I’ve been talking on the BGU member forum via personal message about how to harmonize a major scale in 3rds and apply it to blues.
It’s something that I do cover in Blues Guitar Unleashed but it’s a really broad topic and definitely something that could get many lessons devoted to it to cover it all.
So this video is a roughly 25 minute crash course in music theory and harmonizing a major scale to get cool double stops in your solos. Enjoy!
196 replies to "Guitar Lesson: Double Stops"
It worked excellently for me to do this:
Choose 3 commonly played keys- I chose A, E and G.
So starting with “A”, TAB out the following DOUBLE STOPS using the following string sets to do it-
3rd’s
1st and 2nd strings
2nd and 3rd strings
6th’s (Steve Cropper style)
1st and 3rd strings
2nd and 4th strings
4ths (Chuck Berry)
1st and 2nd strings
Put these all on 1 page w/ 5 lines of TAB.
Mentally, note how within every key, various interval segments “LINE UP” w/ ea other by fret!
Sure- takes a little “work” vs. “play”… But when you sit down to jam in any key and PLAY- WOW.
Pay Off!
Thanks for this!
does the std. harmony finger/note position apply to all the strings ? D, A, E? OR do I use the position you explained for the 2nd string B
A very Benicia eye opener. Thanks a ton Griff.
Griff thanks. I got al out out of it. Spanish “corridas” are played on these as well. These are good use of the stings. Cool…
Thanks Griff!
Can you show this over an Aminor blues progression? Everyone starts there- and lots of folks would appreciate it- another way to play instead of just minor pentatonic over Am Dm Em.
Great lesson Griff it was an “haha” moment and a light bulb went off now I understand the “why” and “how” of certain things and their function. I was always intimidated by theory but this lesson actually helped me embrace it and understand music better in general not play so robatically. The way you explain things in layman’s terms makes it fun and want to learn, keep up the great work thanks again.
This is one i missed i guess . I like it and have been foolin around with something like it . I like playing the intro to brown eyed girl . It is not the same exactly . Using the 1st and the 3rd strings is how its done . New world order uses about the same idea . Put the message in the box a cool tune just transcribed it by ear but I missed a minor cord. The solo is a bit tricky but i will get it .
oops that is world party my bad
I LOVED it!! I use double stops in (I Need Your Love Tonight) by Elvis Presley! Now I can learn why they are so effective!! They sound SO cool, in SO many songs, and now I can learn WHY!! I have 15 of your tutorials, and Building A Better Blues Solo, by Steve Trovato! Now all I need, is about ten years to glean what they are telling me!! Thanks Griff!!!
Crystal clear until you applied this to the Blues and then you lost me . What Blues course do you cover this in?
What he said was when you are playing a Dom 7th (lets say C7), you can’t start one the 1-3 of a C which would be normal for a regular C. Start on the 5th in the scale of C (1C,2D,3E,4E,5F,6G,7A,8C) which is F. State in the scale of G, but just start on F. From that continue with the rule. That is the 5th is a major, 6 minor etc
That’s exactly where I got “uncomfortable” too!
I understood that because its blues the chords are dominant seventh chords and normally only the fifth chord would be a dominant seventh in any other sort of music. However I got unseated with what came next.
Thanks for raising this point. The answer you got in the comments certainly helped me.
Blues Guitar Unleashed, Lesson 29: Chord Soloing
Would you tell me what loop recorder you are using here? I really don’t have anyone to play along with me and thinking if I could get one of those recording devices like you are using would benefit me greatly. Thanks.
Could you tell me what loop recorder you are using?
Griff uses a Boss RC-3
Thank you Griff
you just happened to land this at this level of complication when I am at that level
I probably won’t sleep for a couple of days while I get my head around it but I’m really grateful…Filled in a lot of blanks that I’d been filling in at a glacial if not geological pace by guess and by learning tunes without learning the rules
TOP TOP work
thanks again going to have to buy another course soon to say thank you properly or putit in the envelope as they say your side of the pond
all the best Billyo
Just great GRIFF!THANKS!
It would be good if this could be added as a WMV so that I could add it to my saved lessons.
Great lesson – this makes sense of a lot of stuff I have previously only half understood
Thanks
Very timely! You always seem to know what we’ve been wondering, but couldn’t quite figure out. Glad to see so many students leaving positive comments, you deserve them all.
And I wonder how many lead guitarists do this without knowing why it works. You’re Awesome, Griff!
Another awesome lesson Grif
Without any doubt you’re the most helpful, productive, giving blues teacher
that I’ve never met!
Just your free emails could keep me learning and improving for years…
I have a few courses of course – but I really appreciate these free gold nuggets
you continually provide us for our sole benefit
All the best to you and yours for 2018 mate.
Now I’m off for a drink to improve my slurring…
Great stuff as always, I’ve always been curious which Taylor guitar model you’re playing, I have lots of guitars but keep looking for and acoustic that will finger like an electric. I bought a Kingsman by Fender with a Strat neck for that purpose but don’t get the tone. Anyway which Taylor and why? I’m 74 years old, been gigging and playing for years but mostly rhythm guitar, Your teaching style is perfect, thanks and I hope someday my leads will work when Im called on to “take it” THANKS. Charlie from Visalia, CA
Your love of music is matched by your students, but your gift to teach is unequaled. Viva la musica! and Thanks!
Thanks for this lesson Griff. I have BGU and have not gotten to these lessons, this is a great motivator to get back at it in earnest. Cheers.
This brings me back to the Zorro tv series. the meixcan style that they played in the back ground. did learn this many years ago , there a dew 50’s insrumentals that use this also.
Next time a Zorro movie comes on, you’ll hear this harmony.
Oh Oh I think I might be finally starting to understand a part of music theory. Great lesson Griff. Great way to start 2018. All the best to you and yours in the New Year.
My question is why when you played the 7th note did you use the f# instead of the Chord ? Or am I confused again?
I meant to say F note instead of chord in my question !!
been doing this for years and have never had anyone explain it as well as you.
always love to see you explain what I’ve been doing, but not understood. thanks for you’ve given
I’d like to hear more reasoning with regards to using these double stops
over blues 7th chords,
you say start on the 5th of each chord which I accept, but would be
nice of you to explain the Why’s and What’s going on?
Griff, this really cleared up what is covered in Blues Guitar Unleashed! I always wondered how to formulate double stops. Awesome lesson! Thanks again Griff.
Dave D
Great lesson. I knew most of this and could play it; but I didn’t know any of the theory behind it. Now I understand what I’m doing and why and where to play it. Thanks so much.
Griff
This was a great lesson, and I continue to think you’re the best teacher online. Some people don’t want to mess with theory because they think it’s too complicated , but you consistently show us how using theory makes it easier to know how to make the sounds we want on the guitar.
The major scale stuff was great. Can you give us more on blues and Chuck Berry style double stops?
great lesson griff as usual -thanks a bunch and happy new year to you and yours.
Great lesson Griff!!
Tim H.
U r the greatest teacher: Thank U for these instructions: they help us understand it more.
It occurs to me that like chord shape patterns you can also memorize the harmonized major scale patterns.It then becomes a matter of knowing where to start the pattern shape depending on the key. Does this make sense?
wow absolutly superb lessom thank again done very very well east to follow
What an awesome lesson! Thank you for breaking down the theory as well as the chords!
Cool… makes me understand the intro to the song El Paso by Marty Robins. Also, a few years ago I invented a sliderule instrument that automaticaly indentifies the notes to any major scale… by the time the student had figured out how the instrument worked, he understood how scales are formed… I’ll mail you one.
Thanks Griff ! It’s pretty good harmony. How ever not too complicated but very useful for practicing on first guitar steps.
Griff,
Thank you! That was truly inspirational. I always enjoy your lessons and endeavour to make them “work” in my own playing. This particular lesson however, takes things to a whole new level. I recognise that it is all about the alignment of ones own playing development and the level/complexity of the lesson in question, but this one is almost like planets aligning for me! I have encountered the various elements of theory that you refer to through different lessons, tutors etc. Now, however, I am presented with a practical application of the theory, which has got to be the best possible way of learning.
You are right, it is definitely going to require many returns and experiments across the scales, but the real pleasure is that in conducting such practices it will almost always produce wonderful sounds!
You are also correct in your assumption regarding Blues players and the question of how to apply this theory in that context: a whole lesson just on that would be something I would be willing to pay for!
Keep up the great work,
Grateful thanks
Andy
Griff, That was fantastic, I have been looking for this sought of stuff for ages
This looks great, the part I could get to download. For those of us with not so fast high speed internet connection, the download file would be awesome.
Hi Griff,I Love it ,thanks,much appreciated,Len
Griff,
I think understanding through theory has helped me a lot. I’m one that didn’t want to play unless I knew what I am doing and why I’m doing it along the way. I need to make some sense of it all. And although I’m not always thinking deeply when I am playing, it’s good to know how I got there when I break it down. This lesson was informative and fun. Thanks, and I look forward to your next email!
Tom
Always intrigued at how people were able to play what you just taught.
Now I have a little insight but need to patiently practice it till I
get it right. Thank you very much for all you time and diligence in
teaching music. Appreciate it always.
pete
You know Griff, what you do is beyond awesome. You give your students their money’s worth and then exponentialize it. Your concern for your student body is beyond appreciation.
As a 64 yr old learner, one who has to over come the deficits of age and memory, I have to work very hard to get your lessons down. As one who has purchased several of your courses, I know what it means to be the “constant” beginner. And if I don’t have the time left to complete my studies with you all I can say is a very heartfelt thank you. May you be blessed in this lifetime and the next.
Great stuff Griff. Really interesting and informative. I’m going to have to watch the video 3-4 times though!
StevieD
Great lesson Griff
I would have paid a weeks wages to have had information 40yrs ago.
Great lesson, It worked very well, I am very much intriged and curious. I will have to watch this several times to be able to asorb it all, but will take the time to do so. I definitely need to know more on guitar theory!!!
Nice shirt Griff! I used to live 2 blocks from there. I’m slowly getting into your BGU course – so far, so great!
Griff,
Judging from all the positive responses to this lesson I think that you need not worry about throwing some theory at us. You obviously put some thought into how to present the concept without losing too many people. You have a knack for simplifying things without dumbing them down too much.Thanks for all the time you spend in spreading your passion.
Yes! Thanks for not assuming that nobody is interested in the thoughtful side of this stuff. True, it does take some effort but everything you just talked about is a number puzzle. What a deal – music and puzzles at the same time.
Wow! These are really good, Griff. I’m going to have to spend some money on your products. Your free stuff is great. Your stuff that we pay for must be outstanding!
I recently picked up Jim Fleser’s “The Chord Wheel”, published by Hal Leonard. Today’s lesson made practical sense of the theory. Thank you for this great lesson and keep up the good work.
Thanks griff, information is always good. It will take some time to get through this lesson, lucky the weekend is coming up. Cheers
Very nice lesson with clearer explanation of that section in BGU. I am so thankful for a teacher like you. I feel compelled to go over this lesson again and again for better understanding. Once again, thank you.
Best on line instructor, hands down! Been playing for years and still learn something from you or a different way to do it.
Griff… Once again a great lesson. You are clear and concise thanks for your time and effort.
Thanks Griff, this demo goes right along with Bob Murnahan’s section on Harmonized scale, they complement each other nicely.
Griff…WOW! I was right at the exact place for this lesson. I have been getting music theory book from the Libary and trying to teach myself what I can. I was struggling with intervals, 3rds and quality of intervals. You just brought that all together for me in less than 30 mins. However I will watch this video everyday before reading the music theory book and then practicing. Thank you so very much, I feel like You have just put the put the FIRST foot print on my musical moon, one small “step” for musickind, one giant “step and a half” for Elvid……
Griff, love all of the videos you send but I have to say this one is definitely one of the better “meaty” ones with lots of great info! I would love to see more along these lines if possible with good theory and length. I will go back and watch this one many times. Thanks!
Best, Erik in NJ
I have Blues Guitar Unleashed and love it, however where is the page or section covering what’s presented in this video? Double stops etc.
thanks
Dave
As written in the book “Guitar For Dummies ” double stops doesn’t mean going back to the store because you forgot to buy milk! 🙂
been waiting a long time to have this explained. Thank you very much!
Now, that is interesting. It’s good fun too.
Findlay
Thought provoking! The idea of double stops (didn’t know that’s what they were called) was first shown to me on “Johnny b Goode.” But when Chuck B. plays them, he just “doubles” the top two strings. Here’s my confusion – if he plays in A, then the correct notes for the I chord should be A & C#, but he plays E & A on his famous intro. Different double stop? So much to learn! Thanks!!!
Jim, If you make an A chord at the fifth fret,using the first four strings you are playing an A note on the D string (7th fret), a C# on the G string (6th fret), E note on the B string (5th fret), and an A note an octave higher on the E string (5th fret). If you spell out the intervals,the A and the C# form a major 3rd. The C# and the E form a major 3rd interval. The A (on the D string) to the E (on the B string)form a 5th and what Chuck Berry is playing is a 5th with the A (or 1) an octave higher and inverted. Normal 5ths for us guitar players are usually played on the lower strings. The starting fingering for the rhythm part of Johnny B Good is 1st finger 5th fret (6th string),3rd finger on 7th fret (5th string). Those notes are A and E which is an interval of a 5th. Griff is talking about playing Major and minor 3rd intervals off of harmonizing a Major scale. Soo…Apples and Oranges…You can’t compare. Chucks double stops are a whole other ball game. Hope this helps!
If it helps, Chuck B’s Johnny B Goode was recorded in the key of Bb.
You’re Brilliant Griff.
Thanks for this lesson.
Very interesting
Wow, I’m just finished getting to the end of Down To The Station and part of the ending is using major and minor thirds for harmony. Bazinga, I’m a genius.
THANKS GRIFF HOPE YOUR DOING WELL AND FAMILY. I HAVE BEEN DOING MAJOR SCALES LIKE THIS FOR A LONG TIME. IN FACT WHEN I GET TO iNVOLVED WITH PRACTICNG, I NOODEL AROUND WITH THE SCALES UP AND DOWN THE NECK. GREAT REVIEW. THANKS. TK,
All of us guitar players are!
Fantastic lesson as always Griff! Thanx so very much! Hey…..You know what would be cool and EXTREMELY HELPFUL????? A DVD or two going into this a little more in depth, explaining it and making it understandable as only you can!! Just an idea, I’m sayin’……I’m sure I’m not the only one who would benefit from it lol.
Great stuff as always Griff! Thanks!
Very good lesson Griff I enjoyed it very much and it sounds really good.I got a lot out of it so thank you so much Cheers
Things fell into place for me after this lesson, finally understood about double stops ( a little!).when your older (62) doing new stuff you want to know ‘why’ it is ,sometimes I think toooo much.
Margaritaville becomes a whole new song now !
Thanks mate from OZ
another really helpful lesson, thank you, Griff.
I often came across those beautiful double stops, even used them,
but never was aware of the rules they have to follow to sound right.
Once getting the major/minor harmonizing rules down, everything
falls in place.
Jens
Larry’s got that one right. Just shade you/him on the years though (80’s now). It’s sooooo sweet.
Laurence
Great lesson I will try on Brown eyed Girl and some Spanish song I like, I think you are a fantastic teacher and always look forward to practice new things. I wish there was some tabs to refer to.
Keep up the good work.
Ernie
The first half is fantastic – now I know how to harmonize a major scale – thy sound cool but it was a mystery to me. The second half went a bit fast but I got out of the video something useful that I will be able to use.
Nice lesson!
hey i was going to make a crack about your earnings old school.
but respect ! been playing 25 yrs that third thing is great thank you.
Griff,
thanks for this excellent lesson. You are really a great teacher.
However I still did manage to mess the logic up:
I did fool around with the scale in C and found that when playing a melody, the leading note appears to be the highest, i.e. the one on the first string. When playing the melody on the first string, to get the right harmony on the second string, I have to count 3 notes DOWN, not up. E.g. if the melody note is C (on the first string), I have to play A on the second string. I would call that note the 6th, not the third. Of course, your fingering the scale remains the same, but my frame of reference is tied to string 1, not to 2 ,on which your explanation is based. Did I succeed in confusing the subject?
Would you have any comment to this? I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jan
Wow this lesson was great, as always. I learned a lot and got to go over some things I did not understand the first time. Funny how easy it is to ignore something you don’t understand. Thank you I got it know. Know I just have to find time to practice and put this to use. Sometimes theory can be boring but we all have to get it sometime. Thanks again keep up the great work.
Louie:>)
Griff,
Yes it’s a lot of theory, but I think it’s very darn interesting and once it all soaks in, I’m gonna be a happyguitar playing camper!!
Thanks a lot
BEN
This is just great.
JOHN
Loved it griff.
I need more.
Keep it coming.
Hi Griff, great lesson, this clears up quite a ferw things I was struggling with from your ‘Theory made useful’ course.
Extremely well explained and useful lesson thanks .
Great lesson. Really good to know how this method also applies to the Blues!!
great clip,
goes well with your course “guitar theory made useful, (and easy”)
Hi griff-great lesson thanks so much
Hi Griff –
Another outstanding lesson! You always make that light bulb turn on in my brain. Thank you!
Hi Griff,
I have been playing guitar for as long as I can remember and I am 66 years old. I am not sure how I found out about you but after a few of your free lesson I purchased your blues guitar course. I am impressed with the way you teach and have improved my understanding of music and have learned so many little tricks that have improved my playing. I tell everyone who shows an interest in playing about your videos and courses. If these courses were available to me when I first started playing I would be a guitar hero now. Thanks for the lessons and the insight into how to improve my playing. By the way I am still actively making a living playing guitar along with my singing girl and we travel the country and entertain in the motorhome circuit.
I learn something worthwhile from you about 80% of the time. This is outstanding.
Thanks Griff.
Cool stuff will be very useful when I get it down
Great job, really enjoyed this piece, having done your Music Theory course it falls right in place. Now to get it unde my fingers…
Great lesson! Clears up some confusion in translating “theory” directly onto the guitar (how & why). Thanx
Hi Griff
Great explanation of stuff I have read about in various theory books but never been able to appreciate how it all goes together. Please keep the videos rolling in. Thanks again.
Graeme H
Hi Griff, I have the Acoustic Blues Guitar Unleashed set and cannot seem to find this lesson. Is it only in the other Blues Guitar Unleashed set of dvd’s, or did I just miss it?
Thanks, JimD
I’ve been playing for over fifty years and you still show me things I didn’t know or a different way to see them.
I’m really glad I’ve used your courses and watched these videos.
Thank you
Jack
This is the best why to explain double stops I have ever seen. You are the master.
Thanks for all your wonderful contributions. If I weren’t on a fixed income I would buy all
You lesson material.
Thanks for all the great tips
Rick
Hey’ griff i always learn something when i watch your video’you are a great teacher. I just want to say thanks for the call i got from you a few days ago that meant alot to me. I’m so busy now that i have only so much time to practice, But the little chance i get i practice, I have order guitar unlease video, Haven’t had time to look at yet can’t wait to sit down and practice on this video. Thanks griff!!!
Griff, awesome lesson (as usual). Wish I had learned this a long time ago.
Great lesson griff but i’ll have to watch at least 25more times. I’ve done some of this strictly by ear but never knew there was a theory behind it
Hi Griff,
Thank you again for your constant support and videos, as well as all the messages about playing and the mental game behind the whole guitar practice thing. I especially like the recent one about the rising tide!!
I love your tutorials and your producte. I have bought 4 of your guitar courses and love them all. Thank you for all that you give. You give so very much and usually ask nothing in return. It is a great pleasure to do business with you and learn from you. I think that you, and your partner Bob, are the best teachers out there. I would love for Bob to do mor! My question is that some tof the videos on your web site are not downloadable but can be viewed on your website for free. Is there a reason that some of the free lessons cannot be downloaded? I would love to be able to take many of them with me when I travel.
Thanks so much for all that you give!!
For me this was one of your better non paying lessons. If this and other information like this is in any one of your teaching videos Please tell me which one and inform me when it will go on sale and I will purchase it. Dieter
Griff this was just great. I knew 1-4-5 and 2-3-6-7 but did not know how it worked with the finger positions to get this sound that I’ve been hearing for years and could not figure out. Thank you so very much for sharing this
Another pearl. I’ve played these before but didn’t understand them until now.
Yup, very helpful Griff. Your lessons are great stuff. Thanks for putting it all together.
This is one of those concepts that often take a while to grasp, but I am convinced it will be worth the effort. I love the sound it creates. I invested in your blues course, but could use some more on theory. What do you recommend?
Thanks,
James
Excellent video.
You really are the best.
Covers so many interesting topics and contains some great tips.
Thanks.
Very interesting, Always noticed the II, III, VI chords in most songs were always minor, could never figure out why. The harmony rules answered that question. Going to have to watch the video more than a few times to be able to put it to use. It’s too advanced for me at this time but will save the video for when I can make use of it.
Great stuff!
Skip Lee
Griff,
You are a great teacher! I purchased your Blues Guitar Unleashed and had been progressing nicely. Never learning music theory, you make it simple, understandable and applicable. Thanks and keep up the great work. I look forward to your videos.
Joe
Great video Griff,you could work brown eyed girl out of those cord shapes lol./…
Where have you been all of my life?! (I am 71.) I have more than many dozens of guitar books ,,, and even more ( guitar) CDs and DVDs and videos … And as a teacher for 43 years I know great teaching when I see it. You have all of the qualities and styles that make you the most unique guitar illustrator I have known. Thanks for your efforts and I am thrilled to be one of your many fans and customers … I will add/say more in other lessons. Your warmth, pacing, words, etc., create a powerful delivery system … Thanks, from West Virginia.
Great lesson!!
An excellent lesson on the application of intervals.
A diagram of what the intervals look like on the fret board would be useful . It might be helpful (to those struggling with this information) to know that a major 3rd looks the same anywhere on the guitar except when the 3rd is on the B string. Of course,this applies to the minor 3rd ,the perfect 4th etc as well.
Good lesson. That makes a lot of sense especially since I am at the stage where I’m playing the guitar!
Griff, you’ve just opened a door for me. I know and understand my pentatonic scales but my 56 year old fingers don’t move up and down the neck very swiftly. I’ve heard other players throwing in some notes that just jump out of the song, and when asked, they said, “oh that’s just a few double stops I threw in there”. I play a lot of blues, rhythm only, so this is just great!
Thanks again Griff,
JimD
Great stuff. Love this sound.
This is a super well done great lesson, and should keep me busy for a long time. I would like to see it in tab per key of G or G7 if possible.
Thank you so much!
Ly$le
Excellent lesson!
Griff, your lessons are excellent! Always clear and easy to follow, even when going over complex ideas such as music theory. Thanks!
Great lesson Griff. I was able to take many bits and pieces of info floating around in my brain and put some order to it and making much more sense. Thank you for explaining everything so well
Wow, this is great stuff! I’m excited and want MORE!
1. How can I get more involved with this?
2. Is there a WMV download of this lesson?
Keep up the GREAT Lessons Griff. I think you are a great teacher.
I am still a novice and have not finished your blues course but I found this video fantastic as I am just beginning to jam with some older country folks and this looks absolutely useful. I hope I can dounload this video and I will try to take time to take it apart and turn this into a great learning time for me.
Thanks Grif
Hi Griff
I really like it when you publish the lesson in a form that I can download and try at my leisure. YouTube is really a pain to use because 1) it is slow and stops to buffer many times (usually at the most inopportune moment) and 2) it’s almost impossible to download a YouTube video and try it when the time is right. I hope you will consider sending this double stop lesson, and all others, as downloadable files rather than on YouTube.
Thanks,
John
reminds me of – Brown eyed girl
good stuff
Thanks,
wonderful presentation and integration of theory
Bill
Nicely done! Thank you for sharing
Thanks Griff,
I have been te leaning on my own for several years when i have time. I do alot of reading trying to find what is missing and theroy has been my friend, but as you know with little time and doing it on my own i offten don’t really know what it is i’m missing i hear it and feel it and the search continues. I have aquired some of your training programs and have found many things i could’nt identify due to terms or just the lack of being able to discribe what is is i am looking for. In watching your teachings and this video i am finding many of the things i have been looking for but unable to communicate. You continue to be a good source of understanding for my musical desires. I began with teaching myself Bass and moved on to Guitar and am not satisified with just learning to play (mechanically speaking) thats the easy part, understanding and discovery is what i am really searchng for and you have not let me down. Thanks man, for your clear and thoughtful work.
Very good, Griff. Also I am glad I have your theory course. This stuff kind of refreshes my recall on that.
Thanks Griff – a useful lesson and well explained in a way which is easy to understand. I had been using these intervals purely by ear in a “what sounds OK” fashion, but this dip into theory will really save time and effort in knowing where to go straight away. How does this whole process relate to playing these intervals when they are 2 strings apart and the root note is above the 3rd instead of below it – eg the solo in “Memphis Tennessee”, or even as 10th intervals – eg the beginning of “Basin Street Blues”? Could this form part of another lesson in the future?
Very best wishes, Andy
Griff,
Honestly I already knew most of this stuff, but I’ve went over the whole video anyway because you’re an excellent teacher and I wanted to see how you cover this.
Thanks to that you opened new doors to my understanding of music theory so I’m very thankfull and excited to practice and grab this knowledge.
Thanks so much!
Eric
Hi Griff,
thanks for another great lesson.
As always well expalined and demonstrated
Kind regards Chris
Hi Griff
Very interesting theory. It will take me a bit to digest this.
However would please let me know what equipment you used to record and play back the background chord you played at the beginning. Also is there any kind of drum machine etc to play background music for practicing songs?
Much appreciate your help and keep up the good work.
Mehdi
Thanks griff another great lesson, and sound, it sounds vaguely reminiscent of jazz progessions, is that right?
H
Great lesson Griff ….I`ve got most of your courses and they are all great …so I supose I`m an intermediate player as I know what your talking about now it`s just putting it into practice …this is great for spicing up solo`s …just what I need ………Jonboy
great ! a lot to think about can the minor scale be played useing the same rules?
Thanks Griff, this is perhaps one of the main things I was lacking in my playing.
Now that you have explained it so well, i will have to go over and over and over it in order to get it down. Thanks again.
Chas
Great lesson!! Griff.
Tim
Thank`s really enjoyed and learned, just need to practice this.
Darn, another thing that I had used but did not understand why or how. Played two or three string melody lines but never as well as I will be able to now…and now I will know WHY it works. Another heartfelt Thanks Griff
Bruce
Very informative. Theory is my kryptonite but your lesson is helping me begin to better understand how it fits together. I will be pulling this lesson apart. Thanks!!
Griff,
Thanks so much, this excercise kept me busy all weekend, with a great deal of fun practice ahead of me
Griff,
Thanks so much-this excercise kept me busy all weekend, with a great deal of fun practice ahead of me.
great info needed to go back over these again thanks
Great video and great explanation concerning the use of some double stops and explaining the theory side of it as well. thanks for sharing i really enjoyed this video. I know many players that refuse to have any part of learning music theory as it is sometimes very difficult to grasp in the beginning. At least that was the case for me. I would often spend all day and all night for days straight studying any material i could find whether it be a book, video etc. I remember going to the Guitar Center and purchasing this cute thing with a spinning wheel that referred to the circle of 5ths and 4ths. Not really having any clue what it was when i bought it, I somehow new it was important. I carried my little circle wheel home and stared it down for months and thinking before it’s over i’m gonna know what this thing is used for. I’ve come a long way since i bought that little wheel. Granted i still have a long way to go to be even close to where i would like to be in understanding, and i’m certainly not any place close to where i would like to see my self as a player but what i have accomplished makes it so much easier when trying to grasp the concepts and explanations such as this video. And a little knowledge can sure make playing a whole lot more fun and entertaining whether i’m playing all by my self or in a group. Griff has a great way of explaining things which carries it’s own weight when searching for the right instructor as well. I recently purchased the “BGU” course and the “Strumming and Rhythm Mastery” course as well as the “Ultimate Jam Tracks” digital download. I have not really had the opportunity to get to far into either course but will give an honest reveiw as soon as time allows. what i have plugged into at this point has been great and very informative right from the beginning. Once again, Great Video here and hope to see more like it. ~Keith Price~
Thanks Griff! Gives me alot to practice, but valuable info!
griff , i enjoyed the video on two note chords. where can i get tab on these chords. thanks and keep up the videos, they really help people like me who are trying to learn guitar thanks howard.
Fantastic lesson…..a bit over my head at this point but non the less still great information…I find that even if the subject matter is over my head I allways walk away with some kind of new information….thats the great thing about the way you do your lessons….no matter what….one of your books….DVD’s….fourm lessons there is allways valuable information.
Great lesson Griff…….. I happy that I understood it. Something that I’m sure requires a lot of practice to master on the little strings for all chords……!! Maybe move to the fat strings next……
Outstanding presentation of a techinque so universal in blues.. Great job Griff.
Griff,
As I approach my 65th birthday, I am becoming more aware of the fact that I have lived my entire life with a serious case of A.D.D. Of course, they didn’t know what that was, when I was younger and more able to absorb this kind of information; but, I want you to know, as much information as you provide in this video, I was able to retain a lot of it.
I have watched many of your video lessons and am always amazed that I come away with so much information, considering my learning disability. And, I think it is important that you know your method and manner of teaching is greatly responsible for what I learn. While you do provide a major amount of information in your videos, I have found that if I watch them, repeatedly, I am able to absorb most of it. But, I will also give myself a little credit, too, as focusing on anything can be difficult and if I didn’t have such a strong desire to learn, I would have given up a long time ago. I’m glad you have made it easier for me. Thanks, Jim
The theory course will help you understand this right away. Grif makes theory as easy as the other lessons.
Awesome! I always knew bits and pieces of this by sound but never understood exactly where it came from or how to construct it or when to play it exactly. Big THANK YOU!
If what I’m saying makes sense to you: I understand what your saying because I’ve taken upon my self to study some theory, but I don’t have my head completely around it. But if I think about it for a while it will come to me.
This is great, very helpful
will definately keep this in mind.right now working on the bgu lesson plan. by the by is that a tc looper you were using?just curious.
Greetings!
A great lesson that would have been STUPENDOUS…had you provided the block-heads in the class (er…like me) with a PDF download of the chord fingerings for the thirds up the neck.
However, I am now sufficiently motivated to figure out the fingerings for thirds, on the other sets of strings (E/A, A/D, and D/G) as well.
Also, thank you so much for pointing out that 7th chords must always be regarded as the V chord, and that you have to start your double-stops on the tonic of the 7th chord you’re playing, when playing a blues progression (i.e., G7-C7-D7 or C7-F7-G7 or D7-G7-A7).
These are very important weapons for a cat to have in his arsenal; “…let those that have ears to hear, get on the stick!”
Tarquinnian
sweet111 FINALLY MADE SENSE. will marry this til i get it down.
Great,although I got lost 1/2 way in I need to go through this a few times.
It is a great help to me.
Like someone else mentioned I need to get back to your theory course (which I’ve been meaning to do and this will kick start that). This helped a bit with why an understanding of intervals is helpful. Great lesson (and nice sound) and will have to go back over it a few times. Thanks again!
Lost me a little at the end there when talking about Blues and 7ths, but I’ll have to go back and listen again.
Definitely heard/understand how Van Morrison came up with Brown Eyed Girl now.
Thanks Griff
Great stuff Griff. Keep it coming.
is that an earring?????
Dude, Are you Jimmy Johnson’s twin brother? Nascar driver dont ya know? You sound like him too. Do you have a crew chief? Chad Knaus?
This is exactly why I just ordered your Blues Guitar Unleashed! You take material that most others make so complicated and simplify it to where most anyone can understand it and make it fun and interesting at the same time!
Fantastic job Griff!
Great lesson. A ton of info simply explained and shown. Some of the best 25 minutes I’ve ever spent. Gotta go practice now!
Nice one Griff.. you have rekindled my interest in the theory side and will be digging out your course again.. Some nice sounds to be had once you know what you are doing and it would be great to have a better understanding.. hopefully that will come. My first target was BGU solo 2 which I love and cant quite believe I can now play.. just getting into those triplets now in solo 3 🙂 All good fun!
Thanks Griff, as always , a excellent lesson , very understandable , you just opened one more door in my guitar playing, Thank you.
If you liked this, buy the theory course.
Griff – Very good theory with a very nice way to use it in a practical application! Sounds better on your Taylor than it does on mine ( a 716CE)! Many thanks!
A lot of material, beautifully presented. I am going to have to watch this many times to get a real handle on it. I already know a lot more theory than I can perform with my limited ability, but not to that level. To be worked on between my BGU lessons.
I also love the idea of recording a single chord played with a strum pattern to act as a pure key.
The little chord progressions you played sounded like the intro to “Chitiquita” by Abba.
Marvelous stuff!
Griff cool explanation, as you admit fast, but nevertheless good material, thank you
Thanks Griff, this is one of the most informative lessons I have seen. You clarify and explain a lot in a short time. I have loved the double stop sound in guitar solos forever like in “Carmiltta” or “Tequilla Sunrise”. Your explanation really clarifies some things. I will walk through this in small sections and allow myself to absorb the theory part. The blues double stops part makes a whole lot more sense now as well. I hope to be able to work on this and use double stops in my playing. Thank you, you are an excellent teacher.
Great lesson, very beneficial. But an old dog like me learning new tricks could use a tab or two flashed here and there to speed things up.
for some reason I’m reminded of Spanish guitar…prolly the same theory….even Blues can
utilize it. Thanx.
Thanks! This was excellent and really helped me out. My appreciation!
That was an awesome lesson, and you did just fine teaching it, it all made sense to me , I’m looking forward to getting this under my belt and to be able to play it all ,without looking at my hands thanks again Michael
Exceptional expertise as usual and easily explained. So easy to listen to.
Griff,very nice. I play mandolin,so I am familiar with double stops. The guitar is much more complex to me,so a lot of practice ahead for me.. Thanks for the great lesson. Mike
very good thing to know looks small but it is huge if you look at it seriously thanks griff back to the woodshed lol i think it will be nice to hear these kind of licks and melodic lines again you know like i mean MUSIC EH
hey Giff can you tell me what kind of camera you use to record these videos
bobby bland did stormy monday anybody know who the guitar player was
thanks for all the good advise Art 😉
Very informative lesson Griff.
Do you have a doctorate in music? Seems like it. I remember when I was young, we used: doe, ray, me and so forth. This is great rainy day stuff to dive into. I’m still working on your Blues Unleashed course and it would be nice to know where I could blend this into that course. It seems that my practice time is getting unorganized as I have so many things to work on. Any suggestions ?
Griff, very informative thanks. I have the same question as Francis can you please explain why a 7th cord is a 5.
Excellent Griff – I’ve played those sounds when ‘ messing around’ & got a lot wrong – out of harmony etc Now I know why. It’s gonna take me a good while to break all this new information down & utilise it but now I can work out what’s right & what’s wrong – and importantly why!
You’re depth of knowledge is awesome – and I’ll say it again – your teaching style is even better! Thanks Griff – totally brilliant.
Another good lesson – I have learnt more on music theory in just a few of your videos + BGU lessons than I did in 5 years with our music (more like muzak) teacher. And you are more interesting too! I recently introduced my grand-daughter to you and your teachings and she is flying and she is only 9 – Keep up the good work . It makes it more interesting when we I can mix up the BGU dvd’s with your videos.
Hi Griff, Great instructional. I only got confused when you called the 7th a 5, Im not suer if you meant intervals or cord description.
I think this one was very informative and it sure helped me better understand how to get two strings to work together and sound good in a lead pattern. Now I understand why what worked for me on one song didn’t work on another. It was basically the major/minor thing.. I especially liked the slower beat and the acoustic guitar. That makes it a lot easier to comprehend. Thanks Griff.