LESSONS INTRODUCTION
Jason Sidwell discusses the contents of this month’s broad range of lessons.
It’s with sadness that we announce this issue is the last to feature Shaun Baxter for the foreseeable future, as he focuses on new projects and a new album. Having been involved with GT since almost the beginning in the mid 90s, his influence on several generations of guitarists is immeasurable. Not only for technique and vocabulary but also about processes to cultivate creativity and individuality. To sum up his affect on rock guitar development around the world through GT is almost impossible, but it has undoubtedly been unique. We hope to have him return but for now, on behalf of the whole GT team, thanks for your articles, inspiration and creativity, Shaun. As well as enjoying Shaun’s final article (on mixed intervals), we have lashings of tuition spread across blues, rock, jazz, funk, Pentatonics, riffs and arpeggiating. If you’ve the time and desire, we’ve got enough woodshed fuel to keep you going strong. Want funk? Try out my Rhythm Roost - Swinging! which features cleantoned funky double-stops. 30-Minute Lickbag is popular for bite-sized ideas that are fun for technique and theory fans. Beano album period Eric Clapton is one of the most iconic moments in all of guitar music; learn two stylistic solos that are evocatively 60s infused from this icon. Melodic rockers Styx are the focus of rock - powerchords, string bends and pull-offs galore! Joe Satriani is highlighted in Charlie’s Shred - picking, tapping and legato fans will love this. While GT is full of outstanding tutors, it’s always nice to be joined by a legend; Mike
Stern finishes his four-part series on exotic scales with Whole-Tone phrasing. Stunning stuff! Britrock considers Two Door Cinema Club, an eclectic and fascinating Northern Irish trio with great guitar playing. Finally, we welcome Andy Jones on board with a new series, Them Changes. With a knowing title, Andy will be considering lots of colourful ways of applying scales to chords that will have you standing apart from your peers. Until the next issue, keep happy, keep listening and keep playing!