Renowned Berklee College of Music faculty guitarist Jon Finn, combines his experience, education, and stylistic versatility in this eclectic series of lessons for aspiring rock guitarists. Jon's innovative approach is unique, fun, and challenging. The book/audio set and video both offer a well researched original take on the use of pentatonic scales in rock improvisation. Using his "Warp Refraction Principle" which takes into account the major third tuning interval between the second and third strings, Jon presents a series of five vertical patterns applied in two-string increments throughout the fretboard. The philosophy behind this project is to present concepts and techniques as a thought process rather than simply providing a reference manual. Includes access to online audio and video.

In this expansive book, versatile Argentine guitarist and teacher Pablo Pescatore provides a masterclass in the theory behind creative rock soloing. From the ground up, he presents the theoretical building blocks of major, minor, pentatonic, and modal scales followed by triads and seventh chords in all keys, not just the guitar-friendly ones. Then he proceeds to analyze rhythm in all common and uncommon time signatures before delving into 20 exotic scales. Written in standard notation and tablature, the truly unique aspect of this book is the author’s insistence on improvising with an acute awareness of rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and dynamic values—not just playing fast and loud in predictable patterns. Demonstrating his ideas in 120 audio examples and a final knock-out blues progression, Pablo encourages readers to write, sing and otherwise incorporate their own variations into their music, dramatically changing the audio landscape of rock guitar soloing. Includes access to online audio.

From the second half of the 20th century into the new millenium, some bands have stretched the limits of rock. The great progressive rock artists of the world such as Yes, Kim Crimson, Queensryche, Dream Theater, and Symphony X have expanded the possibilities, exploring elements of classical, jazz and other styles while maintaining the excitement and edge of rock. This book provides a look at the inner workings of this music, providing the tools and inspiration you need to create your own progressive rock sound. You'll learn fascinating chords, odd time signatures, metric and harmonic modulations, exotic scales and advanced guitar soloing concepts. Finally, here is guidance for the guitarist who's ready to rise above and beyond the confines of simple rock 'n' roll and push the boundaries where few dare to go. The CD demonstrates the examples in the book. 96 pages.

Here is a complete workout in which you will learn rhythm guitar parts, turnaround licks, soloing exercises, and a fully-transcribed solo from Jon Finn. You learn not only what to play, but when, where, and why. This book is a big step forward in decoding the mysteries of what is a very simple but elusive style to truly master. Companion CD included.

Is the beginning stage of learning the guitar proving to be a frustrating experience? Do you lack songs which you can play from start to finish? Do the ones that you can play all the way through not sound much like their original versions? I have been teaching these pieces to my beginner students for quite some time now, and the success rate has been remarkable. Most methods start by having the student slowly move back and forth between basic chords using only down strokes, playing chords one note at a time to make sure all the notes ring clear. This book offers something much different—playing music! The pieces are designed to target trouble areas often experienced by beginners of the instrument: arching the fingers enough in order to let all the notes of a chord ring clearly. Rather than just droning on through a series of chords, musical patterns are created so that as you learn proper technique you’re also playing something musical. The results have been better than expected. Focusing on figures that demand proper technique and some of the most common strumming patterns found in popular music, many of my students are able to execute beginner and intermediate level songs within a few weeks of picking up the instrument rather than a few months. Additionally, the dreaded F chord, or root 6 major barre chord, often rings clearly with all 6 notes being heard upon the first attempt. This book will help you achieve your guitar related goals quickly, more efficiently, and most importantly, more enjoyably. Includes access to online video.

This is an incredibly comprehensive book dealing with every harmonic and technical aspect of guitar improvising. Included are analyses of scales, arpeggios, picking technique, chord progressions, cadences and modulations. In addition, numerous studies and exercises are contained to help you play through the concepts of being taught. the goal is technical and mental mastery of the guitar fingerboard. Tablature is included.

Carl Filipiak's Private Lessons Series on Rock/Fusion Improvising is the perfect vehicle for the rock guitarist who wants to add elements of jazz to their playing. Discover many of the concepts that fusion, jazz, and "jam bands" use. Intervallic harmony, diminished scales and how to use them are just a few topics that are covered. Take your blues/rock licks to another level! This play-along CD includes odd-time signatures, funk and Indian grooves and features Carl Filipiak on guitar and a smokin' rhythm section, which includes John Thomakos on drums and Steve Zerlin on bass. Also included on one track is world-renown drummer, Dennis Chambers.