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Stormy Monday Guitar Lesson

In this comprehensive video lesson, virtuoso guitarist Guthrie Govan dives deep into The Allman Brothers' classic, “Stormy Monday.” Known for its rich blend of blues phrasing, jazz-inspired chords, and soulful feel, this tutorial breaks down the song’s intricate guitar work, paying special attention to Duane Allman’s signature style. Guthrie walks you through both rhythm and lead parts, focusing on the delicate balance between expressive phrasing and fluid improvisation that makes this track timeless. Rhythm Guitar: Guthrie begins by dissecting the rhythm guitar, highlighting the use of lush, jazz-infused 7th, 9th, and 13th chords. You’ll learn how to master these colourful voicings that form the backbone of the song, and explore how they create a dynamic harmonic foundation. Govan also discusses the subtle nuances of timing, accent placement, and the blues shuffle feel that gives “Stormy Monday” its smooth, laid-back groove. Lead Guitar: Moving into the lead section, Guthrie expertly breaks down Duane Allman’s powerful and melodic soloing style. You’ll discover how Allman weaves minor pentatonic scales with major pentatonic and mixolydian flavours, delivering those iconic blues bends and slides with finesse. Guthrie shares invaluable tips on vibrato control and slide guitar techniques that are essential to capturing the song’s emotional depth. As always, Guthrie Govan emphasises the importance of feel and dynamics throughout, showing how subtle variations in attack and tone can bring the music to life. Whether you're a blues enthusiast or looking to add more sophistication to your playing, this tutorial will guide you through the finer details of one of the greatest blues standards in rock history.