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!
Paul Mcmahon in UK –
Outstanding
This lesson is beautifully constructed, well produced and comprehensive. The song is played with real feeling and sensitivity by John. There is a lot to learn for intermediate and advanced players. Excellent value for money
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If I would have to say one thing about this course it would be “totally understandable”.
The course is set up in such a way that everything you see and hear makes perfect sense. The tabs, the files, the video and of course the bit by bit explanation from John makes up a complete puzzle. Pure quality. You can feel the heart and soul from John shining trough every single bit. And all of that for this price? Simply amazed.
Keep up the good work John. Simply wonderful
Regards,
Ad
Jon in the US –
Duane’s lesson and more…
Let me start by writing that i have been a JT student/fan for a couple of years now. I have his PLAY LIKE CLAPTON and SHUFFLE THE BLUES lessons as well as the ALLMAN lesson, which i might add, is killer.
Having played in bands eons ago, I was the designated bass/rhythm player. So when i picked up the guitar after 20 years, I put ‘playing lead guitar’ on my bucket list and have been pursuing it for the past 3 years.
I find that JT’s style is one that is very comfortable and familiar to me, making it easier to pick up. I actually think I sound half way decent.
Listening to John play, I can hear what the possibilities are for me. I play every night and 99% of the time, it’s a ‘learningguitarnow.com’ lesson.
Thanks John.
jon
Hank in Falmouth, Maine –
Cross to Bear is a gem !
I’ve worked on several Allman Bros solos over the years and enjoyed many of John’s lessons, but this one is truly a standout. Straight forward – easy to follow
You can’t play this without it pulling on your emotion and soul. The slow tempo, the beautiful vibrato and bends all make it a great vehicle to nail the style of Allman’s Cross to Bear or transfer it to other tunes – which is the real way to create your own style.
Thanks for the great lesson John !
Jerry Johnson in Jacksonville, NC –
Duane Allman Cross modified for slide open E
I’ve got arthritis in my hand so I transposed to Open E, only had to change a few notes. It works well enough for me, sound is real similar, just need a little more vibrato on the long bends.
Cody Dafoe in Canada –
A great course. I think the lead is better than Duane’s.
billm in Rochester NY –
John: I love my guitar again !!!! Have the Allman, Betts, Shuffle, and slide courses. Love my guitar. Thanks for your courses
Keith in StillmanValley Illinois –
This is the 2nd set of lessons Ive purchased from John, And already I’m seeing a difference in my playing. I bought the Warren Haynes last year and wow. John has a very good teaching style that works for me. Easy to understand and you almost feel like he’s right there working with you. I would recommend any of Learning Guitar Now lessons. No matter your level you will improve with these lessons, I’m looking forward to my next purchase.
These are just topnotch and the tabs and videos are easy to follow. Great stuff buy and grow as a guitarist.. Hey John Just a suggestion how about a Joe Bonamassa style lesson.
Georgios G. in Greece –
Very good and very constructive lessons for me… Also very good explained…These lessons – like all others I’ve purchased before – help me to improve my playing a lot!!!
Thanks a lot once again!