Song Story and Band Intro
With
Scott McKeon
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
The Creation of the Song: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
So the song came to be when we originally recorded it for the album version. We were at Rack Studios in London, and Jeremy just had this old drum kit. I think it's a Gretsch or something, I'm not sure, but it's from the 50s or maybe even the 40s.
The Inspiration
He started playing this kind of slow, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, and this really swampy groove. It just kind of inspired us to start jamming over that. In my head, I was thinking about some early ZZ Top.
It had that slight Billy Gibbons feeling, you're saying a lot, but you're not in a hurry. It felt hot, kind of swampy, desert-like.
Jamming Together
Everyone just kind of followed that vibe. Ben, the other guitarist, played that part with a tremolo, which almost sounds like a Wurlitzer or Fender Rhodes. It's got a very keyboardy sound to it. Rocco Palladino on bass just held it down, setting the scene.
Then, Gavin cut the vocal track live with us and wrote the lyrics on the spot as well. It's amazing, it's the first time we played that song, and it was the version we recorded. We were writing it as we played, reacting to everyone's contributions.
All it would take is a look, a wink, or a nod, and someone would solo or play.
The Live Version
On the live version that we're playing now, Ross Stanley, the keyboard player, does a Hammond solo and adds some really nice bedding beneath the track. That's not on the album version, but it's a lovely addition to the live setup.
Less is More
With this kind of music, it's all about less is more. Just holding down a very simple sort of drum part. The few things that Jeremy's doing, especially on the stops, really influence what you're going to play in those moments.
You don't have to say a lot, the backing is so cool.
Tips for Playing
That's definitely something to think about when you're playing this style of music:
- Get into the Groove: Really feel the rhythm and listen to what everyone else is doing.
- React Accordingly: Be a part of the band. Get inspired by what the drums and bass are doing, and let that influence your playing.
Enjoy the process!
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.
