Lecture

Blues Guitar Lesson - A Major and A Minor Licks

In this lesson, Berklee instructor Michael Williams demonstrates various A major and A minor chord licks and phrases. You'll learn:

  • How to create melodies using these chord licks.
  • Techniques to embellish your playing.
  • Examples that showcase the versatility of A major and A minor in blues music.

By practicing these licks, you'll enrich your improvisation skills and gain a deeper understanding of blues guitar.


Course Lectures
  • In this lesson, Berklee instructor Michael Williams demonstrates various A major and A minor chord licks and phrases. You'll learn:

    • How to create melodies using these chord licks.
    • Techniques to embellish your playing.
    • Examples that showcase the versatility of A major and A minor in blues music.

    By practicing these licks, you'll enrich your improvisation skills and gain a deeper understanding of blues guitar.

  • Berklee Professor Michael Williams illustrates the sliding 9th chord technique, a vital aspect of blues guitar playing. In this module, you will:

    • Learn the mechanics of sliding between chords.
    • Understand how to apply the sliding 9th technique in various musical contexts.
    • Practice exercises to develop smooth transitions and fluidity in your playing.

    This technique will help you add character and depth to your guitar solos.

  • In this lesson, instructor Joe Musella presents the 3 note per string modes of the major scale. This module covers:

    • Detailed explanations of each mode's structure.
    • Techniques for fast legato playing.
    • Examples inspired by guitar legends like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

    By mastering these modes, you'll expand your improvisational vocabulary and technical ability on the guitar.

  • Instructor Danny Morris teaches how to blend the major and minor pentatonic scales with the blues scale in this bass guitar lesson. Key points include:

    • Understanding the relationship between pentatonic scales and blues.
    • Techniques for creating rhythmic and melodic lines.
    • Practical exercises to combine these scales effectively.

    This knowledge will enhance your bass playing and harmonic understanding when accompanying guitarists.

  • This lesson encourages you to create ambient, open-sounding chords by experimenting with triads over bass notes. You'll learn:

    • How to build unique chord progressions.
    • Techniques for adding emotion and overtones to your playing.
    • Practical exercises to develop your harmonic palette.

    These techniques will allow you to expand your sound and create captivating atmospheres in your music.

  • This module offers essential practice tips for blues guitar players. You will discover:

    • How to practice licks and progressions effectively.
    • The importance of using a metronome to maintain steady time.
    • Techniques to lead your band with confidence and keep the groove alive.

    By implementing these tips, you'll improve your performance skills and ensure your playing is engaging and tight.

  • This advanced rock guitar module focuses on developing your skills through challenging exercises. You will learn to play iconic riffs like:

    • Eric Johnson's smooth lines.
    • Joe Satriani's intricate melodies.
    • Steve Vai's technical prowess and picking exercises.

    These techniques will elevate your guitar playing and prepare you for more complex musical challenges.

  • In this lesson, you'll learn about the Dorian scale and its relation to the minor pentatonic scale. Key points include:

    • Creating intriguing melodies and solos.
    • Understanding how the Dorian scale fits into blues and jazz contexts.
    • Practical examples to apply these concepts in your playing.

    Mastering the Dorian scale will enhance your improvisation skills and expand your musical vocabulary.

  • This lesson focuses on coloring your dominant chords with tensions, emulating the sound of Jimi Hendrix. You will learn:

    • How to add tension notes to enhance your chords.
    • Techniques to create more emotional and expressive dominant chords.
    • Examples demonstrating how tension improves musicality.

    Incorporating these concepts will elevate your guitar playing and enrich your sound.

  • In this video lesson, Rick Peckham explains drop-2 voicings, a crucial aspect of jazz and blues guitar playing. You'll cover:

    • How to understand and implement drop-2 voicings in your playing.
    • Examples to illustrate their application in various musical contexts.
    • Techniques for transitioning smoothly between voicings.

    Mastering drop-2 voicings will add depth and sophistication to your chord progressions.

  • In this engaging lesson, Rick Peckham introduces essential guitar chords needed for various musical styles. Key topics include:

    • Basic and advanced chord formations.
    • How to apply these chords in different contexts.
    • Practical examples to enhance your chord vocabulary.

    Understanding these essential chords will greatly enhance your ability to play and write music.

  • This lesson on drop-3 voicings, presented by Rick Peckham, is designed to deepen your understanding of guitar voicings. You'll learn:

    • The concept of drop-3 voicings and their application.
    • Examples that demonstrate their versatility in various genres.
    • Techniques to practice and incorporate these voicings into your playing.

    Mastering drop-3 voicings will enhance your harmonic knowledge and enrich your guitar arrangements.

  • In this lesson, Michael Williams explores augmented and diminished triads, essential for enriching your rhythm guitar playing. Key aspects include:

    • How to spice up your playing with chromatic approaches.
    • Examples that illustrate the use of these triads in blues progressions.
    • Techniques to incorporate augmented and diminished triads seamlessly into your music.

    These concepts will expand your harmonic palette and bring a new flavor to your guitar playing.

  • In this course, Abigail Aronson Zocher introduces various techniques for acoustic guitar playing. You will explore:

    • In-depth exercises focused on improving your acoustic guitar skills.
    • Techniques for enhancing your sound and performance.
    • Practical applications for different musical styles.

    These techniques are designed to help you become a more versatile and confident acoustic guitarist.

  • In this sneak peek of Abigail Aronson Zocher's course, you'll learn about Open D triad tuning. Key elements include:

    • How to tune your guitar to Open D for unique chord voicings.
    • Techniques for playing in this tuning and exploring new sounds.
    • Examples demonstrating the application of Open D tuning in various contexts.

    This lesson will open up new creative possibilities for your acoustic guitar playing.