Eric Madis

Eric is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com

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Intermediate 140 Lessons

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Electric Blues with Eric

The blues is a distinctly American style of music. Many popular genres such as jazz, rock, and country music draw upon basic blues concepts. Consequently, it is advantageous for any guitarist to study the blues.

Basic Blues Shuffle

In this lesson, Eric introduces himself and his Phase 2 lesson series. He also teaches a basic blues shuffle in the style of Jimmy Reed.

17:35 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Licks by Lightnin' Hopkins

Eric teaches a few popular Lightnin' Hopkins licks. These licks can be played over the blues shuffle from the previous lesson.

11:46 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

More Lightnin' Licks

Eric covers a few more essential licks in the style of Lightnin' Hopkins.

7:42 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

John Lee Hooker Licks

Eric teaches a few licks inspired by the great John Lee Hooker.

7:43 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Country Blues Lick

Eric Madis explains a country blues lick he calls the "Country Blues Double Wham."

6:35 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Memphis Blues Lead

In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.

10:37 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Using the Memphis Blues

Eric demonstrates how the Memphis blues licks taught in the previous lesson can be used over various chords.

5:52 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

12 Bar Memphis Blues

Eric demonstrates how to construct a full 12 bar blues solo by using the Memphis blues licks he taught in previous lessons.

7:25 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Applying the Memphis Blues

In this lesson, Eric applies the Memphis Blues Lead to a practical blues context.

4:06 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Learning A Licks

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches two licks that can be used over an A chord.

12:16 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

IC Blues

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a type of blues shuffle that he calls the "IC Blues."

12:45 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Simple Blues Lead

In this lesson, Eric talks about playing blues lead using licks you already know.

8:58 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Play Like T-Bone Walker

Eric Madis begins to explain T-Bone Walker's style of playing the blues.

7:48 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

T-Bone Walker Lick

Eric Madis teaches a classic T-Bone Walker lick and talks about several different variations you can play.

10:56 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Exploring T-Bone Walker Licks

Eric Madis introduces several new T-Bone Walker licks and explains the ways they can be used.

10:21 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

T-Bone Walker Licks Continued

Eric continues his exploration of T-Bone Walker licks and techniques.

9:22 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

T-Bone Walker Licks Wrap-Up

Eric wraps up his overview of T-Bone Walker licks and techniques in this lesson. You will be applying what you've learned in the next lesson, so be sure to practice.

10:10 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Swing Blues in A

Eric teaches a swing blues progression. He teaches the progression in the key of A and explains how licks from previous lessons can be played over it.

14:17 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Stormy Monday Blues

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches the blues progression to "Stormy Monday Blues." This progression is played in the style of T-Bone Walker and Earl "Fatha" Hines.

9:49 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Stormy Monday Blues Introduction

In this lesson, Eric returns to the world of "Stormy Monday Blues" to teach an amazing introduction segment.

7:21 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Transition Licks

Eric Madis teaches a series of licks that can be used to transition from one pentatonic pattern to another.

9:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Second Position Licks

In this lesson, Eric Madis demonstrates popular blues licks within the second pattern of the minor pentatonic scale.

16:50 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Thrill is Gone

In this lesson Eric talks about one of the classic blues tunes, "The Thrill is Gone," by B.B. King.

10:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Third Position Playing

In this lesson, Eric Madis introduces the third pattern of the minor pentatonic scale. This pattern is used frequently by the likes of B.B. King.

11:27 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Using Third Position

Eric Madis once again talks about third position and how it can be used. He also introduces a slew of new licks.

12:19 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Fourth Position

In this lesson Eric Madis talks about the fourth position of blues playing.

10:04 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Playing Strategy

In this lesson Eric talks about "strategies" to use while playing and improvising.

7:11 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Alternative Blues Shuffle

Eric Madis introduces the alternative blues shuffle, which is particularly useful on guitars featuring humbucker pickups.

14:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Freddie King Style Licks

In this lesson Eric Madis teaches licks in the style of Freddie King.

9:38 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Aeolian Mode

In this lesson Eric talks about the differences between the minor blues and the "dominant" blues. He also introduces the modes, beginning with the Aeolian mode.

10:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Locrian Mode

In this lesson Eric Madis introduces the Locrian mode and talks about how it can be used in blues.

6:58 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Dorian Mode

Eric continues his series on modes. This time he covers the Dorian mode and its relation to the blues.

7:16 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Modes & Minor Key Blues

Eric continues his discussion on modes in relation to the minor key blues.

9:31 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Minor 7th Arpeggios

Eric Madis teaches a handful of minor 7th arpeggios in this lesson.

10:34 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Dominant 7th Arpeggios

Eric demonstrates dominant 7th arpeggios in this lesson.

7:27 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Applying Dominant 7th Arpeggios

Eric discusses dominant seventh arpeggios and how they can be used in blues licks.

6:58 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Diminished 7th Arpeggios

Eric talks all about diminished 7th arpeggios and gives five exercises to practice.

10:20 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Applying Diminished 7th Arpeggios

Learn how the diminished 7th arpeggios from the previous lesson can be applied to the blues.

12:13 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

You Don't Love Me

Eric teaches the catchy blues song "You Don't Love Me."

14:27 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Freddie King Variation

Eric teaches Freddie King variations on T-Bone Walker licks.

7:53 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Lick Exercise

Eric provides an exercise that uses previously learned licks from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th patterns of the minor pentatonic scale.

12:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Introduction to Modes

Eric starts you off on the right foot with an introduction to modes.

28:09 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Mode Application

In this lesson, Eric explains some common blues applications for the modes of the major scale.

12:43 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Mode Application Continued

Eric Madis continues his discussion on mode application concepts.

18:30 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Major Pentatonic Scale Ideas

Eric Madis discusses major pentatonic scale ideas.

6:09 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

More Lick Ideas

Eric shares some more great lick ideas that you can incorporate into your playing.

10:25 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Ending Licks

Eric shares ideas on ending licks, turnarounds, and tags in this lesson.

12:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Fill-in Licks

Eric Madis teaches some great filler licks for your bag of tricks.

14:13 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Bass Lines

Eric Madis talks about some common blues bass lines that will spice up your playing.

13:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

More Ending Licks

Eric Madis teaches some classic ending licks.

16:01 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Swing Blues

Eric Madis introduces the swing style of the 12 bar blues.

8:03 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Classic Minor Blues

Eric Madis introduces the basics of the classic minor blues and talks about how this progression can be spiced up using simple blues techniques.

18:35 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

A Minor Blues in 8/8 Time

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a popular blues progression in 8/8 time. This rhythmic feel gives the progression a funkier or more rock-like feel than the traditional blues.

7:04 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Descending Minor Blues

Eric teaches a classic blues progression he calls the "Descending Minor Blues."

11:15 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Modern Block Chord Minor Key Blues

Eric Madis teaches an interesting minor blues progression he calls the "Modern Block Chord Minor Key Blues."

7:40 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Detroit Chicago Funky Blues

Eric Madis teaches an amazing blues progression he calls "The Detroit Chicago Funky Blues."

9:49 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Jimmy Nolen's Funky Groove

Eric Madis moves on and teaches an astonishing blues progression he dubs "Jimmy Nolen's Funky Groove."

8:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Bump Shuffle

Eric Madis introduces a blues style called "The Bump Shuffle."

7:27 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Bump Shuffle #2

In this lesson Eric Madis teaches a second way to play the classic blues progression "The Bump Shuffle."

4:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Chicago Bass Groove

Eric Madis teaches a bass oriented blues progression entitled the "Chicago Bass Groove."

6:50 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Blues Bass Groove

Eric Madis teaches another powerful bass groove he has extracted from the world of blues.

3:55 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Blues Bass Groove #3

Eric Madis teaches another useful bass groove for blues guitar.

5:47 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Blues Bass Groove #4

Eric Madis teaches another valuable blues bass groove.

4:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Wolf's Groove

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a blues bass groove inspired by Howlin' Wolf.

4:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Minor Progression Major Chords

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a valuable blues chord progression that he calls "Minor Progression Major Chords."

11:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Sliding Ninth Groove

Eric enthusiastically presents a new chord progression he calls the "Sliding Ninth Groove."

5:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Tribute Blues Shuffle

Eric pays tribute to Memphis Slim and Jimmy Reed in something he likes to call the "Tribute Blues Shuffle."

8:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Chicago Style Funky Blues

Eric Madis teaches a blues chord progression inspired by the Chicago style of blues playing. This progression has a funky rhythmic feel.

9:51 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Blues Slide Guitar

Slide guitar and Blues go way back, and have a rich heritage of complimenting each other. The slide is a wonderful way to add that "vocal" quality to your guitar playing as well. This technique can be used with all genres of music, but Eric will cover it within the world of Blues.

Introduction to Blues Slide

Eric Madis delves into the world of slide guitar and discusses how it can be used within the blues universe.

26:36 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Common Slide Licks

Eric Madis teaches two crucial slide guitar licks.

17:12 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Slide Lick Ideas

Eric shows how the basic closed lick can be played over a twelve bar blues. He also introduces a lick by Kokomo Arnold.

12:19 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Kokomo Arnold Lick

Eric Madis talks more about the Kokomo Arnold lick and explains some variations developed by Elmore James and Tampa Red.

11:14 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Fred McDowell Licks

Eric teaches a few licks from Fred McDowell and demonstrates how they can be used in a blues progression.

10:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Connecting Licks

Eric Madis explains how Duane Allman put his own unique spin on a classic lick played by Fred McDowell.

9:28 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Duane Allman Licks

Eric Madis demonstrates licks in the style of Duane Allman.

5:29 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Harmonica Imitation Lick

Eric Madis demonstrates how the Duane Allman style "Harmonica Imitation Lick" can be used over different chords and changes.

7:52 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Duane Allman Ideas

Eric Madis talks more about the Duane Allman style of playing and introduces the idea of playing in a box.

8:01 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Traditional Blues Slide Licks

Eric Madis teaches two classic licks in this lesson. First he covers a lick called "Son House's Train Lick." He also covers the "Electric Chair Lick."

7:47 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Elmore James Melodic Lick

Eric Madis teaches a classic blues slide lick called the "Elmore James Melodic Lick."

8:51 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Four Blues Slide Licks

Eric Madis introduces four new blues licks that can be played with a slide. He teaches a Charlie Patton lick, an ascending one-string turnaround, a descending turnaround lick, and also talks about sliding chords.

10:22 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Filling the Spaces

Eric Madis teaches how to fill empty spaces in an arrangement with common licks. This lesson is particularly useful for solo guitarists.

4:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Building a Solo

Eric demonstrates how the licks and techniques from previous lessons can be combined to play a smokin' blues solo.

5:56 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

A Tuning and Slide Guitar

Eric introduces open A tuning and shows how some of the licks you have already learned can be transposed to the key of A.

11:26 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

General Slide Tips and Tricks

Eric offers up some amazing slide guitar tips. He talks about guitar setup, how to hold the slide, which finger to use and more.

13:30 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Delta Blues Slide

Learn how to play the timeless Delta Blues using a slide. This lesson uses A tuning.

15:35 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Walking Blues

Eric teaches how to play the classic "Walking Blues" progression using a slide.

14:25 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Rollin' and Tumblin'

Eric teaches a rendition of "Rollin' and Tumblin'" that can be played with a slide.

15:09 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Improvisational Techniques

Eric explains how to take a blues song or progression and make it your own.

9:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Blues Shuffle Improvisation

Eric Madis demonstrates how blues licks, movable chords and other ideas can be combined to create an improvised blues shuffle.

16:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

A Tuning Lick Review

Eric Madis gives an in depth review of core blues licks in open A tuning.

18:21 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Dust My Broom Theme

Eric explains how the classic "Dust My Broom" lick can be used to develop a theme that spans an entire twelve bar blues.

6:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Linear Playing Ideas

Eric Madis demonstrates some slide licks that use a more linear approach instead of a vertical, box-based approach.

8:44 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Harmonica Imitation Lick Theme

Eric Madis shows how the "Harmonica Imitation Lick" can be used to create a theme that spans an entire twelve bar blues.

6:11 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Two Lick Theme

Eric Madis combines two classic licks to create a smokin' 12 bar blues theme.

7:10 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Fingerstyle Blues and Ragtime

Eric Madis covers a uniquely American style of music, the Blues. In this series he tackles the subject from the acoustic fingerstyle perspective and even throws in a bit of ragtime for good measure.

The Rolling E Blues

Eric Madis introduces his Fingerstyle Blues and Ragtime lesson series. After the introduction, he starts things off with a bang by teaching "The Rolling E Blues".

14:13 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson

The Rolling E Blues Phase 2

Eric Madis expands on "The Rolling E Blues," which he taught in the last lesson. This time around he adds information to make the arrangement more complex.

8:35 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Monotonic Bass

Eric Madis introduces the concept of monotonic bass lines and gives an excellent exercise for practicing the technique.

7:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Rolling E Blues Phase 3

Eric Madis returns to the wonderful world of "The Rolling E Blues" and demonstrates how the arrangement can be made a bit more complex.

6:23 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Rolling E Blues Phase 4

Eric Madis returns to "The Rolling E Blues" and teaches an even more complex variation.

5:33 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Style Blues

In this lesson Eric teaches a Robert Johnson style blues.

9:56 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Style Blues Part 2

Eric Madis returns with the second part of his lesson on the Robert Johnson style blues.

10:51 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Blind Willie McTell and the Piedmont Style

In this lesson, Eric Madis talks about the Piedmont blues and the musical stylings of Blind Willie McTell.

12:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Blind Willie McTell and the Piedmont Style Part 2

Eric Madis returns with the second part of his lesson on the Piedmont style and Blind Willie McTell. This time around he makes the arrangement a bit more complex.

8:52 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Improvisation Opportunity

Eric Madis demonstrates some opportunities for improvisation within the Blind Willie McTell/Piedmont style arrangement he taught in previous lessons.

11:59 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

The Memphis Diads

Eric Madis introduces a series of diad patterns he calls "The Memphis Diads" and shows how they can be used as chord substitutions.

11:06 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Idea Application

This time around, Eric takes the ideas from the past few lessons and ties them together effectively within a blues progression.

8:23 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Style of Mississippi John Hurt

In this lesson, Eric Madis begins teaching the style of Mississippi John Hurt. He talks about the signature syncopation technique Mississippi John Hurt used and discusses playing with the G chord.

12:12 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Style of Mississippi John Hurt Part 2

Eric Madis takes the ideas taught in the last lesson and expands upon them. He talks about taking these ideas and playing melodies similar to what Mississippi John Hurt would have played.

9:59 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Theme

Eric Madis begins teaching a common theme in the style of Robert Johnson. This theme will span several lessons. This time, Eric teaches a signature turnaround that gives the theme its flair.

5:29 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Style Blues Part 2

Eric Madis continues with the Robert Johnson theme. This time, he finishes up the first variation of this 12 bar blues arrangement.

8:20 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Theme Part 3

In this lesson, Eric teaches a brilliant variation to the Robert Johnson theme taught in the last lesson.

6:39 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Robert Johnson Theme Improvisation

In this lesson Eric talks about improvising using the Robert Johnson theme he has been teaching in the past few lessons.

11:04 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Rolling E Blues Phase 5

Eric Madis takes knowledge he has taught in past lessons and applies it to an update of "The Rolling E Blues" that features exciting improvisational variations.

4:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The 7th and 9th Chords

In this lesson, Eric Madis talks about using the 7th and 9th chords in blues progressions. He uses "The Rolling E Blues" to demonstrate these chord options.

9:12 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Big Bill and the Reverend

Eric teaches a Piedmont blues number inspired by Big Bill Broonzy and the Reverend Gary Davis.

14:59 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Big Bill and the Reverend Part 2

In this lesson, Eric Madis returns to a piece he calls "Big Bill and the Reverend". This time around, he teaches ways you can embellish the song to make it more interesting.

9:57 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Big Bill and the Reverend Part 3

In this lesson, Eric returns to the tune "Big Bill and the Reverend" and talks about D chord substitutions.

12:25 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Big Bill and the Reverend Part 4

In this lesson, Eric shows several interesting improvisational techniques you can use with the E chord and shows how they can be applied to "Big Bill and the Reverend".

11:17 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Baby Please Don't Go

Eric Madis teaches a traditional blues tune entitled "Baby Please Don't Go".

9:29 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Baby Please Don't Go Part 2

In this lesson Eric discusses variations that can be used when playing "Baby Please Don't Go".

10:36 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

RJ's Lament

Eric Madis will have you sounding like Robert Johnson in no time with this amazing blues progression entitled "RJ's Lament".

10:44 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

RJ's Lament Part 2

In this lesson Eric Madis teaches a version of "RJ's Lament" that contains Robert Johnson's signature musical flair.

8:10 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Mississippi John Hurt Tribute

In this lesson, Eric teaches a 16 bar blues progression that honors blues musician Mississippi John Hurt.

8:02 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Mississippi John Hurt Tribute Part 2

In the second part of his "Mississippi John Hurt Tribute," Eric Madis teaches several interesting variations on this 16 bar progression.

9:41 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

The Americana Rag

Eric Madis teaches a traditional blues and ragtime theme he likes to call "The Americana Rag".

9:35 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Americana Rag Part 2

Eric Madis returns to "The Americana Rag". He teaches the melody portion of the song and how to add it into the basic arrangement taught in lesson 31.

7:53 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Walking Bass Lines

Eric Madis teaches the concept of walking bass lines within a new blues chord progression.

11:11 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah

Eric starts teaching his blues/ragtime rendition of the classic song "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah". This version he teaches is in G6 tuning. He explains this tuning and the first section of the song.

12:26 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 2

Eric Madis returns to this song and teaches the second part of the melody.

5:52 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 3

In this lesson, Eric teaches another melody that can be used with this song. This time the melody features a bit of Hawaiian slack key flair.

8:02 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 4

In this lesson, Eric teaches a version of this tune that is inspired by Mississippi John Hurt. Mixing this variation in with the others will have you sounding like a blues god in no time!

9:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 5

Eric Madis teaches you how to incorporate some Memphis lead ideas into the arrangement of "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" that he has been teaching.

6:36 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 6

Eric teaches another way to play this song that includes arpeggio techniques often employed by Chet Atkins.

5:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 7

Eric Madis teaches what he calls the "Blind Blake and Merle Travis" section of the song. Basically this is a version of the song taught in their styles.

7:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah Part 8

In the final lesson on this song, Eric teaches the ending and then demonstrates the entire song using all of the different arrangements from previous lessons. These may have seemed like small and easy variations, but when combined, they create an epic masterpiece of fingerstyle playing.

8:35 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Maple Leaf Rag

Eric Madis teaches a fingerstyle version of the classic ragtime tune "Maple Leaf Rag". He begins with this simple introduction arrangement and moves on to teach more difficult portions in later lessons.

8:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Maple Leaf Rag Part 2

In the second part of his series on "Maple Leaf Rag," Eric teaches a basic version of the melody for the A section of the song.

6:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Maple Leaf Rag Part 3

Eric Madis teaches the next major portion of the melody for "Maple Leaf Rag". This melody is a bit more difficult to play, but the sound is worth it.

11:23 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Maple Leaf Rag Part 4

In this lesson, Eric teaches the third part of the melody to "Maple Leaf Rag". When combined with the intro, these three parts form a nearly complete arrangement of this classic ragtime tune.

8:53 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Maple Leaf Rag Part 5

Eric wraps up his rendition of "Maple Leaf Rag" by teaching the ending segment of the song. Afterwards, he puts the entire song together and talks about performing it.

8:02 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Learn more about Eric Madis

Eric Madis is an American recording artist known for his acoustic, electric and slide guitar skills, soulful vocals, dynamic arrangements of blues and jazz classics and original acoustic compositions, which defy categorization and combine blues logic and harmony with diverse musical influences. He is also an internationally-recognized guitar instructor. Eric grew up surrounded by music, from The Sons of the Pioneers to Broadway show tunes to the operas of Puccini and Verdi. His mother, opera singer Isabelle Bellis, had Eric start piano lessons at the age of 9. Eric took up guitar at the age of 10, inspired by guitarist Grady Martin with Marty Robbins, and that same year performed for hundreds of youths at a Denver theatre. In 1966, Eric and his friend Steve Simmons formed the Phynx of Babylon, playing music of the Byrds and other sixties folk-rock. Eric's family moved to Chicago in 1969, where he began performing in coffeehouses and later blues clubs. There he learned from his association with Chicago blues artists, such as Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Rush, Big Walter Horton and more. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 1975, Eric pursued a musical career, performing as a solo artist and with the Madis-Johnson Band (blues), Open Road (rock), Pat Burton (bluegrass) and Illinois senior fiddle champion Halbert Thornberry (country and swing), as well as repairing and building instruments and teaching guitar for Rosewood Guitar Shop. Eric lived in Dallas 1979-1981, where he worked as a session musician, performed with Deacon Jones, Willie Willis, Craig Wallace and Faded Red, and was a 1981 Kerrville Festival New Folk finalist. Eric then returned to Denver 1981-1984, where he led the groups Ukiah and Don't Go No Further, did an extended solo acoustic engagement at Mercury Cafe and taught blues guitar at Denver Free University. Since relocating to Seattle in 1984, Eric has continued as a solo act and leading Blue Madness, BluesCast and the Eric Madis Trio. He has performed with Robben Ford, jazz ukulele legend Bill Tapia, poet Nikki Grimes, swing violinist Paul Anastasio and Hawaii's iconic Farden Family in their last mainland tour. He has worked with regional greats Orville Johnson, Dr. Slide, Steve Bailey, Grant Dermody, Little Bill Englehart, Paul Green, Mark Dufresne, Pete Martin, Ryan Burns, Mike Lynch and Runaway Train, and has opened for James Cotton, Robben Ford, Little Charlie & the Nightcasts, Mem Shannon, Hawkeye Herman and author Sherman Alexie. Eric's music has appeared on five film soundtracks and his five Luna Records CDs have received excellent reviews, nominations from NAMA and Washington Blues Society (WBS) and daily airplay at SeaTac Airport. He was a finalist in Guitar World's 1991 Seattle Guitar Starz competition and has received 19 Best Blues nominations from WBS. Eric has taught for the National Guitar Workshop, Canada's Guitar Workshop Plus, Northwest Folklife, University of Washington Experimental College, Denver Free University, Dusty Strings Music School and JamPlay.com, and has over 150 online instructional videos.

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