Learn to play in the Motown style of R&B and Soul.
Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.
Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.
All tabs and notation provided in PDF and Guitar Pro formats.
Download tabs, helpers, JamTracks and docs included with lessons.
The Motown sound that brought us R&B and Soul is characterized by melodic and rhythmic phrasing that cuts through the fix in a simplistic fashion. In this series, learn the foundation for playing in this style.
Begin the CourseNick Kellie introduces a lesson series designed to highlight the tendencies, techniques and concepts of R&B and soul playing. Characterized by rhythmic elements and simplicity, this style combines muted left and right hand techniques with melodic scale ideas. In the first lesson, Nick discusses the basics of this style and introduces the core techniques.
31:45 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Now that Nick has discussed the basics of the R&B and soul style of playing, he demonstrates a common funk / soul technique. Known as "popping," this technique adds a sharp staccato and rhythmic feel to your playing.
12:41 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
In the third lesson of his R&B and Soul series, Nick discusses common ways to use melodic and harmonic intervals.
8:57 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
In this lesson, Nick Kellie demonstrates a common technique he calls "single note strumming". This technique combines the simplistic nature of R&B and soul with a rhythmic strumming element.
7:26 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
In the fifth lesson of his R&B and Soul lesson series, Nick discusses commonalities made popular by Jimi Hendrix that are often used in this style of play.
10:57 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
To wrap up his look at the stylistic approaches of R&B and soul, Nick provides a lesson that touches on a few topics. He discusses the use of seventh chords and how to easily decipher what chords can be played with what progression. Nick also talks about the approach of arranging song structure in the style.
21:46 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Let's Start. Together.
Setup your account and explore our courses, teaching tools and resources.
Get Started