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Top 10 Lessons of 2019

This past year we dug into the playing of a jazz legend, rethought our approach to scales, and finally got to the bottom of the “Stairway” progression.

10. How to Play Slower

By Shawn Persinger
It’s not as simple as you might think, but dialing it back a notch can add new dimensions to your playing.

9. The “Stairway” Progression

By Nick Millevoi
Zeppelin might be the most famous case, but plenty of songwriters have borrowed these infamous chords.

8. One-Shape Blues

By Shawn Persinger
A few simple chords are all it takes.

7. The Subversive Guitarist: Don’t Think Scales—Think Sequences!

By Joe Gore
This technically challenging workout liberates you from muscle-memory habits.

6. Guthrie Govan’s Single-String Arpeggios

By Jason Sadites
Break free from tired old patterns by rethinking your approach to shred.

5. Metheny Madness

By Arthur Rotfeld
Discover how one of the most influential jazz guitarists of all time combined speedy pattern-based licks, horn-inspired bebop lines, and trademark rhythmic ideas to create a unique sound.

4. Why Is Rhythm Guitar So Hard?

By Shawn Persinger
It’s all in the details.

3. Funk Guitar in One Chord Shape or Less

By Shawn Persinger
Yes, you can get funky with a single chord shape.

2. Decoding Django’s Gypsy Chords

By Doug Munro
Investigate one of the most under-appreciated elements of Gypsy jazz by grabbing a fistful of new chord shapes and ideas.

1. Beyond Blues: The Mixo-Pentatonic Scale

By Rob Garland
Ditch the clichés and discover new ways to use an old friend.