Lessons

Rhythm Rules: Syncopated 16th-Note Rhythms

August 17, 2013

Alex Nolan

Stay in the pocket! Learn how 16th-note rhythms work in funk, rock, and acoustic music.

Digging Deeper: Power Up Your Power Chords

July 27, 2013

David Stocker

Put those root-fifth shapes to work by using them to unlock more complex harmonies in your riffs.

Rhythm Rules: 6 Essential Exercises to Improve Your Groove

July 20, 2013

Aurelien Budynek

Unlock some of the secrets of the metronome with these essential polyrhythmic exercises.

Kick Out the Jams: Pumped Up Licks

May 13, 2013

Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson shows you 5 essential licks that demonstrate everything from fiery SRV-inspired blues-rock soloing to quirky, angular phrases.

Future Rock: Demented Diminished

December 5, 2012

Justin Derrico

Understand the basics of the diminished scale and develop a more fluid legato technique with Justin Derrico''s latest lesson.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: Blues-Rock Obstacle Course

October 8, 2012

Paul Gilbert

Chops: Intermediate Theory: Intermediate Lesson Overview: • Add some blues firepower to your lick arsenal. • Become a string-skipping ninja. • Develop the skills to become a harmonic ninja

In the Cage - Prog-Rock Keyboard Solos for Guitar

September 19, 2012

Terry Syrek

Grab your elf ears, Dungeon Master''s guide, and 20-sided die, throw your pick to your Hobbit roadie and dig into some prog-rock shred.

8 Essential Steve Vai Licks

August 8, 2012

Ernesto Homeyer

We show you some of the characteristic elements in Steve Vai’s playing, focusing on note choice, technique, and rhythms to get a better understanding of his unique approach and unmistakable style.

Future Rock: Tap This!

July 25, 2012

Justin Derrico

Three killer licks that combine left- and right-hand tapping, legato techniques, and some sweep picking.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: Stumbling Block Rock

July 9, 2012

Paul Gilbert

Chops: Intermediate Theory: Beginner Lesson Overview: • Overcome the “major third” tuning barrier. • Create lines that use a threeover- four pattern. • Combine the Dorian mode and blues

Chops: Intermediate Theory: Intermediate Lesson Overview: • Understand the key elements of progressive rock. • Create and learn phrases using odd time signatures and rhythmic displacement. • Delve into

Shred Your Enthusiasm: Music Appreciation

June 8, 2012

Paul Gilbert

What does Shostakovich have to do with Metallica? Why, the blues scale of course.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: Johnny Cash vs. the Ostrich

May 11, 2012

Paul Gilbert

Understand the “three over four” principle.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: A Snow Shovel or a Hair Dryer?

April 6, 2012

Paul Gilbert

Which is better, alternate picking or economy picking? The choice is easy if you understand how to pick the right tool for the job.

Kick Out The Jams: Rhythmic Motifs 101

April 6, 2012

Donna Grantis

Learn a two-step process for expanding your musical vocabulary.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: 250 Years of "Scarified"

March 9, 2012

Paul Gilbert

Chops: Intermediate Theory: Intermediate Lesson Overview: • Learn the correct way to steal from the classical masters. • Understand the “real” way to play “Scarified.” • Create long, flowing

Kick Out The Jams: Both Sides of the Field - Outside Playing 101

February 10, 2012

Emil Werstler

Chops: Intermediate Theory: Intermediate Lesson Overview: • Incorporate more “outside” sounds into your playing. • Learn to use half-diminished and diminished arpeggios over dominant chords. • Create lines that

Shred Your Enthusiasm: For Those About to Rock

February 10, 2012

Paul Gilbert

The Mr. Big legend talks about how to keep your ears in good condition and deal with hearing loss you may already have.

Shred Your Enthusiasm: The Guilty Pleasure of Sonic Bell-Bottoms

December 20, 2011

Paul Gilbert

Decades passed, and at some point it occurred to me to revisit some of those lost licks of the ’70s. It was very much like looking at a pair of bell-bottom pants and thinking, “You know, those are actually pretty cool.”