Robben Ford Blues Masterclass: How to master the diminished scale 

"You're playing music no matter what you're doing" - I like this approach :)

Robben is the teacher we all want, yes?

This is one of those videos I watched a few years back and didn't understand a word. Watching it again now and understand pretty much all of it. That's cool! Hang in there, you who can't understand a word, for a while later you may

As somewhat of a beginner this is a lot like explaining calculus to a cat. There is so much to learn it is quite daunting. I love watching and listening to Robben explain how he plays and maybe some day it will make a bit more sense.

The first time I ever heard Robben Ford play a guitar was when I walked into a guitar store about 30 years ago to buy a set of strings. I was a young metal head back then and I didn't pay much mind to the jazzy, urban blues fused guitar magic that was playing over the store music system. In the span of time it took me to ask for a set of strings and pay for them, I had stopped what I was doing and was just awe struck by the slick, creamy tones I heard pouring from this dude's guitar. I asked who he was and they said Robben Ford. When I left the guitar store, I went straight to the record store and bought this cat's CD, "Talk To Your Daughter." I still have that CD (and many others from him). I immediately set out to learn every song and every lick on that CD. About 10 years later, Robben Ford signed it for me at a gig he played in Rochester, New York. Truly one of the most talented musicians of his generation and one of the most underrated.

U can infinitely learn from guys like Robben. He's forgotten more then I'll ever learn. That tid bit about not being afraid to play the scale itself, is actually gold.

Saw Robben perform around 1975 with Charlie Musselwhite's band and Robben Ford on piano. When the band played "Blu Stu," Robben's virtuosity really displayed itself...he was maybe 18 years old at the time. When Robben played the alto sax, the crowd was stunned in awe. Then he did the guitar and we were speechless for hours later.

The diminished scale always reminds me of an old cartoon where one of the characters is tip-toeing across a room to avoid one of his enemies

This dude is an absolute gift.

Not just an excellent master lesson; it’s a master lesson by the legendary master himself!

His guitar is so warm and sparkly! Makes me feel bubbly inside!🥰

Thank Christ for Robben Ford. He makes it all make so much sense.

Now I know how my dog feels when he watches t.v....

I could literally listen to him forever, thanks for existing Robben.

It doesn't even matter what he's teaching. He could be talking about nuts&bolts and that hypnotic voice and mannerism would smooth all your worries away. You just want to hear him talk. Forever.

Spent my youth listening and watching Robbens tuitional videos as much as listening to his albums - still my biggest inspiration. Awesome.

I just love the way this guy plays. Even when he’s just strumming it sounds beautiful and hypnotic. What a gift the guy’s got.

Still watching in 2019, I learn so much from these masters.

Robben Ford is so positive and encouraging. I wish every guitar teacher took a lesson from him...

Tiger Walk was the first RF solo album I heard, I was blown away by the ingenuity of the progressions, the guy just exudes a love of music.

Thanks Robben! I love Miles too. I didn’t realize he used the diminished scale.

I've been working on dim scales for years, and still I get insights from Robben on how to use about them in such musical and simple ways. Love this dude.

Such an amazing touch! His phrasing is perfect. No matter what he’s playing through it always sounds like Robben Ford. 🙌🏽

Robben is a master player. Easily my favourite of all time. I greatly appreciate that he is taking the time to impart his knowledge for all to learn. This video is so valuable!

Thank you! It's now November 2019, and I watch your lessons over again, and years later I hope, I understand them better! So, thanks!

Mickey Baker, wow my all time favorite book for learning jazz chords. When i first heard Wes Montgomery I new my regular bar chords weren't working anymore and i learned a bunch from that book great for beginners.

Robben, I've been a fan of your work for many years. This is great!

I just heard this guy yesterday and by chance I was just ready for this... this guy speaks my language... thank you guitarist mag. and thank Robben fordyou

it makes me happy that I understood some of this lesson. I still have a long way to go, but thanks for uploading! I like the "feel" of the diminished scale and will definitely focus on adding that to my catalog. Thanks again!

Robben was a star when my son was born. 1973. And again in Coutances 2 days ago.2024. Stunning musician.I,m workin on the HSWS scale and I am inspired by Rob again Love the man.

Great lesson! Robben Ford as good at teaching as performing? Amazing all over again. So many of his tunes... I never get tired of hearing over and over. Monster talent! Thanks!

what a great teacher man! he has just a great way of explaining himself through music. thank you sir!

Whoouuuwwww! Lesson, sound and this awesome SVL Strat are in one line with the wonderfull Mr. Ford! All is unbelievable perfect.

As usual, awesome. Thanks Guitarist mag and the brilliant and charming Robben Ford. ♥

The World's greatest guitar tutor.

I like Robben Ford not only because he seems to be a nice guy and gives great concerts, but also because apparently he has discovered music in real life practice thanks to his intuition and talent, turning it into a personal voice and style. He's a doer. What he explains here are in fact essential ingredients for playing and improvising good music.

I love how Robben loves to impart his knowledge, getting deep in to theory, then just throwing theory out the window and saying 'just find out how to do it - however'. Then, when all that theory is learned. He is the most abandoned guitar player in the whole world. Not relying on any theory at all. Truly magical. He just rips it up to fuck. In the sweetest way. Man, I love Robben. Truly a guitarist's guitarist.

When he says "man" it's the best feeling in the world...... such a great instructional piece!!!

The way he attacks the strings is absolutely beautiful!

"that's a handful of chords right there" gold.

Thanks Robben You are such a class act on every level

each of the licks he played is soo sweet.. can't wait to try them out!

Thank you Roben, I saw you play at the Mystic in Petaluma. You are so wonderful that when you stopped. We didn't clap. You leaned over and said "was I so good I left you speechless." We went crazy because that's exactly what you did. Always a pleasure. Iron American Dream on RU-vid.

Your very kind to share this. God bless you man. 🙂 Your an incredible player.

This is what you get when you truly devote your life to your craft.

Thanks Robben and Guitarist magazine. Much appreciated.

Greatest reverb ever heard by anyone ever

The more I watch RF the more I like him. Great role model for guitarists.

This lesson is pretty dang good. Guitar and tone are just outstanding.

Take to heart his mention of the Mickey Baker Jazz Guitar Book # 1. The first lesson is 26 of the most useful chords you will ever learn. Been playing over 50 years and use them every day!

Playing his beautiful SVL guitar! Just love it. Built by Simon Law in the UK.

Robben Ford - excellent musicianship ! I heard you YEARS ago in Victoria B.C. - so inspiring ! Also clear and articulate teaching - thanks so much !

Treasure between your fingerboard... Robben, I met you once in LA at one of your gigs, a true sweetheart of a human being, your kind is becoming too rare but there's hope because of cats like you... been a huge admireor ever since my teens. I want you to know you that your teachings (especially like this one) and music have undoubtably made a huge contribution/impact to the music community and your legend will live forever. You pave the way as a pinnacle example for others to follow, a how-to lesson in life by giving back to society as much as you do in this CRAZY world we live in and there is simply no equal. Larry Carlton the great? ... maybe but you have contributed the most, you really make a difference in this world, we should all thank the universe for you brother!!! I sure do.

Great to see and hear Robben on a Strat. Fantastic!

I've had a lot of people explain RF's approach to the diminished scale... It never felt, "portable" until the man himself explained that it's all about V to I. Now I get it. I'm going to practice this today.

I love this man!

This video instruction is incredible in how it shows the complexity of music!

Invaluable lesson. And so clearly explained. Yes, years of working on what he says.

I spent the winter of 68' wandering the hills above Hopland. I caught this man's vibe. Universe is a small place.

A true master turns basic science into high art - luvved these insights - thanx Robben.

Been listening to Robben since 1971. charles ford band is untouchable. His new music is adult but rockin blues. God Bless his kind heart

It's really useful, plz make more classes with Robben Ford

Such a fresh perspective on the Blues. I attended one of Robben's Master Classes when he lived in Ojai and it was an eye opener. I probably only absorbed 10% of the technique he has to offer but his approach to music is almost as great as his playing.

The man! incredible stuff!

That clean tone though, amazing!

Awesome video. Robben has a great unique style. Musically and verbally. A master.

Besides beeing a great musician , he seems to be a cool guy !

Very interesting information on the diminished scale. Thank you Mr Ford for you're amazing insight from a true professionals view

That is some seriously lush tone & touch, man

Thanks, Robben. I'm late to the guitar world. But certain voices I gravitate to. And your humble character shines bright, brother. So I'm all ears to your instruction.

Robben Ford's, is my favorite bridge blues tone, no matter what guitar he plays. Just amazing man

Thanks for the video this just made my night i think i watched this video 5 times and now its starting to make sence to me Robbin Ford is a true master guitar thanks for the lesson.

I did indeed enjoy the lesson, and I did indeed learn something from it -thanks Robben you are a gentleman.

Really enjoy his lessons very clear and simple to the point. 👍🏻

One of the best I've ever seen.

Thanks, Robben. Always a pleasure!

Such a great and generous teacher. Monster player!

Amazing rich musicality tips , thank you Robben

this guy is my favorite. Listen and learn

I’m thankful you are doing this for us!

the master , killer guitar player. one of my all time favorite

AWESOME guitar sound! Really!

Always one of my favorite guitar players.I saw him with his brothers in the early 70s in San Francisco.His younger brother can play the harp ...Oh my God.

I love that strat! I have the same exact one, but fender american. The one he's playing really captures the nostalgic '62 aesthetic.

greatest clean tone I´ve ever heard in my life.

Fantastic. Not only a great guitarist but a top bloke also (I met him at the Andertons Master Class in Guildford a few years back).

Legend, great advise, love how he lets the notes sing.

What a great teacher as well as guitar player Thanks...DH

Dear Robben Years ago I bought your book "Beyond the blues" but I didn't understand what you wrote about how to use the diminished scale. but after this lesson its cristall-clear to me! Thanks a lot! Thomas Schenker from Switzerland

I like your master claass Robben. Thank you. It was real eye openner

Fantastic thanks Robben!! Can’t wait to get home and jam

Thanks there are so many really good pick ups to choose from.

what an incredible sound....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....thanks for the lesson.

Every time I happen on one of Robben's theory videos, I end up learning some interesting things --- and I'm not even a guitar player. Everything he talks about applies as well to the piano. Interesting perspective on how the diminished scale tends to want to resolve down a fifth. (I have, by the way, used it on the "four" chord, just because it sort of surprises when you DON'T go from, say, the C, to the F it wants to resolve to but instead go back to the G.) Great stuff, Robben.

Such a cool personality, very kind and so. Great lesson too, it really encourages guitarists to think a little more outside the box.

Wonderfull! Lesson, Sound, Robben!!! Its a musical thing, play with your heart, play with your fingers............

probably the best blues lesson I've seen! thx

Ace! Love diminished stuff and this has helped broaden my understanding of it! Much obliged Sir! :)

We love you, Robben !!! tks

How a rewarding instruction by the man himself. Interesting, it's all about wandering minor scales. From there on improvisation in Robben's blues/jazz treasure chest is quite flawless, my imagination is. I parked my guitar some 25 yrs ago and by then a huge fan of Robben, but got tired of ripping off, climbing for myself. Robben convinced me here that it's actually quite an easy job, if you just are familar with the scales. Never thought about it this way, I feel pretty dumb now, not registering the obvious. Thanks for upload!