Posts by Kevin Downing
Slash Chords
Slash chords are not named after the legendary Guns n’ Roses’ guitarist – although he does play these types of chords, but are used by every professional in the business. They are chords that you see in music that look like F/A, or G/B. You can find out more about Slash Chords here.
Read MoreAvoidable Mistakes Most Guitarists Make
No matter if you are learning rock, blues, jazz guitar (or any other style) there are many mistakes that keep appearing in guitarists’ previous educational background evident when they begin lessons with me. I thought I would share some of those mistakes with you so you can quickly get on the right track. The mistakes…
Read MoreThe Minor Blues Progression
Every good guitarist needs to have a good working knowledge of the 12 bar blues song form, but not many beginning/intermediate guitar students I come in contact with are well versed with it, and even fewer know the minor versions. This is a great blues guitar lesson. To get started on the minor blues progression…
Read MoreMajor Scales
The major scale is like the DNA of music because everything we do in music relates back to the major scale in some way or another. Knowing the theory and application of it is very important, so how well do you know your major scales? Many students who get guitar lessons with me don’t know…
Read MoreMusic Terminology
Do you know what the terms a cappella, accelerando or accel, adagio, ad libitum or ad lib mean? If you don’t then check out my list of common musical terms you need to know if you are going to play with your friends. No matter if you want to play blues, rock, jazz, or any other style…
Read MoreThe Tool Bag
There are many things a guitarist needs to prepare for before playing a gig, open mic night or rehearsal. However, many guitarists are not organised enough when it comes to preparing for breakdowns with their guitars or equipment while playing live. They need a tool bag. Have you got one? Read the full Tool Bag…
Read MoreThe Musician’s Guide to Copyright Law
I frequently get asked questions on guitar lessons with students like, “What is copyright?” “Can I write the lyrics out to my favourite songs?” and “Can I record someone else’s song and sell it?” “Why can’t I just photocopy music?” or “Why can’t I just copy a CD for my friend?” To delve into the…
Read MoreRhythm Guitar Riffs
There is no doubt that many current rock, blues, jazz, or acoustic guitarists’ just love playing some good quality guitar riffs. A “riff” (sometimes called an ostinato) is the term for a short repeating melodic line. Rhythm guitar lessons are among the most important ones you can do. See here to download the Rhythm Guitar…
Read MoreRight Hand Accuracy
A common problem with many rock, blues, jazz, or acoustic guitarists is that their right hand accuracy is not very exact. To improve your Right Hand Guitar Accuracy click the link. To hear the midi file for this lesson click Right Hand Guitar Accuracy here.
Read MoreSoloing with the Major Pentatonic Scale
Many guitar players use the minor pentatonic scale for solos by default, not realising that a whole new world of possibilities lie within the major pentatonic scale. All the big name rock guitar players from Slash and Mark Knopfler through to the jazz and country guitar players like George Benson and Albert Lee use it.…
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