Description
To celebrate this week’s 200th episode (EP200), I wanted to create something big. I considered my options for an “epic” lesson this week and decided it would be much better to create a whole new section of the website to address smaller chunks of guitar information that I can share each week! I’m calling these new lessons “MicroLessons”, just think of them as bite-sized lessons. I will continue to create the in-depth lessons each Friday, but these MicroLessons will now be offered on Tuesdays in addition. Here’s the link to the new MicroLessons section.
Introducing MicroLessons
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Well Congratualtions Brian “00 up JophnStrat
Wow I checked out the 12 micro lessons and they are awesome ! Also I think it’s not only fantastic that you started these on line lessons ( thanks for making it more about theory ) I think it will be and is informative and rewarding for all levels of guitar players because like you said in a previous lesson ” you never stop learning ” and one thing I learnt was just because I am turning 70 this year I can still play up to speed with most of your lessons ! I skipp around a lot when I get bored with the theory but I keep going back and learning stuff from your beginners course !
So great Big ” Congratulations ” on an excellent job and 200 lessons of hard work ! We appreciate you , your time and effort ! Keep up the great work
I am very happy about the micro lessons. I never really lived up to your very appreciated but anyhow very demanding lessons.
regards
Helmut
Brian
Been with you- for must be 6 of those years and watched the evolution of the site .
Can,t express my gratitude for the joy your efforts have given over this time -I need to put on a jamming track and go for a little journey every now and again
-lots of Brian licks flow in different keys and tempos -I couldn,t do this 6 years ago .
cheers greg
Willunga south australia
Wow, 6 years… man if I had a trophy I’d give it to you! Thanks Willunga
What he said,
Thanks Brian. Started with you some 5 years ago and you made me the awesome 66-years old blues guitar player I am today! Forever gratefull.
Well, I see that I’m not the only senior on the site now. Pierre you’re only 66…I got almost a 2 years on you. I’ll be 68 in August. Still playing though and singing a little. Not as much as I used to though. Anyway, you have a great day.
I’ve been following since January. I love this site. Thank you!
Fantastic idea! Been a member a few months and this is an awesome service!
Thank you back!! you are a fantastic teacher, so thank so much.
Greetings from Yorkshire, England.
Congrats Brian on reaching 200 episodes! Here’s to another 200 !!! Kind regards, Happy Easter to you and your family and thank you for all your inspiration.
Phil Holding
Great work Brian; You can be proud of that. Congratulations, happy Easter and continued success.
Hi Brian, Cheers to the 200. I look forward to the next 200. You are awesome.
The Ancient Bluesman
Well congratulations Brian200 up. JohnStrat
The link to the micro lessons,and with the expanded explanatory versions is a great addition. We shall all enjoy the extra Tuesday goodie.
Congratulations Brian on EP200! Love the lessons and the site, the forum and your way of teaching….love the new feature and wish you all the best and continued success!!
Roberto
Congratulations Brian and Thank You, too. You have created what must be one of the best guitar sites on the web – and it keeps getting better. The micro lesson section plus the extended versions are a huge thing, because it allows scholars with a little less time at their hands to add increments to their toolbox. And as we know increments add up over time. Thanks again and Happy Eastern to all fellow AMers.
Brian,
Congratulations on reaching this 200 lesson milestone! My guitar playing has really improved since I found your site and that’s a testament to your natural teaching skills and the great variety of lessons that you offer.
Love the micro lessons which I found on Facebook one day and now that it’s integrated with the AM site it’s so easy to tap into these terrific lessons.
Happy Easter/Passover to you and your family and a special hello to Arlo !
Tim
Hi Brian, Congratulations. on what you accomplished ! I learnt so much and you provided so much motivation along the way. You made it easy and somewhat challenging. A fine balance. Looking forward to what the next 100 lessons will bring ! Happy Easter from Down Under.
MicroChill, Checked out the micro lessons and I feel the presentation is much too frenetic. I realize the goal is a one minute limit but calm down and you can still meet that target. Perhaps reduce the amount of words. Relax so I don’t have to look over my shoulder every 10 seconds to see if someone is chasing me.
Joe, that’s why I included the extended version for each of them.
Very cool I now noticed the xt versions, thanks
Congrats Brian on 200 lessons (plus the early LEGs and Courses).
You’ve got a quality service and a loyal community here.
I know I’ve benefitted greatly from my membership here.
Well done.
200 not out what an innings keep it up mate great site great teacher
Thank you Brian! Can’t say that enough. Your lessons have made us all better players and this site is the best. Hope to be here for the next 200!
Mike
Congratulations, Brian, on having reached 200 lessons and having an entire community salivating for more – me included.
Brian, I want to say THANK YOU for the 200 lessons !!
The quality of information you bring us with the lessons is top notch .
Thank you for all the effort you put not only into the lessons but into US . 🙂
Gary Q
Woodstock,GA
Well done, Brian. All your effort makes such a difference.
Congratulations and what a good idea on your 200th lesson. The micro lessons are so useful. This means I have something to look forward to twice a week now. I have just started my fourth year as a premium member and just want to say thank you for all the hard work you have done over the years.
Congrats on all your success with this online jouney. Awesome new update! I’ll be here for another two hundred! You’ve really helped me overcome a long plateau in my playing. Friday’s mean a little more to me now. For that I thank you… Cheers!
Well done on reaching the 200 Brian
I like the idea of the micro lessons. I really enjoyed a short lesson you once did (think you were moving house at the time?). It was a simple acoustic blues turnaround in A but it was cool and I used to end up playing it a lot. I cant find it now feel free to recycle it .
Fantastic!!! Congrats on the big 200. Really looking forward to the micro lessons because I don’t always have time to sit down for a full lesson.
Way to go, Brian! These MicroLessons are a stroke of genius! Self-contained little nuggets that you can dig into at any time–and learn quickly! I’ve listened to all twelve, and all sound great. They don’t seem rushed at all to me–prefect presentation speed.
So, even if even if you don’t have time to learn a regular (big) lesson consistently, you can always fall back on these MicroLessons and keep advancing. Already for me, this is a much appreciated new feature. Have an extra half-hour or hour of spare time and want to learn something new that sounds cool and is self-contained, then go to MicroLessons!!
sciencefiction
These micro-lessons are a superb idea. I’m sure you will receive many, many good suggestions for topics.
Dan
Congrats to you Brian on #200. I remember when I found your site and it was just me searching on you tube , took a listen, liked what you said and played and have been a happy member since. Even as i am in my “golden years” you’ve given me a renewed excitement to continue this life long venture, learning to play guitar. All the best to you!
Brian, I watch all your micro lessons if I know already or not, you are gifted as a great instructor and player cause I go back and some before your site! ..wish I joined premium years before I followed you but eventually did and unlike other guitar instructional sites, I stay because you have in fact kept me interested as well as having fun as a premium member.. Happy Easter , and keep doing it only if you enjoy ,,hoping you continue and grow,, i think you deserve it by just watching each week what you share with us! Blessings to you and your family!
Congratulations on the 200th. episode Brian. It is a great achievement. And thank you for your effort and dedication and for being such a pivotal part of our guitar playing journey. The new MicroLessons are the bee’s knees.
Cheers,
Rick
Congratulations on 200 lessons! I’ve said it before, but you are THE best guitar instructor I’ve ever had. I appreciate your words of encouragement, your teaching style, your skill at imparting clues, hints, and instruction on what at first seem like well nigh impossible techniques on the guitar. Thank you so much for helping me to unlock the many wonderful secrets of the guitar. You’ve helped me to become a far more accomplished guitarists than I ever would have thought possible.
Brian, thank you for sharing your musicianship in a very friendly format.
Do you have any recordings for sale ?
I like em!
..especially the turn around in E, with the double stop..I have been working on that double stop from another lesson
Brian
Congratulations on 200 lessons. May there be many, many more. You have made great difference in my playing. The mini-lessons are a wonderful addition.
All the best from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Proud member Brian. Thanks for everything.
Just want to echo everyone’s support. Congrats and Thank you. You have changed my guitar life in my quality of play and my quantity of playing time. And that my friend changes every other aspect of my life for the best. Thanks again.
Thank you so much, you have made it possible for me to take my guitar playing to another level with your fantastic lessons, interesting. I think of Bach with his music writing pieces like you write for guitar. You are gifted! Thanks.
Brain HAPPY 200 you rock, hey man you have really made a difference in my playing (huge I’ve learned more from you than several live teachers) but you know as you said in your video this week, seems like more than just online guitar lessons. I really look forward to your regular Friday lessons.. and those lessons and this whole site really helps me deal with a confused hectic world.
Brian, thanks so much for your great lessons. I’m a country music guy first, but I always find something I can use in every lesson regardless of the style. I just checked out the new micro lessons and think they are going to be a real kick! I have really enjoyed being an Active Melody member. Thanks again.
Greetings from Perth Western Australia. Congratulations on the 200 Brian. Thoroughly enjoyed being in the activemelody family. Your lessons are consistently fantastic with a great mix of theory thrown in. Keep on keeping on ! Bryn
Hi Brian, Gongratulations!!! And Thank’s for the good lessons!!
Greeting Paul from Greece!
Thank you from Spain, Brian. Thanks for your classes and for the incredible way of teaching. Thanks to you I finish each day repeating your chords, improvising my own and waiting for the next Friday to check what different idea I will have for my weekend! Thanks.
Hi Brian. Congratulations on your 200th lesson. I have learnt an enormous amount from them. Many thanks for your help and inspiration. Best wishes to you, your family, and all members of the Active Melody community. Paul.
congratulations Brian ,200 great lessons and by far the best teacher and website..Thanks a lot for the good work you’ve an inspiration to us aii.Happy Easter to you and your family.
Hallo Brain,
meinen Glückwunsch zum Jubiläum. Wunderbare 200 Lexionen haben mir viel Spaß gebracht und
mein Gitarrenspiel entscheidend weitergebracht. Freue mich jeden Samstag auf die neue Lexion.
Alles Gute und
noch viele gute Einfälle
Rolf
Congratulations on reaching 200 lessons Brian, I have not long joined but can already see that Active Melody is just perfect for me. I am really thrilled to belong to the family now and have a lot of catching up to do. Happy Easter!
200 lessons !!!!
congratulations Brian,
I think you are a great an inspiring teacher,
happy eastern to you and you family, and your little dog
Luc
Great Job Brian, Your method of teaching is inspiring. I have learned more from you in the last 6 weeks than in my previous 2 years. I am so very glad I found your site.
Congratulations on Number 200. I recommend you to all my friends.
Rick from Canada
Congratulations an continued Success , I love your lessons an they have helped me a lot .
I think we can congratulate ourselves for having such a brilliant guitar teacher. Thank you, Brain!
Thanks Brian. I am blessed and proud to have been part of the family for a number of years now. You get a lot out of this because you give so much to it. God bless you. Keep up the good work
Brian – Congratulations from Surrey, England on reaching this fantastic milestone. I look forward to your lessons every week and they are keeping me busy and making a great difference to my playing. It never ceases to amaze me how you manage to come up with a new lesson idea every week. Well done and good luck for the future of Active Melody!!
Hello Brian,
Congratulations on EP200, and for all the inspiration and encouragement coming through your lessons. Happy Easter to you and your family !
I love your lessons, and they have really made a great difference to my guitar playing. Looking forward to another 200 awesome guitar lessons.
Greetings from Austria,
Andreas
Never saw a quicker bit of instruction in my life, and I used to teach the nuances of the Shakespearean sonnet form in exactly 42 minutes. You are a great teacher.
Sorry to be the downer here ,but not a big fan.
way too frenetic to get into, too many ideas too fast, too much out of context for me .
But hey I got 200 lessons to play with so not bad , Congrats on a successful site otherwise.
jean-louis
Jean-Louis – did you check out the extended version of each? They are slower, and more relaxed – 3 – 5 minutes … and I’ve included the tab PDF file and the on-screen tab viewer. Maybe you missed that?
Brian, congratulations on 200 !!! Greetings from The Netherlands Europe.
Congratulations Brian on EP200! Looking forward to at least 200 more. Your awesome brother, Active Melody has made picking up the guitar fun again so thank you for that.
These micro lessons seem a really good idea, Brian, so well done. Don’t work too hard and burn yourself out though!
Congrats on the 200th EP Brian!! Really happy to be part of the community, the micro lessons are great, thank you for all you do!
Scott
Congratulations on the 200th EPisode. That is a major milestone. – especially considering the amount of competition that exists, in all forms and formats, out there. I actually believe that YOU are the competition that others need to worry about.
I also very much appreciate the addition of your micro-lessons. I have gotten into a couple of them so far and am glad to see that my membership provides a bit more detail.
Brian- Congratulations in reaching EP200.. The simplicity of your lessons is second to none. You certainly inspired me and no doubt many many more guitar enthusiasts. Your micro lessons are absolutely amazing. Many thanks. Wishing you and family a wonderful Easter.
Kim
I like the micro lessons. Especially the expansion for each lesson
congratulations on EP200. I have viewed and learned something from everyone.
200 is a huge contribution congratulations !
Hi Brian, Thanks for this new section.I suggested that you do this on your Facebook page so .I am very pleased as I forget about which ones I have seen and which ones I have gone through.
They are so useful.
Wow Brian! Thank you for all your obviously hard work and dedication. I look forward to each week. The take aways have really made a difference for me.
Well Done , YOUR a GREAT TEACHER .
Thx Brian, I really enjoy your lessons and how you teach them. Just came home from touring the southern states and made a final stop in Nashville and had a great time. What a fantastic city. Stopped in at Carters vintage guitars I could of spent all day there.
Robert
This is so cool Brian ! Congratulations !!
Appreciate all you do Brian for those like us who love the guitar and love music! This seems so natural for you, but may I ask….is this your day job? What did you do before?
It is indeed my day job – I worked in marketing before this for a few different companies
congrats and tks for the mini lessons as well as the through regular lessons, even though can’t play worth a darn I have learned a lot
Thanks for all your lessons, Brian. And I’m glad you’re growing back the beard. We all need more beards in this world.
G/day from Downunder, Brian,
Just like everyone else, I want to offer my sincere appreciation for all that you do week in, week out.
For myself, I have been able to pick up so much stuff(Nuggets) that I’ve never known before, and the really great thing is that I now pick up a guitar and take time to play almost every day.
I get so much satisfaction and enjoyment from all of this, and it’s very much from your motivation, your knowledge and ability as a player/tutor that I’m at where I’m at.
So big thanks from me, thanks for the new mini lessons, great work on the 200 milestone, and long may it continue coz I’m along for the ride.
Thanks again, mate!
Michael J.
Leave it to you to come up with the perfect compliment to the EP series. Very well conceived…..Bite sized gems without the commitment of a full EP. Splendid!! I love the concept!!
Congrats on #200…..I can’t begin to describe how positive an effect ActiveMelody has had on my level of interest as well as on my level of playing. Be proud. You’ve earned the right.
Keep em coming…. 😉
Marty
Congratulation Brian for this goal of EP200, now let’s go to EP300, I´ll be with you. THANK YOU !!!!!!!!
Awesome job with all you have done
Hands down AM is my go to place to learn and enjoy the community of musicians. Thank you for all you do and for the addition of micro lessons
This is such an awesome idea, I love the weekly videos but have been stressing to keep up and have found myself skipping through them looking for the little nuggets I can use to help advance my playing. I think having access to these micro lessons will help take some of the pressure off and allow me to progress at my own pace.
Thanks again – this site, community and the amazing content is really helping me out.
Congratulations Brian. Here’s to 300! Thanks for all your work.
Micro lesson idea is great.
Richard
Congrats Brain on the 200, wish i had been here since the start but never to late. my playing has done a 100% turn around. i am not very fast at learning but i am learning…..Thx, Happy Easter to you and your family. be Blessed be safe….
Hello Brian
Congratulations on reaching 200 an Amazing achievement you can just see on the many Comments already in appreciation of just the amount of people
You have helped over the years with your teachings you have helped me Develop my Blues playing so much
You have created a Wonderful site and Wonderful Community!I havent Been involved as Much over the last 5 months due to Family Illness but still been enjoying your lessons and following the topics in the Forum I Wonder if Bryce could fit in a Weekly Micro Lesson Challenge 😉 Could be a bit of Fun
Best wishes my Friend
and THANK YOU !!!!!Barry
Congrats on 200 lessons Brian! I know I’ve learned an enormous amount from you and can say without a shred of doubt that without Active Melody I’d still be stuck in ‘eternal noodling’ mode. Your lessons and your teaching style really are a cut or two above the vast majority of stuff online, which, no doubt, accounts for your success.
So congrats again and I’m looking forward to the next 200.
John
Ditto to all the other congratulations on the 200 milestone! Fun stuff for sure.
Watched most of the micro lessons too. Great idea. One request though is that in the extended version you could walk through the count of lick. I can mostly figure them out from the tab, but feel it would help as you walk through (I suppose it might extend this version slightly). Thanks.
Arnold M.
Alberta, Canada
Congrats Brian on reaching No. 200 (let’s not forget the others blues lessons too on the front page). I am so glad I found your site just over 2 years ago. Let’s hope that you will create many many lessons to come, as interesting as the previous ones.
J
Brian, your creativity and vision on presenting instructional lessons that are learnable and pleasing is superior to almost all others. Thanks, Elliott
Joining the chorus, MicroLessons are mighty fine. Only thing small about them is the package, and (probably repeating a dozen previous comments) good things come in small packages.
The blues rhythm was something I already play in a slightly different form, but it was good to see the natural 7 in the lead-up, something I had reservations about.
Congrats, Brian. I got back into playin guitar about 4 yrs. ago, after 20 yrs. I found your site to be the best out there. The way you show things and the tools on here are awesome. I’ve learned lots. Thanks again.
200 is amazing. Thank you for such cool melodies and these 1 minute lessons are great.
Rick
Congrats on 200 Brian! I checked these out and have an extremely positive reaction to what you’ve done. It’s useful, fun and doesn’t take much time to get the hang of it. I will be greatly looking forward to checking out the future ones!
Hi Brian, Hi five for reaching the ep 200 lesson! congratulations and thanks very much for all your inspiring lessons.
what a good idea those micro lessons
warm spring greetings from the Netherlands
Martin
Hi Brian,
I like this micro concept. I think I first signed up with you about 4 years ago?
I had a 1979 Gibson 335 clone and promised myself if I stuck it out a year I would buy a Fender.
Thanks, you have cost me lots of $ 😉 – A Fender Stratocaster, KRK Monitors, Apple Mac, Logic and Line 6 etc.
I knew little more than a chord back then but now I solo with ease.
I like learning little bits, putting them together and coming up with my own compositions.
I never thought I could play Clapton solos and now I can.
Cheers,
JazzySammy
Thank you Brian. Your work helps us make our dreams become true.
Big congratulations Brian, You should be very proud of yourself! I started my business in 2000 and to watch your business steadily grow over the years is very rewarding. Your methods and website are just awesome and I thank you so much for getting me this far, onward and upwards, cheers Phil
Brian
brilliant idea for the micro lessons, haven`t done much over the winter because we have been doing a lot of travelling, including Tennessee ( think I just missed you in Starbucks ha ha )so this gives me a great chance to do some catch up, and could I ask for a couple of them on connecting licks between positions please, keep up the great work and congratulations.
regards
Allan
Congrats, Brian!
I’ve been on board since 2010. Really like your teaching style, and the blend of theory. I especially enjoyed the recent Jerry Garcia lesson [hint, hint].
Here’s to the next 200. Cheers!
Joe
Brian, my warmest congratulations and, of course, a deep and heartfelt thanks for all that you do for guitar lovers. I wish you prosperity, successes and happiness! Let your website be a source of inspiration for us, your students!
Congratulations Brian on your 200th ! I joined Active Melody over three years ago and the improvement you have made to my guitar playing has been immeasurable . Thanks a million, for the help and encouragement you have given me through your on line guitar school. Yes, I do feel very much, part of a very big Family. I hope to remain with Active Melody for many, many years to come.
Sincere best wishes. Countryman.
Thanks for the new Microlessons, Brian. I can grab my guitar and do a microlesson before I head off to work in the morning. I’m quite comfortable with the high-speed version, and have no problem following it. Maybe that comes from being a premium member for quite a while.
Keep up the great work, Brian. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me!
Its a great idea the micro lesson, I find it little important building blocks to better guitar skills, techniques and understanding. And its fun, like it.
Great guitar lessons Brian.
Many thanks. George (Nottinghamshire, UK)
Brian,
Congratulations on 200 Lessons! The Micro Lessons are a terrific idea. I appreciate the great work that you continue to produce. I’ve been a premium member for several years and it is a great value. Thanks for doing what you do
Tim
Thanks and congrats. You’ve made me a better guitarist! There is hardly a lesson from you that I pass over. I don’t know how you come up with them but don’t stop!!!
Congratulations on reaching the 200 milestone. An incredible amount of top-notch content that has been invaluable to the guitarist community. Despite all of the work this has entailed, what always comes across is that this is clearly a labor of love for you. And your new micro lessons are just another example of this. Great idea and well done. Don’t ever lose the passion……
Congratulations…200 fantastic stories! Great teacher and wanderfull musics!!! BRAVO!!!
Congratulations Brian !!! I was here on 100, better guitarist on 200. Great work with your lessons, every week ! Microlessons very good idea ! So much to learn, in different ways, with good music ! Thanks ! Bravo from France !!!
200 up ! Well done Brian, a lot of of effort and faith has gone into this site. Been a member now for nearly two years and learn all the time. The best site on the web. Love the micro lessons, a great extra for members. Thank you so much for all you do .
BTW is Dann Sherrill part of your family ?
Best wishes going forwards..
Paul
No relation to Dann Sherrill
Hey Brian!!!
Thank you so much for 200 of great guitar-lessons and hours of fun with my duesenberg 😀 What do you think about a joe bonamossa-style lesson? That would be really hot!
Hope my english is understandable enough 😉
Greetings from germany
Hey Brian
Congrats on 200. You’ve truly have been a blessing and inspiration to this 63 year old guitar player. I’ve learned so much from you. And I look forward to the next 200.
David
Great milestone and the next 200 will be even better. God bless you and your family.
Kc
Hi Brian
Want to add my own congratulations as well for breaking through the 200 barrier. When I rekindled my latest effort to learn the guitar, my ambition was limited to learning to recite a few pieces. I never imagined I’d be able to pick the thing up and improvise on it! Discovering Active Melody changed everything. I’ve learnt so much since becoming a member and more importantly it’s been terrific fun. Still a long way to go for me but now I’ve got the micro lessons which are a great addition to dip into as well as the weekly lessons, so no excuse for not improving 😊
Great stuff!
Andy
Congratulations! I love tuning in every week! Here’s to another 200!!!
I know I don’t get here often enough but man when I do, I sure learn a lot. Thank you so much. Great lessons and I like the micro lessons and the xtended lessons with them. Very helpful. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Brian!
I’ve subscribed to this site for just over a year now and am so thankful to have found it after too many long lost years of not playing guitar since high school. I started playing at 9 years old and by the time I was 13 already won two 1st place (1970 and 1972) and one 2nd place (1971) finish at the Ottawa Music Festival in classical guitar.
Unfortunately, I did not pursue playing since a bit of electric guitar during my teens, however, thanks to an old and close buddy of mine who I had not seen since high school but when reacquainting with a few years ago kicked my ass and told me to pick up the guitar and come out and jam again.
Now at 58 years of age, playiing guitar and coming to this site are what soothe my soul as I battle through some ongoing health issues these past ~3 years…
So glad that I’ve found you Brian. I have learned more from your lessons in the past year than in all of my teens!
Looking forward to what lies ahead but still have so much to absorb from what you’ve already produced…
Brian, thank you so much for your lessons.. This last April i just turned 67 and your lesson help keep my fingers active with new ideas… Now to something I know a little about… I was a news videographer for 35 years.. Whom ever is running your camera is doing a great job… Anyway I am glad I found you and your family site… God Bless to all.
Congratulations Brian on the 200 milestone!
I very much appreciate your musicianship, and your compositions/lessons since
I first found you with your “Blues rhythm and lead guitar lesson” and been a fan ever since.
Best Wishes to you and your family.
Beautiful, I like the heartfelt personal touch you give to each of us!