The Latest Breaking News from Stuart Ryan

The simple trick that adds sparkle to your songs: Nashville Tuning explained

David Gilmour, Keith Richards & Taylor Swift all do this…

Guitar World · May 7

Explore open G tuning: a fresh perspective that reshapes your fretboard and inspired timeless blues and Americana songs

Open G has been embraced by legends including Keith Richards, The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin. Now it’s your turn to revel in its golden tones

Guitar World · Nov 6, 2025

Metronome magic: master your picking, improve timing, and build up speed – one click at a time

Still ignoring the metronome? These seven examples prove it’s the secret weapon behind precision, speed, and control

Guitar World · Aug 5, 2025

Everyone from Metallica to jazz pros have made use of the ominous sound of the Locrian mode – here's how it could shake up your guitar playing

The Locrian mode is the seventh and darkest mode derived from the major scale. Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale and gets creative with some rhythm and lead examples

Guitar World · Jan 17, 2025

Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash all love Aeolian – the minor mode that rules over them all. Here’s what makes this scale work

Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash are just three of the countless fans of this staple minor mode. Here, Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale, plus a handful of chords, riffs and licks

Guitar World · Jan 8, 2025

An essential scale for classic blues and rock solos, the Mixolydian mode is loved by everyone from B.B. King to Guns N' Roses – here's how it works

Used by countless blues guitarists and hard rockers from B.B. King and Guns N' Roses to Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa, the Mixolydian mode is essential knowledge. Stuart Ryan explains all

Guitar World · Jan 5, 2025

It's one of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai's favorite scales, and holds the most mysterious-sounding note combinations – here's how the Lydian mode works

This bright but unusual sounding mode became popular among shredders after Joe Satriani and Steve Vai used it in the 80s. Here, Stuart Ryan explains what gives the Lydian mode its signature sound

Guitar World · Jan 2, 2025

Guitar modes lesson 3: It has the sound of thrash metal at its core, but also Latin and flamenco music too – here’s how the Phrygian mode works

Metallica and Al Di Meola favour this mode for colourful riffs and solos. In the third lesson in our series on modes Stuart Ryan explores the sounds of the Phrygian mode

Guitar World · Dec 30, 2024

Guitar modes lesson 2: The Dorian mode is a bittersweet minor mode – here’s how it works

Robben Ford and Nile Rodgers are just two iconic fans of a mode that countless guitarists use in riffs and solos

Guitar World · Dec 27, 2024

Guitar modes lesson 1: The Ionian mode is the same as the major scale – here’s what makes it work

Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Eric Clapton and Randy Rhoads all used this fundamental guitar mode in their songs. Here, Stuart Ryan takes you through the basics of the Ionian mode and shows you how to play chords, riffs, arpeggios and lead guitar breaks using this fundamental scale

Guitar World · Dec 20, 2024