Category Archives: All Blogs

One could argue that Slash is the last great guitarist to crossover into what I would call the musical consciousness of the last generation and the present. A true master of his instrument no one else can solo like him and no one else looks anywhere near as cool as him with his trademark topContinue reading “A Modern Legend”

I have recently been teaching a student of mine the guitar playing to Dire Straits classic Brothers in Arms. The song is written about a dying soldier on the battlefield surrounded by his comrades. With atmospheric keyboards and Knopfler almost speaking the lyric the song grabs you from the opening chord. The guitar playing isContinue reading “Brothers in Arms”

Eddie Cochran is one of my favourite musicians of all time. His guitar playing was ahead of its time and his voice was simply incredible. This guy could sing a gritty rock and roll number and then a sweet ballad and sound equally stunning on both. Eddie also wrote most of his own songs whichContinue reading “A Rock and Roll Icon”

After a while of doing online lessons I’m back now to teaching in the comfort of your own home. It’s great to be back with my students again and tho online lessons were great to keep things going there’s nothing better than teaching face to face. Sp if you are a complete beginner or justContinue reading “Home Lessons again.”

When I learnt the guitar over 30 years ago  I did it because I loved it. I always try to bring that same enthusiasm to my teaching. Music should be a joy not a hassle so whether you want to learn from a grade book to achieve a certain grade or you just want toContinue reading “Learning music the fun way!”

Anyone else got the lockdown blues? If you have a great way to practice the minor pentatonic scale is to jam around with those 5 sweet notes to see what riffs you can come up with. The great blues men used this scale to great effect and kept it nice and simple. The guitar doesn’tContinue reading “Lockdown Blues.”

The Who are often overlooked when there is a top 10 of the best bands but for me they merit a place no problem. Formed in 1964 they have sold over 100 million records and singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townsend continue to perform 55 years later. A string of early hits including MyContinue reading “The Kids Are Alright.”

It is the bedrock of most blues guitarists solos and the reason is most obviously the sound it creates but it is also extremely easy to learn and is the first scale I teach any student who has an interest in the blues and soloing. Replacing the major 3rd and 7ths with their flattened cousinsContinue reading “The Pentatonic scale.”

Due to the current lockdown we are all having to endure I am currently doing online music lessons. Everything is pretty much the same except I have to  make my own cup of tea! So if you are thinking about learning a new musical instrument to relax and relieve the boredom please don’t hesitate toContinue reading “Lockdown lessons.”

Whenever I talk to people about the greatest guitarists of all time Peter green barely gets a mention. It’s always Hendrix , Clapton and Page. Early Fleetwood mac was all about Green and his fantastic bluesy overdriven rock. He played a les Paul and went straight into a marshall amplifier. The thing about Fleetwood MacContinue reading “The genius of Peter Green.”