John McLaughlin: Inside the Mind

Description:

Must Have: Basic understanding of reading music and playing guitar.

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Step into the personal studio of legendary guitarist John McLaughlin for an exclusive masterclass that unveils the intricate techniques and improvisational mastery that have defined his groundbreaking career. In this comprehensive lesson, McLaughlin breaks down his approach to modes, advanced rhythm, pentatonics, quartal harmony, scale-tone chords, and symmetrical scales, offering invaluable insight into his iconic sound.

Designed for serious guitarists, this masterclass features in-depth demonstrations, analytical breakdowns, and play-along segments, allowing you to absorb and internalize McLaughlin’s techniques firsthand. Whether you're looking to expand your modal vocabulary, improve your rhythmic phrasing, or explore the rich harmonic language McLaughlin employs, this lesson will provide a rare and profound learning experience.

What’s Inside the Lesson:

MP4 Video Download

• Deep dive into modes – Scales, intervallic exploration, triplets, and pentatonic applications.
• Advanced rhythm concepts – Unusual subdivisions, polyrhythms, and syncopation.
• Harmonic expansions – Chords, extensions, quartal harmony, and scale-tone chords.
• Diminished & symmetric scales – Unlocking exotic tonalities and harmonic motion.
• Improvisational insights – Analysis of McLaughlin’s phrasing and real-time demonstrations.
• Play-along sections – Apply what you’ve learned with McLaughlin’s personal guidance.

This is more than just a lesson—it’s a window into the mind of one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Are you ready to take your playing to the next level?

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Modes & Intervallic Exploration

• (3:40) All Modes Overview
• (5:34) Modes in 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths
• (10:07) Demonstrations
• (12:40) More Demonstrations
• (15:15) Analysis
• (20:52) Play-Along

Chapter 2: Modal Applications & Pentatonics

• (23:29) Expo 1: Introduction
• (23:50) Modes in Triplets
• (27:32) Pentatonic Scale Exploration
• (28:00) Modes in Pentatonic Context
• (29:40) Demonstrations
• (32:14) More Demonstrations
• (34:49) Analysis
• (40:18) Play-Along

Chapter 3: Advanced Rhythmic Concepts & Chordal Applications

• (42:53) Expo 1: Advanced Rhythm
• (44:02) Exploring D Dorian & G Mixolydian in ii7-V7 Progressions
• (47:37) Demonstrations
• (51:12) More Demonstrations
• (53:42) Analysis
• (59:56) Play-Along

Chapter 4: Harmonic Expansions & Quartal Harmony

• (1:02:32) Chords & Extensions
• (1:03:52) Whole-Tone and Quartal Harmony Examples
• (1:05:25) Scale-Tone Chords
• (1:06:40) Scale-Tone Chords Demo
• (1:07:38) Modal Triads Exploration
• (1:08:00) Linear Triads (Low, Mid, High Strings)
• (1:09:26) Progressive Exercises
• (1:09:49) Demonstrations (Easy & Advanced)
• (1:13:21) Analysis
• (1:17:47) Play-Along

Chapter 5: Diminished & Symmetric Scale Mastery

• (1:19:36) Introduction to Symmetric Scales
• (1:20:10) C Symmetric Scale in Two Approaches
• (1:20:40) Exercises & Applications
• (1:21:48) Scale-Tone Applications in Diminished Contexts
• (1:25:06) Exploring Harmonic Variations
• (1:26:30) Mixing Modes in Improvisation
• (1:29:16) Analysis
• (1:33:45) Final Play-Along

This masterclass is the closest thing to sitting in a private lesson with John McLaughlin himself—an absolute must-have for dedicated guitarists looking to unlock new creative dimensions in their playing.