Learn to Play Chuck Berry Volume 2

There's a reason why the legendary John Lennon once said, "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'". In this second volume of "Learn to Play Chuck Berry,", taught by Lee Hodgson, we delve deeper into the distinct styles, techniques, and unique elements that make Berry's compositions timeless classics in rock and roll history. We will journey through six of his legendary songs, each carrying its signature guitar craftsmanship and melodic ingenuity.

Thirty Days (To Come Back Home)

The song begins with Berry's iconic guitar intro, a showcase of powerful double-stops that weave a rich tapestry of sound. The song's structure is predominantly based on the 12-bar blues progression, a fundamental element in many of Berry's compositions. A blend of major pentatonic and blues scales underline the song's licks, providing a resonant foundation that combines well with Berry's rhythm guitar technique.

Around and Around

"Around and Around" features Berry's prominent usage of power-chords that lend the song a strong, driving rhythm. The primary scales at play here are the A Major and A minor pentatonic scales, offering a fascinating mix of both happy and melancholic tones. The guitar solo uses these scales to construct melodies that convey a potent sense of yearning and celebration.

Sweet Little Rock and Roller

This song highlights the syncopated rhythms, a mainstay in Berry's repertoire. It utilizes a combination of open-string riffs and double-stops, creating a lively rhythmic pattern that drives the song. The pentatonic minor scale lends a bluesy feel to the song, while the use of chord progressions throughout the verses accentuates Berry's innovative rhythm guitar work.

School Days

The song's hook is the boogie-style riff, played using a dominant 7th chord structure. The clever use of the slides technique on the pentatonic scale creates a groove that's both catchy and danceable. The guitar solo in this song stands out for its fluidity and expressiveness, demonstrating Berry's mastery over blending melody with rhythm.

Route 66

"Route 66" presents us with a perfect example of Berry's blues influence. The song is in a 12-bar blues format, with a progression that's both simple yet engaging. The melody lines are based on the blues scale, with elements of major pentatonic thrown in for good measure. The solos are a mix of the two, often blurring the line between major and minor tones to create a rich, emotional landscape.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man

An upbeat number, "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" has a rockabilly feel to it. The song employs Berry's staple power-chord rhythm and uses a mix of major and minor pentatonic scales for its melody lines. The solo is a roller coaster of bends and double-stops, demonstrating Berry's expert ability to craft solos that are both melodic and technically complex.

Chuck Berry: The Lead Guitarist

Chuck Berry was not just a pioneer of rock and roll music; he was an innovator of the electric guitar. His unique approach to rhythm guitar, his inventive use of double-stops, and his masterful blend of blues and major pentatonic scales laid the foundation for the modern rock and roll sound. His solos, often based on a call-and-response format, combined technical prowess with a keen sense of melody.

From his bluesy bends to his groundbreaking two-string unison licks, Berry's style was truly his own. His contributions to rock music, and guitar playing in general, cannot be overstated. His melodies are catchy and his rhythm guitar work is intricate, making his songs not just enjoyable to listen to, but also deeply rewarding to play.

The "Learn to Play Chuck Berry Volume 2" course is designed to help you grasp and master these unique elements. The lessons dissect each song meticulously, covering everything from the key, scales, and chord progressions used, to the intricate details of the lead guitar parts.

Whether you're a budding guitarist looking to understand the foundations of rock and roll, or an experienced player aiming to add new techniques to your arsenal, "Learn to Play Chuck Berry Volume 2" is a rich resource that will enhance your playing and deepen your appreciation for one of rock and roll's most influential figures.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Double-stops
• Power-chords
• Slides
• Open-string riffs

The brilliance of Chuck Berry's music lies not just in its catchy rhythms and melodic hooks, but also in its underpinning guitar technique. This course aims to demystify those techniques, offering comprehensive lessons that will sharpen your skills and broaden your musical vocabulary.