I’ve been playing in bands since 1974 when I was 17. They’ve been more or less successful over time, earning enough scratch to keep me interested. Blues has always been at the top of my list, and I got by on basic rhythm techniques and the occasional lead. “Good enough” to get by, but I was never satisfied.
I’ve tried dozens of instructors, all sorts of how-to books/DVDs/online programs…nothing seemed to click. When you hear a good blues guitar player, the distinction between good enough and great is huge. I’ve found a few online, but too many talk talk talk and play little. When I discovered Learning Guitar Now, I realized it was different on this site. First, John can PLAY. On videos where he turns it loose, you see and hear someone that gets it. But what makes his site different than the rest just regurgitating variations of the same theme is that he wants YOU to get it.
If you want to pick and choose your lessons…fine. If you want to start from scratch and build competency in technique…fine. If you want to talk to him on the forum and have a REAL exchange of ideas or ask for advice…he’s there. The lesson curriculum is huge, his freebies on YouTube vast, and his continued enthusiasm to help you become a better blues guitarist is non-wavering.
You’re not on his site to learn theory or the fretboard, although he does touch on these when necessary. You are there to play guitar. Play what you love in the style of your favorite artists or just improvising. Play, learn the phrases, the timing, the technique and you WILL get better. I’m 64 as I write this. Still playing. The difference now is I’m getting better. Good enough doesn’t cut it for me now.
When I hit a phrase just right, the audience actually pauses on that beat. The beauty of the blues just poured through my fingertips if only for a moment. Right now I’m focused on some of the Allman Brothers material. It takes me home. Sometimes, when I daydream, I see me on that stage with them, holding my own. Thanks JohnT, you’ve kept the blues alive for this old timer!
Ivan Stergulc –
Hi John
I really do like all of your lessons and work on the ones I have pretty regularly. Although I do find most of them a little challenging for my skill level (late beginner-early intermediate, I found that the Blues Method Supplement seems to be a perfect fit for my playing level. Both technically and in terms of playing at tempo.
I see now that you have a new supplement course comming out with the same concept but with a shuffle feel. I’m looking forward to that course also. I hope you continue to come up with more of the same material with the same skill level in mind in the future.
Thanks for a great course.
Stephen Pounder –
I had already bought the two blues method courses, that this new course supplements. I found them both extremely helpful with my playing, and this new course is an excellent extension.
The licks and solo make great use of the skills I now posses thanks to the first two courses. Though it has to be said the supplement course can easily be used as a stand alone to take you’re blues playing to new levels.
The licks and solo are filmed from 2 angles in HD quality and are explained very well as to how to play them and where they fit in a 12 bar blues progression, it has helped my playing immensely and is well worth the money.
Charles Conway –
I grew up in the 60’s and was inspired to play guitar when the Beatles were in their hay day. I formed a group and played guitar in my bands for 6 years. Going to college I supplemented my income playing acoustic guitar to back up my voice in lounges. This was an enjoyable 3 years. I moved on with a career in business and put the guitar away for 20 years. I have got the bug again and now can’t put the guitar down. My goal at this point in my life is to be the best guitarist that I can be. I discovered John at Learning Guitar Now 8 months ago and I can tell you that my guitar playing and understanding has improved greatly. At first, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to put the time in practicing and doing his recommended exercises to improve my technique and dexterity. I started off with the Blues Guitar Method and then the Supplement. I can tell you that my technique, speed and understanding of the guitar fret board have improved greatly. Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Thank you John!