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Introduction to Lead Guitar Lesson

Home > Guitar Lessons > Genres > Rock > Rock Guitar with Matt Brown > Introduction to Lead
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Matt Brown

Introduction to Lead

Matt Brown discusses some of the fundamentals to playing lead.

Taught by Matt Brown in Rock Guitar with Matt Brown seriesLength: 15:41Difficulty: 1.5 of 5
  • "Crossroads" Excerpt (1)
  • "Crossroads" Excerpt (2)
  • (GP) "Crossroads" Excerpt
  • (PDF) "Crossroads" Excerpt
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Member Comments about this Lesson

Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.


likebeastlikebeast replied on March 5th, 2013

loved this lesson! melodic players like clapton, knopfler and the like really bring life to soloing, so thanks for bringing the "background" to us!

mattbrownmattbrown replied on March 6th, 2013

I agree! Those are two of my favorite soloists. I love Knopfler's voice and songwriting too. Hope you found this lesson informative. This info is always what I'm thinking about whenever I have to take a solo.

shredder41shredder41 replied on February 18th, 2013

Matt, I like your courses. This one I think would have been a little more helpful if you had used a metronome while playing the solo. That way we could see how you use syncopated or off beat phrasing thx...

mattbrownmattbrown replied on February 19th, 2013

Also, I recommend checking out the original Cream recording. That should help too. I imagine you can find it on YouTube.

mattbrownmattbrown replied on February 19th, 2013

Hey! Glad you enjoy my lessons! Yeah, I agree with your comment about the metronome. I should have played the solo over the bass line from the song so you can hear exactly where all the notes hit in relation to the rhythm section. I'm going to attach the Guitar Pro file of my transcription. If you have that program, you can turn the metronome on in the file to hear where all the notes hit. Hope that helps! Thanks for your feedback!

bsmokemanbsmokeman replied on November 27th, 2012

plus one on the guitar, truly an awesome looking instrument!

mattbrownmattbrown replied on November 30th, 2012

Yep...PRS's are awesome! I'm actually selling this one at the moment to get another Les Paul...not quite as cool looking, but way more versatile.

aze0117aze0117 replied on April 23rd, 2012

It seems like you lose a lot of weight compare to you in lesson one!!!Awesome!!! Great lesson as well!!!

mattbrownmattbrown replied on April 24th, 2012

Well, with this one, the goal isn't necessarily to learn the solo note for note, but rather to understand all of the concepts that I taught and to be able to apply them to your own improvised or composed solos. Most of the lessons in this series deal with concepts that you can spend an entire lifetime improving upon. Once you have a firm grasp of the concepts and feel pretty comfortable playing what's in the lesson, it's probably safe to move on. However, I recommend jumping back to review lessons periodically.

mattbrownmattbrown replied on April 23rd, 2012

Haha! Yeah...what can I say? I kind of let myself go towards the end of college. The first lesson of this series was filmed in 2007. The original lesson 2 was replaced by this one, which I believe was filmed in 2009 or 2010. Glad you enjoyed it!

aze0117aze0117 replied on April 23rd, 2012

haha, I am quite enjoy and working on it right now, so can you give me some suggestion that how can I know I have practised enough and can move on to next module? For example this module, should I need to take some time to practise the 'crossroad' solo or I just move on if I understand the lead feeling you are talking about? Love your lesson and Rock on!!

alexaffectsalexaffects replied on March 16th, 2012

it looks different from you other lessons, i cant wait for you to star live chats again!

mattbrownmattbrown replied on March 19th, 2012

Hi! Yeah...Most of the lessons in this series were filmed in 2007-2009 when the company just started...This lesson replaced the old lesson two...I think it was filmed in 2010. Glad you liked it!..Unfortunately, it's looking like I probably won't be doing Q+A's again or at least not for awhile. As far as filmed lessons are concerned, I might film more lessons in the future, or I might not. I'd like to, but who knows...With how busy I am these days, I'm just sort of taking life week by week.

brandonl15brandonl15 replied on March 23rd, 2011

awsome lesson

mattbrownmattbrown replied on March 24th, 2011

Thanks for the kind words Brandon!

mamacelesterocksmamacelesterocks replied on March 8th, 2011

Great lesson and that is a BEAUTIFUL guitar!

mattbrownmattbrown replied on March 8th, 2011

Thanks a lot!! There's plenty more "lead guitar" type lessons scattered throughout the series...It's funny...even though this is lesson 2, it's one of the most recently filmed lessons. The old lesson 2 wasn't so great. ;)

wickedvasewickedvase replied on January 26th, 2011

This was tremendously insightful. excellent lesson! This really made me realize why solos from Gilmore, Slash, and Clapton are always so memorable.... they're great stories! Also explains why even some of the technically-over-the-top players lack that "memorable solo" factor (i.e. Malmsteem and Vai).

mattbrownmattbrown replied on January 27th, 2011

Hey! I couldn't agree with you more...players like Clapton, Gilmour, are out to create a meaningful, artistic expressions with their solos rather than just showing off their guitar chops. Also, they are concentrating on creating memorable melodies rather than just ripping through licks. I think speed should only be used as a means to a musical end. Sure, there is a time and place for shredding, but I think a lot of guitarists out there overdo it.

mattbrownmattbrown replied on October 25th, 2010

Hey! Glad you liked it. I think Jason has a few more lead guitar type lessons on the way.

WheelerWheeler replied on October 22nd, 2010

Great lesson! Thanks!

Rock Guitar with Matt Brown

Found in our Beginner Lesson Sets

Chuck Berry among others pioneered the style of rock and roll in the 1950's. Today, rock and roll remains the most popular genre of music. Over the years the genre has progressed & spawned many sub-genres: soft rock, classic rock, punk rock, and more. Dive into this Phase 2 set of lessons to become a master of rock.



Lesson 1

Proper Practicing

Learn how to get the most out of your time when practicing.

Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 2

Introduction to Lead

Matt Brown discusses some of the fundamentals to playing lead.

Length: 15:41 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 3

Figuring Out Notes

Matt shows you the basics of figuring out any note on the guitar.

Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 4

Scales

Learn the basic minor, natural, and major scales. Quite a few techniques & ideas start with scales - they're an essential building block.

Length: 34:15 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 5

Major Scales

In this lesson, Matt takes you through the major scales & helps you to understand how they can be used.

Length: 20:25 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 6

Natural Minor Scales

Matt teaches the most common natural minor scale patterns.

Length: 13:24 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 7

Bending

Learn & master the most popular types of bends.

Length: 27:48 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 8

Sweep Picking & Rakes

Learn sweep picking and string rakes.

Length: 18:36 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 9

Solo Techniques

Learn various techniques to use when improvising / soloing.

Length: 12:51 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 10

Tuning Down

Matt explains the most effective way to tune your guitar down.

Length: 7:18 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 11

Barre Chords

Learn how to establish finger independence and a few tips and tricks with barre chords.

Length: 37:18 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 12

Rock Licks

In this lesson, Matt Brown introduces a rock lick and shows how several famous players have modified it.

Length: 19:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 13

Rock Sequences

In this lesson Matt teaches some crucial rock sequences. He also explains how these sequences can be integrated in to your playing.

Length: 34:52 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 14

String Skipping

Matt Brown focuses on string skipping technique. He provides several exercises designed to improve this aspect of your playing.

Length: 33:09 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 15

Intervals

Lesson 15 in Matt's rock series is all about intervals.

Length: 34:47 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 16

Rock Lead Guitar

Matt Brown demonstrates lead guitar techniques using Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" as an example.

Length: 29:24 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 17

Solo Using Diatonic Scales

Matt Brown explains which scales can be used when playing a solo over a diatonic progression in a major key. As an example, he teaches the solo section to Candlebox's song "Far Behind."

Length: 33:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 18

Diatonic Natural Minor

This lesson covers the natural minor scale and diatonic natural minor progressions. Matt uses the solo section to "Stairway to Heaven" as an example.

Length: 24:55 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 19

Right Hand Technique

In lesson 19 Matt provides instruction on developing right hand skills including string skipping.

Length: 26:38 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 20

Non-Diatonic Progressions

In lesson 20, Matt discusses chord progressions that don't follow a diatonic tonality.

Length: 29:07 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 21

Harmonic Minor

Matt begins to discuss and demonstrate the harmonic minor scale.

Length: 29:46 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 22

Improvising Over Harmonic Minor

In lesson 22, Matt continues his discussion of the harmonic minor tonality.

Length: 14:36 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 23

Sweet Child O' Mine

In lesson 23, Matt takes a look at the solo section for the song "Sweet Child O' Mine."

Length: 19:43 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 24

Today

Matt will be taking a look at the solo section from the live version of the Smashing Pumpkins song "Today".

Length: 7:29 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 25

Back In Black Solo

Matt Brown reviews and discusses the solo section to AC/DC's hit "Back In Black".

Length: 9:34 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 26

Brother

In lesson 26, Matt covers the solo section from the Alice in Chains song "Brother".

Length: 9:42 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 27

Matt's Rock Manifesto

Matt Brown discusses lead guitarists, what makes a good solo, and tips for your own lead playing.

Length: 41:06 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Lesson 28

Legato Playing Exercises

Matt Brown teaches a number of exercises aimed at improving your legato playing technique.

Length: 37:16 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 29

Right Hand Exercises

Matt Brown demonstrates a few exercises to build skill and speed in your right hand.

Length: 15:06 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 30

String Skipping Etude

Matt Brown teaches Heitor Villa-Lobos' 1st Etude as a lesson in string skipping.

Length: 38:47 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Lesson 31

Three Octave Scales

Matt Brown demonstrates how to play three octave versions of the minor pentatonic and the major scales in all 12 keys.

Length: 16:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 32

Diatonic Intervals

Matt Brown demonstrates how to play all seven of the diatonic intervals within the framework of a horizontal major scale.

Length: 23:01 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 33

Diatonic 7th Arpeggios

Matt Brown discuss diatonic arpeggios as a theory lesson as well as demonstrating the technique.

Length: 9:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 34

Diatonic 7ths Across the Neck

Matt Brown explains how to play the diatonic seventh chords of the major scale. Similar to lesson 32, this lesson takes a horizontal approach to the fretboard.

Length: 10:46 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 35

Solo Ideas #1

Matt Brown teaches a progression and accompanying solo to demonstrate ideas for creating your own.

Length: 21:34 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 36

Solo Ideas #2

Matt Brown takes a look at another chord progression and solo.

Length: 17:29 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 37

Legato Playing Ideas

In lesson 37 of the Rock Series, Matt Brown demonstrates and talks about legato playing ideas.

Length: 21:24 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lesson 38

Rhythm Concepts

Matt Brown switches gears in lesson 38 to start talking about rhythm concepts for rock playing.

Length: 27:44 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 39

Compositional Techniques

Matt Brown discusses some often used techniques to build effective rock compositions.

Length: 17:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 40

Creative Chord Voicings

Matt Brown shows off some ways to add some creativity and originality to your rock chord voicings.

Length: 11:59 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Lesson 41

Lead Approach

Matt Brown takes another look at his approach to soloing. He demonstrates ideas you can use in your own playing.

Length: 12:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 42

Lead Approach #2

Matt Brown adds practice to his lead approach by giving you another chord progression to solo over.

Length: 7:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 43

Lead Approach #3

Matt Brown has another chord progression and solo exercise to go over in this lesson on lead approach.

Length: 10:25 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lesson 44

String Skipping Revisited

Matt Brown takes another look at string skipping. He breaks down some key areas of Matteo Carcassi's Allegro as an exercise.

Length: 16:29 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only

About Matt Brown View Full Biography Matt Brown began playing the guitar at the age of 11. "It was a rule in my family to learn and play an instrument for at least two years. I had been introduced to a lot of great music at the time by friends and their older siblings. I was really into bands like Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins, so the decision to pick up the guitar came pretty easily."

Matt's musical training has always followed a very structured path. He began studying the guitar with Dayton, Ohio guitar great Danny Voris. I began learning scales, chords, and basic songs like any other guitarist. After breaking his left wrist after playing for only a year, Matt began to study music theory in great detail. I wanted to keep going with my lessons, but I obviously couldn't play at all. Danny basically gave me the equivalent of a freshman year music theory course in the span of two months. These months proved to have a huge impact on Brown's approach to the instrument.

Brown continued his music education at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed a degree in Classical Guitar Performance in 2002. While at Capital, he also studied jazz guitar and recording techniques in great detail. "I've never had any desire to perform jazz music. Its lack of relevance to modern culture has always turned me off. However, nothing will improve your chops more than studying this music."

Matt Brown currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. He teaches lessons locally as well as at Capital University's Community Music School. Matt's recent projects include writing and recording with his new, as of yet nameless band as well as the formation of a cover band called The Dirty Cunnies.

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