Lesson 1 : Scale Workout

Here is a simple ascending and descending scale exercise based on Amaj scale, played on three notes per string patterns. First practice vertically, in scale positions.Next, playing on two strings, move the sequence horizontally along the fretboard, up and down through different scale positions.This exercise works best if performed with alternate picking, but feel free to use economy picking , legato or a mixture .Try also applying to other scales. Start slowly and gradually build it up to speed. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 2 : String Skipping Basic Idea

This is a variation of the previous sequence, using string skipping technique. This time we'll play the example on ascending and descending Gmaj patterns scale.Try experimenting with different ways: alternate picking,economy picking,legato,half and half and why not,you can also try to play it with hybrid picking, plucking with your middle finger nonadjacent strings. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 3 : Rock Soloing

Here is an example that enables you to focus on particular aspects such as bends,vibrato, fretting hand control, note choice,solo approach.This solo is based on E Aeolian and E minor pentatonic except Bar 5 which includes one note (D#) as a chromatic passing tone and a bluesy double stop that use one note( C# ) from E Dorian.This example contains hammer-ons,pull-offs, legato lines, slides, arpeggios, right hand tapping to bend, melodic lines, double stops, pedal tone.Try also using artificial harmonics, tremolo bar and other nuances. Experiment with your own variation and feel. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 4 : Superimposed Triads

Here we have an example that illustrates triad arpeggios superimposed over static min7 chord .This sequence is made up with four triads which are built from 1st, 4th.5th,7th degrees of the B Dorian mode,so we have some cool chord tones like 9th,11th and 13th.It sounds very interesting ! This example also incorporates sweep picking technique. Make sure to use this idea to make up your own lines. Experiment using different positions, sequences and keys. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 5 : Spice Up Your Rock Progression

This example is based around E Aeolian and E Harmonic minor and shows how to make a simple chord progression sound more melodic and interesting using extensions, suspensions, open voicings, close and open voiced triad arpeggios, double stops. Try to explore these concepts and apply them to your own compositions. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 6 : Adding Chromatics to the Blues Scale

This lick shows some chromatic descending lines based around the B blues scale. Notice the group of six note with four notes per beat timing, played on the first three beats of bar 1. I play this line combining alternate picking, legato and I also use hybrid picking in Bar 2, but feel free to experiment different approaches and see what works for you. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 7 : Neo-classical Rock Vibe

This example should satisfy all you neoclassical shred junkies! Here we have a series of sweep-picked arpeggios combined with scale lines, based around D Aeolian and D Harmonic minor. This example also involves alternate picking, string skipping, legato and tapping. I would suggest practising this very slowly and in small sections. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 8 : Tap & Skip

This is a good way of playing wide intervals combining two-handed tapping and string skipping techniques. I use middle, ring and little finger of the right hand holding the pick between the thumb and first finger.The line is based around a combination of fifths,fourths and thirds,using notes from the C# Aeolian scale, played over C#min7 chord. Notice the first three beats of the lick which shows each hand group of notes in minor sevenths. It utilizes hammer-ons from nowhere,pull-offs, bends.Try to focus on accuracy,timing and getting even volume from all the notes,using both hands to mute the strings. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 9 : Melodic Minor Scale

Here is an example played over Amin(maj7)and Amin6 chord sequence,using notes from A Melodic Minor scale.This example utilizes legato, hybrid picking,tapping and string skipping techniques. It also includes chromatic lines and slides. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 10 : Seven Heaven

Here we have an ascending and descending legato patterns that use seven note groups and position shifts,based on A Lydian scale.Try applying these lines to other scales. Use the metronome and try to target the first note of each group. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 11 : Country Lick

This is a twangy country line in G which involves hybrid picking (using middle and ring fingers) and string skipping. This example includes some typical country-style elements such as approach to chord tones from half step below,open strings,hammer-on and pull-off, slide,double stop, bend. Make sure to practice slowly. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 12 : Shred Bebop Feel

This example illustrates a bebop inspired line,based around A Mixolidian scale, which combines alternate picking, legato,sweep,string skipping,hybrid picking and tapping. It includes a lot of chromatic passing tones,slides, some arpeggios,bend. I would suggest practising slowly, breaking it down into a small sections. Try to experiment with your own playing. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 13 : Melodic Line

This lick is reminiscent of Vito Bratta and Steve Vai and illustrates a combination of tapping notes and bending. First, pick the string then on the same string,tap with your right hand's middle finger. Next, holding the position of the right hand, motioning the bend with your left hand and release.It also includes hammer-on and pull-off. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 14 : Combining different groups of notes

This example is based on C# Dorian and contains a combination of ascending septuplets and sextuplet .The lick concludes with some bends. You'll note that I play septuplet utilising a mixture of alternate picking and legato. I slur the first three notes of each seven- note group and I use alternate picking for the rest of notes, but as always, try to find your own approach.Pay attention to rhythmic and dynamic. Try also applying this idea to different scale positions and in other keys. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 15 : Lydian Mode

Here are three examples based on C Lydian, played over static Cadd9 chord.
Example 1 uses hammer-ons,pull-offs, hybrid picking, legato lines,sweep,tapping and string skipping.Note a two octave Gmaj9 arpeggio's in the middle of Bar 1.
Example 2 is based on a fast shred legato/tapping line which also involves hybrid picking and string skipping. Notice Bar1 which uses B minor pentatonic.
Example 3 is basically a legato/tapping line which also incorporates hybrid picking and string skipping. Try to experiment these licks with your own variation. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 16 : Chromatic Approach

This lick is based out of G Dorian scale plus some extra notes, used as passing tones.It contains sweep picked arpeggio,hammer-ons,pull-offs,slides, some string skips.Try using this example to make up your own lines. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 17 : Shred Country-Fusion Lick

This example uses notes from B Dorian and B minor pentatonic and illustrates an interesting combination of some country-vibe phrases with chromatic legato lines, sweep picked extended arpeggios and position shifts.This lick involves hybrid picking and string skipping. Try to experiment with your own playing. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 18 : Two Handed Tapping

This example shows a line(very reminiscent of T J Helmerich) based on E Aeolian scale, performed using eight-finger tapping technique. It utilizes a hammer-on from nowhere in the middle of the group of notes played by the right hand.The lick ends with a bend,when you're bending make sure holding the position of the right hand, motioning the bend with your left hand. This line is played over a chord progression,the result is pretty nice(I think). I would suggest to isolate each of the three octaves, and practice them individually.Try to focus on accuracy and getting an even volume from all the notes. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 19 : Jazzy Line

This example is based around C Dorian scale with some chromatic passing tones . It includes hammer-ons and pull-offs, slides,sweep -picked arpeggios. Watch out for the rests in Bars 2 and 3,make sure you cut the notes off to keep the stops tight. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB

Lesson 20 : Combining Rhythm & Lead Guitar

Here is an example that combines rhythm and lead guitar parts, based around D Aeolian except Bar 2 which contains a Dorian/Blues scale phrase and the final chord Ebmaj7sus2 from D Phrygian .This example utilizes D drop tuning and includes position shifts,some sliding octave shapes and tapping runs.In Bar 2 I use my middle finger but feel free to experiment different approaches. Try to focus on timing and dynamics. > DOWNLOAD POWERTAB