Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

“Alfie” – Original Acoustic Guitar Composition – Guitar Lesson – EP124

Description

In this acoustic guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a solo guitar composition played with a pick.  The song is titled, “Alfie” after my dear old cat that had to be put to sleep this week.  He was a very faithful companion and followed me everywhere I went.  He would also come sit and listen to the guitar.  I wrote this little melody as a tribute to him.  Godspeed Alfie 🙂

Part 1 (Free Guitar Lesson)

Part 2 (For Premium Members)

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Slow Walk-Through Video (For Premium Members)

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Comments

  1. madams says

    RIP Alfie.

    I have 5 children and have had a myriad of pets including mice, rats, snakes, tarantulas, fish, guinea pigs, chickens and chinchillas. We currently have a hairless cat (coolest animal ever), dog, snake, and hedgehog.

    When we lose a pet, I tell my kids that we will have a zoo waiting for us in heaven 🙂

    Thanks for putting together a great lesson even if your heart understandably isn’t in it this week.

    Michael

  7. jimbostrat says

    Hey Brian………..I just asked for you to re-post one of those videos where Alfie invaded and commanded attention but this is far more super!! I also came up with a (humble opinion here!) fantastic composition myself late last year when I also lost my beautiful Russian Blue and greatest pet cat ever Sasha……in drop D…………which even nearly an entire year later I cannot play without balling…………everyone says they have a favorite pet and Alfie was to you……but Sasha was so cool and so beautiful and so close that she influenced several people to go out and get themselves a Russian Blue kitten (or cat)……..Sasha really and truly came into her own when she stuck to me like glue as I battled cancer most of last year and in a cruel twist……..some power beyond my level of ironic reasoning decided to take her (cancer no less) and I’ve been very saddened……to put it mildly……..ever since……..so I understand better than you can imagine and let me tell you……this is super great therapy for you and a super tribute to your great buddy along with yet another great Active Melody tune for us to get down and under our fingers!! Dogs are OK and we used to even raise them but cats definitely rule……..and I’m absolutely certain you’ll miss the poor little guy forever……..but please adopt another from your local shelter!! It’s almost an unfair balance…….what we all get in return for merely adopting these beautiful pets so please, Brian…..there’s a nice orange tabby (or two??!!) waiting for you at your shelter for you to love equally as much as Alfie plus………..I can think of no better tribute to your great companion than continuing another great life long relationship with a lovable orange (or black or grey or any color combination) bundle of personality plus kitten or cat!!

    Jim C.

  8. rjooss says

    I’ve always had dogs, but I had one dog that followed me everywhere. I had to shoo him when I went into the bathroom! I think he had the gentlest soul of any creature I ever knew. I understand the bond that comes with having, and losing, that kind of friend, Brian. There’s nothing like the faith and trust of a companion like that. I tear up just thinking about it. My thoughts are with you, my friend. Thanks for the lesson, as always.
    Ron

  9. MikeS says

    R.I.P Alfie.

    Thanks for the tune.

    My dogs also curl up with me as I play. My toughest critics, as they leave quickly if I mess up or pick something they do no like.

    Keep up the great lessons.

    Mike S.

  10. CliffordLance says

    This is a beautiful tribute Brian, I could feel your heartache as you played it through at the top of the lesson. It certainly tugged at my heartstrings. One of my cats is on my lap as I write this and he is never far away when he’s awake. I enjoyed seeing Alfie when he would saunter by during a lesson. My sincere condolences and Godspeed Alfie.

  15. JohnStrat says

    Hi Brian, Like all the other folk I am sorry to hear of Alfie’s passing. I am so glad you introduced us to him in that lesson whenever it was. Your tune is a great and no sooner had I listened to it than this acronym suddenly sprang at me out of the blue Alfie…. Acoustic Lesson Forever In Epitaph. A sad time for you and the family I hope this little contribution helps.

  16. squirewire1963 says

    Another TERRIFIC lesson but geez you look sad! Be happy for Alfie having 17 terrific years with someone who cared for her. I know, it is still hard. I hope Alfie bumps into Ruby my German Shepherd up there. I bet they’d be great friends!
    I only checked out the lesson quickly so I didn’t notice but I hope you composed it in the key of A(lfie)!

  18. dfc1015 says

    Brian: Hi. My first post. I’ve been a member for about six months and expect to stay a member for a long time. Just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss. I feel like you are someone whom I’ve gotten to know and enjoy hearing from every week. I just wanted to say hello and I am sorry.

    Thanks for the beautiful melody.

  21. scattercreek says

    Hi Brian,

    I was so sorry to learn of your loss of Alfie. I love the song you wrote as a tribute to him and will think of you and him when I play it. As both a veterinarian and a pet owner, I know only too well the sense of hurt and loss we go through when we must say good bye to a pet. You and Alfie are in the hearts and minds of the members of Active Melody.

    Please accept my condolences. Email me privately if I can help in any way.

    Sincerely,

    Gene

  23. Allan says

    Hello Brian

    First let me say so sorry for your loss we had the privilege of living with a beautiful cat for 16 years (Pepe) and to see all the other messages about there pets was so moving.
    I think your tribute to Alfie is very touching and soulful. But always remember the good times you had with Alfie RIP.
    Take care mate

  24. Kevin GA says

    I got my first pet (dog) very late in life …now don’t know what I’d do without her. This is a beautiful tribute and had a tear in my eye listening to it. Hope the memories of the good times with Alfie help you through your sadness.

  25. SugarmillMan says

    Wonderful, wonderful song Brian. It’s one of your best, but I am sorry for the reason to it.
    My wife and I have two cats and completely understand your family’s loss. Our cats are a part of our family and one of them always comes to listen when I play guitar (even badly).
    We hope you can heal quickly!

    Dan

  27. Michael Allen says

    May fond memories of Alfie bring you peace. You’re a better man than me because the last time I lost a fur buddy I couldn’t hold it together to talk to anyone for at least a week.
    Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication

  28. brian-belsey says

    This is a very effective and touching tribute.

    A thought that helped me deal with the sadness of losing my much-loved cat was that either he had gone to a better place or, if those who believe reality is materialist (which I don’t) are right, or if animals just don’t survive, then he had entirely ceased to exist. Either way, he didn’t need my concern or worry.

  32. DaveS says

    Hi Brian.

    I am really sorry to here about your pet cat Alfie, I know how it feels to lose a beloved pet, not a nice time.
    You have written a lovely piece to honour him, Alfie, R.I.P.
    Love this site Brian, keep up the great work.

  35. Countryman says

    A . really lovely piece of music Brian, in Afie ‘s Memory. So very sad to hear of the loss of your “Pal “. I totally understand your sadness , having had to have my German Shepherd put down, a couple of years ago, after she developed stomach cancer, For thirteen years she was my constant companion , and like your Alfie, wherever I went , she went too. , Countryman.

  38. gbhstrat says

    I also share the same experience with my little dog who passionately sat in my room watching me play for 17 years and I read the other post here and cannot help but feel that heavy heart we have when we lose the ones we love. I kept a little puff of her hair tied to my music pin board that sits in front of my practice area that reminds me of her every day

  39. johnwj67 says

    hi brian,many of us know how you feel for sure and still you managed to get another lesson out, which is way more than i could have done.i had to do the same around three years ago for my dog jini, pet owners can empathise and understand big time i think ,take it easy brian and see you in your next lesson …… john

  40. JDStout says

    Hello Brian,

    I am on e of you faithful followers. Just want to take a moment to let you know my family and I are praying for you and yours. It sounds like “Alfie” was a member of your family and will truly be missed. I/we still have some kitties that we love very much just as our kids, but in the recent past have had to do the same as you.. Two of our kitties lived to 18 years each before we had to act. We miss them dearly but we know they had a great life. Thanks for all you do and making the lessons affordable and interesting.

    Thoughts and Prayers
    Jim in Florida

  46. morph12 says

    Sorry for the loss Brian. Sometimes the thought of the cat and guitar at home is the only thing that gets me through the day!

    Will take the opportunity to say great site, been a member for 12 months or so, and learn something new every lesson.

  50. aptopp says

    Brian
    sorry for your loss
    Nice tribute
    I have my small mini Yorkie ,who always with me home and abroad
    She always curl near me and listen how I play guitar or learning one of your lessons
    Prayers for Alfie
    Alex

  52. XBRXBR says

    Dear Brian, thank you for your amazing educational and fun lessons. I enjoy your choice of material and learn a lot from each. This week I appreciate your lesson in particular, and wish to express my condolences for the loss of Alfie. I understand fully the depth of the experience having to say goodbye to a best friend when time comes. Unfortunately, we had a similar experience; our best companion – 18 years old — the funniest, smartest, trickiest babe in the world left us some time ago. You are an exceptional human when felines invited to share your existence. Ron

  53. jaksno@gmail.com says

    Brian, you’re probably the most ‘real’ person that does online guitar lessons. Thanks for that! As for Mr. Alfie, I’m sure he will continue to be the ‘cat’s pajamas’. Our 2 cats are a tight part of our lives as well.

    Blessings, Jackson

  57. brian-belsey says

    This seems to me to combine so well several contrasting feelings within a simple and compact structure. There’s the unmistakeable pain of loss, but in a controlled and disciplined sort of way, maybe a hint of Alfie’s personality but certainly the affection felt for him. It also falls nicely under the fingers! Brilliant.

  59. frank s says

    Brian,

    This is what I will never understand with music, how on earth do you come up with such a lovely tune?
    It just seems so appropriate as a tribute to your lost buddy, sounds wonderful.

    Frank

  60. bcheong says

    Dear Brian: Thank you so much for sharing your love for Alfie. You are not only a kind person, but also a very talented one! Alfie music is just so good that I can feel the love you have for your animal. May the Lord bless you and yours and thanks again for teaching such a beautiful loving piece of music.
    Bernhard Cheong.

  66. SULASAILOR says

    Brian,

    I lost my beautiful springer spaniel some years ago, I felt so much grief and sadness. I too wrote a song , for Purdie in this case, it really helped me get over the loss of a constant companion of 14 years and seems to be a tribute to her memory whenever I play that tune.

    Robert

  67. Alfred Dowaliby says

    Brian,

    So sorry to hear you lost your wonderful companion, Alfie. When I learned of this, it brought tears to my eyes because recently, I lost my best friend, Bucala (yes a cat!) She brought so much love and joy into my life for many years.

    A very nice creative tune, cleanly played, and beautiful a beautiful guitar tone.

    I hope one day we will be reunited with our dear feline friends!

    Alfred

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