Introduction

Hi, I'm Stuart Ryan, and I'm a guitarist and composer from the UK. I'm here to take you through pieces in the blues and rock genres, all the way from debut up to grade eight.

My Background

• I've been playing guitar for nearly 30 years.
• I've been working as a professional guitarist for the last 15 years.
• My working life as a guitar player includes:
  • Studio musician
  • Concert guitarist
  • Composer

For the last 15 years, I've been writing acoustic guitar columns for:

• Guitar Techniques
• Guitarist magazines
• Pieces for Acoustic Magazine
• Acoustic Guitar in Germany
• Many others across the world

I also compose music for TV, writing for various programs and music libraries. Additionally, I am very active as a clinician for the Takamine Guitar Company, traveling around, playing their guitars, and holding performance clinics when I'm not on the road or in the studio.

Teaching

I teach at the Bristol Institute of Modern Music (BIM) and teaching is a passion of mine.

Most importantly, I recorded many of the guitar parts on the original Rock School syllabus all those years ago. So, for me, it's a real pleasure to get reacquainted with these pieces. I aim to break down these guitar parts to show you how they work in detail.

What We'll Cover

• Important stylistic elements
• How to use the picking hand and fretting hand
• Improvisation techniques over these pieces
• Approaching solos
• Scales and techniques to prepare for exams

So, get your guitar, tune up, and let's have some fun with these pieces!