The Playwall
Explore community jams, interviews, and more. Want to feature your jam here? Send August an email: TheAugustJamesBand@gmail.com
GUITARIST OF THE MONTH
ERIC GALES
Eric Gales, often referred to as "Raw Dawg," is a blues and rock guitarist known for his unique playing style and extraordinary technical ability. Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1974, Gales began playing guitar at age four and was considered a child prodigy, releasing his first album at just 16 years old.
What makes Gales particularly fascinating is that despite being right-handed, he plays the guitar "upside down" like a left-handed player, similar to Jimi Hendrix. This unconventional approach has contributed to his distinctive sound and technique. His playing combines elements of blues, rock, jazz, and funk with incredible fluidity and expression.
Throughout his career, Gales has released over 18 albums and has collaborated with artists like Carlos Santana, Lauryn Hill, and Gary Clark Jr. After overcoming personal struggles, his 2019 album "The Bookends" and 2022's "Crown" have been hailed as some of his finest work, earning him a Blues Music Award for Blues Rock Artist of the Year.
Joe Bonamassa has called him "one of the best, if not the best guitar player in the world," and his live performances are legendary for their intensity and improvisational brilliance. Eric continues to tour worldwide, inspiring guitarists with his phenomenal technique and soulful expression.
Epic Guitar Backing Track in E Minor (Build/Progressive)
From Soundend Backing Tracks Key: E Minor/ G Major (Relative Major) Time Signature: 4/4
Playing Tips: This progressive track builds intensity, making it perfect for practicing dynamic soloing. Start with the E minor pentatonic scale (E, G, A, B, D) for a safe foundation. As the track builds, try incorporating the full E natural minor scale (E, F#, G, A, B, C, D) for more melodic options. For more emotional passages, the E Dorian mode (E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D) works beautifully with the chord progression.
A Blues Master Gone Too Soon
Gino Matteo was a remarkable blues guitarist whose raw talent, soulful expression, and technical brilliance left an indelible mark on the blues world. He left a lasting impact on me as a musician with his ability to sing with his guitar.
More than just a virtuoso player, Gino was a true bluesman who lived and breathed the music. His loss is deeply felt throughout the blues community, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and the countless musicians he has deeply inspired.
Community Jam Session
Check out this awesome jam session from our community!
Soul Fire By August James
Soul Fire An Original Performed By August James
Follow The Music By August James
Follow The Music An Original By August James
Joe Bonamassa's Advice
Joe Bonamassa's Advice For Guitarists.
Gino Matteo - Live Performance
Incredible blues performance by Gino Matteo
Add Your Video Here!
Email TheAugustJamesBand@gmail.com to be featured on the Guitar.Guide Playwall!
Featuring Chase Walker
Amazing blues performance by Chase Walker
Add Your Video Here!
Email TheAugustJamesBand@gmail.com to be featured on the Guitar.Guide Playwall!
Add Your Video Here!
Email TheAugustJamesBand@gmail.com to be featured on the Guitar.Guide Playwall!
- Plato
Practice these techniques with the jam tracks to develop your soloing skills.
blues Scales
Minor Pentatonic
A versatile 5-note scale (1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7) that works over many progressions.
Blues Scale
Minor pentatonic with an added ♭5 (blue note) for that classic blues sound.
Mixolydian Mode
A major scale with a flatted 7th (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7), perfect for blues-rock.
Dorian Mode
A minor scale with a raised 6th (1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7), great for funk and jazz.
Try these scales with the jam tracks in the corresponding genre for authentic-sounding solos.