Matt Brown
Matt is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com
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 Dayt... (more)
Matt currently offers 129 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 126 intermediate lessons and 3 song lessons.
Matt Brown's contribution to JamPlay
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Rock Guitar with Matt Brown
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.
Proper Practicing
Learn how to get the most out of your time when practicing.
29:00 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Introduction to Lead
Matt Brown discusses some of the fundamentals to playing lead.
15:41 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Figuring Out Notes
Matt shows you the basics of figuring out any note on the guitar.
7:00 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Scales
Learn the basic minor, natural, and major scales. Quite a few techniques & ideas start with scales - they're an essential building block.
34:15 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Major Scales
In this lesson, Matt takes you through the major scales & helps you to understand how they can be used.
20:25 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Natural Minor Scales
Matt teaches the most common natural minor scale patterns.
13:24 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Bending
Learn & master the most popular types of bends.
27:48 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Sweep Picking & Rakes
Learn sweep picking and string rakes.
18:36 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Solo Techniques
Learn various techniques to use when improvising / soloing.
12:51 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Tuning Down
Matt explains the most effective way to tune your guitar down.
7:18 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Barre Chords
Learn how to establish finger independence and a few tips and tricks with barre chords.
37:18 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Rock Licks
In this lesson, Matt Brown introduces a rock lick and shows how several famous players have modified it.
19:30 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rock Sequences
In this lesson Matt teaches some crucial rock sequences. He also explains how these sequences can be integrated in to your playing.
34:52 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
String Skipping
Matt Brown focuses on string skipping technique. He provides several exercises designed to improve this aspect of your playing.
33:09 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Intervals
Lesson 15 in Matt's rock series is all about intervals.
34:47 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rock Lead Guitar
Matt Brown demonstrates lead guitar techniques using Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" as an example.
29:24 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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."
33:02 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
24:55 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Right Hand Technique
In lesson 19 Matt provides instruction on developing right hand skills including string skipping.
26:38 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Non-Diatonic Progressions
In lesson 20, Matt discusses chord progressions that don't follow a diatonic tonality.
29:07 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Harmonic Minor
Matt begins to discuss and demonstrate the harmonic minor scale.
29:46 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Improvising Over Harmonic Minor
In lesson 22, Matt continues his discussion of the harmonic minor tonality.
14:36 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Sweet Child O' Mine
In lesson 23, Matt takes a look at the solo section for the song "Sweet Child O' Mine."
19:43 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Today
Matt will be taking a look at the solo section from the live version of the Smashing Pumpkins song "Today".
7:29 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Back In Black Solo
Matt Brown reviews and discusses the solo section to AC/DC's hit "Back In Black".
9:34 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Brother
In lesson 26, Matt covers the solo section from the Alice in Chains song "Brother".
9:42 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Matt's Rock Manifesto
Matt Brown discusses lead guitarists, what makes a good solo, and tips for your own lead playing.
41:06 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Legato Playing Exercises
Matt Brown teaches a number of exercises aimed at improving your legato playing technique.
37:16 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Right Hand Exercises
Matt Brown demonstrates a few exercises to build skill and speed in your right hand.
15:06 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
String Skipping Etude
Matt Brown teaches Heitor Villa-Lobos' 1st Etude as a lesson in string skipping.
38:47 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Three Octave Scales
Matt Brown demonstrates how to play three octave versions of the minor pentatonic and the major scales in all 12 keys.
16:56 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Diatonic Intervals
Matt Brown demonstrates how to play all seven of the diatonic intervals within the framework of a horizontal major scale.
23:01 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Diatonic 7th Arpeggios
Matt Brown discuss diatonic arpeggios as a theory lesson as well as demonstrating the technique.
9:55 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
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.
10:46 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Solo Ideas #1
Matt Brown teaches a progression and accompanying solo to demonstrate ideas for creating your own.
21:34 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Solo Ideas #2
Matt Brown takes a look at another chord progression and solo.
17:29 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Legato Playing Ideas
In lesson 37 of the Rock Series, Matt Brown demonstrates and talks about legato playing ideas.
21:24 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Rhythm Concepts
Matt Brown switches gears in lesson 38 to start talking about rhythm concepts for rock playing.
27:44 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Compositional Techniques
Matt Brown discusses some often used techniques to build effective rock compositions.
17:27 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Creative Chord Voicings
Matt Brown shows off some ways to add some creativity and originality to your rock chord voicings.
11:59 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Lead Approach
Matt Brown takes another look at his approach to soloing. He demonstrates ideas you can use in your own playing.
12:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Lead Approach #2
Matt Brown adds practice to his lead approach by giving you another chord progression to solo over.
7:14 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Lead Approach #3
Matt Brown has another chord progression and solo exercise to go over in this lesson on lead approach.
10:25 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
16:29 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Jazz Guitar with Matt
In this lesson set, Matt will teach you everything you need to know to fluently play jazz guitar.
Intro to Jazz
Check out this lesson to learn some basic jazz theory & chord voicings.
31:36 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Voicings & Melodies
Learn some more advanced chord voicings as well as the Charleston rhythm.
19:13 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Set II Voicings
Learn a handful of Set II voicings & round out your knowledge of the basic jazz chords.
27:08 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Applying Chords / Solo Ideas
Apply the chords you've learned & experiment with some solo ideas.
32:47 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Scales and Chords Together
Learn which scales work with which jazz chord voicings.
43:00 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Circle of Fifths
Matt sheds some light on the circle of fifths.
28:00 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Proper Practicing
Learn how to get the most out of your time when practicing.
31:00 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Proper Practicing Part 2
Here's the second installment of Matt's proper practicing lesson.
32:00 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Physicalities of Playing
Learn how to avoid carpal tunnel and other hand injuries by using proper technique.
46:19 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
All of Me
Matt Brown teaches the jazz standard "All of Me."
31:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Lead and Scales
Matt Brown explains how to improvise over the changes to "All of Me."
7:54 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Estudio No. 1.
Matt Brown begins talking about solo arrangements in this lesson. He teaches Carcassi's "Estudio No. 1" as an introduction to this concept.
18:10 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Reviewing the ii V I Progression
Matt Brown returns to his Jazz series with a review lesson. He applies the standard ii V I progression to the circle of fifths.
18:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnback Progression
In lesson 14, Matt discusses the turnback progression in the jazz style.
22:20 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Set Three Voicings
Matt brown discusses and demonstrates the set three voicings used in jazz guitar.
25:42 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Jazz Solo Arrangement
In this lesson, Matt demonstrates how to practice jazz solo arrangements by taking a look at "Here's That Rainy Day."
35:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Expanding on the 12 Bar Blues
In lesson 17, Matt reviews and expands on the jazz version of the 12 bar blues form.
23:20 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Adding Voices
In this lesson, Matt adds to your voicing repertoire while playing the Charleston rhythm.
14:22 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Key of B Flat Major
Matt Brown talks about lead options when playing a blues in B flat major.
23:35 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Key of F
Matt Brown provides instruction and examples of playing jazz heads in the key of F. Once again, all examples follow the 12 bar blues form.
18:22 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Jazz Heads in B Flat
Matt Brown takes another look at blues heads in the key of B flat. In this lesson, he covers a head by Thelonious Monk.
10:03 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Tools for Solo Arrangements
Matt Brown takes a look at a solo arrangement and provides thoughts and tools necessary to complete this type of guitar playing.
23:13 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Introduction to Bossa Nova
Matt Brown starts breaking down the rhythmic tendencies and patterns to the Brazilian Bossa Nova style of playing.
17:56 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Blue Bossa #1
In lesson 24 of his Jazz series, Matt takes a look at the melody to Blue Bossa.
9:12 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Blue Bossa #2
Matt Brown takes a look at the available chord voicings for Blue Bossa.
10:39 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Reading Music and Rhythm
Matt brings all of his years of education right to you with this fantastic series on how to read music. You will start with the very basics and work up to some very advanced concepts.
Intro to Reading Music
This introductory lesson will walk you through the basics of reading music and reading rhythm.
15:07 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Reading Music
Learn how to identify notes, the key signature, and the staff. Implement your reading skills by playing a few simple tunes.
43:32 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Rhythm and Time Signatures
Learn the basics of notation and time signatures. Practice these concepts with a few timing exercises.
22:01 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
3/4 Time Signatures
Now that you've learned a bit about 4/4 time, it's on to 3/4 time.
22:20 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Reading Music Practice
Now that you know the basics of reading music, it's time to put that knowledge to work with some exercises.
25:43 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
On Top of Old Smokey
Get some more practice reading music and rhythms during your rock fest rendition of "On Top of Old Smokey".
15:54 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
He's Got the Whole World
Matt Brown reviews the G major scale and teaches "He's Got the Whole World".
13:18 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Amazing Grace
Matt Brown explains how to read music in the key of F major. He uses the song "Amazing Grace" as an example.
15:22 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Shoo, Fly
Matt Brown teaches the song "Shoo, Fly" as another excellent rhythm and reading example. This song is in the key of G.
14:46 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Scales and Key Signatures
Matt Brown returns with the 10th installment in his Reading and Rhythm series. In this lesson, Matt discusses key signatures.
14:09 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Key and Aura Lee
In this lesson Matt Brown covers the first minor key song in this series, "Aura Lee".
12:11 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Scarborough Fair
In this lesson, Matt introduces the A Dorian mode. He applies it to the song "Scarborough Fair".
16:29 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Second Position
In lesson 13, Matt Brown discusses and demonstrates second position.
29:52 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Rhythm
Lesson 14 is all about rhythm. Matt Brown discusses its importance and provides several exercises.
20:17 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
On Top of Old Smokey Review
Matt Brown reviews "On Top of Old Smokey". This time around, the melody is played in second position.
7:56 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Reviewing Angels We Have Heard On High
For lesson 14, Matt Brown reviews "Angels We Have Heard On High". The melody is now played in second position.
12:02 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Shoo, Fly Review
Matt Brown reviews the song "Shoo, Fly" in second position.
8:56 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rhythm Strumming
This lesson covers right hand rhythm technique. Matt introduces syncopated strumming patterns.
25:38 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Down by the Riverside
Matt teaches the melody to "Down by the Riverside". This tune is used as preparation for learning accompaniment techniques.
15:02 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Accompaniment
Matt uses the song "Down by the Riverside" to teach accompaniment techniques for rhythm backing.
12:31 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Fur Elise Pt. 1
Matt teaches the classic tune "Fur Elise" in a two part series. For Part 1, Matt demonstrates the melody section.
24:03 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Fur Elise Pt. 2
In lesson 22, Matt teaches the accompaniment sections to Beethoven's "Fur Elise".
13:12 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
The Entertainer Pt. 1
Lesson 23 starts a 2 part series on the classic tune "The Entertainer".
16:30 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
The Entertainer Pt. 2
Lesson 24 completes the two part series on "The Entertainer". You will learn the accompaniment in this lesson.
14:06 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Sea to Sea Pt. 1
Matt starts another 2 part lesson, this time on the tune "Sea to Sea" by William G. Leavitt.
20:36 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Sea to Sea Pt. 2
Lesson 26 completes Matt's 2 part series on "Sea to Sea".
10:17 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 1
Matt introduces the B flat major scale and teaches the song "Stars and Stripes Forever".
21:31 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 2
Matt completes his two part series on "Stars and Stripes Forever" by teaching the accompaniment.
7:39 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
D Major in First and Second Position
Matt Brown teaches the D Major scale in both first and second positions.
17:55 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Danny Boy Pt. 1
Matt Brown demonstrates "Danny Boy" in both first and second positions.
16:28 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Danny Boy Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to the "Danny Boy" melody.
12:03 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Silent Night Pt. 1
Matt teaches the Christmas classic "Silent Night."
18:17 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Silent Night Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment to the "Silent Night" melody.
4:55 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches "Funiculi Funicula" as an exercise in reading and playing in 6/8 time.
14:39 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Funiculi Funicula".
16:40 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Strumming Triplets
In lesson 36, Matt provides exercises to help you strum triplet patterns.
23:30 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Strumming Sixteenth Note Rhythms
In lesson 37, Matt Brown demonstrates how to strum sixteenth note rhythms.
17:28 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Song of the Volga Boatmen
Matt Brown demonstrates the melody and tips for playing the Russian folk tune "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
11:33 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Song of the Volga Boatmen Pt. 2
In lesson 39, Matt teaches the accompaniment to "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
8:35 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Dance of the Ukraine
Matt Brown teaches and demonstrates "Dance of the Ukraine."
15:37 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Dance of the Ukraine Pt. 2
Matt demonstrates the accompaniment to the "Dance of the Ukraine" melody.
13:36 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Etude by Ferdinando Carulli
Matt Brown teaches an etude for classical guitar by Ferdinando Carulli.
21:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Morning Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches the melody section to "Morning" by Edvard Grieg.
18:44 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Morning Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment for Edvard Grieg's "Morning."
8:08 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Bach's Minuet Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's classic Minuet.
14:55 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Bach's Minuet Pt. 2
In lesson 46, Matt Brown covers the accompaniment section to Bach's Minuet.
5:53 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Little Prelude in C Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's "Little Prelude in C."
16:23 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Little Prelude in C Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Little Prelude in C" by Bach.
7:49 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Clementi's Sonatina
Matt Brown teaches the 2nd guitar part to Muzio Clementi's famous "Sonatina."
23:46 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Bach's Invention #1
Matt Brown teaches Invention #1 composed by J.S. Bach.
21:42 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Third Position
Matt takes a look at playing in third position. This lesson will set up future reading lessons that require the third position.
7:16 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Third Position Practice
Matt Brown has you working through Jean Philippe Rameau's Minuet for third position playing in lesson 52. He provides a play along and accompaniment to help your sight reading and playing.
15:11 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Ear Training with Matt Brown
Matt Brown provides instruction and exercise to facilitate ear training.
Chord Qualities
Matt Brown introduces his new series on ear training. He covers basic chord qualities for the first training session.
39:01 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Introduction to Intervals
Matt Brown offers up a lesson on how intervals are notated and their spacial relationships on the neck of the guitar.
48:58 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Hearing Intervals
In lesson three of his ear training series, Matt Brown explains how to identify melodic intervals by ear.
52:34 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Harmonic Intervals
In lesson four, Matt Brown demonstrates listening techniques for identifying harmonically stacked intervals.
33:46 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Progressions
Matt Brown discusses and demonstrates how to identify common chord progressions by ear.
30:09 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
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