Marcelo Berestovoy
Marcelo is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com
This Latino artist, composer and guitarist, has inspired a new musical trend that he has called “Southern World Music”. This innovative mix of sounds is a blend of the tango from Argentina, flamenco from the south of Spain, and several musical styles from Southern California. Marcelo has done live presentations and recorded with artists like Ricky Martin, Selena, Leon Gieco, Daniela Romo, Sergio Arau and Bebu Silvetti to name a few. In television, he accompanied stars su... (more)
Marcelo currently offers 76 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 66 intermediate lessons, 4 song lessons and 6 lessons in our Artist Series.
Marcelo Berestovoy's contribution to JamPlay
Use the tabs below to learn more or subscribe for unlimited access to all artists and courses.
Flamenco & Spanish Guitar
Internationally known Latino artist, composer and guitarist explores key Flamenco and Spanish rhythms and progressions. Marcelo breaks down these styles in a proven, easy to understand method.
Series Introduction
Marcelo artfully demonstrates the playing style he teaches in this Flamenco & Spanish Guitar series. He also plays through four basic rhythm techniques and sets the course for the lessons ahead.
2:07 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Rumba Flamenca: Basic Right Hand Moves
Marcelo teaches the eight basic right hand moves for the Rumba Flamenca strum pattern. He then shows you how to apply it to a single chord as well as one of the most important chord progressions in Spanish music.
17:46 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Phrygian Rumba Blues
Marcelo blends familiar sounds with new ones as he looks at how to combine the rumba rhythm with a standard blues progression and the Phrygian mode.
5:49 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
7ths, 9ths, and Secondary Dominants
Take the rumba and the Andalusian Cadence to the next level by adding tasty extensions and chord substitutions.
15:24 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
La cita
Marcelo teaches the rhythm portion of his popular song "La cita" as a way of applying the techniques and progressions covered in the series thus far.
15:33 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rumba: Triplet Fills
Learn how to insert fast and tasteful triplets into your strumming. Marcelo demonstrates two different ways of performing the technique and combines triplet fills with the rumba strum.
12:28 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Rumba: Playing Accents
Using the song "La cita", Marcelo explains how to add accents and hits to the basic rumba strum.
7:06 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rumba: Double Time Variation
Marcelo mixes it up by teaching several popular variations to the rumba strum. He reviews the basic rumba and demonstrates how to incorporate different rhythms without skipping a beat.
8:41 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Bolero Rhythm
Moving on to the second of four Spanish guitar rhythms in this series, Marcelo introduces the bolero. He teaches the right hand moves and demonstrates the technique over a variety of common chords.
14:29 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Bolero & Chord Progressions
Marcelo explores four popular chord progressions commonly applied to the bolero rhythm and reviews the techniques needed to play the bolero strum.
22:23 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Bolero & Variations
Using the chord progressions covered in previous lessons, Marcelo explains how to add tasty variations to the basic bolero rhythm. Have fun!
12:03 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Brazilian Bossa
Chill with Marcelo and the soothing vibe of the Brazilian Bossa. This is a comprehensive lesson that covers a variety of chord progressions, jazz voicings, right hand techniques and various patterns that make this style of guitar come alive!
33:19 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
South American 6/8
Blending time signatures and applying the strumming techniques you've learned so far, Marcelo brings you the upbeat and challenging South American 6/8. Try it with a variety of chord progressions...Try it with the plucking technique!
22:56 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Finger Picking
Marcelo dives deep in to the world of finger picking in this monster lesson. He explains how to effectively play scales while keeping certain pedal tones going on the upper strings. Marcelo then applies the right and left hand techniques to both the Phrygian and Phrygian Dominant modes.
43:30 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Finger Picking & Barre Chords
This lesson continues where the last one left off. Marcelo explores the finger picking techniques covered in the previous lesson over barre chords. He also teaches several new scale positions corresponding to different modes of the Major scale.
8:01 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Salsa!
Get your dancin' shoes... grab some percussion instruments... or just sit down with your guitar and explore some salsa playing with Marcelo! In this lesson, you'll learn some great chord progressions and distinctive rhythmic techniques that will bring your music to life.
12:52 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Improvising and the Andalusian Cadence
Using the famous Andalusian Cadence chord progression that was covered in earlier lessons, Marcelo offers up different scales and phrasing ideas that players can use over each chord. Then, he talks about transitioning from chord to chord from a soloing perspective. This one is a must see!
10:28 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Cha Cha Rhythm
Marcelo teaches the popular cha cha rhythm that has been made famous by performing greats such as Carlos Santana.
6:41 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Gypsy Jazz
Marcelo takes you in to the style of Django Reinhardt with this fun lesson on gypsy jazz. You'll learn a few chord progressions and the right hand "la pompe" strumming pattern with and without a pick.
14:29 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Walking Bass Lines
Be your own band!...sort of. Marcelo shows you how to use moving bass notes while playing chords at the same time. He applies this over a number of chord progressions, including the 12 bar blues.
30:45 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
12 Bar Blues & Forms
After harping on the importance of the 12 bar blues for his entire series, Marcelo finally explains the blues in detail. He covers chord changes, explains different "forms," and even talks about chart reading. This is an essential lesson for every guitarist!
7:27 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Shell Chords
Marcelo shares a tool that is indispensable when jamming with other guitarists. He shows us how shell chords leave room for improvisation and provide a great way to play a steady, simple rhythm through even complex chord changes.
11:44 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Single Finger Strum
Marcelo teaches yet another popular rhythm technique for Spanish guitar and applies it to a number of familiar sounding chord progressions.
22:33 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Horizontal Scales
We spend a great deal of time learning scale positions, but most of the players we know and love use a lot of the horizontal approach. Marcelo explains horizontal playing using four familiar scales and demonstrates them in a Spanish guitar context.
29:22 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Horizontal Playing & Intervals
Marcelo takes the scales learned in the previous lessons and applies them to 3rd and 6th intervals. He offers some improvisational ideas that will enhance your creativity!
14:58 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
La Cita - Melody Lesson
By request, Marcelo has returned to teach his song, "La Cita". In this lesson, he will break down the melody line.
13:56 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
La Cita - Improv Lesson
Now that you've learned the melody of "La Cita", it's time to learn the scales to set you on your way to some great improv!
12:36 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Flues - Phrygian Rumba Blues
By popular request, Marcelo teaches us his original piece, "Flues". He starts with the chords and melody and ends with ideas and scales for improvisation!
14:55 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Fingerstyle Guitar
Marcelo Berestovoy returns to JamPlay with his Fingerstyle Guitar series. Learn the style of the greats like Merle Travis and Chet Atkins with Marcelo's one step at a time method.
Series Introduction
Marcelo welcomes you to his Fingerstyle Guitar series.
5:13 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Fingerstyle One Step at a Time
In this lesson, Marcelo teaches us the foundation of his whole fingerstyle series. Learn each step to the classic Travis-style picking pattern, and before you know it, you will be sounding like a pro!
17:21 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
12 Bar Fingerpicking Etude
Taking each of the fingerstyle steps, Marcelo now puts them into a 12 bar etude to get the most out of your practice time!
6:51 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Fingerpicking Different Chord Shapes
So far, Marcelo has had you concentrate on fingerpicking over the same shapes of chords. Now, he's going to show you how to take what you know, and apply it over many different chord shapes.
15:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Fingerpicking with Melody
Now that you've got a good grasp of the fingerpicking pattern over chords, it's time to add a melody line on top of the progression!
13:03 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
The Sheik of Araby - Fingerpicking Lesson
Marcelo has played this stellar original arrangement of the standard tune, "The Sheik of Araby" for years. Now, here he is to teach you his version, incorporating the fingerstyle techniques you've already learned in this series!
18:12 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Reverse Arpeggios
Fingerpicking arpeggios in a forward manner is a natural motion for most of us. In this lesson, Marcelo takes on the less comfortable motion of playing arpeggios in the reverse motion.
14:28 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Horizontal Intervals Etude
This is a great exercise that will train you to use only certain fingers on your fingerpicking hand.
7:40 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Song Lesson - Solace
Marcelo now teaches us his original fingerstyle arrangement of the classic Scott Joplin song, "Solace".
22:24 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Right Hand Technique
What is the difference between free strokes and rest strokes? Marcelo teaches a great lesson here on the difference between the two and focuses on how to get the most out of the rest stroke technique!
12:45 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Theory and Improv with Marcelo
How can you play any solos if you don't know your chords? It's with this mantra that Marcelo Berestovoy dives into his Theory and Improv series. Learn the foundational aspects of chording that will set you up for the ultimate improvisation success!
Series Introduction
"How can you play any solos if you don't know your chords?" Marcelo looks to remedy this situation with his new Theory and Improv with Marcelo series. Learn foundational aspects of chording, along with the modes and scales that will make you a complete improv player!
7:30 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
The CAGED System
A mastery of harmony is required before one can improvise successfully. The CAGED system is a tried and true method that compartmentalizes the visual shapes of chords and scales. In this lesson, Marcelo gives you his take on the CAGED system.
16:14 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Diatonic Triads and 4 Note Chords
What is a chord? How do we know which notes make up the chords we are playing? Join Marcelo in this foundational lesson on identifying diatonic triads and 4 note chords!
21:47 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Finding New Chords Part 1
Getting tired of the same old chords? Are those massive chord books not any help? Check out Marcelo's unique way of discovering new chords!
17:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Finding New Chords, Part 2
Join Marcelo as he continues to discover new chords! In this lesson, Marcelo puts the C major scale underneath each of the chords in the C tonality.
20:52 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Finding New Chords Part 3
So far, Marcelo has shown us how to discover new chords by placing the diatonic scale on top of or underneath the chords. Now, he uses the chromatic scale to find more advanced chords.
17:36 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Improv Concepts for Beginners
Improvising: Where to start? Marcelo gives us some great, easy to follow jumping off points in this lesson on improvisation.
21:06 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Understanding the Modes - Major Modes
The modes are an often misunderstood aspect of guitar playing and improvisation in particular. In this lesson, Marcelo shares his perspective on the modes, starting with the major modes.
22:36 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Understanding the Modes - Minor Modes
Now Marcelo takes a closer look at the most commonly used minor modes.
13:44 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Gypsy Jazz 12 Bar Swing
Join Marcelo as he applies some of the improv techniques we've learned so far to a 12 bar gypsy jazz etude.
20:52 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
The Shiek of Araby Improv Lesson
"The Shiek of Araby" has been covered by countless artists. Now it's time to hear Marcelo's take on it! Join him as he integrates his improvisational tools into this timeless standard.
18:02 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Gypsy Jazz Ballad - Pa'Cito, Part 1
True to gypsy Jazz form, Marcelo teaches us one of his original compositions, "Pa'Cito". Watch as he invokes many of Django's original gypsy jazz stylings!
16:37 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Gypsy Jazz Ballad - Pa'Cito, Part 2
In part 2 of "Pa'Cito," Marcelo explains some scales that can be used when improvising over the progression.
17:04 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
"After You've Gone" for Beginners
In this lesson, Marcelo teaches a beginner's version of the classic tune from the early 1900's: "After You've Gone". Learn the basic chords, as well as the basic single note melody line.
16:26 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
After You've Gone Intermediate
Now Marcelo teaches us a much more advanced version of the standard, "After You've Gone". This version makes use of traditional gypsy jazz chord shapes and substitutions, as well as scales to use for your improvisation.
17:34 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Chord Scales
In this lesson, Marcelo shows us a simple, yet unique way of determining improv scales based on the chord tones. This will simplify and revolutionize you improvisation!
17:35 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Cycle of Fifths
In this lesson, Marcelo takes us through the cycle of fifths and ends with a very cool etude to cement these sounds in your head!
6:32 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Gypsy Bossa
Marcelo now teaches us his own, very beautiful gypsy bossa. Learn the chords, melody and improv concepts for this very catchy and unique tune!
22:04 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Modes - Triads and 7th Arpeggios
Interested in adding new and different sounds to your improv? Check out Marcelo's unique method for doing just that!
14:36 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Solo Guitar
The idea of being a self contained unit of chords and melody is a long, time honored tradition in guitar playing. Fortunately, Jamplay has one of the best out there to teach you how to get started in this style of playing: Marcelo Berestovoy! Beginning with simple exercises and concluding with actual songs, this series will give you the essentials to getting a real handle on the solo guitar and chord-melody style.
Series Introduction
Marcelo gives an overview and introduction to his series, "Solo Guitar".
4:01 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
One Family of 7 Notes and 7 Chords, Part 1
Marcelo gets us started with a couple of simple exercises designed to get you thinking in terms of multiple things happening on the guitar at the same time.
19:08 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
One Family of 7 Notes and 7 Chords, Part 2
Now, Marcelo expands on part one of this lesson by making the exercise sound like a song, and moving it up the neck into different positions.
16:15 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
C Major Scale - The First Tetrachord
Taking the first 5 notes of the C major scale (or the tetrachord), Marcelo experiments with chor-melody by harmonizing it in many different ways.
11:11 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Other Solo Guitar Techniques
Moving closer towards the goal of playing an actual song in the solo guitar style, Marcelo shows us a classical style etude that we can transform into a song of different styles, as well as how to achieve the two guitar illusion.
13:44 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Picking Hand Techniques
In this lesson, Marcelo covers the various picking hand techniques that can be employed when playing solo guitar pieces.
9:52 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
12 Bar Blues for Beginning Solo Guitar
Now Marcelo teaches a great tune to get started with playing solo guitar. A simple 12 bar blues, that combines the two guitar illusion of chords and melody into one guitar part.
11:20 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Casi á La Joe
In this homage to the great Joe Pass, Marcelo gives us a great vehicle for improving our solo guitar techniques.
11:09 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Fingerpicking Exercise Based on Malagueña
This is a great lesson for practicing different movements and pedals in a fingerstyle fashion. Based on the song "Malagueña", this exercise will strengthen your solo guitar techniques.
13:43 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
.
Unlock All Courses
Save $50Get access to all guitar lessons from Marcelo Berestovoy along with our full roster of guitar teachers.