Ultimate Beginners Rock Guitar Part 1 by Stuart Shields & Nick Jennison

Overview

The "Ultimate Beginners Rock Guitar Part 1" course by Stuart Shields and Nick Jennison is a comprehensive introduction to rock guitar that takes you from the basics to playing iconic rock songs. This course covers essential techniques and provides practical applications through popular rock tracks. Each lesson focuses on building your skills step-by-step, ensuring a solid foundation in rock guitar. Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of each technique covered in this course, along with explanations of their benefits and applications.

Lesson Breakdown

Open E String Technical Warm-Up

This technical warm-up focuses on exercises using the open E string. It helps in developing finger strength, precision, and speed. By starting with the basics, students can build a strong foundation for more complex techniques.

Alice Cooper - Schools Out

Learning "Schools Out" by Alice Cooper introduces you to classic rock riffing. This song uses power chords and syncopated rhythms, helping you master timing and chord changes.

T Rex - 20th Century Boy

"20th Century Boy" by T Rex is perfect for practicing open-string riffs and string bending. These techniques add a dynamic quality to your playing and are essential for rock guitarists.

E String Improvisation

This lesson focuses on improvisation using the E string. It enhances your ability to create solos and riffs on the spot, improving your overall musical creativity and confidence.

Building a C Chord

Building a C chord from scratch teaches you the importance of chord construction. This fundamental skill is crucial for playing countless songs and understanding chord progressions.

Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

"Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon incorporates arpeggiated chord progressions and syncopated rhythms. Learning this song helps you develop smooth transitions between chords and rhythmic precision.

Building B Power & D Major Chords

Learning to construct B power and D major chords expands your chord vocabulary. These chords are staples in rock music, providing a foundation for many popular songs.

Journey - Separate Ways

"Separate Ways" by Journey involves playing octave melodies and power chords. This song helps you practice coordinating both hands and playing with a steady rhythm.

Foo Fighters - The Pretender

"The Pretender" by Foo Fighters focuses on dynamic playing, combining soft verses with powerful choruses. This lesson improves your ability to control volume and intensity in your playing.

B String Improvisation

Improvising on the B string enhances your soloing skills. This practice is crucial for developing fluidity and expressiveness in your lead guitar playing.

AC/DC - Long Way to the Top

Learning "Long Way to the Top" by AC/DC introduces you to bluesy bends and palm-muting. These techniques are essential for creating the distinctive rock sound and controlling the sustain of your notes.

Building a G Chord

Building a G chord is another fundamental lesson that solidifies your understanding of basic chord shapes and their applications in various songs.

Bryan Adams - Summer of 69

"Summer of 69" by Bryan Adams features classic rock chord progressions and syncopated rhythms. Playing this song helps you develop timing and chord-changing skills.

Muse - Supermassive Black Hole

"Supermassive Black Hole" by Muse involves using alternate picking and tremolo picking. These techniques increase your picking speed and accuracy, essential for playing fast rock riffs.

A Minor Improvisation

Improvising in A minor helps you explore the minor scale and develop your soloing abilities. This lesson is vital for creating emotional and expressive solos.

Guns N' Roses - Knocking On Heaven's Door

"Knocking On Heaven's Door" by Guns N' Roses introduces you to double stops and string bending. These techniques add richness and complexity to your playing.

G & F Moveable Chords

Learning G and F moveable chords enhances your ability to play barre chords. These chords are versatile and used in many rock songs, giving you more options for chord voicings.

E Technical Warm-Up - Low Notes

This warm-up focuses on playing low notes on the E string, helping you develop control and precision in the lower register of the guitar.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd uses open-string riffs and arpeggiated chord progressions. This song is excellent for practicing finger-picking and smooth chord transitions.

Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love

"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin incorporates bluesy bends and alternate picking. Learning this song helps you develop a strong rock feel and dynamic picking techniques.

A Minor Solo Session

This session focuses on soloing in A minor, allowing you to apply various techniques learned throughout the course. It helps in building confidence and fluency in your soloing.

Kiss - Rock & Roll All Night

"Rock & Roll All Night" by Kiss features power chords and syncopated rhythms. This song is perfect for practicing energetic and tight rhythm playing.

Performance Context

Seeing the techniques in a performance context is incredibly useful as it demonstrates how these skills are applied in real musical settings. It helps you understand the practical use of each technique and provides inspiration for your own playing. Watching the tutors perform allows you to see the nuances of their technique, from hand positioning to timing, offering a comprehensive learning experience.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Alternate Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Open-String Riffs
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Tremolo Picking

By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient rock guitarist. The "Ultimate Beginners Rock Guitar Part 1" course is designed to provide you with all the tools you need to start your rock guitar journey with confidence.