In this lesson, we’ll take a closer look at how the I, IV, and V chords are built from the major scale — and why they’re so important to slide guitar (and most Western music). We’ll break down the intervals that create these chords, use the key of D as a practical example, and map them onto the fretboard using open tuning. If you’ve ever wondered how to connect theory to what you’re playing, this is the bridge that makes it all click.
In this lesson, we’ll explore the I–IV–V chord relationship — a cornerstone of blues and slide guitar. You’ll learn how to find these chords quickly on the fretboard using intervals rather than memorized notes, and we’ll walk through how to slide into each one cleanly in open tuning. This gives you the foundation for playing full progressions and unlocking countless jam possibilities.
In this lesson, we’ll look at how to set up your guitar for better slide performance — covering things like string gauge, action height, and how different guitars and pickups affect your tone. We’ll also explore which finger to use for your slide, how to control string noise with proper muting, and how to find a setup that works for your playing style. It’s all about finding the sweet spot between comfort and sound.
In this lesson, Colin breaks down two of the most important tunings for slide guitar — Open D and Open E. You’ll learn not just how to tune your guitar to each, but why these tunings work so well for slide. Colin explains the note layout, the theory behind the tuning, how to reference standard tuning for comparison, and why understanding intervals like whole steps and half steps is essential. He also shares his personal recommendation for chromatic tuners and how to tune accurately every time.
In this first lesson, Colin walks you through the essentials of getting started with slide guitar — beginning with a discussion on the different types of slides and how to choose the right one for your playing style. From glass to brass to bottlenecks and even beer bottles, you’ll learn what makes each material unique, how finger choice affects your control, and why there’s no single “right” way to play slide — just what works best for you. A great foundation before diving into technique or tuning.
This is where you take everything you’ve learned — scales, riffs, techniques, and feel — and use it to create your own solo that flows naturally over the progression.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to blend all your tools into a solo that sounds authentic and personal
✅ Tips for structuring your solo so it builds and resolves with impact
✅ How to keep experimenting, refining, and growing your soloing skills
By the end of this section, you won’t just know what to play — you’ll know how to play it in a way that’s expressive, confident, and uniquely yours.
Jam Track:
Time to spice up your solos! In this section, you’ll learn how to add tension, flavor, and that unmistakable blues sound using chromatic passing notes and the classic flat 5 “blues note.”
You’ll learn:
✅ How to use the flat 5 to add bite without losing the groove
✅ Where chromatic passing notes fit naturally into your phrases
✅ How to emphasize tension and resolve it for that true blues feel
These ideas give your solos the edge and emotion that make listeners’ ears perk up — it’s the secret sauce of great blues guitar.
Jam Track:
Now it all comes together. In this section, you’ll see how to take the riffs, scales, and techniques you’ve learned and start crafting a complete, expressive solo.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to shape a solo with a beginning, middle, and end
✅ How to leave space and use dynamics so your solo breathes
✅ How to connect riffs with scale runs and target strong notes at the right moments
This is where you stop thinking “parts” and start playing music — crafting solos that tell a story from start to finish.
Jam Track:
This is where your solo gains personality. In this section, you’ll learn how to add expression and fluidity with techniques that make your playing sing.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to use hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth, connected phrases
✅ Where slides fit naturally into your riffs to create that vocal, bluesy feel
✅ How to combine these techniques with your scales for endless creative possibilities
These tools help you move beyond just playing the right notes — now you’re shaping a solo that feels good.
Jam Track:
With the scales under your fingers, it’s time to turn them into music. This section teaches you the essential riffs and techniques that form the heart of a soulful blues solo.
You’ll learn:
✅ Classic string bends that give your solos emotion and voice
✅ Simple, powerful note groupings you can shape into countless licks
✅ How to experiment with timing and phrasing so every riff sounds like your own
This is where your solo starts to take shape — not by memorizing licks, but by building your own sound from timeless blues ingredients.
Jam Track:
Now that you know the progression, it’s time to explore the scales that will fuel your solo. In this section, you’ll lock down the core patterns that let you solo with confidence — no more getting stuck in one spot!
You’ll learn:
✅ The A minor pentatonic and how to make it your go-to safe zone
✅ The 3-position “climb” scale that opens up the fretboard
✅ How to practice these scales musically over the loop — not just as boring exercises
This is where you start connecting the dots, so your fingers and ears work together when it’s time to play.
Jam Track:
Before you can build a great solo, you need to understand what you’re soloing over. In this section, you’ll lock in the classic chord progression that forms the backbone of your solo — inspired by Ain’t No Sunshine.
✅ The progression:
A minor → E minor → G major → A minor (played twice)
E minor (or E minor 7) → D minor (bridge-style lift)
✅ What you’ll learn:
This is where your journey starts — with a solid, musical foundation that makes everything that follows feel natural.
Here’s the jam track to play along with: