Learn To Play The Ventures

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

The Ventures, a seminal force in the surf rock genre, have left an indelible mark on the world of music, particularly with their innovative guitar melodies and rhythms. Known for their distinctive, infectious tunes, mastering The Ventures' tracks can be both a fulfilling challenge and an exciting journey into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll guitar. Our product, "Learn To Play The Ventures," offers comprehensive guitar lessons for some of the band's most iconic songs. Dive into the intricacies of these classic tracks, understand the unique scales utilized, analyze the captivating solos, and appreciate the lead guitarist's invaluable contributions. These guitar lessons are taught by Lee Hodgson.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Walk Dont Run 

Wild And Wooly 

Hawaii Five-O 

Wipe Out 

Perfidia

Lesson Performance Notes

Walk, Don't Run

"Walk, Don't Run," a classic that propelled The Ventures to stardom, is an essential track for aspiring guitarists. The song is based around a catchy melody line played in the key of C major, making extensive use of the major scale. The lead guitar plays a clean, arpeggiated pattern, providing a perfect exercise for players looking to improve their finger dexterity and timing. The solo section maintains the song’s upbeat tempo and incorporates a mix of the C major and A minor pentatonic scales, offering a blend of melodic playing and fast-paced rock phrasing.

Wild And Wooly

Another standout track, "Wild And Wooly," showcases the band's ability to merge raw energy with precise musicianship. This track, played in the key of E minor, utilizes the E minor pentatonic scale and demonstrates how effective dynamic playing can be. The lead guitar part is particularly aggressive, with rapid alternate picking and extensive use of double-stops to create a dense, rich sound. The solo section is a high-energy display of technical skill, incorporating fast legato runs and vibrato that make the notes sing.

Hawaii Five-O

The theme of "Hawaii Five-O" is instantly recognizable, with its catchy melody and rich, full chords. Played in the key of G major, it primarily uses the G major scale. The lead guitar part uses staccato picking to punctuate the melody and chord stabs, adding to the song's driving rhythm. The solo is a showcase of melodic playing, utilizing the scale to its fullest by creating a memorable, singable lead that complements the rhythm section.

Wipe Out

"Wipe Out" stands as a testament to the rhythmic prowess of The Ventures. Centered around a fast, repeating E minor riff, the song is an exercise in building and releasing tension. The lead guitar follows the E minor pentatonic scale, providing a frenetic, high-energy performance that relies on rapid alternate picking and tight timing. The solo uses call and response, a technique that highlights the band's tight-knit dynamic.

Perfidia

"Perfidia" slows things down with a Latin-inspired feel. The song, in the key of D minor, makes extensive use of the D minor scale. The lead guitar part is expressive, with a heavy emphasis on vibrato and legato playing to bring out the melody's emotive qualities. The solo is a blend of melody and technique, with trills, rapid runs, and carefully timed bends that express the song's longing and passion.

The Lead Guitarist's Contribution

The lead guitarist of The Ventures, Nokie Edwards, was instrumental in defining the band’s sound. His unique approach to the guitar, combining elements of rockabilly, country, and surf, set the standard for what rock guitar could be. His playing on these songs showcases his technical skill and emotional expression, making extensive use of techniques like alternate picking, legato, and vibrato to create memorable, singable solos that serve the song. Edwards’ contribution to The Ventures and rock music as a whole cannot be overstated, and learning his parts will provide invaluable lessons in technique, tone, and phrasing for any guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Vibrato
• Double-Stops
• Trills
• Slides
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Learning these songs by The Ventures is not just an exercise in nostalgia; it's a deep dive into the formative techniques and styles that have shaped rock guitar playing to this day. Each song is a lesson in different aspects of guitar playing, from rhythm and melody to technique and emotion. By understanding and mastering these tracks, you are not just playing notes; you are keeping alive the spirit of innovation and excitement that The Ventures embodied.