYC bebop scene of the late '40s, and building a rep with vibraphonist Red Norvo, Farlow receded from jazz life to live in a shore town in New Jersey. Pete Wagula's lesson examines the titan's style, with a predilection for chord melody, but an astonishing facility for single-note runs and double stops. Farlow, renowned for his big hands, will test your stretching capabilities. Overall, an invaluable look at one of the all-time greats. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=1339 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

Rockabilly Jazz Dec 12, 2005

Show notes

Rockabilly is a kissin' cousin of Jazz, with twangy tone and playful techniques disguising an often very sophisticated harmonic and melodic structure. Jim Campilongo lays out some of that tricky stuff-arpeggios, altered tones and substitute chords- in clear detail, giving you enough ideas to fuel your playing for weeks to come. Tab, notation and Power Tab files available at http://truefire.com/list.html?store=audio_lessons&item=1571 (log-in to access streaming audio and files).

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