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
FERNANDO JONES
Fernando Jones, a "rare" and "creative" force in the music world, is a Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient and a Chicago Blues Hall of Famer. Born in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood to Mississippi parents who championed education, Jones is a world-class American Bluesman, educator, and songwriter.
Inspired by his older brothers, he taught himself guitar at the astonishing age of four. His original approach to Blues and the performing arts has taken him from basement parties to prestigious venues like The Smithsonian Institute and international stages from Italy to Cuba. Jones is also a respected scholar, contributing to publications like the Journal of Popular Music Studies.
As an educator, Fernando Jones is on faculty at Columbia College Chicago, where he is the founding Blues Ensemble director and hosts his in-residence Blues Camp for young musicians (ages 12-18). He has established Blues Camps across continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, and Cuba, fostering the next generation of Blues talent.
Performing as "Fernando Jones & My Band!", he leads a sharp-dressed, raw, guitar-driven power trio known for its original sound that is both full and sexy, captivating multigenerational audiences. He is recognized as one of the most complete Bluesmen and scholars of his generation, dedicated to preserving and evolving the Blues tradition.
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.