R&B/Soul Guitar Lessons

Welcome to the section on R&B and Soul guitar playing. R&B and Soul are combination of blues, jazz, and gospel music forms. The style began in the 50’s and 60’s with labels such as Motown and Stax. We will be studying the essential elements of this style as it pertains to guitar and its role in an ensemble.

Soul and RnB Rhythm

Soul and RnB Rhythm

In this lesson we will study the rhythmic elements of R&B and Soul
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Intro to Soul and R&B Guitar

Intro to Soul and R&B Guitar

In this lesson we will discuss the basic principles behind Soul and R&B style guitar. Specifically we will cover chord shapes used in this genre of music
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Soul and RnB Articulations

Soul and RnB Articulations

In this lesson we will discuss using some articulations such as slides and fills to spice up your playing.
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It's All Right by The Impressions

It's All Right by The Impressions

In this lesson we are going to take a look at the guitar style used by the soul, r&b, and Motown players of the 60's.  Specifically the use of high register chord voicings.  This tune is a great example of this technique.

Song Difficulty: 5

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Soul and R&B Improvisation

Soul and R&B Improvisation

In this lesson we will study some improvisation techniques to use over a standard Soul and R&B chord progression. It is recommended that you are familiar with pentatonic major.
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In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett

In the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett

In this lesson we will be studying the R&B style guitar work of Wilson Pickett's In the Midnight Hour.  The song embodies the primary essence of old R&B guitar playing by accenting the upper register of the chords.  A great song to learn if you are interested in this style of playing.  Must be able to play barre chords. 

Song Difficulty: 3

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