How to Shred on Guitar (Tastefully)

To start, you'll develop your speed and fluidity with six exercises that isolate your picking- and fretting-hand.

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The exercises in this section are unique in that TJ developed them by listening to and transcribing other musicians. They include motifs he’s developed over the years, which not only help him maintain speed and “shred-ability” but also serve as practical tools for live performances.

Shredding isn’t just about speed and technique – it’s also about playing with a sense of effortlessness and ease. In this section, TJ shows you three exercises that he uses to maintain his light touch. This section will serve you for the rest of your guitar-playing days. Learning how to play tension-free guitar will maximize your potential on guitar and prevent repetitive strain injuries.

TJ is a student of gospel quartet guitar – a style of playing where many great musicians cut their teeth. Fast melodic runs, rich harmony, and voice leading are all inherent to gospel. With your lead-guitar speed foundation built, this section will help you level up your chordal vocabulary.

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We'll cover five chord progressions that increase in difficulty. Make sure to pay attention to how TJ plays the chords. This section is as much about the notes you play as the articulation of said notes.