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DJ Phillips

DJ Phillips

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Home > Teachers > DJ Phillips
Like many guitar players who began playing around the same time, DJ began plunking out Nirvana and Soundgarden tunes when he first picked up the guitar in the mid-nineties. While these grunge-y roots certainly have their merit, it wasn't until DJ's eldest sister took him to a Led Zeppelin laser light show that the full potential of the guitar began to come into focus.

With Jimmy Page's Les Paul pyrotechnics as his inspiration, DJ began fervently practicing for hours on end in the suburban jungle of Southwestern Ohio. This newfound passion (combined with his complete lack of athletic prowess and physical coordination thus completely ruling out all sports) led him to form rock bands in junior high and high school. He grew to love the performance aspect of music and soon decided on it as a career path.

College led him to Nashville, Tennessee where he began to pursue a degree in Commercial Music at Belmont University. He also started another band and got his first professional theater gig the following summer. Since that summer, DJ has spent nearly every waking hour finding ways to play music and avoiding a real contribution to society in any other way.

He moved to Minneapolis after college, rocking out between theater gigs with his current rock band Brother Big Bad. He has now convinced the band to move to Nashville where music flows like water.

DJ is elated to be a part of JamPlay and is thankful for everyone's warm welcome and says "Now, let's ROCK, people." (Less)

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Video Dashboard
  • Meet DJ Phillips

    Video Runtime of 3:00

DJ's Contributions to JamPlay.com

DJ Phillips has 123 videos at JamPlay, with 91 intermediate lessons, 15 song lessons and 17 Lick & Riff Library entries. Use the tabs below to learn more.

Subscribing to JamPlay gives you unlimited access to all of DJ's lessons,
as well as all lessons from our roster of instructors.

  • Intermediate
  • Songs
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  • Live Schedule

Blues Guitar with DJ

Blues

DJ Phillips will teach you everything you need to know to become a master of the blues with an emphasis on fast-paced techniques & playing.

Lesson 1

Series Introduction

Meet Mr. DJ Phillips & learn what he's going to teach you throughout this series.

Length: 2:30
Lesson 2

12 Bar Blues

Learn what makes a chord progression a blues progression as well as the basics to the...

Length: 13:18
Lesson 3

Rhythmic Variations

Time to take the 12 bar blues progression you've learned and add in some rhythmic variations.

Length: 8:48
Lesson 4

12 Bar Blues Chord Variations

Now that you've learned the 12 bar blues and some rhythmic variations, it's time to throw...

Length: 6:22
Lesson 5

Minor Pentatonic Scale

Time to take a break from the 12 bar blues and start mastering some lead techniques. This...

Length: 8:13
Lesson 6

Minor Pentatonic Scale...

Now that you've learned the minor pentatonic scale, it's time to learn how to move it...

Length: 11:10
Lesson 7

SRV - The House Is Rockin'

Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The...

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Lesson 8

Funky Blues Rhythm

Now that you've mastered some SRV, DJ is going to show you some funky blues rhythms that...

Length: 8:44
Lesson 9

Minor Pentatonic in...

DJ begins a discussion of the minor pentatonic scale patterns. He demonstrates the A...

Length: 12:16
Lesson 10

Minor Pentatonic in...

Continuing on with the minor pentatonic scale, DJ covers the second position. As with...

Length: 10:11
Lesson 11

Minor Pentatonic in...

Continuing with the A minor pentatonic scale, DJ returns with a lesson on the fifth position...

Length: 7:09
Lesson 12

Minor Pentatonic in...

In this lesson, DJ covers the A minor pentatonic scale in 7th position. He includes licks...

Length: 8:49
Lesson 13

Minor Pentatonic in...

This lesson covers the 9th position of the A minor pentatonic scale. DJ provides licks,...

Length: 15:00
Lesson 14

Moving Positions

Now that DJ has covered all five patterns of the minor pentatonic scale, he explains how...

Length: 6:12
Lesson 15

Major Pentatonic

Now that DJ has covered the minor pentatonic positions, he shifts gears to the major pentatonic...

Length: 17:34
Lesson 16

Moving Across Positions

In this lesson, DJ demonstrates a number of major pentatonic licks that feature position...

Length: 5:15
Lesson 17

Combining Major and...

DJ demonstrates how to combine the major and minor pentatonic scales. He provides a number...

Length: 12:54
Lesson 18

Solo and Lead Lines

In this lesson, DJ demonstrates how to build an effective guitar solo.

Length: 9:13
Lesson 19

Rhythm

This lesson details the importance of rhythm within solos and lead lines.

Length: 6:10
Lesson 20

Improvising

DJ talks about the art of improvising in this lesson. Always begin with a grand entrance...

Length: 7:59
Lesson 21

Building Chords on the...

DJ begins a discussion of colorful dominant chord voicings. He demonstrates how to build...

Length: 9:38
Lesson 22

Building Chords on the...

Continuing on from lesson 21, DJ explains how to build dominant chords from root notes...

Length: 8:26
Lesson 23

Using Different Voicings

In lesson 23, DJ demonstrates how various chord voicings can be used while playing rhythm...

Length: 4:49
Lesson 24

Mute Raking

With lesson 24, DJ begins a short segment on tricks of the trade. First, he discusses...

Length: 5:08
Lesson 25

Organ Licks

DJ explains how B3 organ licks can be played on guitar.

Length: 4:11
Lesson 26

Volume Swells

In this lesson, DJ talks about volume swells and how they can be used.

Length: 4:37
Lesson 27

Walking Bass and Upstroke...

Continuing with his "tricks of the trade" lessons, DJ demonstrates a walking bass line...

Length: 6:51
Lesson 28

Slide

In this lesson, DJ discusses and demonstrates the basics of slide technique.

Length: 5:28
Lesson 29

Wah Pedals

DJ demonstrates some of the subtleties of using a wah pedal in the blues style.

Length: 3:50
Lesson 30

Harmonics

DJ discusses and demonstrates natural, artificial (harp), and pinch harmonics in the blues...

Length: 8:37
Lesson 31

Aspects of Tone

DJ delves into tone in lesson 31. He discusses how and why certain tones are achieved.

Length: 21:41
Lesson 32

Minor Blues

With lesson 32, DJ introduces the minor form of the 12 bar blues progression.

Length: 4:57
Lesson 33

Using the Dominant V7...

Building on his minor blues set, DJ discusses how to utilize the dominant V7 chord to...

Length: 4:14
Lesson 34

Minor Turnaround

DJ demonstrates a couple turnaround techniques that can be applied to the 12 bar minor...

Length: 6:13
Lesson 35

Minor 7 Voicings

In this lesson, DJ discusses some minor 7 voicings with roots on the 6th, 5th, and 4th...

Length: 9:12
Lesson 36

Minor 6th Voicings

Much like lesson 35, DJ discusses minor 6th chord voicings with roots on the 6th, 5th,...

Length: 8:53
Lesson 37

Extensions of the V7...

DJ explains how altered extensions such as the b9 and #9 can be added to the V7 chord...

Length: 8:35
Lesson 38

Scale Options

DJ discusses the scale options that can be used over a minor blues progression.

Length: 2:21
Lesson 39

Minor Scale Positions

In this lesson, DJ builds upon lesson 38 and covers the minor scale positions across the...

Length: 5:11
Lesson 40

T-Bone Walker

DJ profiles blues guitarist T-Bone Walker in lesson 40.

Length: 31:23
Lesson 41

T-Bone Shuffle

Profiling T-Bone walker, DJ will demonstrate the T-Bone Shuffle.

Length: 29:26
Lesson 42

Skills and Concepts...

DJ discusses and demonstrates skills acquired from learning T-Bone Walker's material.

Length: 17:42
Lesson 43

Bo-Diddley

DJ will take a look at Blues guitarist Bo Diddley and teach you the "Bo Diddley beat."

Length: 13:26
Lesson 44

Blues with DJ: More...

Dj is back yet again with more on the style of Bo Diddley. Here is will dive more into...

Length: 22:15
Lesson 45

Implementing Bo Diddley's...

Dj brings a kicking finish to the style of Bo Diddley by teaching you how to implement...

Length: 10:59

Country Guitar

Country

Having roots in Folk, Celtic, and Gospel music, Country and Country Western evolved rapidly in the 1920's. This genre of music has spawned two of the top selling solo artists of all time. Elvis Presley, and Garth Brooks.

Lesson 1

Introduction to Country

This short lesson will introduce you to the country style of playing and provide some...

Length: 2:04
Lesson 2

Western Swing

DJ gets to the roots of the country music genre with a lesson on Western Swing.

Length: 5:50
Lesson 3

Roly Poly

In lesson 3, DJ teaches a short song called "Roly Poly." If you ever find yourself jamming...

Length: 5:22
Lesson 4

Classic Country

DJ discusses the classic country style. He explains the rhythmic and structural differences...

Length: 6:30
Lesson 5

Chicken Pickin' and...

With lesson 5, DJ starts to discuss elements of the modern country style. This includes...

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Lesson 6

Hybrid Picking

In this lesson, DJ discusses some of the finer points of the hybrid picking technique.

Length: 15:05
Lesson 7

Electric Country, Western...

In this lesson, DJ begins to talk more in depth about modern electric country guitar....

Length: 11:11
Lesson 8

Eldon Shamblin, Western...

Lesson 8 continues to cover the western swing style of electric country. Eldon Shamblin...

Length: 13:42
Lesson 9

Twin Guitar Boogie's...

This lesson covers the twin lead section of the song "Twin Guitar Boogie."

Length: 17:59
Lesson 10

Twin Lead Solo: Part...

DJ breaks down the second part of the twin lead solo from "Twin Guitar Boogie."

Length: 14:57
Lesson 11

Twin Guitar Boogie's...

Finalizing his teaching on the Twin Guitar Boogie with emphasis on Eldon Shamblin, DJ...

Length: 21:55
Lesson 12

Twin Guitar Boogie Techniques

Lesson 12 covers all the techniques involved in the previous lessons on the Twin Guitar...

Length: 7:21
Lesson 13

Solo Building

DJ takes the techniques he discussed in lesson 12 and helps you create a solo over a standard...

Length: 17:33
Lesson 14

Fingerpicking

Lesson 14 delves into the realm of fingerpicking.

Length: 17:44
Lesson 15

Solo and Improvisation

In lesson 15 DJ demonstrates the techniques used by Merle Travis to build a solo, and...

Length: 12:15
Lesson 16

Guitar Boogie Pt. 1

Lesson 16 starts a 3 part series on Arthur Smith's "Guitar Boogie."

Length: 47:42
Lesson 17

Guitar Boogie Pt. 2

In lesson 17, DJ completes his note for note demonstration of "Guitar Boogie."

Length: 30:39
Lesson 18

Guitar Boogie Concepts

In this lesson, DJ takes a look at some of the country guitar concepts used in the song...

Length: 16:13
Lesson 19

Whistle Stop

In this lesson, DJ teaches the song "Whistle Stop" by legendary guitarist Jimmy Bryant.

Length: 19:41
Lesson 20

Yodeling Guitar

DJ demonstrates the song "Yodeling Guitar" by Jimmy Bryant.

Length: 32:25
Lesson 21

Joy Ride

DJ teaches the song "Joy Ride" as performed by Jimmy Bryant.

Length: 30:37
Lesson 22

Jimmy Bryant Concepts

Now that DJ has covered "Whistle Stop" and "Joy Ride," he'll be looking at some of the...

Length: 23:05
Lesson 23

Got a Lot of Rhythm

This lesson covers the tune Got a Lot of Rhythm which features the playing of Hank Garland.

Length: 10:30
Lesson 24

I Need Your Love Tonight

In lesson 24, DJ takes a look at an Elvis Presley song "I Need Your Love Tonight."

Length: 19:55
Lesson 25

Sugarfoot Rag

In lesson 25, DJ continues his in depth look at Hank Garland's playing with a demonstration...

Length: 32:43
Lesson 26

Walkin' the Floor

DJ takes a look at "Walkin' the Floor" by classic country guitarist Leon Rhodes.

Length: 29:00
Lesson 27

Honey Fingers Pt. 1

DJ Phillips teaches the progression, structure and melody of the song "Honey Fingers."

Length: 35:30
Lesson 28

Honey Fingers Pt. 2

In lesson 28, DJ demonstrates the entire guitar solo for the song "Honey Fingers."

Length: 27:13
Lesson 29

Applying Concepts and...

Looking back on the lessons on Leon Rhodes' playing, DJ offers up a lesson on applying...

Length: 11:49
Lesson 30

Luther Perkins

DJ discusses the tic-tac techniques used by Johnny Cash guitarist Luther Perkins.

Length: 18:53
Lesson 31

Tic-Tac Rhythms Applied

Looking at guitarist Luther Perkins, DJ helps you to apply the tic-tac rhythms in your...

Length: 7:34

Funk Guitar with DJ Phillips

Funk

DJ Phillips profiles the guitarists that created and nurtured the funk sound.

Lesson 1

Funk Series Overview

DJ Phillips starts out his funk guitar series with an overview of what he'll be covering...

Length: 2:38
Lesson 2

Jimmy Nolen

In this lesson DJ profiles guitarist Jimmy Nolan, one of the original members of the James...

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Lesson 3

"Catfish" Collins

DJ introduces Catfish Collins and begins to profile his sounds and technique.

Length: 10:03
Lesson 4

Catfish Collins #2

DJ takes another in depth look at Catfish Collins' playing style with "in the style of"...

Length: 14:55
Lesson 5

Leo Nocentelli

DJ begins to talk about Leo Nocentelli, the guitarist for The Meters.

Length: 3:57
Lesson 6

Leo Nocentelli #2

DJ breaks down an "in the style of" lick made famous by Leo Nocentelli.

Length: 5:06
Lesson 7

Leo Nocentelli #3

DJ provides yet another look at a famous "in the style of" lick from guitarist Leo Nocentelli.

Length: 4:02
Lesson 8

Leo Nocentelli #4

DJ provides another "in the style of" lick from The Meters' guitaris Leo Nocentelli.

Length: 4:37
Lesson 9

Leo Nocentelli #5

DJ provides the final lick in the style of Leo Nocentelli.

Length: 5:05
Lesson 10

Curtis Mayfield

DJ begins lesson 10 of his funk series by going over one of Curtis Mayfield's signature...

Length: 4:10
Lesson 11

Curtis Mayfield #2

DJ returns with another look at a signature look from guitarist Curtis Mayfield.

Length: 5:25
Lesson 12

Curtis Mayfield #3

DJ returns with another "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.

Length: 6:26
Lesson 13

Curtis Mayfield #4

DJ demonstrates an "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield that centers around an...

Length: 3:56
Lesson 14

Curtis Mayfield #5

DJ demonstrates the fifth "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.

Length: 3:38
Lesson 15

Curtis Mayfield #6

DJ offers up the final "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.

Length: 5:28

Songs with DJ Phillips

DJ Phillips lends his expertise to popular music with a blend of ultra in-depth song tutorials!

"Free Ride"Edgar Winter Group

DJ Phillips breaks down the 70's hit "Free Ride" by The Edgar Winter Group.

Length: 61:33

"Melon Baller"DJ Phillips

DJ Phillips teaches his funk tune "Melon Baller."

Length: 22:20

"Stray Cat Strut"The Stray Cats

DJ Phillips demonstrates how to play the song "Stray Cat Strut" by The Stray Cats.

Length: 79:03

"Song For America"Kansas

DJ Phillips breaks down the epic progressive rock tune "Song for America" by legendary artists Kansas.

Length: 117:24

"Carry On Wayward Son"Kansas

DJ Phillips breaks down Kansas' popular classic "Carry On Wayward Son."

View This Full Lesson!

"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson

DJ Phillips teaches both the acoustic rhythm and lead sections of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again."

Length: 32:42

"Do You Realize??"Flaming Lips

DJ Phillips breaks down the rhythm and lead sections of The Flaming Lips' song "Do You Realize??"

Length: 37:34

"Once Bitten Twice Shy"Great White

DJ Phillips breaks down the Great White hit "Once Bitten Twice Shy." This song propelled the band to stardom, but is actually a cover from another artist.

Length: 67:03

"Oye Como Va"Santana

Originally written in 1963 by Latin Jazz musician Tito Puente, "Oye Como Va" was made famous by Santana's 1970 cover. In this lesson, DJ breaks down the rhythm and lead sections...

Length: 55:14

"On Top of the World"Cheap Trick

DJ Phillips breaks down the rhythm and lead sections to the Cheap Trick song "On Top of the World."

Length: 64:01

"So Good to See You"Cheap Trick

DJ Phillips demonstrates how to play the song "So Good to See You" by Cheap Trick.

Length: 28:20

"Slide"Goo Goo Dolls

DJ Phillips breaks down the electric rhythm, acoustic, and lead portions of "Slide" by Goo Goo Dolls.

Length: 42:23

"Walk Away (Maybe)"Good Charlotte

DJ teaches and demonstrates the punk song "Walk Away (Maybe)" from Good Charlotte.

Length: 33:13

"Back Where You Belong".38 Special

DJ Phillips breaks down and demonstrates the rhythm, lead and harmony guitar sections for the .38 Special song "Back Where You Belong."

Length: 84:37

"Jenny"Brother Big Bad

DJ demonstrates and teaches the guitar sections to his former band Brother Big Bad's song "Jenny."

Length: 70:29

Lick & Riff Library Entries

Our Lick & Riff Video Library can help you break out of your standard techniques, and can inspire your creativity to move your playing forward.

Title Detail Genre Runtime Skill
Bluesy Lick in A DJ Phillips demonstrates a bluesy lick in A. Blues Lead 2:22 minutes
Funky Bluesy Lick DJ Phillips teaches a funky bluesy lick in the key... Blues Lead 2:00 minutes
Blues in G DJ teaches a blues lick that makes use of the G minor... Blues Lead 2:06 minutes
Classic Blues Lick DJ Phillips teaches a classic blues lick in the key... Blues Lead 2:14 minutes
Country Lick in G DJ Phillips teaches a country lick that makes use of... Country Lead 2:21 minutes
Double Stop Blues DJ Phillips teaches a blues lick in D that makes use... Blues Lead 4:22 minutes
Country Chicken Pickin' DJ Phillips teaches a Country Chicken Pickin' lick... Country Lead 2:48 minutes
Funky Blues Walk Down DJ Phillips teaches a funky blues lick that walks down.... Blues Lead 2:25 minutes
Country Chicken Pickin' Lick DJ Phillips teaches another Country Chicken Pickin'... Blues Lead 3:46 minutes
Country Unison Bend DJ Phillips demonstrates a lick that gives a really... Country Lead 2:10 minutes
Low Bend Country Lick DJ demonstrates a country lick in E that makes use... Country Lead 2:41 minutes
Low G Bend Lick DJ Phillips demonstrates a low g major bend lick with... Country Lead 3:01 minutes
Country Blues Pull-Off DJ Phillips teaches a country blues lick that makes... Country Lead 2:50 minutes
Ascending Walk-Up Blues DJ Phillips teaches a blues lick that ascends/walks... Blues Lead 2:43 minutes
Blues in A DJ Phillips teaches a blues lick in A that makes use... Blues Lead 2:27 minutes
Blues in Bb DJ Phillips teaches a fun blues lick in Bb. Blues Lead 2:11 minutes
Country Rhythm Lick DJ teaches a rhythm lick in the country genre. This... Country Rhythm 3:32 minutes


Live Schedule for DJ Phillips

You can now interact directly with JamPlay's teachers. You can ask a question in the chat and receive a video response via webcam. All you need to do is launch the JamChat when a session is scheduled.

Select Time Zone:
When Starts In Duration Topic
Wed, Feb 8th 12:00 PM 1 day, 7 hours 2 hours Song Day
Thu, Feb 9th 6:00 PM 2 days, 13 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
Fri, Feb 10th 2:00 PM 3 days, 9 hours 1 hour Beginners Corner
Fri, Feb 10th 3:00 PM 3 days, 10 hours 1 hour Contemporary Songs
Wed, Feb 15th 12:00 PM 8 days, 7 hours 2 hours Song Day
Thu, Feb 16th 6:00 PM 9 days, 13 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
Fri, Feb 17th 2:00 PM 10 days, 9 hours 1 hour Beginners Corner
Fri, Feb 17th 3:00 PM 10 days, 10 hours 1 hour Contemporary Songs
Wed, Feb 22nd 12:00 PM 15 days, 7 hours 2 hours Song Day
Thu, Feb 23rd 6:00 PM 16 days, 13 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
Fri, Feb 24th 2:00 PM 17 days, 9 hours 1 hour Beginners Corner
Fri, Feb 24th 3:00 PM 17 days, 10 hours 1 hour Contemporary Songs
Wed, Feb 29th 12:00 PM 22 days, 7 hours 2 hours Song Day
Thu, Mar 1st 6:00 PM 23 days, 13 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
Wed, Mar 7th 12:00 PM 29 days, 7 hours 2 hours Song Day
Thu, Mar 8th 6:00 PM 30 days, 13 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
* All times are shown in GMT-5: New York City (EST).
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