In this masterclass, Jamie McLean dives deep into the nuances of rhythm guitar playing, emphasizing the importance of the right hand in creating groove and feel. Jamie, with his extensive experience gleaned from playing with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Aaron Neville, shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned on the bandstand. He highlights how critical rhythm was in his development as a guitarist, especially in the context of New Orleans music. The masterclass revisits concepts from a previous session, aiming to refine and expand upon them, particularly focusing on right-hand techniques and their pivotal role in rhythm guitar.

Throughout the session, Jamie encourages interaction, asking viewers for their music preferences and suggesting songs and artists as references for the discussed techniques. He also touches upon the challenges of translating groove and rhythm to solo acoustic performances, sharing insights into his journey of adapting to solo gigs without losing the essence of groove. The masterclass is structured to build upon basic chord progressions, gradually adding complexity through backbeats and syncopation, aiming to equip viewers with the skills to infuse their guitar playing with more rhythm and vibe.

As the session progresses, Jamie offers practical advice on practicing rhythm guitar, emphasizing the importance of consistency and groove over technical complexity. He suggests playing along with records or with other people as an effective way to internalize rhythm. Jamie also candidly discusses his experience with in-ear monitors on stage, offering his perspective on their impact on guitar tone and live performance dynamics. The masterclass concludes with Jamie inviting viewers to share their practice videos for feedback, fostering a community learning environment. This interactive and engaging session is packed with valuable lessons for guitarists looking to enhance their rhythm playing and overall musicality.