Growing as a pro musician
With
LissieLissie shares how she grew as a guitarist - from strumming simple chords as a singer-songwriter to locking in with a band's rhythm section, and playing by feel rather than theory.
What's in the course
25 lessons (1h 37m) · 1 free
Lesson transcript
The Journey of Learning Guitar
When I started playing guitar, I had a few simple goals:
- Play along to my favorite songs
- Write my own songs
I tended to keep the chords pretty simple, often playing alone as a singer-songwriter. In this style, the rhythm wasn't quite as important.
Transitioning to Playing with Others
However, everything changed when I began to play with bands. Suddenly, I had to learn more about:
- Staying in rhythm with the drums
- Keeping in sync with the bass
- Integrating with the rest of the band
The funny thing is, I know very little about music theory. For me, playing the guitar feels more like an emotional expression rather than a technical exercise.
Favorite Chords and Emotional Connection
My favorite chords are probably:
- D minor
- A minor
These minor chords evoke a sense of melancholy, but they are also incredibly beautiful.
Embracing My Unique Style
Working with people who had extensive knowledge of music theory was interesting. I realized I was more of an emotional player than a technical one. However, playing with others helped me:
- Expand my understanding of chords
- Develop my own personal style
All these years of touring have contributed to my growing sense of rhythm. I've been told that I have a knack for jumping in with a band and sinking into the pocket.
A Message for Aspiring Musicians
If you don't know all the ins and outs of music theory, don't be discouraged! You can still develop your own style through:
- Loving the chords
- Feeling the emotions you want to convey
When you write a song, remember that the chords themselves carry a mood. As you become familiar with the ones that resonate with you, everything will start to come together, including the rhythm.
There's something magical about making music with others, and that experience is truly fulfilling.
25 lessons
1h 37m of structured video lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Lissie is a folk-rocker who grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, near the Mississippi River, speaking her mind and writing songs from an early age. Fans first fell in love with her voice on the five-song EP 'Why You Runnin'', produced by Bill Reynolds of Band of Horses, which Paste Magazine ranked among its Eight Most Auspicious Musical Debuts.
In 2010, her first full-length album 'Catching A Tiger' unassumingly established Lissie as a global voice. Stateside praise was matched in the UK with acclaim from the BBC, Evening Standard, Uncut and The Independent, who described it as "as refreshing a slice of pop as these jaded ears have heard in years." The album went on to sell 300,000 copies worldwide - 100,000 of them in the UK, where it was certified Gold.
Highlights along the way:
- Nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the Q Awards, and tapped by VH1 as a "You Oughta Know" artist
- Festival sets at Glastonbury, Hard Rock Calling, Latitude, Secret Garden Party and Bestival
- TV appearances including Later with Jools Holland and Sunday Brunch
- Screen roles in Loudermilk and David Lynch's Twin Peaks, where NME praised her "intense" performance closing the episode with the Stevie Nicks-esque 'Wild West': "Rock Island's most exciting troubadour more than earned her Lynch-commissioned screen time."
- 'Carving Canyons' (out September 16), her first full-length album since the UK Top 10 'Castles' in 2018
In her guitar course, Lissie shares the chords, strumming and songwriting instincts behind her songs - everything you need to start playing like Rock Island's finest troubadour.
