Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Delta Blues Guitar Composition Played Using Hybrid Picking – Acoustic Blues Guitar Lesson EP323

Description

In this week’s guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to use the hybrid picking technique to play a delta blues style composition on acoustic guitar. Lots of classic Robert Johnson style licks in this one, AND you can play it by yourself. If you’re already a fingerstyle player, I’ll show you how to easily adapt this hybrid technique so that you can play it without using a pick.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walkthrough

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

    • wrightclick says

      tip : practice little but often i find lots of small sessions are more rewarding than one big marathon that way there is no time for weariness and frustration to creep in .I broke this down into chunks pushing a bit further ahead every time . I found 4 or 5 15 min sessions a day was better than 1.5 hrs all in . Above all patience and perseverance is what you need. I’d practice 15 mins then go and do a chore or something to break the cycle and couldn’t wait to pick the guitar up again .

  8. John B says

    Great Brian, I’m a huge Robert Johnson fan. More sophisticated lead in and a wonderful turn around. Lots of your licks in there to make me get out of my comfort zone. Thanks. Love Fridays. ha ha

  9. Cezary B says

    Great lesson! I see a lot of positive comments about the background, but I feel completely otherwise. The white background is a lot better for what you trying to do – that is teach us how to play a guitar 🙂 The white background allows better concentration on the content of a lesson (this is scientifically proven). Also (this is just my opinion) white background is more classy and was a factor that differentiated you from other YouTube teachers. Anyone that will watch at least one of your lesson will know that you know your thing 🙂 you don’t need fancy background for that. I’ve just prolonged my membership for next year and I know that you helped me tremendously in improving my guitar, thank you! Please consider going back to the white background 🙂

  10. Phil B says

    Love the song but quite sad that I’ll have little chance to practise it since I’m off to Greece for two weeks tomorrow. The RCA Victor dog that was mentioned in an earlier comment was actually part of the HMV ( His Master’s Voice) record label here in the U.K.

  11. smilefred says

    Awesome awesome lesson !! full of great takeaways as always BTW Lately I’ve been thinking that you as teacher made along way in these last years . I mean early lessons are great as well but your teaching is getting better and better. Personally I love your explanations about what’s behind chords or how melody develops. ..I love this new friendly enviroment .in my opinion you did a great job..light, amps and the dog are very cool
    Ale

  12. Richard G says

    A great basic Delta Blues lesson Brian, the new background is certainly a great improvement with interesting artefacts but the lighting is still subtle on the eye and not distracting to the lesson. Congratulations to the designer.

    • sunburst says

      Seamus my old hound dog ( Seamus is the tune off the Meddle album) anyway this reminded me of this song “Seamus”… another terrific tune follows off this old pink floyd album is San Tropez.. You may or may not have listened but I have the CD in my truck listening while driving soon upstate.

  18. sciencefiction says

    Fantastic lesson, Brian. First Delta Blues for me I remember in Key of A (most for me in Key of E). Intro (very beginning) reminds me of EP134, first lesson I ever posted. I think this will be the next acoustic lesson I learn.
    New background looks great also.
    Larry

  20. Raymond P says

    Great lesson Brian, I always love the detailed explanations you give us on how you create the various guitar licks. You always keep each lesson entertaining and very informative.

    Now on the new background, it’s nice but maybe a little bit too busy. But more importantly when it comes to watching your keyboard fingering, I found this week’s lesson a little too dark which made the fret board images not as easy to observe. I also compared several screen shots of last weeks lesson, EP322, to this week’s lesson, EP323 and find that EP322 was much easier to see your finger placement on the fret board probably due to brighter lighting. So if I may suggest, you might want to consider increasing the lighting on the fret board shots.

    As always, thank you for your wonderful lessons.

    Ray P

  22. coreyman97 says

    Brian-
    Truly enjoy your lessons that both challenge and inspire me. I love this delta hybrid tune. What really keeps me coming back are the many different styles you share each week. It keeps it interesting for those of us who love so many styles of guitar. Thanks for all.
    Corey

  23. Doxey K says

    The background looks fine. Whatever you need to do to make it good and fresh for you, so you keep doing this. I don’t like the sound though. Sounds like you’re in a cave. I mean, you know more about sound than I do but seems like a lapel mic should fix.

  24. Mike R says

    Brian, Thanks for another great lesson. I like the new background but I also did not mind the other backgrounds. I am not distracted by anything in the background. As long as your more comfortable I think the lesson comes across better. Like the chair without arms your in.

  25. Don B says

    Great lesson would like more of the same. Personally, I like the dark background and dark shirt approach, especially on closeups. It focuses on the guitar, your fingering, and no brighter subject to distract you. But, I will stay with you no matter which background you choose. I’m here for these great
    lessons. Thank you.

  26. Jacob G says

    Hi Brian, First of all just:
    Thank you very much !! (so many great and inspiring lessons, your approach to teach, your way to detailing,… really great)
    Your latest idea of changing and creating some life in the background seems like a small, nice cherry on the top.
    Please go on.
    If I had one wish, it would be a simple text mentioning the equipment your are using.
    I know Active Melody is not about your gear.
    But the sound is often closely related to the music/music style in your lessons. And the sound is given by the gear.
    No matter what – Thanks a lot!

  29. Glenn says

    My preference would be for the natural, open background used in the micro lessons, with your pug on the couch. I find the brick wall a little distracting in a Count Of Monte Christo sort of way. Something a little more open might be better. I am very glad you want to make yourself more comfortable, however. Whatever you do, please don’t go back to the flat background. Too Tony Robbins. I love the lesson, but I have to take a break and concentrate of lessons not yet perfected. Thank you Brian.

  33. Steven B says

    As always exactly what we are looking for from your loyal followers.
    Seeing the gear you use just adds to the experience. It’ll keep you fit changing it around!
    And you could explain your thoughts on how you use different gear to get the right sound.
    Your’e going to have to keep doing this forever!!

  35. DerekBlue says

    You’ll never please everyone with the background, but honestly, it doesn’t matter one bit to me. I am always focused on what you are teaching. As long as nothing is moving in the background and you are comfortable, then it’s all good. I do love the RCA “His Master’s Voice” dog. My grandfather had one just like it that passed to my father and I am sure will sit in my house one day. The reel to reel, component electronics and vinyl are a nice nostalgic touch. Seems fitting for blues instruction if you ask me.

    Over the years of instruction, I seem to have gravitated to the Delta blues lessons above all. Thanks for this one!

    Brad aka Derek Blue

    • Kendrick L says

      Hi Brian,
      Just love this Delta Blues composition.
      Hope to have it down in a few days after hearing it for the first time today. This is my kind of music, the type to play on the Back Porch alone with an acoustic guitar just letting the time go by and happily engrossed in a world of my own.
      Please can you post more of this great music on your Website so that those of us who love it can have the opportunity to have more in our repertoire to enjoy playing.
      Best wish,
      Ken

  39. Buster89 says

    This lesson the best Robert Johnson style so far for me. Very, very nice tribute ! I just cannot stop playing it. Many thanks Brian for throwing those at times. I find it easier to play without the pick though. Am fine with backdrop but I think camera angle should be slightly lower. Cheers.

  40. JoLa says

    You know what, Brian? I just LOVE all you do – no matter what background. Your lessons have got me playing guitar and music has become a big part of my life now for which I am so grateful! 🥰 I would love your lessons just the same whether you filmed them in the kitchen, studio or out on the porch. Some people like the new look, some like the old look, but it’s all good to me 🙂
    And oh yeah, thanks for this super cool Delta blues lesson!

  41. Laurel C says

    Sure, with the new background the eyes take a wonder around the room and focuses on the brightness of the brick wall but after a time its back to business. Besides, the guitar close-ups are still there when it is necessary to focus on the ‘how to do it’. But whatever you tweek on the visual layout of the room pales in comparison to the excellent teaching and compositions you give week in and week out. As long as you are in the room and comfortable then it is all good.

  44. Vorocnan says

    Hi Brian great composition and lesson, the background is nice but I found the level of light on the guitar and fingers a bit too low the slow playback video appeared to have a bit more light..

  47. Ray B says

    Where’s Arlo gonna sleep? Haha! Can you make the RCA dog snore in the background?

    The lessons are always great , and that’s what matters most. The backgrounds are fun to switch up from time to time. My favorite is your family room with the sofa , musical instruments, old school stereo and victrola in the background. It’s personal that way. It makes you seem like a normal guy that I could be friends with. Too bad we live so far apart, or maybe we could have been. That’s one ting I really enjoy about your lessons. It often feels like a live conversation to me. Another outtake video would be fun someday. That really endeared me to you. It’s nice to know you are human and drop your pick and get frustrated like the rest of us. Your lessons exude empathy. Thank you.

  50. Thomas G says

    The background is great it just needs to be lighter and you need to be more center and not have the words over your playing when you play the whole thing at the beginning. I reference the beginning part for when I want to learn it over the backing track that’s why I want to see it clearly. Of course all of this is just my opinion. Thanks

  53. David G says

    Oh, man, Brian – this is another hit. I’m still working my way through the last few. Been busy at work, so not much free time. Looking forward to retirement. People ask, what will you do with all that time?! I’ll answer “Active Melody”. LOL.

  54. JohnStrat says

    Hi Brian
    This is a great lesson musically you nail it every week with some thing of great instructional use and great to learn.

    I am for the plain backgrounds. I can see that most replies here seem to like the new set up but I believe the technical points made by Cezary hold up. I was attracted to your sight originally by the fact that it looked very professional to my way of thinking it stuck out. This is more casual and fulfills your goal but I am not sure that should be your objective. Sitting comfortably is certainly important for you so how about trying you more relaxed seating with the plain backgrounds?
    What ever you do I don’t see me being put off AM because your content is so good but for professionalism I vote a plain backdrop. You seemed to be almost unique in that aspect and stood out because of it compared with many of the messes that one can see pushed up on YOUTube. I think it does lower the profile slightly for the new browser to pick up upon. Any way that is all conjecture and opinion. I hope it helps and keep up the wonderful creativity.
    JohnStrat

  55. Dana C says

    Love your new setting! Very nice! And so is this lesson, although it may be a little out of my league. But I’ll give it a try and see how it goes. Thank you for ALL your great lessons!

  56. John T says

    Hi Brian. Just a question on what you have found to be an ergonomic seat/stool when you play. I’ve tried a high stool with a small base and it really was uncomfortable. I’ve resorted to an ordinary chair for now but is there something you recommend?
    Thx. Awesome Lesson 318 by the way.

  59. Wheelman says

    Brian,

    I always like a new Johnson style lesson and I like the way you mix it up with the styles!

    Since you asked…The new background is nice but i find that expanse of light over your left shoulder somewhat distracting visually. I like the victor dog , the record rack, the Kemper and collection of gear in the background. In general very pleasant with the one lighting exception. Having said that, never had a problem before! just kinda felt invited into your living room…
    which was also nice!

    Good work all around!

  60. Wheelman says

    I have been going through the slow walk through and it is a bit hard to see what all the left hand is doing! Nice view of the right though. A split view on that slow walk through would be a nice upgrade…

  61. William P says

    Hey Brian,

    Being a native of Memphis I have always been partial to the delta blues (the “Crossroads” just south of here) and of course the Stax sound. EP323 is right on. I also very much like the new background…It’s a good visual.

  63. stephen a says

    Hi Brian. Last night I tried playing this in open G (capo on fret 2) and it was both fun and a struggle. Since delta blues is often slide and/or open tuning, how about a new lesson that takes two previous lessons (maybe this one and something that works in open D) and showing us how to transpose them to an open tuning. Thanks.

    Like a few others, I found the light distracting. Otherwise, it is your home/studio in which I am the guest, so mainly make sure it works to inspire your creative juices.

  64. Henry G says

    Well done, as always, Brian. Musically unrelated comment, but I liked the light reflection….sorta’ gives the background a bit of an Impressionistic painting visual, hehe!

    Musical question: how does one print a pdf for the transcription? I see where there is a place to click for a pdf of the tablature, but would prefer the notation transcription/tab. Maybe I missed something, bit it that possible?

    Thanks.

  66. mritalian says

    Hi Brian, Another awesome lesson, Nice place you have setup, kinda of retro thing going on. I think everyone in the community really likes the lessons and the new background. Keep up the great work, Another satisfied customer.

  68. Peter B says

    Another great song Brian. I like to play this kind of music with an on the beat bass. The background is great too. Much easier on the eyes as I spend a lot of time on the PC leaning these songs.

  69. luis Sabbag Mambrini says

    who doesn’t love to learn and play delta blues ? it’s a beautiful tune but I do really think you should try to be slower and more accurate in the explanation of what happens on the down strings (bass) and the up strings (melody) . The Easy Fingerstyle Blues Composition – EP319 and this one takes much more effort from us due to the lack of a better explanation like on all the other lessons you have . I thank you a LOT for all your effort to make us a better player , but please you’ll be perfect if you just improve on that .

  71. Phip says

    Enjoying the new lesson / challenge! Thanks.

    The background: I just want it to be authentic, a place where you do music (and I learn about music and a musician, you). If this is where you practice, jam, write . . . Then I’m happy. Everybody comfortable? 🙂

  73. Rob W says

    Hi Brian,

    Another really good acoustic blues lesson.

    A couple of comments:
    I like the background. It’s fine that you think of it as a work in progress. It makes the learning experience more personal.

    It was was hard to hear the bass in some sections and it was unclear to me if you ever used the 6th string E of if you were on the 5th string A most of the time.

    Thanks again.

  77. David G says

    Brian: love the background. It brings back memories. From 1969 to 1972 I was stationed in northern Japan. The reel-to-reel tape deck in the background brings it back (mine was an Akai 280-D). The amp to your right (screen left) is also reminiscent of my Sansui Seven. All you need is a Dual 1219 turntable and a couple of AR 2ax speakers in the background and I’d be home again.

    Oh, and LOVE the delta blues too.

  78. Russ H says

    Brian. you posted on a James Burton lesson that you had purchased a small fender blues amp that you liked. I cant find that post but am looking for a new small blues amp. Could yu let me know what that amp was. Thanks. Russ I am working hard on 323 but have had to improvise a bit on the hybrid picking. But I am learning a lot and its coming along.

  79. Stefan F says

    Hi Brian,

    thanks so much. This is my very first piece of Delta Blues/w Hybrid Picking. I mastered it 85 %.
    So how can I increase from here, what do you suggest? I wanna learn all that fingerstyle stuff.

    Best wishes from Berlin, Germany
    Stefan

  80. john p says

    Your delta sound the best. I learn everything you put out there. Ive finally achieved composing my own because of all the detail you give during your tutorials. I wish i could express to you all the things ive learned from you. Thank you Brian. I leave positive comments on your youtube feeds hoping it helps you with business.

  82. Don R says

    Tab is incorrect on 5th measure. Shows hammer on B string instead of high E. A couple of others mentioned this as well. I do love the challenge this piece presents for me around picking and timing.

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