Combining Techniques
With
Scott McKeonScott McKeon combines three blues guitar styles - BB King's call-and-response, Stevie Ray Vaughan's expression and Jimmy Vaughan's fingerpicking - to build solos.
What's in the course
34 lessons (1h 29m) · 2 free
01. Traditional Soloing with Call and Response
2:24
02. Solo Example 1 - BB King
0:52
03. Leaving Space
3:17
04. Solo Example 2 - Stevie Ray Vaughan (Rhythmic Chords)
0:54
05. Soloing Using Your Fingers
1:47
06. Solo Example 3 - Albert Collins
0:55
07. Combining Techniques
You are here1:06
08. Solo Example 4 - Putting It All Together
0:56
Lesson transcript
Exploring Different Styles in Guitar Playing
In this lesson, we'll explore three different styles of guitar playing that provide a variety of textures and headspaces. These styles will serve as valuable tools for building your solos. Let's break them down:
1. Early BB King Style
- Characteristics:
- Call and response
- Leaving lots of space
- Building with chords
- Minimal licks
This style emphasizes interplay and gives the listener room to breathe.
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan Influence
- Characteristics:
- Characteristics of the BB King style
- More expressive and soulful playing
- Incorporating emotional depth into your solos
Stevie's approach can add layers of complexity and feel to your playing.
3. Traditional Finger Picking (Jimmy Vaughan Style)
- Characteristics:
- Fingerpicking techniques
- Melodic lines
- A focus on classic blues sounds
This style is grounded in tradition and can complement the other two approaches.
Performance
I'm going to play through examples of each of these styles, using them as tools to build a solo. Initially, we'll keep everything straightforward, playing straight into the amp without any pedals, embodying a traditional sound.
As we progress, we will also touch on enhancing your sound with pedals or a boost for a more full-on experience.
Conclusion
Let's see how we can blend these styles and learn from each one to enrich our guitar playing!
34 lessons
1h 29m of structured video lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Scott McKeon has given a lifetime of dedication to his craft as a guitarist. Initially inspired by his dad's love of blues, soul and rock music, he took up the guitar at the age of four and has developed a reputation as one of the UK's most in-demand guitarists, both in the studio and performing live.
In 2014, Scott got a call to play in Sir Tom Jones' band, alongside Robbie McIntosh and Pink Floyd drummer Gary Wallis. The blues, rock 'n' roll and gospel-orientated set allows Scott to call on his early influences and travel the globe. Performances so far have included five European tours, three tours of the US and South America, and tours of Australia and the Far East, as well as TV appearances including Later... with Jools Holland and TFI Friday, and playing New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2019.
Scott's third album, 'New Morning', is an earthy, raw, guitar-led record showcasing his range and ability as a guitarist. The album was recorded live in the studio at RAK in London, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the sessions. It was produced by Paul Stacey (Black Crowes/Oasis), and features Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow/Tal Wilkenfeld) on drums, Rocco Palladino (Tom Misch/D'Angelo) on bass, and Gavin Conder (Rufus Black/The Kondoors) as vocalist on several tracks.
Scott also has a signature fuzz pedal and signature pickups, modelled on his '62 Strat.
In his course, Scott shares the tone, phrasing and feel behind authentic Texas blues guitar, showing you how to dig into the style and make every note sing.
