swiftlessons

Dave Van Ronk "Hang Me, Oh Hang Me" Guitar Lesson

Hello friends,

Today I took some time to create a revamped version of my lesson on Dave Van Ronks "Hang Me, Oh Hang Me." This tutorial is a patreon exclusive, meaning it will only be released to you, my supporters. 

In this video, I'll break down how to perform a Travis picking pattern with alternating bass. This is a very professional sounding technique that can be applied to a wide range of folk songs including Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice It's Alright," and Paul Simon's ...

Top Secret Blues Guitar Tricks, Revealed! SRV, Robben Ford Style Lesson

Hello friends,

Thanks to popular demand (and a plumbing emergency in my studio), I took time today to create a study guide to go along with my popular "Top Secret Blues Tricks" tutorial. In this lesson I've broken down some of my favorite lead and rhythm techniques to enhance a 12 bar blues. These are tricks that I’ve acquired through countless jam sessions, and endless hours of studying players like Robben Ford, SRV, Brownie McGhee, and Lightnin' Hopkins. Let’s get started!

2017-01-19 18:27:22 +0000 UTC View Post

Sneak Peak - "Man Who Sold the World" Demonstration

Hello friends,

This week my hands are feeling strong, so I'll be bringing you a comprehensive lesson on David Bowie's "Man Who Sold the World." In this tutorial I'll be breaking down the rhythm and lead parts, but also my approach to soloing over it's Dm, Fmaj, Amaj, Dm progression. Expect this lesson to be live by tomorrow afternoon. Aside from that, I'm working on tablatures for older lessons, and updating the tags for my older post. See you tomorrow! -Rob

P.S I'd like to ke...

What is your current skill level - Poll

Hello friends and supporters,

Today I am issuing my first group poll. To better serve you, I'd like to have an idea of where each of you are in terms of skill level. This can be difficult to determine, so please choose the option that fits you best. The results of this poll will be used in the planning of future lessons. Thanks!

Notes: I define regular practice as 1-2hrs of playing each day. It is possible to reach advanced skill levels in a short amount of time, here are my tips to do s...

Mastering Bar Chords - Music Theory Interval Lesson & Free PDF

Hello friends,

welcome to another music theory guitar tutorial. In today's session we will study the relationship between the notes in the major scale and those found in our basic major and minor bar chord shapes, rooted on the low E string. By studying this relationship, you will better understand how these chords are constructed, and modified. Because scales are also used to develop melodies, this information will shed light on the connection between lead and rhythm guitar parts. For ...

Easy Guitar Songs "Rivers of Babylon" Sublime, Melodians, Boney M

Hello friends,

And welcome to another beginner friendly song tutorial. In today's lesson I'll break down one of the very first songs I learned, the Sublime version of the Melodians 1970 classic "Rivers of Babylon." This simple, three chord tune has a lot to teach, as we work to combine common strumming techniques, percussive elements, and major pentatonic licks. Let's get started!

Links:

• 2017-01-06 02:11:08 +0000 UTC View Post

Allman Brothers Style Slide Guitar Lesson - Blues Rock Licks

Hello friends,

In today’s lesson we will add a classic slide lick in the key of A to your repertoire. Players like Derek Trucks, Duane Allman, and Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band were the inspiration for this bluesy phrase. Because knowing a lick means being able to perform it in every key, I'll break down some pentatonic positions, so that you can better understand the relationships between these notes. Let's get started!

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Wishing You a Happy Holiday!

Hello my friends, On this very special day, and on the cusp of a new year, I am extra thankful to have you all, not only as supporters, but as the individuals who inspire me day in and day out. Thanks to you I have been able to work toward my dreams in ways I never thought possible, and I'm certain that 2017 will be full of new and exciting milestones. Moving forward, please feel welcome to share with me your progress and struggles so that I can better serve you. Remember, I am happy to be you...

Classic One Finger Blues Guitar Licks Lesson

Hello friends,

A welcome to another Swiftlessons lead guitar tutorial. In today's lesson i'll be breaking down some classic blues licks built from the open position of the blues scale. I'm still healing up from my trigger finger injury, so in the interest of making "lemonade out of lemons," I decided to show you these licks with just my pointer finger. If I can do with just one finger, than you can definitely nail these phrases with all four! Let's get started. 

2016-12-21 14:29:20 +0000 UTC View Post

Pro-tips for Aspiring Musicians - "Wicked Game" By Featured Artist Chelsea Mitchell

Hello friends,

Today I'm introducing the return of my featured artist video playlist! Each month I'll invite a talented local artist, or touring musician to come and share some of their wisdom, and of course, play a few tunes. This week I was honored to once again host the amazing Chelsea Mitchell, who performed a very simple three chord version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and also debuted her new original "Hollywood Lovesong." 

In this video we share some pro-tips for beginner p...

Dave Van Ronk, Oscar Isaac "Fare Thee Well" Chord Sheet

Good evening friends,

I have great news, the exercises I have been using to cure the tendonitis in my left hand are doing wonders and I've regained about 50% of my mobility. Expect new lessons to start rolling in soon, once my doctor has given me the go-ahead! In the meantime, I'm continuing to accept your request for chord sheets and tabs to go along with lessons in the Swiftlessons archive. Here is a new chord sheet for my tutorial on Oscar Isaac's version of "Fare Thee Well." Thank you Paul...

The Beatles "Because" Guitar Lesson with Tabs

Hello friends,

Thirty-six years ago today, the world lost one of its most prolific and influential song writers. In memory of John Lennon, let's take time this evening to pick through his 1969 classic "Because" off the album Abbey Road. This is a great song for players approaching the intermediate level, as it introduces a wide range of chord positions, while serving as a powerful hand exercise. Master this tune to improve your clarity, dexterity, and picking accuracy. Let's get started!

Easy "Hotel California" Beginner Guitar Lesson & Chord Sheet

Hello friends,

Great news, yesterday I had a productive visit with the world renowned hand specialist Dr. Lee Osterman at the Philadelphia Hand Center. He and his talented team of physical therapist are confident that the injury to my hand will not require surgery, and that I will be back to form in 6 to 8 weeks!

I have some hard work, physical therapy, and rest ahead of me, so in the mean time I will continue to fire out these bonus resources for my most popular video lessons. Let's rev...

Six Bluesy Shuffles - A Rhythm Guitar Lesson

Hello friends,

Today I'm digging into the Swiftlessons archive, and introducing a new resource for my popular rhythm lesson "Six Bluesy Shuffles." In this tutorial you will discover some of the common riffs that you can use to spruce up a basic 12 bar blues.

These riffs can be used to replace regular chord strums, but also sound great when mixed with dominant 7 chords. When playing in a duo, it's very common for one guitarist to keep it simple with basic strumming, while the other...

Elvis Presley "Blue Christmas" - Video, Chords and Tab

Hello friends,

It's almost that time of year again, so let's add a Christmas classic to your repertoire with Elvis Presley's country style rendition of "Blue Christmas." Attached you will find a new chord sheet complete with tabs for the verse riffs. For future reference, you can click the red video icon in the top right corner to pull up the YouTube lesson. Let's get started!

Click Here F...