Techniques

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Eric Clapton wears a beret and plays a Fender Stratocaster onstage.
The secret to great guitar solos isn’t technique – it’s rhythm

By Richard Barrett Published

All the greats put themselves into their phrasing, and that identity was not only note choice but rhythm. Here are four ways you can add rhythmic interest to great effect

Techniques
Jake E Lee
If you learn one thing from Jake E. Lee it should be this: bigger stretches for better shredding

By Leon Todd Published

Try this enhanced lesson to strengthen your fourth finger and use your thumb for wide fretting like the iconic Ozzy Osbourne guitarist

Techniques
John Mayer
How to funk up your blues solos

By Richard Barrett Published

Taking cues from John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix and Nile Rodgers, this lesson offers three examples of phrases that add rhythm and movement to blues

Techniques
David Gilmour and Keith Richards playing against the headline: "Is this their secret sauce?"
The simple trick that adds sparkle to your songs: Nashville Tuning explained

By Stuart Ryan Published

David Gilmour, Keith Richards & Taylor Swift all do this…

Techniques
Big Bill Broonzy plays some acoustic blues in this deep contrast B/W archive image.
Dare you join us at the crossroads? Welcome to the acoustic blues masterclass

By Richard Barrett Published

Inspired by Big Bill Broonzy, Lightnin' Hopkins and the O.G. blues great Robert Johnson, this lesson just requires an acoustic guitar. Heartbreak optional

Techniques
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top plays a zebra-striped custom electric live at Wembley in the mid '80s.
“It’s about building intensity… think of Jeff Beck shifting to Billy Gibbons!” How to solo over one-chord blues

By Richard Barrett Published

Soloing over changes is cool, but sometimes the blues is all about exploring melody over a single chord

Techniques
KT Tunstall
KT Tunstall’s 5 guitar tips to boost your songwriting skills

By Jason Sidwell Published

Learn KT's five go-to guitar techniques: from power strumming to rich chords, colorful picking, and unison vocal/guitar riffs.

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Techniques
David Gilmour is bathed in blue stage lights as he performs with a black Stratocaster.
“Albert King once advised Gary Moore to ‘play every other note’”: Why keeping it simple can improve your blues solos

By Richard Barrett Published

Peter Green, George Harrison, Gary Moore, David Gilmour... These are just some of the players inspiring this lesson in stylistic restraint, all in the pursuit of the blues

Techniques
Shred speed bursts lesson thumbnail
Speed bursts are the path to Shred Heaven: boost your rock chops with 6 jaw-dropping examples (that won't break your fingers)

By Jamie Humphries Published

Learn how short and fast sequential patterns favoured by legends such as Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci and Zakk Wylde can be connected to create blazing solos

Techniques
Close-up of a soundhole on a 12-string acoustic guitar
Master the 12-string guitar: restringing, tuning and strumming made simple

By Leon Todd Published

Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, the Eagles, and Richie Sambora swear by 12-string guitars for sonic sparkle – after this guide, you will too

Techniques
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