Tag Archives: Licks

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 1: Mandolin Lesson

In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and ‘get the sound’ is important, and in this lesson, we’ll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks! In the key of G, we’ll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Go to lesson...

Blues Lead Break (G): Guitar Lesson

Let’s learn a blues lead break in the key of G on the guitar! 12 bar blues with a shuffle feel, twice round, with lots of licks using the major & minor blues scale, up & down the neck. Also featuring double stops, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and a bend, this will certainly challenge the advancing intermediate picker! Go to lesson...

Blues Lead Break (G): Mandolin Lesson

Let’s learn a blues lead break in the key of G on the mandolin! 12 bar blues with a shuffle feel, twice round, with lots of licks using the major & minor blues scale, up & down the neck. Also featuring double stops, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and a bend, this will certainly challenge the advancing picker! Go to lesson...

Blues Lead In G: Banjo Lesson

Blues played on the banjo always sound great, and in this lesson, we’ll explore a captivating lead break performed over two complete cycles of the 12 Bar Blues with a shuffle feel. The solo is in the key of G and incorporates a plethora of cool licks spanning up and down the neck, utilising both single-string and melodic techniques.

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Blues (Rhythm & Lead): Banjo Lesson

In this banjo lesson, we’ll learn a Shuffle Blues in G, combining both rhythm & lead in the one arrangement. With 2 variations over the 12 bar blues, lots of melodic & single-string licks & rhythm variation, this is a lot of fun on the banjo! It works well at a variety of tempos, as a solo piece or with accompaniment. Go to lesson...

Mandolin Essentials #4: Linking Double Stops-Part 1

In the fourth Mandolin Essentials lesson, we’ll cover how to link double stops with scales & arpeggios in one streamlined position. It’s an important skill for improvisation, melody/break construction, fill licks, etc. If you’re wanting to improve your improv, having a sound knowledge of these closed position patterns will grow your mandolin muscles ready for the next time a break comes along…in any key! Go to lesson...

Backup Banjo (Part 3): Runs & Fills

Part 3: Non-Bluegrass Backup Banjo – Fills, Runs, Inversions & Syncopation

Backup Banjo (Part 1): Major & Minor Chords

Backup Banjo (Part 2): Celtic Backup

In this third part of the course, we’ll focus on the use of runs, fills, inversions & syncopation in our backup. With three example progressions: 12 Bar Blues, Folk Rock & Psychedelic Rock, we’ll explore these ideas while also learning the pentatonic box patterns that surround our chord positions. Go to lesson...

John Hardy (Ver 2): Guitar Lesson

John Hardy is a traditional American folk song, and a session regular. In this lesson. we’ll dive into an arrangement that has 3 bluegrass style breaks, in the key of G. The first break is great for a kick off, and is also the easiest of the 3. As we progress, the breaks become more involved, and the 3rd break is up the neck and suited to the advanced picker. Go to lesson...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 1: Guitar Lesson

In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and ‘get the sound’ is important, and in this lesson, we’ll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks! In the key of G, we’ll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Go to lesson...