Live Zoom Lessons Schedule For The Next 3 Weeks, 1st to 16th May 2021

Saturday 1^st May, 3pm  UK Time
Michael Roach and Abie Budgen – Beginners Guide to Playing Melody with an Alternating Bass

The lesson will focus on the song ‘Black Rat Swing’ by Memphis Minnie in the key of E. The song will be used to demonstrate playing melodies in the style of John Cephas and John Jackson. We will show you how they shape the song to fit their personality on it and change it to suit the way they play.

Saturday 8^th May, 3pm  UK Time
Homesick Mac – Beginners Guide to Playing Bottleneck Slide Guitar

Mac will be explaining both musical and technical aspects of slide guitar playing for beginners. He says this might also be interesting for players with more experience. Mac likes to teach through a song that inspires and will focus on the music of Blind Willie McTell.

Sunday 16^th May, 3pm UK Time
Rick Franklin – Beginners Guide to the Roots of Taj Mahal

Rick’s lesson will focus on the ballad and history of Lee Shelton (aka Stagger Lee, aka Stack’O Lee) and William ‘Billy’ Lyons. In 1895 in a North St. Louis saloon during the course of an argument, Billy snatched Lee’s Stetson hat from his head, whereupon Lee first struck and then shot him. Billy died of his wound shortly thereafter, and Lee was sentenced to a twenty-five-year prison term. Rick will examine the Taj Mahal version and versions by John Cephas, John Hurt, and Doc Watson. Also, he will demonstrate his version and open the floor for versions by the students if they are interested..