DJ Phillips
DJ is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com
Like many guitar players who began playing around the same time, DJ began plunking out Nirvana and Soundgarden tunes when he first picked up the guitar in the mid-nineties. While these grunge-y roots certainly have their merit, it wasn't until DJ's eldest sister took him to a Led Zeppelin laser light show that the full potential of the guitar began to come into focus.
With Jimmy Page's Les Paul pyrotechnics as his inspiration, DJ began fervently practicing for hours on end i... (more)
DJ currently offers 202 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 116 intermediate lessons, 59 song lessons, 10 lessons in our Artist Series and 17 Lick & Riff Library entries.
DJ Phillips's contribution to JamPlay
Use the tabs below to learn more or subscribe for unlimited access to all artists and courses.
Blues Guitar with DJ
DJ Phillips will teach you everything you need to know to become a master of the blues with an emphasis on fast-paced techniques & playing.
Series Introduction
Meet Mr. DJ Phillips & learn what he's going to teach you throughout this series.
2:30 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
12 Bar Blues
Learn what makes a chord progression a blues progression as well as the basics to the famous 12 bar blues.
13:18 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Rhythmic Variations
Time to take the 12 bar blues progression you've learned and add in some rhythmic variations.
8:48 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
12 Bar Blues Chord Variations
Now that you've learned the 12 bar blues and some rhythmic variations, it's time to throw in some chord variations.
6:22 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic Scale
Time to take a break from the 12 bar blues and start mastering some lead techniques. This all starts with the minor pentatonic scale.
8:13 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic Scale Variations
Now that you've learned the minor pentatonic scale, it's time to learn how to move it around.
11:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
SRV - The House Is Rockin'
Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The House Is Rockin'".
49:58 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Funky Blues Rhythm
Now that you've mastered some SRV, DJ is going to show you some funky blues rhythms that use the 9th chords.
8:44 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic in Open and First Position
DJ begins a discussion of the minor pentatonic scale patterns. He demonstrates the A minor pentatonic scale in first or "open" position.
12:16 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic in Second Position
Continuing on with the minor pentatonic scale, DJ covers the second position. As with lesson 9, he provides a few exercises and riffs along the way.
10:11 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic in Fifth Position
Continuing with the A minor pentatonic scale, DJ returns with a lesson on the fifth position pattern.
7:09 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic in Seventh Position
In this lesson, DJ covers the A minor pentatonic scale in 7th position. He includes licks and riffs to help with skill building.
8:49 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Minor Pentatonic in Ninth Position
This lesson covers the 9th position of the A minor pentatonic scale. DJ provides licks, riffs, and a string skipping exercise.
15:00 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Moving Positions
Now that DJ has covered all five patterns of the minor pentatonic scale, he explains how to shift from one pattern to the next.
6:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Major Pentatonic
Now that DJ has covered the minor pentatonic positions, he shifts gears to the major pentatonic scale.
17:34 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Moving Across Positions
In this lesson, DJ demonstrates a number of major pentatonic licks that feature position shifts.
5:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Combining Major and Minor Pentatonics
DJ demonstrates how to combine the major and minor pentatonic scales. He provides a number of combined scale licks for you to learn.
12:54 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Solo and Lead Lines
In this lesson, DJ demonstrates how to build an effective guitar solo.
9:13 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Rhythm
This lesson details the importance of rhythm within solos and lead lines.
6:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Improvising
DJ talks about the art of improvising in this lesson. Always begin with a grand entrance and end with a big finish.
7:59 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Building Chords on the 6th String
DJ begins a discussion of colorful dominant chord voicings. He demonstrates how to build chords from a root note on the 6th string.
9:38 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Building Chords on the 4th and 5th String
Continuing on from lesson 21, DJ explains how to build dominant chords from root notes on the 4th and 5th strings.
8:26 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Using Different Voicings
In lesson 23, DJ demonstrates how various chord voicings can be used while playing rhythm or lead over a 12 bar blues progression.
4:49 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Mute Raking
With lesson 24, DJ begins a short segment on tricks of the trade. First, he discusses and demonstrates string rakes.
5:08 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Organ Licks
DJ explains how B3 organ licks can be played on guitar.
4:11 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Volume Swells
In this lesson, DJ talks about volume swells and how they can be used.
4:37 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Walking Bass and Upstroke Shuffle
Continuing with his "tricks of the trade" lessons, DJ demonstrates a walking bass line and the upstroke shuffle.
6:51 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Slide
In this lesson, DJ discusses and demonstrates the basics of slide technique.
5:28 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Wah Pedals
DJ demonstrates some of the subtleties of using a wah pedal in the blues style.
3:50 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Harmonics
DJ discusses and demonstrates natural, artificial (harp), and pinch harmonics in the blues style.
8:37 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Aspects of Tone
DJ delves into tone in lesson 31. He discusses how and why certain tones are achieved.
21:41 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Blues
With lesson 32, DJ introduces the minor form of the 12 bar blues progression.
4:57 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Using the Dominant V7 Chord
Building on his minor blues set, DJ discusses how to utilize the dominant V7 chord to spice up the standard progression.
4:14 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Turnaround
DJ demonstrates a couple turnaround techniques that can be applied to the 12 bar minor blues progression.
6:13 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor 7 Voicings
In this lesson, DJ discusses some minor 7 voicings with roots on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.
9:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Minor 6th Voicings
Much like lesson 35, DJ discusses minor 6th chord voicings with roots on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.
8:53 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Extensions of the V7 Chord
DJ explains how altered extensions such as the b9 and #9 can be added to the V7 chord within the context of a minor blues progression.
8:35 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Scale Options
DJ discusses the scale options that can be used over a minor blues progression.
2:21 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Minor Scale Positions
In this lesson, DJ builds upon lesson 38 and covers the minor scale positions across the entire fretboard.
5:11 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
T-Bone Walker
DJ profiles blues guitarist T-Bone Walker in lesson 40.
31:23 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
T-Bone Shuffle
Profiling T-Bone walker, DJ will demonstrate the T-Bone Shuffle.
29:26 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Skills and Concepts of T-Bone Walker
DJ discusses and demonstrates skills acquired from learning T-Bone Walker's material.
17:42 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Bo-Diddley
DJ will take a look at Blues guitarist Bo Diddley and teach you the "Bo Diddley beat."
13:26 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Blues with DJ: More Bo Diddley
Dj is back yet again with more on the style of Bo Diddley. Here is will dive more into his style of solos as well as an in depth explanation of how the songs are played out. Get comfortable everyone and get you blues fingers ready.
22:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Implementing Bo Diddley's Style
Dj brings a kicking finish to the style of Bo Diddley by teaching you how to implement his style of playing to your's. With a quick review of what he has taught so far, Dj will play the backing track as you play with him and creat your own Bo Diddley style solo.
10:59 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #1
DJ returns to his blues guitar series with the introduction of a complete blues solo. Through the next 12 lessons, DJ will provide a phrase-by-phrase breakdown of the solo. By the end of this mini-series, you will have added a few blues licks to your repertoire as well as a full solo with them all strung together!
3:38 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #2
DJ is back with Phrase #2 of the Swing Blues Solo. This lick is designed to outline the IV chord.
3:10 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #3
DJ is back with another phrase of his swing blues solo. The third phrase of the first solo is also your first turnaround. In this lick, you'll outline the chords that bring us back to the top of the form.
3:22 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #4
The fourth phrase of your first solo has a lot of pentatonic influence in it. You've also climbed the neck to the upper register to help build your solo.
2:29 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #5
We're back to the second phrase in the long form blues again. This lick picks up where the last left off and continues to build suspense in the upper register.
3:11 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #6
DJ is back with the sixth phrase of his Swing Blues Solo. We're now at the second turnaround of the long form. This lick incorporates chromaticism to build tension.
4:26 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #7
We're back to the top in the 3rd chorus of the blues solo. This lick starts to amp up the solo by adding more bends and a few double stops.
3:47 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #8
DJ is back with the eighth phrase in the swing blues solo. The second phrase of the 3rd chorus incorporates hammer-ons.
3:14 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #9
DJ is back with the ninth phrase in the swing blues solo. For the third time, we find ourselves at the turnaround. This lick plays on the idea of a repeating figure followed up by a scale run.
4:46 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #10
We really start to add some gusto to the solo for our final three phrases. This lick uses open stringed double stops and position shifting to create a long build up towards the solo's climax.
3:40 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #11
The eleventh phrase of our long form blues solo continues to build on the previous phrase. This time you'll be using a repeated but slightly varied figure along with double stops to create more build-up.
3:34 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Swing Blues Solo - Phrase #12
DJ is back with the final phrase of the swing blues solo. This turnaround lick uses quick bends, repeated figures, and a chromatic walk down to twist your ear before finally resolving back to E.
5:42 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #1
Now that you've completed the first solo of a long form blues, it's time to tackle the second solo. This next blues is played in straight eighths and starts off with some chromatic notes, bending, and a syncopated rhythm.
3:13 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #2
Dig into the second phrase of our straight blues solo! This one uses double stops, bends, and vibrato to kick the solo into high gear!
3:10 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #3
The first turnaround in our straight blues solo uses a low walking melody along with a scale run that brings us back up to the top.
2:53 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #4
As we return to the top for the second round of our long form, we hear a familiar melody. This one is stolen right from the last phrase, only it's been transposed up into a higher register.
2:36 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #5
We're getting into the meat of this solo and it's time we started rocking! We amp up the energy by using some down picking and scale lines.
2:59 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #6
We've now reached the second turnaround of our long form blues. This phrase gets a little funky with some position shifting and double stops.
4:08 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #7
Here, we return to the top and continue the funky feel from the turnaround. This lick features chromatic runs with vibrato and a repeated figure.
3:41 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Straight Blues Solo - Phrase #8
The next lick in our long form straight blues is all about syncopation and getting that dirty tone from the amp. Careful rhythmic placement of rests and the use of double stops help us accomplish this.
1:59 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Classic Country Guitar
Having roots in Folk, Celtic, and Gospel music, Country and Country Western evolved rapidly in the 1920's. This genre of music has spawned two of the top selling solo artists of all time. Elvis Presley, and Garth Brooks.
Introduction to Country
This short lesson will introduce you to the country style of playing and provide some necessary background information on how the genre got started.
2:04 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Western Swing
DJ gets to the roots of the country music genre with a lesson on Western Swing.
5:50 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Roly Poly
In lesson 3, DJ teaches a short song called "Roly Poly." If you ever find yourself jamming in a country circuit, you'll need this one in your repertoire.
5:22 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Classic Country
DJ discusses the classic country style. He explains the rhythmic and structural differences between this style and western swing.
6:30 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Chicken Pickin' and Modern Country
With lesson 5, DJ starts to discuss elements of the modern country style. This includes the technique known as "Chicken Pickin'."
12:59 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Hybrid Picking
In this lesson, DJ discusses some of the finer points of the hybrid picking technique.
15:05 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Electric Country, Western Swing
In this lesson, DJ begins to talk more in depth about modern electric country guitar. He starts with the western swing style.
11:11 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Eldon Shamblin, Western Swing
Lesson 8 continues to cover the western swing style of electric country. Eldon Shamblin and his musical efforts are discussed further.
13:42 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Twin Guitar Boogie's Twin Lead
This lesson covers the twin lead section of the song "Twin Guitar Boogie."
17:59 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Twin Lead Solo: Part 2
DJ breaks down the second part of the twin lead solo from "Twin Guitar Boogie."
14:57 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Twin Guitar Boogie's Guitar Solo
Finalizing his teaching on the Twin Guitar Boogie with emphasis on Eldon Shamblin, DJ brings you this lesson on the guitar solo.
21:55 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Twin Guitar Boogie Techniques
Lesson 12 covers all the techniques involved in the previous lessons on the Twin Guitar Boogie.
7:21 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Solo Building
DJ takes the techniques he discussed in lesson 12 and helps you create a solo over a standard country rhythm.
17:33 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Fingerpicking
Lesson 14 delves into the realm of fingerpicking.
17:44 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Solo and Improvisation
In lesson 15 DJ demonstrates the techniques used by Merle Travis to build a solo, and improvisation technique.
12:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Guitar Boogie Pt. 1
Lesson 16 starts a 3 part series on Arthur Smith's "Guitar Boogie."
47:42 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Guitar Boogie Pt. 2
In lesson 17, DJ completes his note for note demonstration of "Guitar Boogie."
30:39 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Guitar Boogie Concepts
In this lesson, DJ takes a look at some of the country guitar concepts used in the song "Guitar Boogie."
16:13 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Whistle Stop
In this lesson, DJ teaches the song "Whistle Stop" by legendary guitarist Jimmy Bryant.
19:41 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Yodeling Guitar
DJ demonstrates the song "Yodeling Guitar" by Jimmy Bryant.
32:25 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Joy Ride
DJ teaches the song "Joy Ride" as performed by Jimmy Bryant.
30:37 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Jimmy Bryant Concepts
Now that DJ has covered "Whistle Stop" and "Joy Ride," he'll be looking at some of the concepts used to play these songs.
23:05 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Got a Lot of Rhythm
This lesson covers the tune Got a Lot of Rhythm which features the playing of Hank Garland.
10:30 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
I Need Your Love Tonight
In lesson 24, DJ takes a look at an Elvis Presley song "I Need Your Love Tonight."
19:55 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Sugarfoot Rag
In lesson 25, DJ continues his in depth look at Hank Garland's playing with a demonstration of Sugarfoot Rag.
32:43 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Walkin' the Floor
DJ takes a look at "Walkin' the Floor" by classic country guitarist Leon Rhodes.
29:00 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Honey Fingers Pt. 1
DJ Phillips teaches the progression, structure and melody of the song "Honey Fingers."
35:30 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Honey Fingers Pt. 2
In lesson 28, DJ demonstrates the entire guitar solo for the song "Honey Fingers."
27:13 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Applying Concepts and Skill Building
Looking back on the lessons on Leon Rhodes' playing, DJ offers up a lesson on applying the new concepts.
11:49 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Luther Perkins
DJ discusses the tic-tac techniques used by Johnny Cash guitarist Luther Perkins.
18:53 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Tic-Tac Rhythms Applied
Looking at guitarist Luther Perkins, DJ helps you to apply the tic-tac rhythms in your playing.
7:34 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Style of James Burton #1: Open String Licks
DJ returns to his country lesson series to profile legendary country guitarist James Burton! In the first lesson of this mini-series, DJ takes a look at open string licks that are common in James' playing.
16:34 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Style of James Burton #2: Chicken Pickin'
DJ is back with the second lesson in his James Burton mini series. For this one, DJ takes a look at how James Burton started the Tele sound with the use of hybrid picking and chicken pickin'.
13:21 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Style of James Burton #3: Double Stops
In lesson 34 of his country series, DJ is expanding on his look at James Burton. In this lesson you'll be taking a look at double stop and partial chord concepts utilized by this country great!
12:40 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Style of James Burton #4: Bends
To finalize the concepts and techniques portion of his mini-series on James Burton, DJ offers up a look at bending technique.
11:57 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Style of James Burton #5: Combining Elements
Now that you have all the lick based elements and concepts under your belt, it's time to apply them. In lesson 36, DJ plays all of the licks you've learned with a backing track.
4:50 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Funk Guitar with DJ Phillips
DJ Phillips profiles the guitarists that created and nurtured the funk sound.
Funk Series Overview
DJ Phillips starts out his funk guitar series with an overview of what he'll be covering in lessons to come.
2:38 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Jimmy Nolen
In this lesson DJ profiles guitarist Jimmy Nolan, one of the original members of the James Brown band.
34:58 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
"Catfish" Collins
DJ introduces Catfish Collins and begins to profile his sounds and technique.
10:03 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Catfish Collins #2
DJ takes another in depth look at Catfish Collins' playing style with "in the style of" licks.
14:55 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Leo Nocentelli
DJ begins to talk about Leo Nocentelli, the guitarist for The Meters.
3:57 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Leo Nocentelli #2
DJ breaks down an "in the style of" lick made famous by Leo Nocentelli.
5:06 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Leo Nocentelli #3
DJ provides yet another look at a famous "in the style of" lick from guitarist Leo Nocentelli.
4:02 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Leo Nocentelli #4
DJ provides another "in the style of" lick from The Meters' guitaris Leo Nocentelli.
4:37 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Leo Nocentelli #5
DJ provides the final lick in the style of Leo Nocentelli.
5:05 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield
DJ begins lesson 10 of his funk series by going over one of Curtis Mayfield's signature licks.
4:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield #2
DJ returns with another look at a signature look from guitarist Curtis Mayfield.
5:25 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield #3
DJ returns with another "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.
6:26 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield #4
DJ demonstrates an "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield that centers around an F#m7 chord.
3:56 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield #5
DJ demonstrates the fifth "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.
3:38 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Curtis Mayfield #6
DJ offers up the final "in the style of" lick from Curtis Mayfield.
5:28 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Unlock All Courses
Get StartedGet access to all guitar lessons from DJ Phillips along with our full roster of guitar teachers.
