I’m very fortunate in that many of my students end up becoming friends of mine, and as you’ll see it’s not always all that serious in my studio.
My friend Anthony was kind enough to let me roll tape in one of our lessons while he told me a neat story and we played a bit.
Anyway, it was fun and I thought I’d share it with you all. Thanks to Anthony for letting me roll while we talked, I know that was a little nerve wracking on his end. I hope you enjoy this video as much as we did.
392 replies to "My First “Case Study”"
I am a natural Lefty, but I was kind of forced to learn right handed. I started at 7 yrs old. Went to College for Music. Got kicked out of College. I never could really play ok playing right. Now Left handed Guitars came out. I cannot know how to play lefty. Biggest issue is how can I get to the point to playing well.When I am a natural Lefty playing right handed
Hi Griff,
Having a little rough start, such is life. I do have a nylon string guitar, if it was good for Willie it is good for me. I am considering the electric guitar. At least my nylon ax is electric, wazoo. I’ll move much faster when I get the first riff down. Got to get that feeling. I’ve had it before, and I’m not dead yet. The CD’s sound real tempting. A little pricy, just an obsticle. Thanks for the contant e-mails. Cheers me up and see there is hope for man.
I play or begining to learn to play Banjo 4 string Banjo. need help. play gospel music.
i’m sure this video was filled with lots of good info but I couldn’t get any sound to it
I was right. got my pc fixed so just listened to this video. veery interesting..are u going to do a follow up to the A scale u showed us yesterday?(or maybe the day before? hope so cant wait
Well done Anthony! You absolutely need to do the open mike night and Jam. I have played and jammed with many levels of guitarist, they don’t judge, we’ve all been there and it’s the only way to improve by bouncing off others.
Good for you Anthony for having the courage to put yourself out there. Yes it sure gives me motivation to carry on. great Idea Griff, look forward to more.. Cheers..
I enjoyed that and was encouraged by your friends ability. Someday for me, lol. I practice everyday and see what develops, thank you both, Jackie ?
Cheers Griff and Antony for this video it’s given me the kick up the butt I needed right now to practice more and Antony needs to get up in one of those jam nights you have he’s well good enough
To griff Thanks doing one box never played like this have more time now
So nice to see a student talking about their lessons with a teacher, really interesting site, soon as I sort the funds I will be joining your course, living in England the blues is getting bigger,we have our own blues clubs in the North of England, with some great bands, would love to play them some day with my own band, as I sing a lot of blues songs, just watching your student play I wish I was good as the him with, loved how he started and finished his licks, I can play some good little licks and then I get lost where to go next, just love the blues, always practicing
Cheers Dave
Thank you, As a 6th. month student I am trying to get some sense of what to aim for. Your Video has done a lot to provide me with inspiration to move forward.
Super Cool Guys!! I think its good to see and hear from another one of your students. It makes me feel as if i’m not alone in the MOUTAINS of study material, that really doesnt do much but discourage in the big picture. Your AWESOME BROTHER! AS A TEACHER N PLAYER!! ..i actually am learning..for the first time. After YEARS OF DOUBT Accelerated by a guitar teacher i had when i was 13 yrs. Old. Told me i should give up, if i coulnt play an open F chord right ( my index fingers kinda retared.!..)
Being a disabled vet who, also had carpul tunnel syn. In both hands at the same time. Jua
Just getting back to playing guitar again was a huge blessing
Super Cool Guys!! I think its good to see and hear from another one of your students. It makes me feel as if i’m not alone in the MOUTAINS of study material, that really doesnt do much but discourage in the big picture. Your AWESOME BROTHER! AS A TEACHER N PLAYER!! ..i actually am learning..for the first time. After YEARS OF DOUBT Accelerated by a guitar teacher i had when i was 13 yrs. Old. Told me i should give up, if i voulnt play an open F chord right ( my index fingers kinda retared.!..)
Pretty cool, great choice of subject I to am a 50something year old trying to learn something that maybe I should’ve took the time to learn when I was a 20something or sooner. And the open mic thing while one of my goals scares the hell out of me, noodling in my man cave is one thing, standing up in front of a room full of strangers, on a stage full of strangers’ who at times speak a language that I am don’t understand scares the hell out me. When my best friends thoughts on my learning to play guitar range from amused sarcasm to out right hate, its very hard to think about the reaction of a room full of strangers and a room full of strangers who are a couple of beers a head of me at that. Anyway thanks for the video and when I take the open mic plunge I’ll let you’ll know
ur a good teacher ok!really,but i ain’t gittin any younger…a little less talk and a little more action…ok?
great interview thanks griff (( you the man)))
Just wonderful you are a great Teacher !!! Thanks
Hi Griff I’m thinking about ordering your set the problem I’ve got is I’m a left hander playing a right handed guitar in other words upside down but have picked up some from your free video. Thanks Rex
The more I learn /practice the Boxes & Scales of Minor & Major blues. I start seeing how some of the great blues songs were created. Thanks Griff for breaking it down! and making it fun creative way to express oneself.
Great Share! Love your teaching method..Also for me its for fun.
Pretty soon you will be an expert about everything desktop computers has to offer.
I needed to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely loved every
bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Rod——————–Like-I-said-before.The-friends-you-have-already-made-and-the-ones-you-are-still-going-to-meet-are-all-friends-for-life.————————–Just-keep-going.—–Talk-to-you-soon.——–Bye.
Wow! He’s playing pretty well. Plenty good enough to sit in on a jam night! Besides, the whole idea of the open mic night is to have fun! I can’t play as well as he can and I do it all the time. Grif, your a great teacher and Gary, your doing great! Now get out there and show off a little, you earned the right!!!
Thanks Griff more of the same in having ones comin to catch a break with you and express the views of others live!
As we only have what we know already and begining to learn a better way at playing the notes expressed as you do
Thanks for this
great video . Also learning with each lesson even though its 1.00am
Good stuff. We all have a little stage fright even if it is a little. I bet we saw a little of what he can really do when he is comfortable. I am the same. I think I could jump in a jam session, but I am always apprehensive. Just a latter of time when we feel enough within ourselves and view our skill level close to the others jamming. Kinda like the apprehension or slight anxiety you experience being the first ones on the dance floor if you are less than good. Once you get out there, and shake a leg, all is good.
hey that was great a good shot in the arm! very motivational. Looking forward to the coarse coming up.
Well grabed my Guitar,and hit the vido button to watch it and only to see that it diden,t up load and so re tried again and only got you & Anthony siting there and nothing else!!Hum guess that’s why I buy the dvd,s and forget trying to watch any Vido,s as there was nothing there ?? Have issues with this and don,t no what else to do Griff so guess I,ll have to do with out seeing this Huh?? hope that others are lucky,er than I was on this . Gary. Some Advice buy the dvd,s & such if you can if your having these ISSUES Folks, save your self a lot of wasted time getting on and such. Sad Veiwer .
Thank you…
I need to stay focused..this was a great help to me! set my goal 15- 20 min a day..
John
I enjoyed this video very much It was nice seeing you just kind of hanging out with one of your students who is now also a personal friend, very cool! If I ever had a chance to sit down and talk with you I would tell you how I have spent a lot of years mastering the good old minor pentatonic scale….it goes along pretty don good with most rock, blues etc. but a fellow guitar player asked me not long ago to jam in a major pentatonic scale thing ” like the Allman brothers” he said and I just like couldn’t do it! I’ve already added those sweet little blue notes over a copy of the minor pentatonic scale and I’ m sounding better and more interesting already. I’m anxiously waiting to get your lessons in the mail. I really think there going to take my playing to a higher level, and it will be great fun as well. I am so glad you popped up on my I- pad that one night and I want to thank you sssooooo much for being a great guy and a one of a kind teacher……..Mike
Hello
Thanks for that Video.
It gives me hope, and ideas for learning how to play.
Anthony was great, nice that he shared his thoughts and his playing with everyone
Best Regards Ray
Awesome. I’ll bet you feel proud when you see so done like Anthony…I’ve always been asked and offered pay to teach my friends kids to play and I turn them down because I know what it took me to do what I do…and I can’t teach them because I play from my soul.how do you do that?
Hey Griff and Anthony,
Loved the Video and enjoyed seeing you guys hang and jam. That’s what friends do, isn’t it? It was enjoyable and helped me understand how to apply knowledge gained.
After starting on Blues Guitar and then having played Bass for forty-three years, I am now working on the Four Note Blues Lead Riff. Thanks for the free lessons. They are very much appreciated and I can’t wait to get the entire program.
Thanks, Ken
HI Griff, I wish you would put together a 5 day workshop just for us older player, I’m 71, been playing , taking lessons for 10 yrs. But you do a very good job, better them most teachers. I would love to come to one of your workshops. I am sure there is a lot of other people who think the same. Just tell me when and where and I will be their. LOVE YOUR DVD,S I HAVE 4 OF THEM . WORKING ON THE BOXES UP AND DOWN RIGHT KNOWN. ONLY HADE IT FOR A MOUNTH LOVE EVERY MIMET OF IT. JOHN
Griff,
I’m 54, home recoverying from quadruple bypass surgery…a week or so ago I was awake around 2:00AM and found you on the internet…not quite sure how I got there but your site intrigued me so I said what the heck and provided my email address to you. Since then, I’ve received a number of great lessons/emails from you and can’t wait to start playing again once my sternum bone heals up a bit. I’ll be ordering your DVD’s my good man.
Thanks!
Jeff
great publish, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector
do not understand this. You should continue your writing.
I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
Inspiring! Thank you both.
Just picked up a guitar again after a 50 year gap. I might just get somewhere this time!
Adrian Roberts
I have been playing on and off this past year. I have your videos and they have helped. I now take lessons at a studio. Thanks to you. I will keep on studying your blues.
Thanks again
Dom
Love your Website! Just subscribed to your site, about a couple weeks ago! Learn so much in alittle time. Playing along with another Guitat player or Jaming along with a song is where it really is at! You can know a lot, but you got to be able to put the “Tire to the Pavement” Griff Hamlin your a greet teacher! Your very cool in the way you go about it! Been learning Guitar for just 3 years, learned a lot, but have along way to go! The web is full of information!
I’m addicted to mastering the Guitar! I won’t leave stone unturned until I have mastered it!!
Jeffrey Goblirsch
My copy of Blues Guitar Unleashed should arrive today. After seeing what Anthony has accomplished in just over a year makes me want to try all the harder. I can’t wait to get started.
I liked hearing from somebody and their love for playing..
For the haters simple you may not need this, for me I have paid hundreds of dollars to local teacher,instructors and not long ago I stumpled across blues unleashed where griff was showing the 4 note box. After watching his short but informative clip I search out more on this man. My 50th birthday was approaching and I ask my wife to order me the blues unleashed, now I was not a beginner but not much better than that before I ordered the blues unleashed. Well I was fed up the beginner books were to boring and advanced books were to hard after receiving the blues unleashed bye the way this man sent me the entire program with a 3 payment option with a 1 year return money back guarantee, after receiving I put in the DVDs and started to watch the videos in less than 5 minutes a light bulb moment hit like a lighting bolt. I LOVE IT!!!!! And for this man to take students and share them with us is just another awesome experience for me. Thank You Griff one happy customer.. C.M. Woods
This was boring. I’d had rather seen some actual playing. For me this was a 15 minute waste of time. Thank goodness I had some of your other videos saved and could turn to.
Notice that Anthony states to Griff, “when you teach” at least twice if not more. A lot of other words could be used in place of [teach] such as “show me” “guide me” “guidance” ‘give me examples” “correct me” and on and on.
Teaching is teaching, and instructing is instructing, and showing is showing.
Most think of “teaching” as the highest rung on the ladder of learning. If a person is talented, maybe genetics, or maybe just determine hard work, got them to the point of “talented”.
However, because a person knows or is talented, no way indicates or guarantees that person can ‘teach” that talent to another.
Many can show a talent in a mechanical way, write out step by step instructions the best they can, “show” someone else the results, and even slow it down in an attempt to allow whomever to pick up on how to replicate it.
Griff has become a Teacher, maybe even had Teacher’s who taught him to teach, [My Daughter is a Teacher, and was taught to be a Teacher.a very precarious journey]
If the Teacher is not a Teacher, the student may or may not gain anything or gain little slowly.
So by precarious journey I mean, she invested four years of time and lots of effort, [Graduated with Honors] so something happened that was at the very least positive.
Of course the institution itself wants to have graduates with honors as part of their own credentials and advertising, so while there are certain oversights, like anything else it can be fudged.
But a Teacher of anything, is different than an instructor. I am not sure how Webster might make the distinction, but there is a distinction in my mind, in other words Teacher does not equal instructor.
Which is odd, because most pilots are instructed or have instructors. Maybe it has something to do with the genre.
A Teacher, [you have heard the-phrase “heart of a Teacher”] is an individual who puts his students success before anything else.
That is the best way I can put it. A Teacher has a desire to make another person[s] better, before compensation, before recognition, before all inspirations.
An instructor [nothing wrong with instructor and in some cases I am sure an Instructor is a Teacher]
But when I think of an instructor I think of someone who has a list of segments that when put together become something.
Like instructions in a box, there is the inventory of the parts, the descriptions of the parts, and then the list of steps.
Again nothing wrong with instructor, many are Teachers. I just think that Teachers have a superior ability to convey and promote interest, in a detailed yet patient manner, while an instructor is there to show how to perform a specific task and maybe only perform it once.
So it might be by design, we label Teachers and instructors, but Griff is a Teacher, it came without prompt right from Anthony, no when you showed me, or anything like that.
You see a lot of LESSONS on the internet, but not a lot of Teachers.
Just something about a Teacher that is complete.
Griff is a Teacher, you look at the lessons he throws out to everyone for nothing, that took him a significant period of time, to learn himself.
Part is advertising his skills and products, but it is all Teaching, it is never a tease, it is a lesson like you would expect from a Teacher.
So good job Anthony, it is very cool that your Daughter would wonder why you are going to class when your playing sounds perfectly fine to her. Unsolicited comment and praise of the highest order. Praise with no agenda behind it, just curiosity.
I had seen that video before, it is not on the bonus DVDs of Blues Unleashed.
If you are an inspiring guitar player, and especially a blues type player, Blues Unleashed is like a hammer in a Carpenter’s tool bag.
If you are taking lessons, I would get BU and let your Teacher know you have it. Because there are blues scales and major scales, anyone could benefit from BU, specifically Blues oriented, but a Pop or Jazz player would benefit.
There is a TON of TEACHING for the money. And these email lessons or tips that Griff sends out, you can learn from, but not learn to play completely and correctly, without the background of BU.
As a student if you finish BU completely and correctly, you will be playing some guitar.
[By the way I am not a plant to sell BU or anything else, been playing since I was a kid, and have had Teachers and those who claimed to be Teachers, for decades]
I get more from Griff, not even in person than I have from any in person “Teacher”.
He teaches that is the only way to explain it, and how you put something like that together considering the objective viewpoint and the subjective viewpoint, that is quite an accomplishment.
And, it is not easy to do an unplanned interview for 15 minutes and cover the subject.
Wanna play guitar? Get a copy of BU and hit it at your own pace, once you get rolling it compounds very quickly.
The little tips and tricks Griff remembers to put in are so important. How he deadens a bend or maybe he does not deaden a bend, how he dulls a string when in a certain chord structure to avoid ringing out by accidental striking, and they are so common sense.
Good job, Anthony, keep it up Griff, everyone else, the free lessons won’t get you there, get the BU, nice holder for the CDS, and in order, great product for the money. You will spend that on very few live lessons and cannot go back over the lesson when you want or find the time.
If you can afford it, I would suggest both, start out with BU and then a Teacher live, but like anything else, a carpenter’s hammer,. or an electrician’s set of meters, you need tools.
William, you are a complete asshole and an idiot. who needs all your self-inflicted wisdom? Shut the fuck up!
you’ve made my day cheers
griff you are the best im learning more than i ever thought possible. I fully intend to purchase your lessons, money is kinda tight right now anyway thank you for these free instructions. Anthony sounded damn good. thank you for your lessions,
very nice i want to learn more
Very enjoyable video and a good idea to show one of your student’s discussing his progress.
He has clearly reached a good standard of being able to improvise the blues.
You mention one of your student’s played “I’m Tore Down” so please do a video and tab lesson of “I’m Tore Down”.
I bought Blues Guitar Unleashed last year and totally recommend it.
Your student on this video talks of being a Clapton fan which has prompted me to request you do a video and tab lesson of Clapton’s cover of “I’m Tore Down”.
Guaranteed to inspire all current and potential students as it utilises, I think, the C pentatonic scale.
This gave me great encouragement and I will really get down to the four note solo.
Thanks
Hi Griff, Got my Blues Guitar Unleashed last week,only on my first dvd,I feel I’m improving already
so thats great,also I’ve be hammering the 4 note solo you sent me so things are starting to take shape for me .Hopefuly when I finish the course I can say I’m up to Anthony’s pace or there abouts ‘so thanks for every thing I realy enjoy learning off you, cheers mate.
Nice video, motivational
Hey Griff,
Just watched your video and would love to get the 4 note solo. I’m very
new at guitar just bought an electic one for fun, now I need to learn how to
play. Can you please send me some info…Thanks Lorie
Enjoyed that and feel encouraged! I look forward to getting there, wherever that is, with the guitar and feeling comfortable with it. Bob
Great segment! Just what I would like to play like after your Unleashed lessons, thanks.
Thanks Griff,
listening to first hand testimonials is inspiring. I find myself at times going on rabbit Trails while doing the lesson, no doubt due to the fact i don’t sound like i want to. What i got from this video is stick to the plan, know the boxes and practice and it will come. Patience is a virtue they say, heh sometimes its something i lack 🙁 , but videos like this get me back on track.
Thanks Again, rj
Wow! From a “C” to that is pretty incredible, no doubt. I know since I have been practicing that 4 note solo that you sent to me, I have found new life and it feels good! I had pretty much given up on ever playing lead because the scales that I was doing were just that…”Scales!” They were dry with no life whatsoever, but…that has changed and your 4 note solo has resurrected that drive that I thought would never rise again! Watching this cat play, and if you are not exaggerating too much, and going from making a “C” to what he just did, I believe there is hope for me yet. I play on an acoustic a lot and I picked up my electric to play the 4 note solo and wow! I couldn’t believe that I made it sound the way it did. My wife actually thought I was listening to your video when I was playing and when she found out it was me, she couldn’t believe it, so it made a difference. I really do want to get your lessons, and eventually I will. I really enjoyed this video! Thanks…Will
Very, very cool. Great story and great jamming, Anthony! I’ve been playing since ’83 (on and off throughout the years) but never had a teacher, and only learned to play other people’s songs by reading them in tablature. On the few occasions that I tried to learn something outside the box, I struggled because I couldn’t wrap my head around any kind of lead theory and had nobody to explain anything to me in a way I could understand it. I want to be able to freestyle like that, but I’m certainly not anywhere near it yet. I’m slowly getting a better idea of what’s going on with Griff’s emailed tips though (love that 4-note one, that was great and after messing with it for awhile, for the first time in awhile I felt like a MUSICIAN and not just a guitarist). But I’m certainly in the same box as Rich Methot (who posted below), I’ve learned scales here and there but am clueless on how to apply them. The theory books I have are confusing…
If I could learn to play as good as Anthony then I would be well pleased. I have not even picked up a guitar yetr so please bear with me.
Thanks and did you read my earlier emails about learning to play as you have not
rep[lied to any yet.
Please let me know the answer to my questions.
Regards
Fred
maybe learning guitar is not for me ……. not sure now if i have the patience.
After 10 minutes of a less than 17 minute video i have not heard a feckin note or heard one bit of tuition. The most boring shite i’ve heard…………. you love the sound of your own voice … i don’t !
can’t bear to listen to any more.
DON’T BE SUCH JERK.. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT DON’T LISTEN TO IT…JERK
cool video thanks for sharing babie some day i will be able to play like that 🙂
Thanks Griff, seems like it will be painless. I’m working on 4 note solo… Keep R
ockin.
Thanks for the very helpful video.
I’m 64 yrs old…. I started teaching myself guitar…. at 62 when I retired… never took a formal lesson…I can play most of the 10 or so basic chords….I’ve learned the 5 pentatonic box shapes….but when I play them… it just sounds like scales…can’t seem to resolve them.. into musical form…… anyway you have been a big help and an inspiration…. but this old man is in a guitar rut….but I’ll never give it up…..
A great motivating video.
Thanks for this video. Anthony sounds as though he USED to be where I am now, and the same sort of a guitarist: playing for his own enjoyment. This is me, but I’m stuck. I love the blues as well, and I love the guitar, but I’m no good at either! This video is very encouraging for me, because I’d really like to be able to play as well as Anothony does here, I just need the right material to study, then MAKE the time to study it and practice. I have already received your four-note solo video, but I’m obviously not getting something that I need to hook into, because my efforts at that solo sound terrible! I’ll keep working on it and find the secret…it’s in there! Thanks again.
Yes this video is very tasteful and enjoyable i am a truck driver cross country and i will be in the santa fe springs thursday
delivering a load to a custumer of my company i would love stop by sometime i be happy just listening an thanks for sending the video.
Very inspiring video, thank you, gives me the confidence that I’ll get better with practice. I cant wait to get your lessons.
cool video,someday i will be in your area(I’m a truck driver and i go there all the time) and i look forward to sitting in with you if only for a little while,Just got home yesterday and opened my unleashed pack and could not stop playing.I learned more in 1 hour than i have in 5 years,this is the best i have ever had.next month I’m ordering this for my grandson who lives up in washington state for his birthday.thanks Griff….. Mark
watched video with student,was cool he seemed alittle nervous but didnt when he played.i have to be real with you.if your blues unleashed is that good why is he taking lesson still after year and half..do you teach any siide technics in unleashed..jimmy dillon has a 3 dvd for $99. hows is yours better.i need easy step by step lessons. i can play chords and pick alittle better than about intermediate but i seem like im not going anywhere to fast.thx for your time. a phone call would be deeply appreciated, if you do that.Richard (414-234-8685)
Hey man, great stuff, liked much what i saw and heard , thats where im at. The beggining, but having fun. You are a big help.
Well done Anthony. That was a cool bit of jamming along with Griff. Totally know where your coming from when you talk about your “comfort zone”. I played keyboards in a local pub in our village for a year (for FREE beer) and I had a crowded room every time I played. However, when it came to playing my guitar at home, if anyone, apart from my wife came into the lounge while I was playing, I just stopped and put the guitar down even though I have been playing the guitar since the early 70’s.
Again, I have so much more confidence since downloading Griff’s lessons for the past TWO WEEKS, I’m more than happy to not only continue playing when people enter the room, but, I will actually pick up the guitar and start playing while visitors are sat in the room.
Keep the lessons coming. Ray
Hi griff
Just watched your video with Anthony,great stuff.I am just at the beginning,but the thought that maybe after a year or two I could get somewhere near these levels is exciting,keep up the good work.
Ray
Anthony has got the goods,you are right Griff he just needs to go around the corner and get up and do it (jam nite).That will give him another shot of confidence just like his daughter did but a bigger shot of confidence.Thanks for the video-Cheers.Happy Times Anthony.
Outstanding and awe inspiring!
Thanks Griff for your encouragement and this video. Great stuff.
Brian
Griff, that video realy whets the appetite for learning. Ihave realy enjoyed the few freebies so far and wish you were here in Sydney (Australia). Looks like the DVD package is the next best thing.
Regards
Graeme
Impressed Griff , your the man …….Andrew
When two or more folks get together (Particularly with guitars).It,better than sex! It,s magic!
Great video …..feels like I,m not in Australia but in the armchair next to you.
Ps I just bought a charcoal sketch of SRV in Perth over Xmas
Will email a picture to you
Regards from down under and keep up the good work
Kevin
Hey Griff! I just got my BGU package in the mail and it feels like Christmas in January. Hey, I am older than Anthony and have been playing a long time. Since I have been learning from you, my whole outlook has changed and I am playing with a completely different mindset,…definitely a paradigm change, and a major one at that. I am losing the free floating frustration that would follow me when I picked up my guitar and didn’t hear what I wanted to hear. Now I feel that I am on a totally new path and enjoying every moment, day or night. Just to show you how long I have been at this, I used to play at CBGB’s (at the beginning when the stage was by the front door!), Max’s Kansas City, The Cat Club, The Bitter End, The Bottom Line, The Ritz etc. My band was The Dragons and we played all over, including opening for Tina Turner, War and Clarence Clemmons and The Red Bank Rockers at The Pier Concert/Ron Delsner stage next to The Intrepid. Looking back, it was a trip and a half but now my playing is so much improved! Still trying to figure out what has happened and it has been your approach to teaching! Don’t you find the guitar the most incredible instrument? So simple, yet complex beyond belief at the same time. For every step forward comes the realization that there is never any end to this process! At first this is daunting, yet if you accept where you are at any moment, you suddenly can step forward once again and again. I know I may be talking too much but I truly feel that I have broken free from where I had been and am now learning anew and having FUN at the same time! Didn’t think that was still possible, but it is TRUE. Hey, keep doing just what you are doing because there are others like Anthony and I whole really appreciate this. Also, I was blasting Eric C w/ The Bluesbreakers earlier today while I was washing the dishes and thanking God for Les Paul Standards, Marshall combos and a young English guy who unleashed many (like me) to start playing and never stop! Thanks guys, Donnny D.
I don’t have a website suggestion, but I do have a question. The way ya slide the strings to the middle of the fret, can I do that with my acustic guitar?
Griff: Thought you’d be interested. I bought your videos (BGU), and gave the set as a gift to my woman. She loves them. I do cherry pick specific lessons where I need a brush up. But they’re a revelation for her.
Her original teacher was a great player, but taught by teaching his version of licks from favorite songs. He never taught the “why”. He didn’t know the pentatonic scale, the blues scale, the Major Scale etc. Very tough to learn from him for her. Made her give up. Your approach resonates with her ( and me too).
Best,
Rob in NYC
Nice video. Student is real good for only a year. Your teaching method works. I’m playing a lot longer than a year, and I’ve had two different teachers. Both were great players, but I spent too much time trying to teach them what to teach me. I found I was learning more on my own by listening to Clapton, BB King, Albert King SRV etc. than from the teachers. Your approach is better for sure. Too bad your in SoCal, or I’d ask to be a private student., But I do use your lessons, and it’s a nice, fresh approach. Keep it up, and to Anthony : good job, bro. I can see you spend a fair amount of time practicing, and FYI, I’m in my 50’s, so it’s nice to see you take it seriously like I do.. Good for you-it really matters. ( I like your guitar choice: I’m a Strat guy too-watch out for “gear addiction”. I have five guitars, three amps, and six pedals). And, “noodling” ( which is the term I always use), also really matters.
Thanks,
Rob
Just started. Waiting for the DVD’s. Video was very reassuring and encouraging.
Hey Griff,
Thanks for the vid! Let’s get some more students in there…it was way inspirational! Also if you could; any chance of getting off the electric and jamming with some straight up hollow body woods? Love to see a wood session with you and a student and 2 Martin d-20’s goin’ at it!
Again, thanks for the vid! And Anthony! You’re so humble. But you gotta give yourself some big creds here. YOU SOUND GREAT! Your year of practice on Griff’s lessons really paid off! Frankly, I’m jazzed! Nice! Dave.
I enjoyed your little talk with your student and your lil play along I’m in Fla. it would be great to take lessons from here some how? Enjoy all your lil tips keep playing… John
Hi Griff, Thank you for the vid’s.. I am feeling very inspired by how you teach and explain. I was listening to Walter Trout and Rory Gallagher and with your lessons, ‘never say never’.
I enjoyed this video as it did give me the motivation to relearn the guitar the right way, as a previous guitar player I only had knowledge of the basic chords with no method behind my playing and now I have the incentive to relearn the guitar.but undecided on what course I should start with. Thanks Dan S.
Thanks for the inspirational talk guys it gives me more determination to continue with my learning and playing the blues guitar
Thanks SteveJ
Griff, awsome little video! And thanks for the little reminder emails you send out. They realy do help. I’m not always in the mood to practice but, I keep getting the little “reminder” emails and I realy do appreciate them. Weather your a beginner or intermediate or even an advanced player you will definatley gain some great knowledge from Griff…
Thanks a lot,
George Williamson
hay griff exalant and very insparational thank you i keep thinking i carnt do this just proves it can be done jeff uk
Hi Griff,Congratulations on your first case study you certainly have a unigue way of teaching your students and making them feel comfortable.I guess I’m one of those reserved people who started to learn quite some time ago and through commitments and shift work became frustrated and a little lazy.Since i found you on youtube you have inspired me to pick up where i left off so to speak.Once i receive your cd package I’m looking forward to start again .Thanks Griff ……Terry
great video , not only are you a great teacher you really inspire others to acheive more. not all are cut out to be rock starzs. but with someone like you helping we can expect to reach a level to satisfy our own needs. really enjoyed the video.
Thanks Dale
Thanks Griff; for the vid and encouragement.Good work Anthony.I hope to reach Anthony’s level in a year.I can hear the music in my head; just have develop the skill and knowledge .
i really get alot out of your lessons n ive been playin of and on for years n recently learned i know nothing i can put tunes on n somewhat jam with them but i want to learn to play properly and know what to do when someone says lets jam in a key of g and im like what? i thank you for the knowledge you passed on so far. what i did is forgot everything i thought i knew n bought a book n hooked up with you and it is very noticeable differance thanks.
I think these videos are great! As a person who has struggled to be able to put guitar playing together for about 39 years, and who has also taken lessons from some very qualified professional guitar players…I never could quite “get it”. But these helpful videos really are put together very nicely, and your style of teaching is relaxed and comfortable enough so that even a hard learner like me can follow along. I’ve got to get your teaching series. If they are the same as the quick shorty lessons you’ve gracefully handed out, I am sure I have found what will be a majorly useful tool for someone like me… the hard learner. THANK YOU!
Only listened to a few of your tips and suggestions to playing on level’s I’ve yet to discover; however, my compliments and thanks are extended in appreciation of well communicated thought provoking easy to understand progressions. You rock dude. Awesome, awe inspiring “make me want to be” a better “want to be guitar playing” (as your friend mentioned) inspiration or person of admiration from a daughter or son. My humble thanks!
Sorry not a good comment.. Saw the E-mail picked up my guitar and just sat there and waited for what?
Mr. Anthony very nice playing, excellent information. Thanks Griff:)
WOW, that was great, good work Anthony. sure is an inspirational tape that’s for sure. i’m going to play along with Anthony as well with Griff caring the beat.
I believe Anthony said he has been playing only a little over a year! His results are amazing, and just the thought that I just might have the similar results in a year, keeps my hopes alive, and is a dream and very rewarding. I like the clip, even though it was more verbal than musical, but it did show Anthony demonstrating some excellent talent. Thanks Griff for sharing!
Inspirational, I know I can do it one day also. Cant afford your unleashed package here in New Zealand but constantly practise your free lessons, Thanks Griff.
Hey guys, really found this honest exchange really useful and it’s good to see that other players find things tough at times too. Has really increased my motivation to keep on learning skills, I just wish you lived here in the UK Griff as you would be my teacher!! Many thanks for your excellent stuff that’s available to me via links such as this.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing this, Griff. From what of seen of your video clips, you come across as a very good teacher and excellent communicator. I also like the video closeups of the finger board.
Fred
I’ve noticed on many posts on BGU forum, that you have lots of very dedicated motivated students. I’ve only been working on the BGU course since Feb (2012) and taking a look back at what I’ve learned is satisfying. BUT, I hit bumps in the road. Some lessons just kick my butt. Videos like this help me stay motivated. Anthony’s lead run after a years worth of your lessons is another motivational kick in the pants to keep me on course. My goal is to be able to play with my nephew who is quite good. Hey Griff, you are one heck of a teacher.
Love it! Just a quick clarification, the 5 boxes that Anthony talks about, is that part of the blues guitar unleashed package or is it part of the solos without scales.
Hey Griff I really Like that Video. I have play off and on for the past 30 years and I can hit just about any cord but my licks really suck. daha. After seeing Anthony that was inspiring. Looking forward to receiving the Unleashed package. One question, Would it be better for me to have a electric guitar (Never Play One) for these lesson? Thanks Griff.
Jim Milligan
Harrisburg, Il
Hey Griff, it looks like I may also have a chance playing blues …
Cool interview…. good on you Anthony – I think you’re ready for a jam at the local. Good work Griff, you’re a great teacher. Cheers
Hi Griff: Been on top of your lessons for a few days now and
it has been incredible….I see my guitar in a whole perspective.
Blues is a style that always has a new dimension under the sleve. And your way
is so easy going. My two young daughters are here watching the videos
with me…they got a “twang” situation now! They playin’ too!!!
I am gert
Nice job, guys. I think Anthony’s got it!
Either he has great natural ability, or griff’s a very good teacher – or BOTH!
Superb and inspirational. I’ve been playing rhythm guitar since I was 16 ( I’m now 48!) but could never figure out lead and solo playing until now. But with yours and Martys help I’ve improved 100% and feel more confident when playing a lead break. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. But above all thank you for making it fun and easy to follow. Also thanks to Anthony for sharing his experience. Once you get on that stage you ain’t ever going to want to get off it!
Thanks Griff. Another great insight into what a great teacher you are. I empathise with Anthony (I’m roughly in the same place he’s at currently). I also lack the confidence to get up and
jam with the band on open-mike nights…probably due to the fact that I can see 8 year old guitarists on YouTube who can play better than I do! Not sure how to overcome that…so if anyone has any advice I’d really like to hear from them.
Many thanks again!
Simon K
Great video and Anthony really is amazing for the time he’s been playing. It’s a fantastic tribute to your teaching method and style.
Only one complaint, the volume wasn’t at 11!
This is inspiring , in that I am 48, been noodling around for 3 years and knew a few chords before taking lessons this last year . I’m the kind of person who just needs a bit of a nudge and to be shown the proper way to do things and Griff, your lessons do all that and explain how /why they work the way they do. The Blues are something I have always enjoyed, and essentially being the Mother of RnR, its easy to take the step up to other styles of Guitar .
Keep it going Griff and Happy Thanksgiving !
This is great Griff. I wish for everyone’s sake that they would read the title of this. A case study is NOT a lesson. It showed what practice with a great teacher can do which IMO is what this was about. I just got your essential blues chords. I can noodle all over the frets but can’t play much more that a C, A, G, E, and D chord and those are rough but what I found is that I can jam with Jimi H and actually hit some of his chords. I’ve also noticed that you don’t have to move much in those chords and play some nifty noodles while there. AWESOME STUFF GRIFF!
Griff,, I’m 61 ,played rythym guitar in a band years ago,after that and life getting in the way i just played on occasion. Bought your lessons a few years ago and almost immedialty became ill,wasnt able to do the lessons. Currently i’m trying to pick the guitar back up,i love the blues and hope i can get back into it. Keep up the good work
Griff after watching this video, I’m really convinced that your blues unleashed really makes anybody improve his playing. I’m saving some money now to buy it! thanks.
Yeah i know
thanks
very intertaing.
Wow you should be proud as a guitar teacher! Thanks for sharing, Kitty
hi griff love the lessons.want the dvd. im 67 not very good on the laptop.either.
Hey Griff
Don’t listen to the negative stuff. This last vid is just what a lot of US needed to hear. It’s inspiring. You’re speaking our language. Keep your vibes high. Thanks again.
wow,i have been swithering whether or not to buy blues unleashed as lack of funds.goodness was going to sell my guitar a while back.feel i want to learn something worthwhile and bring some enjoyment back into my playing as stuck in a rut.hopefully within the next 2 months i will have enough money to buy the boxset.cant wait.
kind regards Bill
excellent stuff griff
hi griff if i can get to sound something like that ill be happy it just goes to show that asimple teaching method and alot of practise goes a long way thanks from aus les
I have been playing for years(literally since I was 13 until now, I’m 56, with about 10-12 years off here and there) but could never figure out how to play lead well, I took lessons many years and I know there was more to it but couldn’t find a teacher to show me. I ordered your DVD’s last week and have begun the lessons, I started at the very beginning even though I know some of it I want to go through each and every lesson. I can only hope to play as well as Anthony in 1 year but I will keep you updated.
Too much talk, not enough teaching/playing! We’re repeating yourself too much. Move on!!
Hi,
Enjoyed your video with Anthony. So much reminds me of me. Played guitar 1958 to 68.
Tried to play from 1994 but gave up and played bass. BUT – it never leaves you even if you
want it to. Now back on guitar and struggling, but determined to get better and guess what-
you are making me more interested every day. I have not bought your course yet be will do
soon.
regards,
Geoff
Lead/Solo licks etc, for me I see I have many tools in my collection to choose from, and waiting to be used, however I need something to work on and know what I what to add/change etc Before I can select the tool to do what I want, and sometime need to add tools to the collection.
Backing Tracks are Good things too work on,I try too use as many of my tools with these as I can unlike all my wood working tools, that tend too dull with use, My music tools get sharper with use,so I try to use them as much as possible,Sadly I know I have lost some tools by just not using them,
Thanks for updated video its really neat to see people who’s learning and can make it happen. I’m still learning and hope to hear more of your students having fun and learning new things. Your Awesome thanks again I will learn the 4 note video you sent me… thanks again. Oh yea My wife has now told me I’m really starting to learn on the quitar.
Hi Griff just thought I would say I keep coming back to this video as you say it is a reminder that we can do it : ) As I sometimes struggle with my old accoustic on some of your free stuff I have got myself into a good habit of a minimum of 20 mins a day.. usually my problem is putting the guitar down lol.. As it is my birthday in august i will soon be ordering your bgu course so in a years time..who knows?? Hopefully I will have mastered your solo 2 I have heard on one of your pages that sounds awesome to me.. Thanks for all the emails and my new callouses lol..will be in touch.. Steve uk
Griff, I agree with Anthony…your are a gifted player and you have the skills and talent to explain and demonstrate how to hear and play the guitar in an artfull fashion.
A true gift that you are willing to share with others….
Thank you,
Francis
Good stuff Griff, enjoyed the interview with Anthony . Its great to hear from other folks on their progress. He mentioned your style of teaching ,you make it understandable to us beginners.
thanks for sharing.
Hey Griff, That was great really enjoyed what was put out here, I could also see the guy with you was a little shy, no matter keep up the great work
Hi Griff, thanks for sharing this and for all your free lessons. I’ll just take the opportunity to keep insisting on asking you for the option of buying your courses as downloads, because of the difficulty of buying them in dvd and book form, because of customs issues in my country (Argentina). I’m sure I’m not the only one who would benefit from that option.
Thanks again. I wish you all the best.
José Luis
Wonderful… So very interesting to see your technique in the raw! Great Job!!! Thanks for sharing with us.
All your blogs have been very interesting and watching this student gave me renewed hope. I can play all five boxes on the minor blues scale (not very well) but I have never learned to do anything with them. No matter what I do it always sounds the same. I get bored practising and am relectuctant to buy yet another instruction book with DVD or CD. The four note solo was incredible when you played it but I have not got very far with it because my computer is nowhere near my guitar and amp. Hope this is helpful.
Regards Peter
I started a page on guitars and since I am a novice I found out right away that everyone has to tune their guitar and the guitar has to be built right! I was disappointed with the one I got, there was no way to adjust the strings, they were way too far away from the neck, as you will see on my guitar page from a video a professional made. Also, your video is great except the sound has to be tweaked a little, as soon as you played something on your guitar, it sounded pretty bad, so fix that!
GRIFF;
GOOD STUFF!! I Wish I didn’t Live in Jersey and was close enough to take lessonsw personally from you. Anthony Sounds alot like what I’ve went through,And HOPEFULLY I can Get the BGU Course before long.
THANKS FOR THE VID : )
Bob
Lyons Veterans Campus
Lyons,NJ 07939
Fantastic!!
Hey guys – good stuff !!! I’m really impressed. Anthony – go to that open-mike-night. It’ll do wonders to your playing and will certainly boost your confidence. One crucial ingredient to becoming a better guitar player is to jam with others (especially better players than yourself) and playing in front of oyhers. Go for it …good luck, John.
Henry stop taking these lessons then come on you tube and show us all how good you are! You don,t have to watch.
Griff and Anthony I am 64 and just starting to try playing as a brain training excerise,as much as enjoyment, What age did Anthony start Griff? You are amazing! I am in Australia, but wish I could be taking face to face lessons.keep up the great lessons online Griff , you should be getting paid.I would be paying a lot for tuition nothing like you are giving.
Tony, You’ve inpsired me to give the jam night a go and not be intimitdated by the ability of the better players, who I add are encouraging me to have a go.
MY COMPLIMENTS! I LIKE THIS COURSE VERY MUCH, IT’S A GREAT IDEA! GRIFF, YOU ARE MY TEACHER BUT ALSO A NEW FRIEND. BYE – MARCELLO
Howzoit Guys,
Congratulations to both of you ! Very impressive Anthony. A testament to the method . I’ve just opened my copy (BGU) today and have reviewed 1-5. WOW ! Are you really allowed to show people that stuff? I mean for real, 9th’s, little chords and blues half steps. My amp didn’t sound like me! Just saying… Big MAHALO for the course. I plan to be on the forum but was checking my email when this incentive video showed up. Great work Anthony, keep it up and I hope to get there too. Thanks Griff.
Leonard
Thanks Griff, cool video. Makes me want to pick up my guitar and pratice. Tony, you are ready for open mike night!! Grab some friends go, and just do it!!
Gary
Griff,
Thanks for sharing this video with me. I believe, you can help me.
I just need to build some strength in my hands. I am practicing like crazy, the Amin scales,
it seems impossible, but am making progress. I have an Alveraz yarhi accoustic. Maybe
will consider an electric guitar. Thanks for your kindness. Rick Blocher Newville Pennsylvania.
Great stuff, I can do it !
Hi,
My first comment is that there is way too much talking and not enough instruction. I find that I have to fast forward to bypass the uninteresting chit chat, probably missing stuff in the process.
I’m new to guitar and still working on the first 4 note lesson, trying hard but having problems getting my fingers to stretch to the correct strings and frets, they don’t want to go their, not much sideways movement and I hit many strings and a lot of sour notes, I played Sax for years, been to many a jam night way before I felt I was good enough, believe me mistakes happen during jam sessions, everyone is their, trying to blend in, some better than others, I went every week till Terry, a guy looking for something new to add to his band, ask me to join his band, Terry and the Pirates, a Blues and Rock an roll band in Lorain Ohio, I had the best years of my life in it. So Anthony, just bring your Guitar and GO, once you do, you will be their every week with all your new buddies getting better and better, you sound plenty good enough to jam to me, Even Eric Clapton makes mistakes once in a while, besides mistakes are a plenty at jam nights, sometimes even mistakes sound cool as long as their with the beat, it’s only the fear of doing it that stops you from going, it goes away as you play. Just play in the same key as everyone else and pay attention to the beat. Playing in a band, well its, not better, but almost as good as Sex, what else can I say, I’m an old man now, but I can at least still have Sax with the Band. Have Fun
You don’t look old enough to have done all the stuff you say you’ve done. Like teach for 25 years. I think you said you still have little kids, but you’ve done all this teachin’ and tourin’, and you just don’t look old enough to have doine all that. Otherwise I like what you have to offer.
Question about your DVD’s: Will they play through video player for TV? I once got what I thought was DVD’s for golf & only got them downloaded to my & computer. I assume yours are mailed to customer & will play on TV & computer. Am I correct on this?
Thanks,
Jack
Your a great teacher , very informitive and really use ful stuff thanks.
Hi Griff
Enjoyed this video but moreso I wanted to say what a fantastic help you have been to me in my aspiration to become a blues guitar player. I like your style…no ego or turned on man stuff, just straight forward clear and concise lessons.
Thank you
two guys enjoying a chat and jam . your student Griff is starting to FEEL the blues and its not easy . Barry Tallentire.
WoW! it was badass, i’m 36 and i was desperate to be not so good at long times, but with that video you give me a kick in the butt to continue and to be better at guitar. loves your course and i will continue. as soon as i can play something like that , i will post my video to you GRIFF. tanks again for the help i appreciate it a lots.
sincerly, Badom, ( Dominic Baron ) Badom you got it !
Griff,
I can read music unless it gets really complicated (4 sharps/flats). However, I really think that your teaching style is something that I could more easily learn from. Not only do I enjoy the blues but it would be awesome to somewhat emulate ‘any’ kind of lead part. I’m more than willing to learn the 5 box method and put in the time. I’m hoping that this will also increase my ear for deciphering chord keys, boxes, etc. To pick up and play my guitar without having to rely on my music book would be so awesome. Can’t wait to ‘Noodle’.
I do enjoy your video segments that share your teaching method. I will be getting your program soon.
I’d like to see more of what your student can play — at least illustrate the conversation with more playing and less conversation. Thanks
Can we see some others playing with you and LESS chat. I can rember picking up a guitar and having no idea where to start now I can. Thanks John
Very insightful and a lot of fun to get an actual and genuine look into what comes from your work Griff. I relate to everything that was talked about, shared and demonstrated. I have only intermittently played around on my own with guitar from videos watched on the web. I have seen yours and added many of the tips and techniques you’ve taught just on the ones sent to my email. Excellent material and presence. You demystify the learning process of playing guitar, while adding a very enjoyable approach in wanting to find out more of where to go next.
Best
John
This was a great chance for me to learn about your teaching style as I await the arrival of “Blues Guitar Unleashed”.
My expectations of improving my “bedroom guitarist” music limitations now seem justified !
Question comes to mind is how long has Anthony been playing? You said 1 year with you, but can he jam like he did in the video after one year? or has more time been put in?
TOO MUCH TALK, ALREADY
Sorry great 🙂
Well done Anthony reat job.
Too much talk, and not enough lesson!
After literally playing around with Griff’s simple to use and most of all, easy to remember blues 2 use easy email tips the only thing sweeter about these were the fact they were free and they will easily and effortlessly change your way of thinking, and playing. Simpler is easier technique allows you to get more sweet notes from less entries. See how the rest of the story for little more than pocket change can Super Charge your playing Your feelings library with the final sound of less to remember up front and the closing thought is you play your thoughts. If you don’t have any feelings, pinch yourself, wake up your feelings with the easy keys to unlock your playing abilities with simple tools Griff brings to your attention and gives you the inner feelings of a master player, thinking, why didn’t I think of that. Don’t worry, be happy, and use what is set forth so simple anyone can use and practice makes difficult voicings easy to play, and simple ones will astound you and especially the one’s who hear you practice daily. Listening to you practice will isntantly become a pleasure for the other people in your world.
In a sense, it gives a $2 bill the purchasing power of a $1,000 note.
Now you see, now you hear, now you play, now we hear how simple it transforms you into a super picker.
You thought the teaching process for super pickers would be super complicated! Simple techniques from the modern teachers, mainly, Griff~!
Makes your strings sing effortlessly~!
Get on board, it’s now easy to be a Super Picker, less teaching results in Blues you always thought was too compicated for you to use, not any more!
THANKS,
GRIFF
danny~b
Great vid. Anthony was great as well. Keep up the good work guys. Can’t wait till I receive my BGU course.
Thanks Griff
Hello I’ve tried both ur dl to listen n learn they won’t play for me ….booo
I really enjoyed this, and the other materials. Kudos to Anthony…he’s ready to go to open mike for sure. Griff, really nice job on your teachings.
Thanks Griff and Anthony, Interesting video and I am very impressed with the free-playing, it’s just what I am aiming at. My personal guitar hero is Joe Bonamassa and his playing seems, from my point of ignorance, more complex than Eric Clapton’s, who I have admired for years. At my age I don’t expect to emulate either of them but would like to have some level of competence. Will continue doing hard labour with the blues scales!!
Regards and many thanks for the free down-loads!
Jac
@joe – ditto. I turn 53 today…and never been kissed (on stage anyway). Need to get out there but will probabaly sheet thine self in the process.
Thx Griff –
Cooool!! I too am about Anthony’s vintage, maybe a few, O.K. many years older. Used to play in a garage band in the 60’s. Just got the course this week and just battled my way through lesson 3, as in the olden times, we only used basic bar chords and never knew how to read music so we did everything by ear. Anyway thanks Anthony maybe there is hope for me. And Griff thanks to you. Bill K, Goodyear AZ
Wow! I am about Anthony’s vintage and if he can do it maybe there’s hope for me yet.
Practice, practice, practice.
This was really motivating my new years goal is to go to a blues jam or open mic and sit in I am 44 and of course it takes me a little more time to learn and retain but I am going to attack bbg with a new sense of purpose, thanks for sending this attachment griff.
@Henry! It’s Griff’s video – he can talk as much as he wants! You are under no obligation to watch. Get a clue.
On a positive note, Griff, you are an excellent teacher. So much so, that I come away believing that I too can learn the guitar. Thank you.
pleasant wee insight into how practice makes perfect, and that don’t be surprised when you are (Noodling) that it may actually sound better than you think , !
i can play the guitar but i dont know the scales on it he he i can play the feddle to and i know the scale on it and learnt the killer blues from you it really sound i would sure like to have jam box ty my good frind you are master
Hi griff, you’re long winded, you must like to talk and so, talk too much. Boring
Ordered your Blues Guitar Unleashed and was very impressed with it. BUT it was an eye-opener. My guy and I “thought” we were savvy enough to begin at that point. No way! You were right in one of your free lessons to advise people to get the beginner course if they are in doubt of their abilities. I will be ordering the beginner course soon. I really feel if anyone can teach us, it would be you – hands down.
Merry Christmas Griff
have watched lots of your clips on website. think they are great so i ordered blues guitar unleashed don’t have it yet but its in town. Anthony seems to be doing great. Your teaching style is the best i have seen and i have bought 3 or 4 video courses. Cant wait to get it in my hands lol.
Glad I stumbled into your website its a course within its self
love the emails
Later
rohn
Hi Griff, watched the video, and I have also been learning for two years now, Using your blues lessons, and a British guys lessons – Justin Sandercoe. I aggree with everthing said in the video. Great stuff, and to use the Strictly Come Dancing catchphrase – Keep Playing. Rod
i forgot to ask… can anyone tell me what chords Griff is playing ?
they sound so good, not your normal G7 C7 D7 loop…..or is it ?
nice noodling
@Israel – you are correct, Anthony had a little experience, about like what you have. He knew a handful of chords and had little technical facility on the guitar.
If you are concerned about your skill level, start with the Beginning Blues Guitar course. It assumes absolutely no knowledge of the guitar first. With a nylon string guitar that might work much better for you.
Griff, I am impressed by Anthony’s playing, but what you don’t mention is the fact, by what I perceived, that Anthony has a guitar experience before taking your course, in other words he didn’t start from scratch. I have a Cordoba electric nylon strings, I play a few cords and don’t know the name of those cords even though they sound good, I been thinking about the course and invest a little money (of course, but I couldn’t pay it all at once) I love jazz, that is my thing, but I want to make sure the course is really, really learnable, I’m sorry to say, I don’t believe in testimonials, I believe in my own experience. I like to hear your comments about my comments. Respectfully Israel
keep up the good work, enjoy it.
This is just the sort of encouragement that you’re so good at, Griff. Thanks again for all you’re doing.
Hi,
I have been playing guitar for over 20 yrs. I like to play for fun and to relax . I play lead guitar and love the blues. I am not really into copy songs and like to just play along.Not to much I cant play any more in all genre of music. If I know it my head I can play it or at least fake it with my own lead and know one knows the deffirence. The problem I’ve found with other musicians is they dont play well with others. Cant improvise or stay in key. Your video’s are great and show good playing with others.I am writing this so others learning can understand or maybe you can explain it better. Keep up the good work. Everyone out there keep playing.
Very cool, nice to see a student who is learning and showing his excitement. I intend to purchase your series, as soon as I can. Thanks Griff
That was a truly incredible and inspiring video!! Anthony’s touch, smoothness and precision were impressive; I am encouraged after watching and listening to some of Griff’s video segments on-line, that I could really achieve the same( it’s actually within reach!).Thanks for the inspiration.–R. O’Connor.
hey bro cool …..
since i stubbled on your site i have renewed my desire to play, Good stuf and really enjoy seeing other guys in their 50’s finally doing something that they always wanted to do, and that is to learn guitar and enjoy the fun!! Thanks Griff
Hi Griff . Hope I can play like that soon,thanks for the lesson.Anthony, well done..Im a 50 year old beginner Melb. Australia and love ya work
Muchas gracias senoir, ustedes musica es excelente
Hi Grimm, i am 62 years old, and been picking my guitar for many years now. I love your way of showing to play blues….
dude, love your site. i am 57 years old and love playing guitar. thank you.
You can’t imagine what it is like to be totally and permanently disabled, no more job and not even a guitar to keep me intertained. I once had nice Les Paul’s, a 57 Bo
lond Tele, and an twin Fender with 2-10’s for sound only to have them all ripped off. So, happening on to your site, at least brings back some good times. Thanks for the opportunity to listen to you and all. Rob
Good job, Anthony! Definitely hit the open mic nite at the bar. I’d enjoy listening to you.
Wow, that dude looks just like Luke Wilson!
… Anthony when I can noodle like that I will create an entire song in rememberance of you and name it a pot of spaghetti.With all that noodling that was a lot of noodles.LOL Really that was some great playing and I’ll be so happy when I get there! Keep up the good work…
i have watched yur free advice online for somme time and this helped me a great deal , i play every day and stumble on to new things like your friend in the vid , thanks a uk blues mam
i can hear erics favorite riff comin outta anthonys solo.good job man.good teaching griff.clapton may not be the only god anymore,but he seems to be a very cheritable man and that will always make you liked by most . ron
Awesome…keep’um coming! Please keep us “blues beginners” in mind. Maybe offer up another beginner blues course; a continuation to your first. Nothing fancy, just some more basics in Tab. I really learn from a slower and simpler pace and format. I imagine others do as well. I certainly can’t be alone here. I appreciate you sending stuff – thanks man!
Musically yours,
Joseph
I DO hope that Anthony didn’t pay for a lesson and then just sat and talked. I taught for years and would NEVER charge a student for a lesson and then jusst sit and chin-wag!!
Hey Griff
I enjoyed this video with Anthony and you are right it is very inspirational for me. Having never taken lessons. I am picking up what I feel is quite a bit from the videos you have been sending. As soon as I can I will be purchasing all of your instructional offers. I am amazed that even with what you have shared with us so far. I can actually make some good licks. I have always been very skeptical about online offers and couldn’t seem to follow them as well as I would like. But with the instruction you offer. I am very encouraged and looking forward to finally really learning to play and am already very much enjoying what you have shown me so far. Good luck to you Anthony. You sound great you should go for it at the open mic night. Thanks again Griff please keep em coming.
Steve Browne
very impressed and encouraged I am probobly the same age as this gentlemen its guys like that who make me realize im not wasting my time
I’m so impressed and so excited to learn the ” Blues ” and solos that’s my kind of things
thanks guys what a great job.
just wished i could be so confident………..guess i need more practice……..but this is great !!!!!!!!!
that was cool the jam session should a been longer though !
Hi Griff
Firstly many thanks for your regular Emails! Together with Marty Schwartz and Dan Denley you are the guys to learn from. So, why haven’t I bought any of your lessons yet? It ain’t the money honest! You guys have some great value teaching material out there for anyone wanting to play the guitar better. Worth every cent.
OK stay with me ‘cos there’s a serious question here (which I welcome anyone to answer)
For me (and I suspect a vast number of your followers) it’s about lack of time and application. Most of us will only get maybe an hour now and then to pick up our guitars. Having watched one of your great free lessons that arrive by Email at work, I think wow, I must try that out tonight.
When I get home and get my hands on a guitar the attention span for “learning” becomes quite short. I give the video lesson maybe 10 mins and then the urge is to cut loose and play (badly) stuff I already think I know….the desire is to make music rather than learn the basics.
I know it’s a total waste of time.. but that’s what drives me.
Consequently, I know that if I bought a full set of lesson DVDs they would just lay untouched because I won’t use the little time I have for playing to “learning”.
Please tell me other people out there have this same problem and that I’m not alone.
How does anyone else out there resolve this conflict?
I really want to LEARN but appear trapped by this psychological barrier.
I think what I really need is to learn how to “learn” ! Can anyone help please?
Many thanks.
Picked up the guitar about 3 years ago. Took some lessons from a very talented guy who was more interested in showing you how great he was than actual teaching. I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed the emails and the insight it has given me. The guy I took lessons from wrote out tab that was supposed to be blues but even left out notes on the A minor scale. I come from a background of piano players and choir singers, so I know what sounds right and what doesn’t. Would love to purchase your entire course, but got laid off and then broke hell out of my leg after some adult beverages. Thanks once again for what you’ve sent, on your own time and dime. It has given me even more inspiration.
James
Griff, I must admit that I was a little unsure about your Blues course & style of teaching but the more I see & hear you play the more encouraged I get. I just purchased your course this last week & have been working a little with it since. I have been playing for some time but with no structure. I love the Blues & many other styles like Country so I feel your course will be very helpful.
Thanks,
Tom F.
Griff! Anthony! Very cool. That little session moved me one giant leap forward! It’s one thing to grind away at the lessons (which are absolutely superb!) – it’s another thing to tie them together as Anthony showed in his solo… If I could recommend one minor thing, Griff, it would be to have at the end of each lesson, a demo of how the lesson really is used in a jam or song. Really enjoying reconnecting with my guitar through your excellent lessons and the pacing is perfect, for me anyway! …thanks, Griff!
Great video guy’s! The great part is that Anthony demonstrates that with guidance and consistant effort you can play what ever you want! I am an intermediate level guitarist. I find that even when a paticular session is hard and makes me ready to give up, if I keep after it improvments happen!
I usually notice that the next session is improved in some way, your brain and muscle memory will comply!!! Like my brother tells me, make sure you have fun with it!
Layne
Can’t play a thing, just great watching other people learn. Not much else to do in the Channel Islands.
Keep playing
I was so looking forward to watching this, but it just wouldn’t work. After the first few words “Hi everybody” it went blank and the mute button kept showing and trying to unmute it got a few more words over and over. After five or six times I had to give up. Sorry.
That was a great vid. Very inspirational. At least for me. I’m just a beginner at 60 yrs old. Im all thumbs and stuck in a three cord rut. but maybe there is hope after all. Well see. Thanks for the vid.
It’s kind of cool you keep mentioning Crossroads, because I just bought a guitar in Hanover, MA, today, a LUNA at Crossroads, a music store and I am very excited about all this. I am waiting for your Beginner’s Course because that’s what I AM, and I expect to be a beginner for a long time.
I appreciate all this input via videos etc.
This interview will probably be more meaningful to me in Time. I have watched about the first fourteen minutes.
I am going to listen to Clapton and Crossroads!
Wow, I better wait a minute because now he’s going to play a little.
AWESOME.
Thanks
Please lose those ear rings!!
I prefer to learn solo guitar. I shall be much appreciated if you could give more lesson for solo and lessen dialogue.
Thank you
I tried to play along with some of your lessons. I really like your lesson on in Am blues scale chords and scale. It’s a little late now that the videos are made but I wish your right hand picking and left hand fretting close-ups were a little tighter. I am interested in the little subtle moves you make in order to mute strings that might otherwise be left ringing. It is interesting how it is one of those things that seems awkward and complicated (controlling unwanted ringing by fret board muting and pick-hand heel muting) until they become thoughtless habits. I also appreciate how you don’t go all rock star while teaching. One guy was teaching me minor scales but couldn’t resist channeling Mike Bloomfield. I appreciated the free concert but still had to go elsewhere to learn minor scales.
I loved it, I felt as though I was in there with you both. Chance would be a fine thing !!
This was pretty interesting. Maybe a little long, but good to hear. I would, tho, have to say that why
is everyone so bent out about Clapton? He is good, yes, but look who replaced him in Bluesbreakers…Peter Green. I have a hard time understanding why not many people recognize him
as one of the greatest white blues guitarists and singers of all time. BB King once said that he was
the only other Blues guitarist that could make him sweat. Now, that’s saying something. Check Green out if you don’t know the story on him…thanks for all your information.
Thanks, guys for an interesting session. It makes me think I have hope. Like Anthony, I primarily play for my own enjoyment and the more I learn the better I like it. I agree that Anthony is ready to try the “open mic”. If he gives it a try, give us some feedback. I’m sure many of your students are wanting to try out a jam, including me.
I’ve been playing my guitars for about 4 years and I was very impressed by this short video of your student and you. I’m at that point where I can play alot of cover songs by different artist and impress alot of people but I just can’t seem to get the soloing smooth and down pat no matter how many scales that I know. I enjoy watching others play and am eager to learn as much as I can from all sorts of players, so I want to thank you for the inspirations. You see I’m self taught and its been along frustrating journey but I’ll never give up.
I think you have a great idea going here. It is probably difficult to get a student to want to be photographed, but if you could, would it be practical to start photographing a brand new student learning the blues. You could show about 15 min of your first lesson, and continue every other month to see his progress. I am 77 and my learning curve is probably longer than a 30 yesr old. I have your BBG,and BGU courses. I am about finnished with DVD 1. I can almost play along with you at 54bpm on the Settnig Easy Blues. The Full-Out-Blues I am still working on. I have never played in a group, so keeping a strict tempo,and the different strum patterns are difficult. Being retired I spend most of the day trying to get a grip on all of this. I am hoping the extra time will outway the long learning curve. Watching you play through these different liks and patterns makes me wonder if I will ever learn to do that. So watching someone else wrestle, and overcoming these problems would be helpful. Just a thought, Thanks Mike
I kinda wish I would have made contact with you about 36 years ago.I have been playing very limited blues, and mostly play Bluegrass!
Cool video about how progress can be reinforced by your kids. My son became a professional sound guy and he told me that he has said to Ry Cooder that “my dad is the best guitar player I know”, while he was doing sound for the show. I almost hurt myself patting myself on the back. Unfortunately, I have not been playing lately, so now I have to pull myself back up to that level, but I was totally blown away by his comment. Your kids can either blow you out of the water or make you feel like you really know what you are doing. At any rate, I am watching the videos and thinking that I can still run with the big dogs, not to mention that I showed up to watch a younger friend’s gig and he handed me his guitar.. I ended up playing 5 songs that night and have a big personal invite to sit in on his next gig. Deja Vu, been here before, last time I played the whole 2nd set! Yes, that was about 20 years ago, can’t wait to do it again!. Thanks for what you do… bob
Griff, I have the Blues unleashed 2nd couse & I’m trying to get through the boxes1 & 2 pretty well, but I think you should have played more of whatyou kept talking. One thing I do is I learn the boxes & then play to my style. I think it could be called it would be called sleaze guitar because it is more into the gutter than clean riffs being played I can play the same riff but I play it slower than funk more jive or whatever you want to call it but it is my style surely stolen from everyone under God’s sun & I think listening to your friend Anthony I would of rather heard what he learned in a year than talked about. I’m still at it though, I really have to get that fretboard down. Sorry you lost out to Marty , I don’t know what they were judging but you cats had it all over his band in spades Keep up the good work.
Hope I can play like that in a year and a half. Good Job!
Fourteen minutes of it
Far too much talk
Hi Griff
I’ve been playing for a number of years never knowing written music theory, or even how to read tab although tab is familiar now to me, I rarely used it. I’m 51 years old going twenty one with my new Fender Strat. having a great time. I’ve become really well tuned to picking apart lead guitar by ear, and watching many guitar players up close to see what they’re doing, and many other such guitar aids alike in my wish to become a better guitarist. I would like to purchase a DVD set of your coarse for the purpose of just slipping it into my dvd player and watching at my convienience, Particularly, I’m after learning the scales in a fun way with backup tracts to jam/ practice with. I do not want computer lessons on guitar because my computer is imobilized in my computer room; moreover, my amplifiers, and guitars are three floors down to my basement. Is your coarse on guitar scales available on dvd alone? The lessons are tempting to purchase from what I’ve gathered in your introduction. Oh, inspiring video by the way, even though playing along with it is not a challenge for me, I need to know what it is that my fingers already know, I’m left out in the dark travelling up and down the neck by sound alone, guided by my ears desire and my fingers willingness to co-create those sounds. Its time for knowledge to take over for awhile, can you help? Daniel
Hi Griff,
Great interview. I am progressing through the BGU, but this interview is inspiring and I am now ready to move forward once again.
Thank you for making this video.
Ernie
Sorry but this does not inspire me to purchase your products. Way too much yacking. Please “cut to the chase” and get on with it! I don’t have the time nor the patience to watch a couple guys shoot the breeze.
wwell I have just started with your lessons and I already see some improvemewnts in my playing, Praise Jesus!
Griff, where did you get that SRV picture you closed on. I would love to have that in my office. Great site, and I am really enjoying your lessons. Been at it now for, oh I don’t know, 2 weeks and I am actually having fun as opposed to going Pete Townsend on my acoustic.
Anthony’s playing sounded great. He is definitely ready for open mic night.
Hi Griff
I’ve been playing guitar for years and like you a great EC fan, and have been since the 60’s ( showing my age now ), but no matter how long you’ve been playing guitar, you still keep learning…..great influence, keep em coming.
Phil UK
you inspire me to keep going.thank you
Griff;Thanks for what you do for all interested in the guitar.I am 64 and been playing for a long time . I am still learning from your video. Again Thanks.
very inspirering to watch & listen to.
Anthony, wow! You’re inspirational. I’ve learned so much and I’ve only had the BGU for about two weeks now. Griff, it’s incredible!
Griff; Just watched the video with you and Anthony. I ordered your Blues Guitar Unleased last week and it arrived this past Saturday just before it snowed about 6-8 inches. What a great time to be snowed in for a few days.
I played keyboard in a band back in the late 60’s and always wanted to play the guitar. Ten years ago, I bought a bought an electric guitar and amp and learned a few major chords, barre chords and took some leasons. But, it wasn’t going anywhere and I got frustrated and stopped practicing. Seemed like no instructor I could find knew what to teach. They were all good guitar players but, they kinda left it up to me as to what I wanted to learn. The problem was, I didn’t know what I needed to know to tell them what I needed to learn??
I got the bug again this year and after researching for several days on line, I decided on Blues Guitar Unleased. I was a little concerned that I should have started out with more basic lessons but after the last several days, I couldn’t be more please. After 5 days, I am already on lesson 8 and in addition, I’ve learned the blues scale pretty good. I can’t begin to tell you how much this has improved my guitar skills after only a few days and 8 lessons. Prior to these DVD’s, I didn’t even know what a 7th chord was much less a 9th and 13th. In addition, I live in a remote area and it’s at least 30 minutes to find someone for a guitar lesson. I had much rather spend that 30 minutes (or an hour each way) with your set of DVD instructions. Not only that, I can take a lesson any time it’s convenient for me.
I will be 59 years old next month and Anthony is a great inspiration for me. My goal is to be where he is by my 60th birthday and find a place where I can give the open mic a try.
Griff; Thanks for being out there. I am a player from the 70’s but stuck in a rutt. I always new that there was a formula that I just was not getting. And no-one could or would let me in on it. My head was too thick to grasp it on my own. Thanks for opening a door that will never close as long as my fingers can move. Look Forward to your next tip/ e-mail, I read every one. Harrison Haun
Thanks Griff (and Anthony) – truly inspiring and it looks like it was a lot of fun.
Rrrreally looking forward to receiving my Blues Guitar Unleashed to help unlock my inner blues guitarist.
Many thanks for your generosity and for sharing your knowledge and experience in such a lucid and fun way.
Ah! The Blues! Once it gets you it just doesn’t let go…
Rick (Bondi, Australia)
Hi there guys
I have played the drums in many bands over the past 30 years from Punk bands in the 80’s to Rockabilly and Blues bands now including the Rattlesnakes and the Blues Rattlers here in Newcastle. I really needed a new challenge and interest and started learning guitar 2 years ago. I came across your lessons only recently Griff, and have found them really useful and interesting. I too am getting a lot out of the 4 note thing you recently posted however I’m finding that my fingers are pretty slow (they are used to holding drum sticks for chissake) and it seems to be taking a fair bit of time moving at speed even over just 4 notes. I am putting in an hour or two each night and taking a lesson about once a fortnight and slowly getting better – thanks for your postings they are a real help in keeping things moving and interesting. Trev from Newcastle Australia
Hi Griff,
Well I too have just started out with your lessons and having watched Anthony back there on your video, I am well inspired. I hope to look back on this comment in about 12 months and see how far I will have got, Come on 12 months!!!
Thanks a million
Derek
It was like a light bulb being turned on in my brain , UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Thanks Griff I was stuck in a rut from hell…..all creative forces in my mind were flushed down the crapper. Then I watched one free video online an explosion of creativity came forth shortly thereafter and hasnt stopped since. You have found a student and fan for life thanks a million. James Harned
Love those videos!!! Im just starting and you make it look so easy,dont know if I will grt there,but Im trying. Thanks alot. MAT
Bonjour,Se que je vois et entant de votre musique I love Mais le problème
est que je ne parle que le Francais et très peut l’Anglais.
Que faire si vous parlez que l’Anglais et très peut le Francais ou pas dutous.
Je regarde les vidéos sa vas bien mais comprend les paroles je ne suis mème
pas sur d’écrire a la bonne place. Merci.
anthony after what griff said quote i think your good enough to go and do it, i use to think that i was not good enough, and a friend of mine pushed me into what he called getting up on the green (stage) after i did i wanted to do more,the buzz was incredable,so go and have a try no one is going to punish you or laugh.all the best norm.
I am impressed with what Anthony have accomplished thru your teaching! He is one lucky few to reside so close by to you to take lessons. Your interview and jam sesson with Anthony is very inspirational.
Until I can afford your DVDs, I have to be contented with your regular video posting. You are truly a great resource for me.
Ahhhh…I’m slowly catching up with the e-mails and blogs (only recently signed up). Can’t wait to get the CD set – Anthony gets some nice swing into his playing. My 10 year old son on drums, my brand new US Std tele. – and I’ll just follow.
Hi griff great video. want to get where anthony is and do my own (noodling).still working on ” the sitting easy blues” great tune. I got an acoustic gitar at a yard sell ,and want to learn the blues if i can. Im having a time getting my fingers tough enough . when yor 65 your skin is so thin,look,s like it would get tougher lol. anyway keep up the good work. I want your cd,s if i can get to where i think i can do this.
Hey there Griff, have you ever considered creating iPhone apps for these lessons? I watch most of mine on my phone after my kids go to bed and it would be helpful to have some sort of catalog of old lessons in that way. Just a thought. thanks for all you do! -Ken Hampton, Houston, TX
Griff
That said it All. You teach like a Dad would.
Andy
Griff, just thought I’d share this with you since you’re so fond of the term ‘noodling’… ‘Noodling’ is a term used by opal-miners up in Coober Pedy, right up in outback Australia, way beyond the Black Stump… It describes the process of digging over the ‘mullock heaps’ (mine tailings) to discover opals which have been overlooked. Although much useless potch is turned up, occasionally one is rewarded with a gem of quality…
Does that sound about right for what you do when you and your friends ‘noodle’ on your guitars…? (I think the technical term might actually be ‘improvising’; or, less formally, ‘jamming’!)
Wishing Up Over a Nice Day from Down Under!
😉
I also wish I could buy your course but I am living in Honduras. I am really enjoying your lessons that we can view for free. I have played the guitar for a few years now but never moved along so much until I found you and your site. I look forward to getting back to Canada and I will be buying the course. I am stoked at what I have learned so far. Adios
Susan
Great to have come across u. I love watching u and learning at the age of 62. Pitty I can’t buy your full course, being miles and miles away — and of course carring a ” BAN ” on us, with no money transfer etc. and being busy making the nukes !!!
From Tehran, IRAN !!!!!!!
Hey, just watched your last E: You and Anthony JAMMED! Sounded great. I see what you mean by "feeling" the blues.
I’m still saving to get your package..I’m 67 years young and have added cutting lawns to get enough money. Money rules-aaarrrggghhh
Keep on jammin’ Griff,
Bud
Hey, just watched your last E: You and Anthony JAMMED! Sounded great. I see what you mean by “feeling” the blues.
I’m still saving to get your package..I’m 67 years young and have added cutting lawns to get enough money. Money rules-aaarrrggghhh
Keep on jammin’ Griff,
Bud
Hi Griff and others,
I especially enjoyed this session of friendly chat & what you refer to as ‘noodling’ (got to remember that term), with your good self and Anthony. What a lovely chap he seems.
I’m probably similar to one or two others on here in that while I’ve been around guitars (notice I avoid saying that I’ve actually been playing them), I’ve managed to hit something of a road block. Facts are I’m 60 now. Yep 60. And I’m still harking back to guitar stuff I picked up in my teens with a mate from High School playing in my garage, oh 45 or so years ago. Back then Eric Burdon and The Animals were the go as was The Shadows, and believe it or not I’m still doing those same tunes today and probably not all that much better. Talk about stuck in a damn time warp.
Just recently I’ve stepped-up the pressure by getting a nice Vox tube amp & a rather sweet sounding Maton semi acoustic (BB1200JH). And while the new kit makes the old tunes sound better, it is still me doing it all as I always did. Surely ignorance at it’s highest level.
Rightio, my aim these days is to prove that old dogs can learn new tricks. Here’s the deal. If I can discipline myself to set aside time for your lessons I want to prove that even an old tosser like me can actually learn, improve and become a 1/2 decent musician.
By the way, I’m not all that interested in performing. I’m more of a lounge room lizard. Happy with friends around having a sing song or even with one or two other friends on bass, drums etc but as for on stage…..I don’t think so. But you never know.
Hi Griff and others,
I especially enjoyed this session of friendly chat & what you refer to as ‘noodling’ (got to remember that term), with your good self and Anthony. What a lovely chap he seems.
I’m probably similar to one or two others on here in that while I’ve been around guitars (notice I avoid saying that I’ve actually been playing them), I’ve managed to hit something of a road block. Facts are I’m 60 now. Yep 60. And I’m still harking back to guitar stuff I picked up in my teens with a mate from High School playing in my garage, oh 45 or so years ago. Back then Eric Burdon and The Animals were the go as was The Shadows, and believe it or not I’m still doing those same tunes today and probably not all that much better. Talk about stuck in a damn time warp.
Just recently I’ve stepped-up the pressure by getting a nice Vox tube amp & a rather sweet sounding Maton semi acoustic (BB1200JH). And while the new kit makes the old tunes sound better, it is still me doing it all as I always did. Surely ignorance at it’s highest level.
Rightio, my aim these days is to prove that old dogs can learn new tricks. Here’s the deal. If I can discipline myself to set aside time for your lessons I want to prove that even an old tosser like me can actually learn, improve and become a 1/2 decent musician.
By the way, I’m not all that interested in performing. I’m more of a lounge room lizard. Happy with friends around having a sing song or even with one or two other friends on bass, drums etc but as for on stage…..I don’t think so. But you never know.
Hi Griff,
I enjoyed the video. As a teacher myself, (not guitar) I know what it means to see one of your students succeed. I was a youth counselor and taught in juvenile correction center, to see a youth get his act together and stay out of trouble is very rewarding. I believe if we help others reach their goals we will then reach our goals. There are teachers and then there are educators, you are definitly one of the latter. Also, if I might presume to say to Anthony that I agree with you he is ready for open mic night. If he can just think in his mind as he goes to play, "I am at home in the office." Then relax and noodle all out I bet he will do great. For me my place is the afternoon shade on the patio. I am having lots of fun practicing the first box (scale) up the down the neck and the first three licks and the sitting easy blues. I just noodle aroung with what I think sounds good together, anyway I am having a blast. Appreciate your lessons and look forward every day for the next e-mail. Can’t thank you enough, alan saunders
Hi Griff,
I enjoyed the video. As a teacher myself, (not guitar) I know what it means to see one of your students succeed. I was a youth counselor and taught in juvenile correction center, to see a youth get his act together and stay out of trouble is very rewarding. I believe if we help others reach their goals we will then reach our goals. There are teachers and then there are educators, you are definitly one of the latter. Also, if I might presume to say to Anthony that I agree with you he is ready for open mic night. If he can just think in his mind as he goes to play, “I am at home in the office.” Then relax and noodle all out I bet he will do great. For me my place is the afternoon shade on the patio. I am having lots of fun practicing the first box (scale) up the down the neck and the first three licks and the sitting easy blues. I just noodle aroung with what I think sounds good together, anyway I am having a blast. Appreciate your lessons and look forward every day for the next e-mail. Can’t thank you enough, alan saunders
you are a nice guy and also a patient man .and a god teacher and blues man . I am going to buy your course , very encouraging .and thanks to Anthony
love the videos great for beginners or advance i am a bass man play some guitar never to old to learn something new
Griff, like so many others who have found your and your lessons, I have been playing for a long time, but never learned to play lead guitar. I was always an outstanding vocalist and just backed myself up with my ax for years until I met my buddy, Jack , who is an excellent lead guitar player, so I never needed to learn how in our band. I do pretty well on rhythm and was always satisfied with that until recent years, but I just didn’t know how to branch out (Jack isn’t a very good teacher). When I saw your 4 note solo video, I finally realized that there is a path for me. Thanks, man! A year from now I’ll know all I ever wanted to know.
997897
706555
thanks griff nice to see someone helping people like me great help.
Griff,
I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and your lessons!
I really think you teach us because you have a love and passion for what you do and get enjoyment out of teaching other’s, not for the money but because you hope to pass your skills/talents onto other’s, because you know where you were at one point and also that you can make it easier for other’s to learn from your prior experience! For that, I believe you will go farther in your musical talent. I really believe that and say it from the heart. Your 4 note scale has opened my eye’s. It’s funny how you came up with that, because you thought someone else was challenged in their playing and you opened their eye’s and shared that with other’s. With that being said, sometimes when you help other’s (You help yourself ) and see the result’s. You yourself did not see that at that time when you were teaching. Make sense? You truly rock and I thank you for sharing your gift with me. ( I do read your articles and emails and look forward to each one when I come home from a hard day’s work ). Thank you, thank you and thank you. Keep it up even if I am the only reader and fan. I hope you make it “BIG TIME” if that is your dream! I appreciate you again and look forward to you continually sharing your lessons!
Larry
Just watched the video of you and Anthony. What Anthony was saying about just playing for his own amusement and sitting at home with his guitar and just ‘noodling’ with it, I can really relate to. It’s what I’ve been doing for years. Not really getting very far with it, although I’m not exactly a novice, but enjoying it immensly just doing my own thing. I’m hoping that with your help and excellent videos Griff, I will eventually be able to put things together just like Anthony did on the video. Best Wishes to you both.
the year was 1969 I was a 9yr old kid, got my first guitar, took lessons for 5 years. Joined a band at 15, saw another band and witnessed another guitarist stabbed over his guitar while loading after a gig. Got scared and thought is this musicianship? Put my axe away for 10 years. Started again, played with another band in Tulsa OK. The drummer committed suicide over a woman.
Strike 2 music-man.
Now I am 50, saw your course, bought it, dusted the strat off that was in the closet. Played the first rhythm track with Griff, the music was so sweet, I actually wept.
Thank you Griff Hamlin. You’re lessons are taught with passion and you have a strength that not many people have when it comes to teaching and reteaching. After I have finished the entire "Blues Unleashed" course, I finally will have something to say, and my guitar will do the talking. Again thank you for taking the time out of your life to make these sets.
Joel
the year was 1969 I was a 9yr old kid, got my first guitar, took lessons for 5 years. Joined a band at 15, saw another band and witnessed another guitarist stabbed over his guitar while loading after a gig. Got scared and thought is this musicianship? Put my axe away for 10 years. Started again, played with another band in Tulsa OK. The drummer committed suicide over a woman.
Strike 2 music-man.
Now I am 50, saw your course, bought it, dusted the strat off that was in the closet. Played the first rhythm track with Griff, the music was so sweet, I actually wept.
Thank you Griff Hamlin. You’re lessons are taught with passion and you have a strength that not many people have when it comes to teaching and reteaching. After I have finished the entire “Blues Unleashed” course, I finally will have something to say, and my guitar will do the talking. Again thank you for taking the time out of your life to make these sets.
Joel
Griff, dude …I was flat lined guitar wise until a ran across your site. i’ve played for a long time.
done the road thing, band to band, etc. point is you totally reinspired me to get back to my roots instead of being prepared for the next new style of music that comes along.
again thanks,
j
GREAT STUFF FOR US BOOMERS WHO WANTED TO PLAY LIKE HENDRIX AND LIVE LIKE EASY RIDER.
Griff this is terrific. It’s great to see other students learning and realizing their dreams. Please keep the tips coming. I refer to them in all my practice sessions. Soon I will be able to afford the full course.
the security code does not work??? where is one supposed to write it?
terrific link and website . enjoying it all the time.
Rgds.
Hi Griff
great lesson,well done Anthony,very impressed extremely motivational listening to play,imight move to the states to get lessons from you Griff seems a very relaxed atmosphere,where can i get a copy of the 5 boxes ,i’m in trouble,must go to work now
see ya
Hi Griff
great lesson,well done Anthony,very impressed extremely motivational listening to play,imight move to the states to get lessons from you Griff seems a very relaxed atmosphere,where can i get a copy of the 5 boxes ,i’m in trouble,must go to work now
see ya
Very cool! And Griff has the arms of a man-bear!
Griff,
Thanks for the web-site. I’m going through a child custody divorce ,having a very hard time dealing with every thing. I first picked up the guitar in the
military on the Island of Guam. Had a guy that could really play the Blues.I thought someday I’m going to learn. I have in the last week produced more heart felt sound then I’ve made in the last 37years. Thanks for the E-mails it is giving me something else to think about. I couldn-t sleep last night so I played allnight long. My fingers a so tender I’m giving it a day off
Griff, I love the teaching method you employ, very calm but precise. I only hope I can play as well as Anthony after just one year of following your instruction. I have all the exercises down, my bending, tap on’s and pull offs are great, as well as my speed, but now I have to get the feel. I think that’ll come soon with your instruction. Thanks, Michael.
Griff, I love the teaching method you employ, very calm but precise. I only hope I can play as well as Anthony after just one year of following your instruction. I have all the exercises down, my bending, tap on’s and pull offs are great, as well as my speed, but now I have to get the feel. I think that’ll come soon with your instruction. Thanks, Michael.
Grif ,
thanks for the site , it is inspiring to me , a brand new player, 1 month with guitar and thinking of buying the program but have a question. I am having a hard time with seeing your finger positions, does the program come with tab ?
521239
Grif ,
thanks for the site , it is inspiring to me , a brand new player, 1 month with guitar and thinking of buying the program but have a question. I am having a hard time with seeing your finger positions, does the program come with tab ?
Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
Z11461 Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
148931 Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
767540 Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
285705 Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
983187
Hi Griff
I am 65 and have been struggling for years with learning the giutar then I found your site and just can not put my giutar down keep up the great work you are a great teacher thanks a a lot the giutar has always had a place in my heart and I just love the blues thanks again Griff victor
grou have just give me a minute for the guitar bug to bite me again thanks for showing uo peace out.iff thanks for the free instructions and videos i am usually to tired to do any thing after working all day but i always look forward to viewing your style i know that i will buy the dvds just give me a minute for the guitar bug to bite me again. thanks peace out.
Griff,
You are proof positive of a philosophy I have always believed in. Regardless of whatever talent one might have been born with improved on, learned, however it might have been gained, and to what degree, never automatically means that the same person can teach that talent. Two separate things, teaching is a skill, and whatever else might be a skill. Without the talent to teach, it matters not.
You are a teacher, and a good one. Your talent with music is obvious, but many could come close to playing adequately, teaching no way.
I appreciate just what I have learned from the lessons you have provided, and am considering purchasing your entire collection.
The four note jam, you were speaking of, was great. I got a lot from it. I have a problem though, and that is from the front camera angle, straight on, even breaking it down, I know I can find the finger position, but I cannot always see which finger. I know some things are impossible to display, and this might be the case, but my mind works better by watching the fingers in action.
Not a slam, just a comment. And my last issue, which is all me, for the life of me, I cannot get how you do that bend pull off note, that I think just makes that entire four note or four string positions stand out.
I have tried pulling and bending, tapping with a bend, it just drives me nuts, I have tried over and over to get the same sound, and can do most of the four position jam, but when it comes to that one note, I stink.
Is there a secret you could toss out sometime to help us handicapped [guitar playing handicapped] people or "bendingly pull off challenged" [if political correctness is needed] people could use to get through our thick heads?
Past that your personality, voice, methodology, ability to teach, talent, patience, and generosity are far beyond most.
I have learned more from you in these few short internet sessions, than from dozens of CDs, and DVDs, all a compliment to your many talents.
Regardless, appreciate all you do, for not only the ability to do it, but the generosity of sharing.
Griff,
You are proof positive of a philosophy I have always believed in. Regardless of whatever talent one might have been born with improved on, learned, however it might have been gained, and to what degree, never automatically means that the same person can teach that talent. Two separate things, teaching is a skill, and whatever else might be a skill. Without the talent to teach, it matters not.
You are a teacher, and a good one. Your talent with music is obvious, but many could come close to playing adequately, teaching no way.
I appreciate just what I have learned from the lessons you have provided, and am considering purchasing your entire collection.
The four note jam, you were speaking of, was great. I got a lot from it. I have a problem though, and that is from the front camera angle, straight on, even breaking it down, I know I can find the finger position, but I cannot always see which finger. I know some things are impossible to display, and this might be the case, but my mind works better by watching the fingers in action.
Not a slam, just a comment. And my last issue, which is all me, for the life of me, I cannot get how you do that bend pull off note, that I think just makes that entire four note or four string positions stand out.
I have tried pulling and bending, tapping with a bend, it just drives me nuts, I have tried over and over to get the same sound, and can do most of the four position jam, but when it comes to that one note, I stink.
Is there a secret you could toss out sometime to help us handicapped [guitar playing handicapped] people or “bendingly pull off challenged” [if political correctness is needed] people could use to get through our thick heads?
Past that your personality, voice, methodology, ability to teach, talent, patience, and generosity are far beyond most.
I have learned more from you in these few short internet sessions, than from dozens of CDs, and DVDs, all a compliment to your many talents.
Regardless, appreciate all you do, for not only the ability to do it, but the generosity of sharing.
Griff
Thanks to you, your family, and Anthony, for sharing and giving of yourself. In these hard times of no work, your lessons are a life saver. I am having a blast and look forward to practicing and learning more.
Larry F. Lorgeree
P.S. Griff, need to work on the camera thing. LOL
Griff,
Really cool video!
Anthony, really cool noodling as you call it pal, but you’re playing the blues buddy! keep it up and go to that mic night!
Being a student of Griff”s I need to say that he’s absolutely the best instructor I’ve had to this date, learned more from Griff in a few months than I learned in a year of private lessons elsewhere. He’s an awesome teacher!
Thanks….Manny
hey griff!! i appreciate your teaching method..very ez to comprehend.. i have been jammin for quite awhile as a rythm player as i always liked what was going on in the body of the music never really getting into the leads.. now i need to know the scales(boxes) to add to my own compositions thanx & keep it rollin!!!!
Very inspirational. Nice video.
Found BGU totally by chance on google. Saw some words like “play blues lead with only four notes”.
This is absolutely fascinating and fun.
Thank you so much for offering your knowledge to the rest of us.
i’m very glad that i came across you gig!!!! i know a lot of little notes that i have played around with for some years now!!! but this really help me pick back up!!! thanks bud!!! i’m kind of on the poor side with money!!! but i will be getting your dvds!!!!
really enjoyed video with you and friend, takes me back to when i started, im big clapton fan, and stevie ray, hendrix, allman bros., im gonna try to get your dvd,s when i can afford , i was going to ignore, but got to listening and really like how perfect you do the blues, im a mixture of lots of styles, but sound mostly like e. c. ,, thanks and hope you sell a lot of dvd,s and have a lot of fun, ive been playing 45 years on and off and i picked up a lot ive been missing, take care and happy late new year. Richard (wildman) Hartness 820407
just watched your case study that you had emailed me today enjoy listening to you both and as I have been practicing the five boxes and getting ready to make the full lesson jump. So I am just getting my fingers loosened up each day and knowing that within a few weeks the full committment thing will be the next level for me and all the free stuff has been real helpful mostly the minior scale up and down the neck its starting to flow nicely. Thanks Stillsteven Sunday the 10th of January 2010
Griff, are you really suggesting that brain surgery isn’t fun?
(BTW, your instruction is inspired and inspiring.)
DavidC
My gosh Griff this is probably the best guitar lesson site I have ever seen or tried…I only wish is that with this economy …that I could purchase the dvds and cd\’s right away…and I will soon…the emails and teaser videos have already taught me new licks and riffs that I other wise would not have know about…I love the new video with you student and now friend so keep it up Griff this is trully awesome site and I am getting back into playing again because of you your teaching I have improved!
I can not believe that your teasers are freeeee…smile
thank you for your talents and gifts…
Margie
Hi Griff,
Your lessons have been extrmely helpful in learning to play the blues. I can now pretty much easily improvise over various backing tracks without worrying about getting any wrong notes, as I have been using the Am blues scale that I learnt from one of your other videos.
I really enjoyed the video with you and Anthony. In Anythony’s solos he does various little tiddly bits and I was wondering whether or not you could do a video on that sort of thing?
Cheers, rock on,
Alex
Anthony – man, so simple, but so inspiring… G 🙂
Griff, Hey, man I’ll tell you what, Anthony is very inspiring to me. I am a 46 yr. old beat -n- bangin rhythm player who wants to know the neck of my guitar. I’ve been performing live for thirty plus yrs and just now want to know what’s going on with my guitar. I searched the internet and you are the one I found that teaches the way I understand. I am planning to buy Blues Unleashed as soon as I can. I can’t wait!!!! You are the teacher I’ve been looking for. I appreciate all the licks and exercises you send me. I’m glad you’re there. Thanks again, Marte
i , really enjoyed the video , i just play chords , and drums , but i would love to be able to play like your student on the video ,,, ken , leeds endland,,
Grif Im 66 years old and decided to study blues guitar 2 years ago,simply becuase ive loved blues my whole life,My memory is not good and my fingers are slow,however im patient and refuse to give up,I am saving up for your 5 Cd lessons and hope they will help my next few years,it is my passion to play Blues guitar before i die……i do know all 5 patterns of the e pentatonic scale but my speed is just not there yet!…any tips to speed and old mans fingers? Thanks and God Bless…..regards Bob
Griff,
I am really enjoying the emails you are sending. I am a huge blues fan. I have been playing the guitar for about 9 years. I can’t read music. I have always had to play by ear. Watching your videos has really helped. I am about to order the DVD’s you have. My wife told me Merry Christmas, so I got the go ahead to buy them. I look forward to buying your DVD’s and new things you come out with. Keep sending me updates and info. I really want to learn some SRV songs as well. If you have any guides of info. let me know.
Thanks,
Nathan Frazier
Hi, I really enjoyed the video with Anthony and you Griff. Most of all because you both seemed very relaxed and honest . It also didn’t hurt that Anthony was somewhere near my age.Please do more of these videos , they inspire us. Thanks!
I enjoyed that and look forward to getting to that place my self. I will get back on the lessons, I havent mastered number one yet!
For Ron Wolf. Every Guitarist comes to that wall and can’t do anything more with their guitar work. I’ve been a constant Guitarist for 43 years and the only way is to keep searching for learning materials and conversations with other Guitarists. One thing I can advise: you should be able to close your eyes, put you finger on a fret and say what note it is quickly. learn chords in every key (know what a key is first) and play them scale-wise as say in the key of A: (AMAJ7 – roman numeral I), (Bmin7-ii), (C#min7-iii), (DMaj7-IV), (E7-V), (F#min7-vi), (G#min7b5-vii), and (AMAj7-I)—— In a rock thing it would be a I, iv,V. or A, D, E–In Jazz it would be ii,V,I or D,E,A . Its out there for you to learn.
WOW! Hearing Anthony play like that is your best advertisement. I really like your teaching style, although I’m still very new. But if your students can jam like that when put on the spot… that’s fantastic. That blues Anthony was playing is just the kind of feeling-good-while-feeling-blue stuff that I love. When I can play like that – you won’t be able to shut me up!
Great stuff. We’d love to hear some more of your students.
Griff : I am so happy I’ve found your site. At 57 years young and playing for a long time, I am thrilled to see your take on the fundamentals. Your 4-note blues was straight-up and captivating. Now, after a couple of years. I’m playing daily again. Your presentation and camera style is wonderful and as Anthony pointed out ~easy to follow. After logging out I’m buying the course.
Anthony: If you haven’t done the open mike DO IT. A few years ago I broke through and got up and played with a group I know. It was a life-long goal, but I thought I wasn’t good enough. The rush of people dancing to what you are participating in is unlike anything you have ever known. They will have to drag you off after the set is over!!
Jim Kona/Homer
Hi Griff,
Thanks for the time you give to us in order to help achieve our personal goals of glory to be heard like a pro. I have a challenge to myself, I had an accident with my left hand and lost joints off of my index, middle,and ring finger and i am right handed so the left is my lead fingers . So I realy do know what the blues are all about. Thanks for helping me stay motivated i look forward to being able to astonish myself playing expertly with my little nubs. Maybe I can get the course for christmas,I hope.
Thanks
Terry B. new orleans
Wow!! Looks like no one has been on here to post anything since the beginning of August. Guess everyone is too busy practicing with one of the best instructional courses and teachers I have seen yet. Griff…you are the bomb!!! I will admit that I am very new at guitar. Have had an acoustic for about 3-years now with the intent of learning classical guitar. Didn’t go very far with that. Got hooked on blues and rock. Now I’m pumped, but still have a difficult time setting a consistant practice schedule. You see, I am a Paramedic with a very busy service in Panama City, FL and average working about 75 hours a week. By the time I get my “chores” done and get a little rest, it’s time to go back to work again. I actually carry my newest guitar (electric-Ibanez) to work with me, but it usually ends up sitting there because I am just too busy. It’s really hard to only get 5 or 10 minutes at a time to listen and practice, and commit it to memory. It seems like everytime I sit down, I have to go back and review what I have already read, practice it, then start over again the next time. Feels like I haven’t moved forward at all! Has anyone else run into this? Do you or anyone else have any suggestions to help solve this dilemma? Thanks, Ron from P.C.
Hi Griff,
Just finished viewing your “case study.”
Listening to student talk about the lessons and how much he has learned from them is inspirational to me.
I’m similiar in mind – just playing for myself but would like to sound like a expert in the blues. Hope to do better after I get through your DVD lessons.
Rose from Florida
Hi Griff,
I have been playing the guitar for many years- I guess I should say I was beating on the guitar for many years. I am a pretty good singer, but was not satisfied with my playing-even though the untrained ear thought I was great. I remember playing at a family reunion when one of my friends asked- “Doug when are you gonna really learn how to play that thing?” Since I have been taking on-line lessons from you I have found myself actually playing the guitar. That same friend recently said- ” Wow- you are now playing!” Thank you for all that you have taught me-and or still teaching me. I really appreciate it.
Doug from Kentucky
Anthony & Griff,
Excellent….Excellent…Excellent; it’s fantastic to see the last few “free” email lessons from GBU put into a minute and a half jam session, it proves the BGU lessons are righteous.
I’m new to Griff’s email lessons and find them elevating my skills as well as making my practice satisfying.
Thanks Griff,
Keep it going!
Hi Griff, I have been looking at your e-mails over the last week and I am very impressed by your methods of teaching guiter. I am pretty much the same as one of your other students, learned a few country chords and not been able to make much progress otherwise over the last 20 years. I’m now real keen to learn at another level(the blues) but can’t enrol just now, will have to wait until the next month or so befor I can afford to pay for the course. look forward coming on board
Ron (Aberdeen Scotland)
Hello.
I am a classical guitar tutor in the UK, and I found your videos by accident. I have tried them on some of my less able (younger, inexperienced) students and I am very pleased with the results, as are my students. In fact, some of the small ones are really amazed that they are able to play a solo, using only 4 notes, in so short a time.
I believe it is essential when teaching any musical instrument that the student is taught to play all aspects of the instrument. It saddens me that today, so many guitar ‘teachers’ just show their students how to strum the chords to half a dozen or so tunes and not teach the instrument itself.
What I have seen from your videos is that the student is able to think about what he/she is doing and is learning from it.
Congratulations, keep up the excellent work and Thank You.
Rhoderick
Many thanks for all your info. I have not been concentrating on it completely, as I have just taken my 1st 2 exams with RGT, and needed to practice hard for those. My old fingers struggle round the neck these days. Now I can get down to some good stuff. But please hold the mails for a while, as we are off on holiday to Corfu for 2 weeks. I’ll mail you when I get back.
I like your style of instruction, and look forward very much to picking up your tips.
I’m considering the full course, but just want to try some first.
Many thanks Griff.
All the very best
Mike
Anthony – Do the open mic night, if you haven’t already. Like you said, when you are in your own element you close your eyes and play and don’t care if anyone else is listening. As you said, you get “creative.” When you get on stage, be there in your room with the song. Close your eyes. Forget there is an audience. Play for yourself, be creative. Then let the audience be there when the last note fades and the applause starts. You can do this. You ARE doing this. Enjoy it and thanks for sharing your journey.
Travel on my friend, travel on.
Bet you get all the babes huh?
I don’t seem to be able to open the files with the .FLV extension (E.G. anthony_case_study_vid.flv)
Any suggestions?
Mike
Griff, your an awesome instructor, Im really leaning alot , keep doing what you do man. great job and rock on
Anthony did a pretty good job. I think he should have used a better sound for his guitar though. It sounded too tinny for my liking, almost like he wasn’t plugged in. Grif, you have a cool sounding guitar and it made it more enjoyable to listen to what was being played.
I do have to admit that from the lessons I have gotten through email so far, you do a great job of teaching and I have improved a lot in just 5 days from learning some of what you had to show me.
Hi Griff,just watched the Anthony vid,really good and you are spot on it is a great inspitation. I have just this week ordered Blues unleashed and I cant wait for it to come. I am made up I stumbled on you website. I just wish I lived near you so I could have lessons, your wat of teaching seems to be really cool. Bill
First, I’ve viewed some of your lessons on line and you convey some great information, in a clear , concise and understandable manner. Good Job but please accept the following constructive criticism and I mean it to be constructive so please do not think I’m talking stink. The video on your “first case study” is more than disappointing. As you know, anyone can talk a good line and I personally feel you wasted way too much time talking. If you wanted to impress me and your viewers to the point of purchasing your product, I think your first case study video would have had ten thousand times the positive response if you would have opened the video by simply introducing your student, state he has studied with you for how ever long and then let him rip. Watching playing abilities you have passed on to your student is much more impressive than a slick sales pitch.
i meant griff, see above post, oopps
I did not come away with that impression, that you were deliberately just baiting the hook, although I was expecting to hear more from Anthony and his guitar set up could have been more pleasing. You have a great egoless teaching style. I taught and most students were happy to just watch me play and as a then mid 20’s guy I was more than pleased. For kids I became a cheap day care…
Sometme would you talk/write on FEELING the Blues. I came up on playing Minor key blues and still moving between Major and Minor is not second nature. The timing on triplets becomes contaminated.
BB King not aa formulaic player and the first to say his knowledge of chord structure is lacking, but he FEELS it. Clapton, Jeff Beck, John Mayer, et al, and the OLD Guys, you can watch them feel it. It is palpable.
Hooked on Chet Atkins, Gerry Reid and Lenny Breau , as a kid, I learned Chet’s , “The Bells of St Mary,” cover, complete with harmonics. But I can’t say I felt it, just accomplished it.
Besides being a godd teacher you are a talented artist.
I could tell Tony loves to play, cause during the interview he kept putting his left hand on the neck of the guitar. His body language says, less talk, lets play!!!!
Enjoyed the video Grigg, thanks, Mike
Hey i got 2 things one for each of u.
Griff, i just started to learn the blues from you about a couple weeks ago and its helped me a bit. ive been learning a bunch of ruck songs lately but not enough blues. but anyways, ur lessons are great. thx, Mark
And Anthony, if you’ve gotten this far, u should keep going. go for the open mic night.
Again, thx. Mark
Great stuff, very inspiring!! I am so glad I googled blues backing tracks and found Zack’s site. I bought his backing tracks and found out about you via Zack. I am really excited about starting your program and really wish I lived near you to get the real thing in person, oh well, I’ll make due and hopefully progress like Steve did. I’m 51 and just got into playing guitar about a year ago and am taking courses with Berklee college and it’s hard but paying off. I hope I have enough time to study your stuff every day. I WANT TO PLAY THE BLUES!!!!! Thanks, Al
Hi Griff
I am 65 years old and just retired. I have had a guitar for many years (1968 Conn acoustic)I finaly have the time to spend, trying to learn to play and have been serious about learing to play.If that comes to pass, I “might” even upgrade my old Conn. I just want to be able to have fun and enjoy the journey. I started with the Legacy Learing System and also Dan Denley’s Blues Guitar. Somtimes the course and the student don,t mesh, for any number of reasons. I have a easy time understanding your way of teaching/video and the great explanation of each example you do. Thanks for the free videos and the updates as to what you have comming up. I might not be advanced enought for your new program, but have enjoyed trying what you have sent so far.
thanks, a new friend
Ron Cox
Great stuff! Anthony… Dude… I hope you now realize after watching the video you & Griff made, that you are more than capable of performing at open mic!! C’mon, I wish I had half your chops! I, too wish I could have some personal lessons with someone like Griff, but it looks like this dvd thing might get close. I’m just not a big fan of computer interfacing… Nice lessons Griff! Anthony… get your ass to the jam!!
Thanks Griff, your lessons are helping me out quite alot. I’ve been playing for over 40 years and what I’ve learned about lead playing would almost fill a thimble and when I play lead it has no rhyme or reason, I just know that this phrase goes with this chord and it really gets stagnant but this is helping immensly. Thanks Rob
Griff, I just want to tell you that you must be a terrific teaher in person, because as a beginner I have learned so much from you in the last two weeks. I have only been playing for a two months and everything that I have learned has been from books and web videos. But what i’ve noticed is that in most of the videos they just tease you with what you could learn instead of actually teaching you anything. So you have to watch them over and over before you get anything from them. Not with you though, I watch the 4 note solo two times and was able to play along with the track soon after (with a little work of course) but at least I knew what to work on. Thanks
I’m in production right now on Blues Guitar Unleashed, hope to have some more ready end of next week. Thanks for your patience everyone. By the way, Anthony reads these comments and they’ve been extremely inspiring to him as well. Good things all around!
Brady, if you lost your stuff, I’ll absolutely get it replaced for you. Just shoot me an email to support (AT) playingthroughtheblues (DOT) com. Heath over at Riffmaster will do the same I’m sure.
I want the blues unleashed, let me know how to get it.
Thanks
What an excellent interview I am truly inspired.
JC
Thanks Griff for putting out that Vid. I love to hear other people talking about music. Expecially the Blues.
I completely connect with what Anthony said about playing in his personal space for his own enjoyment. For me it’s about articulating the music in my head which I believe is a kind of jazz blues mix. So I’ve got a LOOOOng way to go.
I enjoy speaking in public and hoep to build the skills to take some music to the masses.
Live, love, laugh…PLAY
Hi
Excellent video. Very inspirational to say the least.
I haven’t touched a guitar in about 35 years. never took lessons in my youth when I played in a band in Toronto called The Delphie Reveue. We were an R&B band. We did quit well as a band an won several Battle of the Band contests. Even recorded a 45. Back then I learned what I could from listening to 45 records. I always felt like something was missing or just outside of my grasp.
In 2001 I had the itch to play again and looked at numerous lesson packages. I tried a lot of them but it wasn’t until I came across Playing Through The blues and purchased this lesson package that everything came together and made sense to me.
I thank you so much for putting together an excellent lesson package.
I can relate to and empathize with Anthony. Loved the video.
All the best to you Griff. All the best to you too Anthony.
PEACE!
John Hoita
Great video Griff and Anthony.
I’ve been playing for almost a year but
only by what I’ve been able to teach myself
for the most part. I couldn’t wait to do
an open mic and really wanted to get into
a blues jam. So I went ahead and did
both.
I just let the others playing know that
I was a newbie, and they’ve all been great
at showing me new stuff. They love having
a girl play guitar up on the stage with them.
It’s cool.
Anyway, I hope Anthony has gotten up on the
stage by now. He would love it…it’s a nice
addiction with no side effects.
Griff I just bought your course when I saw
the 4 note solo video. That had me hooked.
I was at a plateau in my learning and had
been for a long time. Now I’m gonna blow
their minds and the jams.
Thanks for what you do and making it
affordable for anyone. I’ve bought
other lessons for more, that are just
collecting dust because they are useless
to me. Your methods rock!
Anthony, You nailed it man !!!! I loved it and now I’m heading downstairs to practice !!!! Griff, I’m getting inspired daily by the E-Mails. Unreal !!!!!
i enjoy the e mails you send i am 69 years old and played off and on for years . i got your playing through the blues lessons and the riffmaster but my computer crashed and i lost the lessons is there any way i can get them back with paying the purchase price again please answer
Hey Griff, just a note to say “thank you” for the way you do business. Most people would give out “hooks” just to get people to buy their product. This may be your intention, and probably is a good idea. But what amazes me, is the amount of information that you GIVE away! I am 54 years old and have “owned” a guitar for about thirty years. But your lessens have taught me more than I knew already. Unfortunately, I am an unemployed carpenter at this time, due to knee replacement surgery, but I WILL BE OWNING BOTH COURSES!!!
Beleive it or not, I play mostly at Church, and with just what you have taught me FOR FREE, has really made a difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I know that your lessens are very reasonably priced, and as soon as I am able to find some type of employment, I will purchase them. May the good Lord Bless you and your family and keep you all safe. JLA
Griff,
I liked the video it was great. The talking was a little long. I think if you would have mixed more playing in throughout the video it would have made the video more interesting. Your student/friend did an awesome job too. I was impressed. Take care. Ben.
Great to see, but tooooooooooooo long to download
hey grif i have been readng and trying to follow your emails over the last four months and slowly picking up bits and pieces which i enjoy immencily i have some problems with my hands and brain due to a break down in 93.i have played before back in the 60s and am trying to get back to it for therapy.i amaze myself sometimes that i can get a little tune going then forget it by the next day.my son has been playing for 6 months and can get through stairway to heaven already and he is teaching me and vice versa.my computer is so old that i sit here and wach the video read for 20 seconds and i hear about 20 seconds so you see why i am taking so long.will fix that in about 4 weeks. i really enjoy you and anthony and at 60 years of age can still hold the music from late 50s till now as the best medicine you can have.am looking forward to the new round of videos and have made myself a promise to get them.you are the only one i can understand as all others seem to have the wrong attitude towards learners.keep up the good work and hope my friends will follow my lead here in ozzie land your student meggs
Hello, I went to your page to listen to your interview with Anthony but it only played a few seconds and the screen turned black. I don’t know why, is there some place I could try again. Thanks, John.
I just sent you a lengthy letter and it shot back says I left out the email adress, on my screen it just says mail so the dummy I am I put in my home address. I just wanted to say even after playing guitar for 40+ years I still learn something from your emails. I wish I could afford the lesson plan but I’m working on playing bottleneck on a Dobro and getting my home studio together. Love to jam with you on Riffworks! I just read in Guitar Player Todd Rungred recorded his last album using Rifftracker, thats what its called, made by line 6 but they make it easy to jam with anyone in the word via your computer. Give my songs a listen to on the website above its under Phil Jackson Blues Band on garageband.com Much Love PhilVis
Griff, Great stuff here!! I can’t wait for you to release the dvds again. make sure you hit me up when you do!!! Anthony you don’t need to call it noodling around anymore keep up thegood work and hit that jam night Bro. Peace and Rock on!!! Shawn
I tried to purchase, riffmaster Pro.
But I’m unable to make payement maybe because my card is direct debit not credit.
I enjoy your lessons, but I find it very hard to accomplish the bends and riffs mainly I cannot sit at my computer and play. Is it possilbe to play all your your clips on the TV. I also find that I have some problems with my left hand mainly through old injuries.
I have also obeserved, from you videos that many students seem to put their guitar on the left leg this seems to me to restrict the posotionong of the left hand
All the best
Henry Talman
Hey girls, where are you all? Hi Griff! Awesome! I received your 4 note solo then my computer had to go in for repair so I didn’t get to practice it all weekend. I can’t wait to get into it. Also can’t wait to show off to the guys in the band once I’ve nailed it. You are great too Anthony we are about the same vintage I THINK. Love your videos, Griff so keep sending them.
Hey dave here, You can tell by what Anthony has to say, he gets it. He is on his way to have some fun and get out in front of people, to see how that is. If that is what he wants to do. Griff you are right about being a teacher. To know how to play and how to get it across to your student’s. Griff you are really good at what you do. Dave thefarleyman@yahoo.com
Hi Griff, almost a year now since I first tapped into your sight. Choice as always with your stuff. As the saying goes, “you got to walk the talk”. Well done Anthony, the proof is in the pudding. Keep it going Griff. Great Work……
Tj.
Anthony, keep up the good work. You have to go to the open mike nite.
One thing that will happen and I promise on this. You keep going, YOU WILL find people to jam with. The great thing about jaming with friends and a band is, it is learning. Playing with other people is one of the best practice tools period. Your ear gets better timing, plus you will learn things that you thought were impossible.
If anyone reading this wants to learn to play blues. Get the stuff from Griff godd stuff.
Ron
Griff….
Great idea you have here. A bit wordy, but that’s ok. Griff, not only are you a great teacher but I don’t think enough is said about your most excellent guitar skills! You really do hold back quite a bit in this course. But it does come through a bit in Anthony’s playing! 🙂
I have your Live in Poland Cd and was quite surprised how good you really are when you let it fly! The DVD course is a great idea. I have a buddy who is a weekend warrior, (well, maybe ONE weekend a month!) and I’d love to get this for him as he does not have a computer. You have a very humble attitude about your playing that is so refreshing with some of the ego’s running around these days! Keep up the good work Griff! Even if I don’t look at the course that much, I know it’s there when I need it. I really do believe it can give anyone a solid foundation in playing the blues.
Thanx again,
Hal
Griff I am thoroughly enjoying your course PTTB. Thanks Anthony for sharing your experience. I like you thought I wasn’t good enough to get out in public but with with two of my buddies we formed a trio and I had my first paying gig when I was 58 and have and about 20 gigs since over the last 2 years. I play lead guitar and we practice one night a week. I continue to be motivated to learn new guitar leads. I like Griff’s course since it helps me to learn phrasing of blues guitar licks and work on the different ryhthms. Love those varied licks with hammer ons and bends. Biggest challenge is to get out of those ruts we fall into playing the same patterns over and over. Great course Griff.
Teaching and showing one’s stuff are distinctly different. The teacher goes where the student is. If Griff was to teach beginners the way he would tutor a seasoned player close to his skill level most would be lost. As in martial arts learn slow perform fast The best warm up is the task to be performed. Information in , information in, information in..
I think having this information on DVD’s is a great idea. The fact of having the book right in front of you and the video is an easy way to jump right into that lesson and not get lost. It is always good to have that information printed so you can mark the page or pages and go to them during a lesson without a struggle. This also makes it easy to take with you without having to have a computer at hand. Looking forward to those lessons.
thanks
Enjoyed the interview and laid back conversation.
Good to see someone working at the same level and enjoying the things that making your own music is all about. I enjoy all the blogs and think PTTB is the greatest investment I have made in my guitar learnig experience and believe me I have a lot of other material. Thanks Anthony for the share, and thanks Griff for the courses.
Thanks it was good to see and very helpful.
I enjoyed the video. It does help to let me know that I’m heading in the right direction, thanks.
Griff:
Great stuff. I was feeling a bit down lately because I’m not blazing through the material at Warp speed! Who doesn’t want to play like Stevie or Eric in a month!?!? Seriously though, that was a good inpiring video for us up and coming guitarist. Its good to see one of your students and how far hes come in a short time. It kind of shows us a light at the end of the tunnel. Until then…I’ll keep digging….and diggin your material. Keep it blue!
what is blues unleashed and how do I get it.?
I love this stuff.
Anthony you have obviously come a long way! I was impressed with your great love for the music. Hit that jam that Griff was talking about, you’ll knockem dead!!
Thanks Griff I have been playing for about 50yrs. and I have learned more in one year than in the previous 50.
Thank You
Bob Pirie
Anthony, you got me ready for the 4 note solo. For a guy under the view of hundreds of watchers you did very well. Back home in your space I’m sure you really get at it.
Thanks also to Griff as he has given me inspiration and understanding to the 5 boxs that I already know but blasted my way through them like some kind of fool who had though speed rather than a good statment including rests is the key.
working on solo 3 of major/minor now.
Thanks Fellows
Very inspirational. I started with the “Cowboy Chords” many years ago and never got any further. I had fun with the open chords but got bored after many years of playing the same old stuff so I stopped playing. I knew the blues is what I really wanted to play but 20 years ago we didn’t have all the resources we have today to learn online. Then I found PTTB. To keep me motivated and inspired I need to see others who have blazed the trail before me like Anthony. I have given myself a year to get through PTTB and Anthony just proved that it is possible since he has been playing for little over a year with PTTB. Thanks Anthony.
BTW, I am entering my second month and starting Chapter 3 so I’m ontrack so far.
Griff and Anthony, Nice work, i thought i was watching Letterman for a second. Anthony, your ready. Try taping yourself with a backing trak. The proof is in the recording. Griff, is Blues unleashed a totaly new program? I was under the impression it was PTTB and Chords & Rythem togeather in one package.
Dave
Anthony, I truly enjoyed the “interview” with Griff and more important, I enjoyed your playing accomplishments and how you describe your learning process as it relates to Griffs teaching. I felt like you were describing my own feelings of where I am in learning to play. You are an inspiration and hope that I too will play be good enough to play at an open mike night one day in the near future. Griff… I am a former instructor (not musical), and there is nothing more gratifying than to see a student “get it”. Anthony “get its” and it mostly from what you have taught him. I thank you for the lessons that you are providing to me and others. With your help, a lot of us out here will be doing open mike nights and beyond.
Great stuff. I know what Anthony is talking about.
I impress myself sometimes, which must mean the teacher is doing it right.
Anthony, thanks for letting Griff film you while you both talked and played. I enjoyed it very much and I’m really impressed with what you did. Keep going, it was great. Listening to the rest of the band and then playing is a hard thing to do, at least I find it hard. It is great fun though just “noodling” along as you put it and I get hours of enjoyment doing just that. I agree with Griff, you should go along to the open Mic night and have some fun….you are so ready for it. I’m not at your standard yet but i’ve been to a blues club and, after a lot of persuasion, got up and had a go. I was more nervous than I had ever been but once I started playing I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Go for it, and have some fun
Griff N Anthony,
It’s all about the fun for sure. I can’t wait till I get further along.
Griff, I worked on the Arsenio Hall show way back and by far my most memorable time was the day we had Stevie Ray Vaughn on the show.
I got to talk with him one on one for about 30 minutes. We just talked about guitars, he was absolutely cool, very friendly and very easy to approach and talk with. His music is definitely my favorite.
Thanks again,
George
Griff, it goes on a bit, yes it’s a sell for your upcoming DVD etc and good luck with it but I got seriously bored, what’s said is good and true but dissolves would have helped. On another note, Talk to your Daughter is by J.B Lenoir who was a good friend of John Mayall in the ’60’s. I think Anthony could get into a jam around the corner, no problem!
Paul
Great work Antony, Keep it up and go to the open mike nite. Griff’s right your ready, go have fun.
I am looking forward to playin on the porch next weekend .. Wish I had a telaporter or beam me over machine so I could get personal lesson from ya here in Louisiana.
Keep em coming man.. I am a work in progress ..
Thanks Lynn …