Rockschool Grade Four (TG226)

Solos aren't all about flashy phrases - find out why long, sustained notes can be the key to a great lead.

UPDATED 2 April 2012: The video has now been replaced with the correct instalment. Apologies again for the inconvenience.

Pick up Total Guitar 226 (on sale 19 March to 15 April) for the accompanying tab and explanation.

Tutor: James Uings
Videographer: Martin Holmes

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In addition to at least four full tabs of classic and contemporary songs from your favourite artists, every issue of TG features a selection of guest lessons from pro players and a Riff Of The Month video lesson for the more visually orientated learners among you.

Each issue also includes the story behind the songs, clearly explained amp and effects settings and backing tracks for all of our lessons. See below for more information.

In the mag:

Read it!
Every song has a story. Where possible we speak to the musicians and/or studio technicians to explore the inspiration, as well as the writing and recording processes behind your favourite songs.

Get the sound!
As well as a backing track, every song comes with easy-to-read illustrated settings for amps and effects. This enables you to not only play classic riffs, solos and tunes, but to replicate the tone, too.

Backing tracks!
Every song you learn in the magazine comes with a backing track on your CD, so you can play the guitar parts along with a full band. The CD is just that, a CD of music, so you can play it anywhere and easily transfer the songs to your PC or MP3 player.

Matthew Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.