Take Me Back - Rhythm Guitar Groove
With
Scott McKeonScott McKeon breaks down the swampy G minor rhythm groove to 'Take Me Back', played fingerstyle with the hits landing on the 2 and 4 with the snare.
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
1:06
08. Solo Example 4 - Putting It All Together
0:56
Lesson transcript
Take Me Back - Music Lesson
This is a song called Take Me Back. The version we're going to look at is from a live session we did at Real World Studios. It's slightly different from the album version, but essentially the same concept.
Song Overview
This song has a kind of swampy, bluesy, low-down vibe. There are two guitar parts:
- Main Lead: Driving the melody.
- Rhythm Part: Holding it down throughout the song.
The rhythm part is quite simple but really fun to play. I tend to play it with my fingers, hiding my pick between my fingers so I have it at any moment I need it.
Chord Structure
We are in G minor for this one, which has a bluesy feel. The structure remains consistent when we transition to the four chord.
The main groove is:
- Play the hit with your fingers, aligning with the snare drum on the 2 and 4.
- The volume doesn't have to be excessively loud.
When we move to the four chord:
- The root note changes to C, but the rest stays the same.
Transition to the Five Chord
When it transitions to the five chord, we utilize D11 down to C11. You can just bar back to the chord.
- There's a little stop for four beats:
- "2, 3, 4".
Techniques and Tips
- When you play that first minor chord, pull down on it a bit to add texture.
- For the Turnaround to the five chord, you can play D11 like that and C11 like that.
Alternatively, I tend to play the bottom E with my thumb, which gives it a different feel:
- It's similar to playing a D11 or a C major triad, just with a different bass note.
Closing Thoughts
As you play, remember:
- "Maybe if I could live inside your mind, maybe I'd see the truth."
- "Take me back there, baby, head."
Enjoy exploring the groove and the bluesy feel of this song!
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.
