Sindibad
Verified buyer
11/09/25
Nick Kellie's R&B and Soul with Nick Kellie
This course allows us to explore a very interesting aspect of the music of the soul.
R&B and Soul with Nick Kellie (JamPlay)
Learn to Play in the Motown Style of R&B and Soul
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Nick Kellie
Educator
Genres
About this course
Unlock the magic of Motown with this comprehensive guitar course designed to teach you the signature sounds of R&B and Soul. Over seven detailed video lessons, you’ll dive deep into the rich, rhythmic world of Motown, learning the essential techniques that defined an era.
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to R&B and Soul
Get acquainted with the heart and soul of R&B music. This lesson covers the historical roots, influential artists, and foundational rhythms that make this genre so iconic.
2. Popping
Discover the rhythmic technique of “popping” that adds a punchy, percussive feel to your playing. You’ll learn how to accentuate the groove and bring your riffs to life.
3. Interval Usage
Explore the power of intervals in creating melodic and harmonic interest. This lesson will show you how to use intervals to add depth and emotion to your playing.
4. Single Note Strumming
Master the art of single-note strumming, a key technique in R&B and Soul guitar playing. Learn how to create smooth, flowing lines that complement the rhythm section.
5. Hendrixisms
Dive into the world of Jimi Hendrix and learn how to incorporate his unique techniques—like slides, hammer-ons, and bends—into your playing to add a soulful, bluesy flair.
6. Seventh Chords and Progressions
Understand the structure of seventh chords and their role in R&B and Soul music. This lesson covers how to build these chords and use them in common progressions.
7. Song Structure
Learn how to put it all together by studying the structure of classic Motown songs. You’ll gain insight into how to arrange your playing to create complete, soulful pieces.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to capture the essence of the Motown sound and infuse your guitar playing with the rich, soulful grooves of R&B. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this course will elevate your understanding and ability to play in the Motown style.
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to R&B and Soul
Get acquainted with the heart and soul of R&B music. This lesson covers the historical roots, influential artists, and foundational rhythms that make this genre so iconic.
2. Popping
Discover the rhythmic technique of “popping” that adds a punchy, percussive feel to your playing. You’ll learn how to accentuate the groove and bring your riffs to life.
3. Interval Usage
Explore the power of intervals in creating melodic and harmonic interest. This lesson will show you how to use intervals to add depth and emotion to your playing.
4. Single Note Strumming
Master the art of single-note strumming, a key technique in R&B and Soul guitar playing. Learn how to create smooth, flowing lines that complement the rhythm section.
5. Hendrixisms
Dive into the world of Jimi Hendrix and learn how to incorporate his unique techniques—like slides, hammer-ons, and bends—into your playing to add a soulful, bluesy flair.
6. Seventh Chords and Progressions
Understand the structure of seventh chords and their role in R&B and Soul music. This lesson covers how to build these chords and use them in common progressions.
7. Song Structure
Learn how to put it all together by studying the structure of classic Motown songs. You’ll gain insight into how to arrange your playing to create complete, soulful pieces.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to capture the essence of the Motown sound and infuse your guitar playing with the rich, soulful grooves of R&B. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this course will elevate your understanding and ability to play in the Motown style.
What you'll learn
- Play three-note triad voicings on the top three strings
- Apply ghost picking to create bouncy, rhythmic feel
- Master rhythmic framing technique to maintain groove
- Coordinate left-hand muting with right-hand picking for staccato articulation
- Count and play 16th note rhythms accurately
- Develop precise alternate picking synchronized with 16th note grid
Release date: 03/23/2012 • 1h 34m runtime
Sample lessons
Popping
Popping
Interval Usage
Intervals
Single Note Strumming
Single Note Strumming
Hendrixisms
Hendrixisms
What's included
7 lessons • 5 charts
Introduction to R&B and Soul
Nick Kellie introduces a lesson series designed to highlight the tendencies, techniques and concepts of R&B and soul playing. Characterized by rhythmic elements and simplicity, this style combines muted left and right hand techniques with melodic scale ideas. In the first lesson, Nick discusses the basics of this style and introduces the core techniques.
Popping
Now that Nick has discussed the basics of the R&B and soul style of playing, he demonstrates a common funk / soul technique. Known as "popping," this technique adds a sharp staccato and rhythmic feel to your playing.
Interval Usage
In the third lesson of his R&B and Soul series, Nick discusses common ways to use melodic and harmonic intervals.
Single Note Strumming
In this lesson, Nick Kellie demonstrates a common technique he calls "single note strumming". This technique combines the simplistic nature of R&B and soul with a rhythmic strumming element.
Hendrixisms
In the fifth lesson of his R&B and Soul lesson series, Nick discusses commonalities made popular by Jimi Hendrix that are often used in this style of play.
Seventh Chords, Progressions and Song Structure
To wrap up his look at the stylistic approaches of R&B and soul, Nick provides a lesson that touches on a few topics. He discusses the use of seventh chords and how to easily decipher what chords can be played with what progression. Nick also talks about the approach of arranging song structure in the style.
Seventh Chords, Progressions and Song Structure
To wrap up his look at the stylistic approaches of R&B and soul, Nick provides a lesson that touches on a few topics. He discusses the use of seventh chords and how to easily decipher what chords can be played with what progression. Nick also talks about the approach of arranging song structure in the style.
Reviews
2 results
lawburn
Verified buyer
09/18/25
Great Soul
Some brilliant techniques for soul guitar, taught very well by Nick Kellie. A diamond find. Thanks TrueFire.
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