How to Play Beginner Lead Guitar in TEN BASIC MOVES!

[@pradeepkumar800]

After learning the minor pentatonic scales i had nowhere to go.This lesson showed me the way. Thanks for it.

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

That was the whole point of the lesson - so I'm glad it worked out the way we planned! Cheers, jb

[@jeezez666]

I'm always amazed when I read the comments. All these negative comments from these "advanced" guitar heroes. Here's some advice to you: Be thankful for the free lesson and shut the ef up. I've never met an arrogant guitar player in real life, and by guitar player I mean someone that can actually play, there's simply no need for arrogance and showing off. Mediocre and worse, that's when they get cocky and loudmouthed. Anyway, thx Jim for the helpful lesson !

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Thank you. You, sir (or madam), are my hero. :)

[@buddyhay6701]

Frr

[@CallMeSethler]

Yeah, like you know what you're talking about.

[@Pelllaw26]

amonte10 i agree with you. this is free lessons for people and it was really useful for me learning since im learning guitar self taught so these are another way or asking for help. it was helpful and im sure it helped other people out too.

[@PutItAway101]

amonte10 Yeah, I don't get all the exaggerated moaning about being down half a step. He's just demonstrating the physical moves, he's not asking you to play along with him at the same time. There's no "here's some chords, play this over it" and no count-ins so you start playing the licks at the same time. You watch what he's doing, and do the same moves on your own guitar, whatever it's tuned to. The difference would only bother people with perfect pitch, and someone with perfect pitch isn't going to be watching a beginner lesson.

[@tomrp9815]

Thanks for the lesson. For all the guys who thought that sweep picking and legato passages with string skipping etc...would be taught it was labeled clearly as basic moves as opposed to phrases or licks. He broke it down to a very simple fundamental set of ideas to help novices get started with pentatonic leads and more advanced players get the opportunity to analyze some of their own more complicated work and break it down into extremely teachable segments. In the beginning he prefaced his lesson by saying that these 10 moves are not comprehensive. The point is that armed with a handful of 2-4 note sequences almost anyone can learn to play lead guitar. It's nice that there are people who take the time to actually teach as opposed to many videos called lessons that are basically footage of a guy tearing it up on the fret board without explaining how a seemingly complex lead passage is really an amalgamation of simple licks cleverly sequenced and played with good Dynamos (ie pick attack), subtle nuances such as legato, staccato, vibrato and good note choice properly timed otherwise know as phrasing. If all complicated solos were presented in chunks and students were patient and did not move onto the next passage until mastering the first passage, we would have much better players out there. If somebody showed me this seemingly fundamental lead learning system, I would have been much better off.

[@Jackg1949]

I teach guitar to returning vets with PTSD, this is a very clean lesson that my guys can get. Thank you for what you do! Can't believe some of the things people write. I'm 67 a Vietnam vet and would of given anything for access to what is available online today. I tuned my guitar with a tuning fork, which most young players wouldn't know what to do with it. And if anyone does not like what I just wrote save your comment for someone that gives a shit...Jack

[@abapple2]

As a school teacher , I find Jim has a refreshing approach to imparting knowledge. He gives the chapter, not the whole book, as some do. He is to the point and notice how he slows down the riff. Love the way he accentuates the target note which gives the riff its finality. Furthermore , notice the selfless way he makes an effort to respond to comments. I have played the scale boxes for years and they are beneficial but after this lesson the boxes are now singing a new song ! We have lift off !

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Anthony, thanks for the defense! However I don't pay any mind to someone who's mean-spirited. The internet (and world) is full of trolls. You and I will just keep working, keep our eye on the prize, and let dudes like this keep noodling away and helping no one in the process. Rock on - jb

[@abapple2]

Jim Bowley Yep Jim, I'd rather be in the race finishing strong than in the Grandstand as a spectator ! What guitar u playing ? Essentially , what sound u pumping out ? Sounds good to me . Keep up the good work !

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

anthony barnes I'm playing a PRS DGT (David Grissom Trem) model. The amp is a simple Roland Cube 30, which I use for lessons. Thanks for your support!

[@abapple2]

Jim Bowley All good as I have the same amp and have some Suhr guitars with incredible pups. Thanks so much for your generous time.

[@horsepowerslave1]

Jim Bowley

[@coconutmwb63]

Jim I have been playing for about 7 years now and I like the way you simplified such an easy way to run a scale like a pro. The up-close shots are great and I am always wanting to see someone else's version of these moves. Thank for the video and keep up the good work there are those of us out here that appreciate when someone takes their time to show us moves that will help us be better at our playing.

[@michaelfields2943]

Everyone was a beginner once upon a time (for those who forgot that). Picasso was asked "how do I become a great painter ?" , he replied, grow a beard and wait for it to turn grey. These techniques are useful and if incorporated with some barre chords and distortion or whatever can lead to some fun for some people and inspire them to further their musical education (Tony Iommi for example) can easily be seen employing all this clearly and in a musical context, Don't take your abilities for granted !. My son loved to play guitar more than anything but at age 21 lost that ability to a fire that crippled his hands, just one sat morning the house was on fire. Share your gift and let the music do the talking.

[@6672rock]

Putting all those licks together sounded like something Brian May would play -- a very bluesy and melodic solo. Those are some great foundations from which to create an assortment of awesome licks!

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Love Brian May - glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigfatfword7777]

Jim Bowley Hell yeah Brian May is boss

[@gcf7175]

Do you make any guitar moves videos where you show off like how to do spin kicks and splits and where you like jump over the pyrotechnics with the sparks flying off in super slo mo? because those are the moves I need.

[@TragiicMagiic]

2:40 for the actual lesson

[@horsepowerslave1]

thank you for sharing your time in effort to help a human being learn guitar. I have NEVER seen so many ungrateful arrogant sarcastic etc. comments on 1 lesson >so far

[@paulschedler]

I'm one of those guys who's played music since childhood, can really play guitar at an advanced level, and I'll tell you, arrogance is an ugly thing! I avoid it in favor of humility for my gift, and positive energy toward ANYONE wanting to learn! I've taught for 30 plus years, I can execute fast complicated moves, have a personal style etc... but at the end of the day, who really gives a crap?! My joy is in sharing it. Sure, some guys who claim to "play guitar" maybe can't make the claim next to the likes of Van Halen, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen and so on, but they have just as much right to play just the way they can play!! I'll NEVER think "I'm all that", because there's ALWAYS going to be someone better! I think the video needs to show the student the picking hand as well, meant with all due respect to Jim Bowley. Thanks for carrying the torch!

[@jimdownie671]

Nice humble response. Well said!

[@gordonbrace2173]

What can I say! you are trying to help everyone so keep it up.

[@mikylafreeland6808]

I'm a young guitar player and this video really helped me to break down the moves to make my own solo. Thanks so much. Its hard to find a video that sections it ;)

[@trubblebehind8653]

I've played for 35 years and this is a great lesson. Great Job Jim! Why did I watch it? Just to see if I missed something over the years. If you can play with other musicians and apply these lessons, that is best after self-practice. I would say try these moves over a 'basic blues', even if you are not a blues musician.

[@dczysz2]

+Trubble Behind Funny. I watched it for the same reason. I use every one of those riffs without thinking about it. So I think I am going to make them into a warm up-practice thing. Block and tackle. Stick with the fundamentals and you can do anything.

[@trubblebehind8653]

Sure Enuff!

[@dougmitch3333]

finally! close up camera, thank you. repeat (3) times is puuuurfect :)) brilliant analysis of 10 basic moves, clear as can be, your speaking voice is excellent, I hear, feel enthusiasm in your voice/heart. Give us more Mr. Jim. Thank you for providing :)

[@azharsofjan9181]

This was the first I watched 6 years ago for my introduction to lead guitar playing. I can't thank you enough for how well practicing these licks over and over again in my bedroom solidified my foundation. I never knew how far this would get me but knowing my skills now, all I can say is I just love how I can freely express myself with the instrument. I hope you read this Jim, much love dude! ❤

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Ashar, this is so great to hear! Please message me through my site so we can continue this convo - I've got some questions for you. 😊www.jimbowley.com

[@azharsofjan9181]

@@JimBowleyGuitar Sure! 😎

[@alwilson1974]

I can hardly wait to see what I get.

[@BigKyleTX]

As an intermediate guitar player working on my soloing vocabulary, this video has helped tremendously. I thank you for your time and efforts, Jim. Much appreciation!

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Glad the video was helpful - rock on. :)

[@jredmond01]

Thanks. I've played for 40 year, and am an accomplished folk and Travis picker. But I want to fool around with electric/lead. I like this approach because it builds the key skills with a great exercise for the techniques when all strung together. Cheers,

[@pnxparth]

Sir, I can't thank you enough for pointing out these fundamental and crucial moves that comprehend in making guitar licks!

[@somsaksomprasong583]

Nobody has ever shown the basic finger movements on guitar like yours before. All they did was showing their soloing which was pretty fast and hard to follow for a new beginner. Thank you so much for helping make my day!

[@juanjuarez7289]

Thanks Jim, I learned to play with a little help from a friend who didn;t know the scales but had a good ear for learning popular music. I feel your lessons will help me understand why some ending riffs don't sound well/JJ

[@FreshBagelz]

I have been playing for about a year and a half now and I have seen lots of online lessons, and I must say, you sir are one of the best and most clear teachers I have seen.

[@mutant2962]

Clear, concise, one of the best lessons I can remember seeing, thank you.

[@mystikhatton5580]

I'm a beginner at the guitar and I have to say this has help me come a long way I appreciate the help and thank you

[@psydogmusic2922]

Studied electric guitar a while ago and love the way how you explained these techniques, thumbs up!

[@Fake_Jesus]

Good. Basics are always a good thing.

[@chandananilhandalugoda6496]

I am lead player tough I am consulting engineer by profession. I have seen many guitar lessons, but never came across such a important and superb starter for the lead lick. Thank you so much for the grate lesson. Chandana Dalugoda from Sri Lanka

[@markwellman4530]

Remember, we were all beginners st some time and what Jim has done here is give the beginner tools to start soloing. AS one improves they will start to identify harmony within these tools and extend the concepts. Becoming proficient is an evolution as well as hours of study, practice and experimentation. Thanks Jim for your work.

[@James57AOL]

Thanks for allowing readers the ability to comprehend endlessly the information defining the specifics in POSITION and Fret relatve to meaning for guitarist searching for upgrades in their interests and abilities

[@jetwoman10001]

Great approach. Starting with fundamentals and building from there makes all the sense in the world.

[@Gigi-il4uo]

nice, I'll put video as one of my favorites, I w learn them step by step. I'm late in playing, at my age but I enjoy coming home from work and play every day.

[@vhpconsulting]

I appreciate the lesson very much. These are the letters in the alphabet, then you use them to write words and later sentences. Do not pay attention to the negative comments. This lesson really helped me break through playing some good licks and basic solos,I will build upon from here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us less versatile players.

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

I did not need a lesson but this man is spot on. They are definitely the building blocks of lead guitar but I would like to add this - you can apply these methods to power chords too as well as hitting two strings simultaneously instead of one to write songs. Most of the best rock songs were done that way. And please search my name for guitar videos and you can see this in action.

[@jtystowe1149]

Jim, great job. I'm also a teacher. I'll be sending people your way now that I'm no longer able to. I was sold when I heard the bends to pitch. What a great easy to understand video. Thank you for keeping our passion alive.

[@James57AOL]

I apologize to Jim for taking up a lot of space but his lesson is that important because its very useful to all guitarists

[@smoggyama]

The lesson is what it is. Re-shoot it in standard tuning.Keep up the good work!

[@iceandhotwax]

I have been playing for 26 years and this is one of the very best beginners lesson I have seen, I like to check these out to see all the crap i got wrong before the internet days...lol thank you

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words and glad you liked it!

[@bobbeckey6941]

Jim Bowley come on dude stop writing your own comments. It's pretty obvious. that's what your doing.

[@iceandhotwax]

My name is tony york and I certainly wtite for my self and if you dont think so, you are mistaken, and more likely a troll

[@bobbeckey6941]

iceandhotwax so what exactly did you learn or see that made this video so revealing. cause i missed it.

[@iceandhotwax]

it showed 10 things a beginner could learn in a few minutes and use every day, I didnt say it revealed a thing

[@tomcopeland8340]

Jim, This is 10 great building blocks for playing lead lines and showing how less is more. thanks

[@lordejaicon2287]

I think its possible to think that it is useful when you are starting playing guitar it's nice to hear it!

[@SammyBones]

Good video. I want to add that a guitar that has the action set up on it is easier to play leads on. A lot of beginners are not aware of the difference in a good set up. #guitartech

[@iwansevana6284]

Thank you. I've got something the most benefits on my exercise.

[@TheJblack57]

I love your 10 moves, thanks!

[@Godskingdomwithin]

Now this is the way to teach electric guitar, for dummies like me! It remind me a bit of box blues. Thanks I'll be checking out your other updates!

[@raeliron2407]

i was an acoustic guitar for a couple of months now and my uncle got me an electric,thanks for the tutorial😊

[@markdenzilfinnerty6453]

I like it, short and easy to play. Thanks .

[@ervinchafin334]

One of the best tips I have ever had.

[@davehinton6404]

Hello Jim. I’m just beginning to learn lead guitar. I was playing the bass for awhile but since I’ve gone back to electric guitar and I’m really enjoying your lessons. Thanks Jim

[@peterolobe2063]

Am a beginner and have searched the web, but I think this is for me so will try to start here..Thamks alot..

[@gcf7175]

Great lesson! I subbed and I've practicing like CRAZY! I've been lifting weights for almost 3 years without much luck. I'm confident that with these moves playing the guitar is gonna get me laid me for sure. Thanks again.

[@friedrichkustaa9489]

Thank you for your excellent lesson on lead guitar soloing. This is one of the best guitar soloing lessons that I have seen in years. You slowly teach each of the ten sections of soloing that you put together after you first showed how all those parts sound together at the beginning of the lesson. Then, at the end of your lesson, you demonstrate again how the ten sections of soloing that you just taught should be played together. That is a much better way than the guitar teachers who teach components of soloing so fast to intimidated the beginner students. Then, they claim that they cannot play any of their guitar lessons slow, and beginner students should figure their playing by themselves. Your style represents the best way soloing should be taught in my opinion.

[@thathandleistakentrythisone]

I like how he strung them all together. Very well organized, well broken down, quick and very good lesson.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Thank you.

[@Geotubest]

Yes, a lot of intermediate/advanced players take this stuff for granted. For a beginner's tutorial this was excellent and often overlooked in lessons by others. I say Well Done.

[@aa64912]

I started playing in 1963. No way I’m a guitar god. But I’ve heard those who are say that you need to learn every day and every one can teach you something. There are things to learn in these lessons. Wish we would have had these when I was starting out. I teach guitar now, for free, and I learn from my students. You can learn from these videos

[@mattporter6128]

Great lesson Jim, very useful. I'm also enjoying exploring your website. Many thanks

[@robertgoodwinr6523]

Thank you posting Jim. I will be working on this. Greatly appreciate

[@youtube.comArthurJames]

Great Basic riffs that make it great for young players. Only thing tune in so they can play along and develop a ear .. great job

[@iteachmusicorg6525]

You are our Hero ... Thx for the Lesson ... !

[@Funkussionist]

This would have been useful to me when I started learning back in 1986. I learnt from listening to songs and copying what the musicians did. Students now only need to search the internet and find quality, free lessons for their level of skill. So easy!

[@wannabscene]

What an awesome lesson. You just really opened a door for me. Thanks for the great job.

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Thanks, Kevin - much appreciated!

[@nlonguk]

Basically these 10 moves are the core skills that all beginners must master before moving forward... Thanks for your vid.

[@Herfinnur]

Lesson starts at 2:37 for those who are too impatient/enthusiastic

[@samsonsunday9813]

+Herfinnur Árnafjall Why did I find your comment after watching the video.

[@relentlessmadman]

+Samson Sunday I like to read the commnents first on youtube saves a lot of time sometimes. Impatients is my Name Hate tv adverts INsult my intellegence. the preroll on most movies are allmost always to long and most youtube poster like to talke aabout nothing forever befor they get to the point..

[@williamdavis2687]

thanks so much for this video it really helped give more direction to my soloing! you rock that 1/2 step tuning thing did confuse me a little though

[@Alchemist3333]

I will use these moves as a warm/up and practice the routine, they will help with my phrasing! Many thanks!

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

You just gained another subscriber. I've had a few guitar teachers over the years, and they all told me,"Just learn some blues licks." None of them broke it down this clearly and simply. This really helped, and I'm looking forward ton learning more with your lessons. Thanks!

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it and got some good information. Rock on!

[@bryanchadwell3385]

I've been playing for a while...this is quick, to the point and solid info. It's hard to get good lead advice from a simplified perspective and this guy nailed it on the head, thank you.

[@michaelp7000]

Just turning my attention to lead, and struggled to find a way to start other than scales and boxes. These tips have made learning lead fun, as it should be! Thanks so much!

[@boblonghurst5111]

Thanks Jim. I'm probably classed as third rate player, so anything I learn from these video tutorials only helps to make me think I'm improving.

[@frankyspats]

great way of thinking about it - linking together smaller moves - thank you

[@antoniogil5156]

Excellent! Good stuff to practice my scales!

[@edwardpuddy4793]

I like the lesson. I am a beginner at 62 years of age. I have practiced the Pentatonic scale and i can do pull offs and bends but this is the first i heard of the finger roll. I tried to watch how you did it but i was good just to figure out when you did the pull offs. I just ordered a thing so i can mount my phone right on the guitar so i can just look down at it while i pick. Should help me a lot when learning off a video.

[@MrMuleA]

the best lesson i ever seen. able to see your fingers clearly, and what you are doing. i will have to look at some of your other videos. i hope they will be just as good.. thank you!!!!

[@TheRagnarok5000]

Just found this. Pure gold. Thank you.

[@45rpm5]

Seems so simple yet when they are placed together it creates interesting variations. Thinking about it as style element segments that are unique is very useful.

[@BogWraith1]

Thanks Jim, it's great to see these basic movements up close. There are so many great teachers and accompanying videos on You Tube, but these techniques are not always covered in this up close and highlighted way. Thanks again, it is much appreciated my friend!

[@The1GIZZIE]

No doubt those 10 moves ARE part of the secret to lead guitar, A+ lesson!

[@OTCRock4one]

Great introduction and easy to follow lesson! I'm a Rock and Metal guitarist, however some of these licks/moves can be used as Blues licks as well. Many younger guitarist nowadays learn by tab or by ear and are like robots spitting out and (over-using) scales and sweeping arpeggios but they don't have feeling, emotion or most importantly melody when they solo. Every Metal/Rock guitarist should first take some time learning the Blues which in-turn would greatly increase their soloing...

[@trampguitars]

Thank you for giving your time and knowledge, so that people can learn guitar for FREE.

[@00Mickx]

I wish I had that lesson long long ago . . thx for posting

[@Dracula_sb]

This was super helpful. I could do all of these and now it makes a whole lot more sense. I will apply these all. Thanks!

[@rmatrix4777]

This is an awesome Vid. Sounded like Jimmy Page, then ended up like Leslie West! Real, original Rock'n Roll stuff here. Thank you. I will be looking into your lessons! Fantastic!

[@nerenahd]

Man, this is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I can do some basic solos using all 5 positions, hitting all roots, IVs and Vs on a 12 Bar Blues, but I still lack these building blocks. This is perfect for me. Can't thank you enough. Cheers from Brazil.

[@slashusr]

Thanks, Jim! Been a fingerstyle & rhythm guitarist for almost 50 years so I'm familiar with hammer-ons, pull-offs, bending, and rolling; but I am finally getting into playing lead and this is right helpful. Color me subscribed!

[@thejrfanclub628]

i've heard a lot of this in especially classical music from the 70's and now its beginning to put lead playing into a better perspective for me, thanks.

[@Picklesaregreen101]

zifee mayne ...Classical music from the 70's? 1870?

[@thejrfanclub628]

1970's????

[@thejrfanclub628]

60s-70s are classical ask anyone born in those times since you seem so confused.

[@Picklesaregreen101]

What are you smoking? The classical period of music is from 1750 to 1830, so what you are describing is not, in fact, classical.

[@thejrfanclub628]

Ever heard of Classic Rewind? or are you really that uneducated?

[@4406bbldb]

pluck pluck, twang twang I've got so much more to work on. thanks for the lesson, I've got to stop by your website,too.

[@taura101]

Good lesson Jim. Great reminders. I think my 11 year old students are going to find these moves to be all cool on their own.

[@anilgonsalves]

You make it look so simple. Thanks

[@paulharris8551]

nice concise presentation with good camerawork. Thanks!

[@femalone860]

You're a legend, that was a great lesson!

[@jackstrawfromwichita5016]

Fantastic! Who would hate on that?

[@1SimpleLife]

Thank you for taking the time to make this useful video. I find the techniques shown here easy to follow regardless of the different tuning on my guitar. I'm sure others must have found this lesson useful as well.

[@eagyl56]

thank you for taking your time out to help us chord playing fumblers learn some lead

[@richardhelliwell1210]

it's so easy to play these but so effective when strung together! Excellent video!

[@dixee6498]

That finger roll technique has eluded me for quite some time. Thank you for showing us this and the free lesson Jim. Keep up the great work! 😀

[@eddiestclair-im5wm]

Thanks for taking the time to record the lesson! I like the sound of the Paul Reed Smith you played, and the licks will help me to improve my soloing technique.

[@osirissalgado6689]

Its funny how I knew these moves and I also play the minor pentatonic scale a lot but never added all of the moves together.This video just helped me put more spice into my solo.Thanks.

[@JimBowleyGuitar]

Glad it helped - cheers!

[@auss1eman]

Thanks Jim. Really great lesson this is.

[@James57AOL]

For armstrat. One of the many things to learn for guitarist new and old. to tune the guitar to one another. This alone demonstrates a willingness to accept reasonable and responsible effort to one another that you chose to take time with especially when you can rewind at will a lesson till you grasp it, starting on any note he plays and tuning your That your personal efforts in reading or hearing it was a half step lower meant you understand enough to attempt to tune your guitar to his, starting on any note he plays and mathing tone to one you identify on his guitar aind tuning yours relative to that note gives you another piece to the endless lessons of mastering the guitar or Look up relatve tuning for guitar to aid you