Session Playing Secrets

Guitar is an incredibly versatile and powerful instrument. You can play harmony, rhythm, melody, chords, notes... all in ever-changing combinations.

Nowadays it can also be used as a “sound design” tool, interacting with the full range of digital technology.

It’s therefore no surprise that the guitar is so often the go-to instrument for so many composers and songwriters, especially since the boom in guitar-based rock and pop in the 1960s. As a result, session guitarists are always a valuable feature in any studio.

Session musicians are often seen as the anonymous heroes on classic tracks, but many of the most successful “first call” session guitarists from the 70s and 80s have become famous as performers in their own right: Michael Landau, Paul Jackson Jr, David Williams, Steve Lukather, Tim Pierce, Dan Huff, Brent Mason... and many more.

All through my music career, I have tried to study and understand the work of those people, and apply it to the music of my country, Algeria. I have played on over 300 albums in many styles, and now I want to show you some of the skills and concepts that will make you a better MUSICIAN, not just a better guitarist.

In this package, you will find three backing tracks in contrasting styles...

1. Classic rock

2. Smart, sassy funk

3. A North African-style groove in 6/8.

Learning to play over these tracks will help you to understand how a versatile session guitarist can be, how to adapt your playing to different styles and moods, how to create space for other instruments while also commanding your own sonic space.

You’ll learn how to build a complete solo, which can be melodic, original and technical. You’ll learn how to compose rhythm hooks and riffs, things that people will recognise instantly when they listen to the tune. And of course you’ll learn licks that you’ll be able to use in your own playing.

Let’s go!