RiffNinja.com

Definitive Beginner’s Guide To Acoustic Guitar

Learn To Play Guitar The Right Way, From The Ground Up!

If you want to learn guitar – acoustic OR electric – then this is the place to start!

- Perfect for beginners or frustrated players who have hit a roadblock.
- Chords, strumming, rhythm, theory, and all the basics you need.
- No stone left unturned in this truly ‘definitive’ guide

17 Hour, 8 DVD Lesson
Learn More | Add DVD To Cart $149.95 | Add Download To Cart $119.95 | Sample

Essentials of Strumming & Rhythm

Learn how rhythm works, how to read, count, and identify rhythms, and how to apply it all to your guitar!

- More than 20 unique strum patterns
- Apply the strums with famous song examples
- Learn how to apply bass notes to your strumming

3.5 Hour, 2 DVD Lesson
Learn More | Add DVD To Cart $69.95 | Add Download To Cart $49.95 | Sample

Beginner Blues Riffs

30 Great Sounding Blues Licks For Beginners!

Take your guitar playing beyond chords, and start learning to play lead!

- Learn how to relate riffs to scales
- With complete tab and course book

3 Hour, 2 DVD Lesson
Learn More | Add DVD To Cart $69.95 | Add Download To Cart $49.95 | Sample

Guitar Improvising Secrets

“Street Smart” Improvising Tricks of a Professional Guitar Player

Learn how to improvise your own original guitar solos using the pentatonic scale.

- How to get started creating your own solos, even if you’ve never played a riff before in your life!
- Ninja tricks to steal any riff and make it your own.
- Essential techniques that add flavor and spice to your solos.

90 Minute DVD Lesson
Learn More | Add DVD To Cart $44.95 | Add Download To Cart $34.95

Essentials of Slide Guitar

Explore The Wild World Of Open D Slide!

Learn the basics of slide guitar – a perfect course for getting started on the slide!

- The best way to study if you want to learn the art and craft of playing slide guitar as well as humanly possible.
- Super cool blues slide riffs that will make your friends green with envy (and have them begging you to teach them).
- Infectiously funky shuffle patterns that will have you jamming and riffing with a huge grin on your face.

4 Hour, 2 DVD Lesson
Learn More | Add DVD To Cart $59.95 | Add Download To Cart $44.95 | Sample

Audio CD: Electric Salad

Your daily serving of guitar greens!

Colin Daniel’s 11 track CD with his band Ramble Tamble, featuring all original material.

Enjoy this feast of great guitar music!

Add CD To Cart $10

Testimonials

I've been playing guitar, on and off, for 30+ years. I hit a rut after a few years and never really advanced in my ability - that is until I became a Riff Ninja member. Although I'm pretty good with strumming patterns, the video has helped me a lot with my timing. The online lessons have really filled in the gaps in my theory knowledge. I've improved more in the past couple months than I have in over 20 years. Thanks Colin, you're an outstanding instructor!
~Jeff Finkbeiner, Michigan

The strum patterns are really great. Using the book to go along with your video made it so clear. I couldn't believe how easy you made it. Now all I have to do is practice all of them with some rhythm and I'm sure I will get alot better at it. Thank you so much for a great course. Take care and GOD bless !!!!!!
~Wendling, New Orleans, LA

I bought Colin's "Essentials of Strumming & Rhythm Guitar" course after having purchased several "Improve your Rhythm" courses because although I have been playing guitar for about 40 years, the last 10 or so without a significant break ;-) my theory, though I may say so myself, is pretty good however my timing sucked (as I found out when I tried to record a song I had recently written having first laid down a rhythm section in Ableton)!. No other course (and there were quite a few) seemed to help. Colin's was a last ditch attempt before I resigned myself to recording just my guitar and voice and progressing no further. I have watched and re-watched Video 1 now and already my timing has improved dramatically, now I am looking forward to starting Video 2 soon.

Colin's teaching method is excellent and I can really understand where he is coming from when he takes time to explain why and how things work on guitar.
~Sid Sewell, Essex, UK

Colin, I have learned so much between you and Jonathan, I can't even begin to say. I haven't played since I was a kid and I am 59 now. I am having so much fun!
~Anthony Metropolis

Man I can't believe I wasted so much time roaming around those stupid free videos on u-tube trying to learn something for free and not looking you up and paying such a cheap price to learn such valuable information.

It's really priceless...
~Markus Hittel

You opened my eyes a bit more to the "big picture" when it comes to fitting all I have watched and tried together to make more sense. Thanks!
~Jack G.

Wow - this has to be one of the best online lessons i have ever come across. Thank you. I am a huge Stevie Ray Vaughan fan but as a relative beginner/immediate thought it was out of reach for me. I think I will need to watch this several times and find some way to slow down the playback to half speed :) to get it all.
~Michael Raybould

I bought the slide guitar essentials course. I am very pleased with the explanations and all the theory parts. It is so great to know the "why" we play what we do! Thanks for all your hard work.
~Patricia Lewis

After finding your site I’ve improved more in the past 3 weeks than I have in 20+ years. Colin makes it so easy to get me to wrap my head around these theory concepts. I’ve only known bits and pieces of the puzzle for too many years but thanks to Colin he’s helping me fill in the gaps. It’s brought back the joy to playing the guitar. Tonight my son and I just had a fantastic free jam session for hours where I just went nuts applying everything I’ve learned in these lessons. Where are you guys located? I’d love to have some one-on-one instruction with Colin. Great stuff guys!!
~Jeff Finkbeiner

After finding your site I’ve improved more in the past 3 weeks than I have in 20+ years. Colin makes it so easy to get me to wrap my head around these theory concepts. I’ve only known bits and pieces of the puzzle for too many years but thanks to Colin he’s helping me fill in the gaps.

It’s brought back the joy to playing the guitar.

Tonight my son and I just had a fantastic free jam session for hours where I just went nuts applying everything I’ve learned in these lessons. Where are you guys located? I’d love to have some one-on-one instruction with Colin. Great stuff guys!!
~Jeff Finkbeiner

Guys, this was another awesome lesson (Essentials of Strumming). Although it’s labeled as a beginner level lesson, I found so many great pearls within it. Again, I’ve been playing on and off for 30+ years with a lot of holes in my theory and technique that Colin always fills in. Great job guys.
~Jeff Finkbeiner

Colin, What can I say! I have purchased everything from Marty and numerous others to long to name - but this 46 min lesson hit the nail on the head. I did know the extension on route 6 and 5 - But there is a no drag BS in your teaching which helped drive the whole formula into my head, finally!! cheers - The diatonic natural minor i did not know but The pieces of the jigsaw are certainly coming together. On the strength of this lesson I will purchase your DVD. Thanks
~Shaun McGrath

Hey Colin, I'm 65 and have been trying to learn to play the guitar since the late 60's and stopped progessing after a few years. I just bought an Epiphone electric and watched a brief lesson on the Gibson website, by Arlen Roth, on scales. Watching your lesson today during my free trial, has convinced me that you'll be able to do more for me, and the brief look already has, in terms of getting where I've been trying to go for all these years. I'm only interested in playing for myself mainly, a bit old to be a rock star, but maybe I could impress my friends. Thanks.
~Mike Rose

I learned so much in the DVD set, and the book really was very useful. You do not need to turn on the video after watching it for three times, I just do my strumming practice through the accompanied book. Maybe in a couple of weeks this will be in the shelf. Thanks, my money was well spent in this series.
~Joseph, New Jersey

Colin, this course does exactly as described and has made a huge difference to my ability to strum and keep rythm within a count. I have been playing what I thought was rythm for many years, now I can hear the beat, it is no longer random. It does not take long, through your method of teaching to understand what makes and sounds like an excellent rythm. Your patterns are printed and on my wall and are the first thing I practice.
Many thanks indeed
Best regards
Raymond
~Raymond Park, Scotland

It goes without saying that Colin and Jonathan are great instructors. I grab my guitar as time allows (At least 1/2 hour daily but most of the time longer) and I have realized that it takes time as well as understanding. But all the time is good. Knowing the guitar and how to play are more than just hands on which is why I have come to respect 'Guitar Theory'. The classroom is always needed.

I have purchased Strumming & Improvising lessons from Colin. And the Scales. I IV V, and Barre Chord lessons from Jonathan. I have been working through them all. I can feel them coming into place (Rome wasn't built . . .) I got the free copy of Colin's 'knocking on heavens door' a long time ago (6 months or so ago) and have been trying to perfect it and get it right with all that I have been learning. (Allow me to use this opportunity to ask Colin for an updated in depth tutorial of 'Knockin' on heaven's door' :)) But I will say that now that I have a better understanding of Strumming, I also have a better understanding of what bars are, 1e+a etc. So now the song is making more sense. Kinda like a light turning on . .

I have and will always recommend both Colin and Jonathan's lesson's to all who can appreciate clear, step by step lessons, both written and verbal, from those who have clearly shown an appreciation for the instrument. Keep the lessons coming! Thanks to both of you.
~Randy, United states of america

I took lessons in the early 90's for four years from a very good instructor who taught a lot of theory, music reading, rhythm and improvisation. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I put the guitar down and didn't pick it up again until this year. Your instruction was entertaining, fun and a basic review of things I use to know. Now that I have retired I am keen to master this beautiful instrument. I like your style and will likely pick up another course from you. It was surprising easy to learn LaBamba!!!
Lynne Ryckman
~Lynne Ryckman, Winnipeg, Canada

Hi Colin Daniels
I am enjoying essentials of strumming and rhythm guitar course. I have also purchased courses from Jonathan. I am 69 and have been working at my music for the past two years, I play for myself and anyone who wants to listen to me, having fun and learning more everyday. Thanks Colin.
Robert Nemeth
~Robert Nemeth, Mississauga Ontario

I have gone thru the video 2 times and each time I learn so much thanks for your hard work and help. I'm 67 and want to learn everything about the guitar and this course is great thanks Colin.
~Ken Hatra, Yuma, Az

The Essentials of Strumming and Rhythm Guitar was exactly what the doctor ordered. I am and will go over and over it again and again. I need to know this stuff like the back of my hand - At least that is my goal.
Great job Colin with the teaching!
~Walt Warren, Edenton, North Carolina

Hi Colin, I have gone through the Essentials of Strumming & Rhythm Guitar course, and I'm very pleased with my progress.
Even though I can play the guitar it gave me different ideas of how to plan out for different songs.
Congratulations on putting together a very good course.
All the best,
Colin
~Colin Gitsham, United Kingdom

Colin, You're a special teacher. Your freebees convinced me to purchase "Essentials of Strumming". I'm now anxious to practice.
Charlie McCluskey.
~Charles McCluskey, Grand Falls, N.B. Canada

I have reviewed the materials and I am returning to study more in detail. I understand most of what is presented now I want to begin practicing. I would suggest that each of the 20 different strums be played as a jam session for students to play along with. I believe this course will help me become a much better player.
~Merle Lawter, Las Vegas, NV

Colin, your persona on this DVD is that of a very serious teacher with a very good SENSE OF HUMOR. Your are very direct with your ideas and very understandable with your directions 'Practice Practice Practice' BUT have fun doing so. I am having a lot of fun. Your strum patterns are terrific and very helpful and as they say timing is everything but location helps a lot also. Your DVD is chock full of guitar info and is to much to talk about here, just let me say Thank You for giving me a very clear path to follow and well explained instructions to keep me moving forward. And I will 'Keep on Strummin'
Bob McAvoy LI NY
~Robert McAvoy, Long Island New York

Received a guitar as a Christmas present a year ago. It was my request, I always wanted to learn to play. I practiced chords and scales for a year. Very, very boring but I did get better. I was getting disillusioned because I was not making music. The Strumming course has helped me a great deal. I enjoy practicing much more using the techniques taught in the course.
Thank you,
Paul
~Paul, Duluth, Minnesota

Hello Colin,
What a difference with this strumming course. I still have a way to go. For the first time i feel like i sound good. Your slow guidance is so help full. I have never has any musical contact, it is a new learning experience. Thank You. Roland
~Roland Wright, Arizona

Hi Colin, I really enjoyed Essentials of Strumming and Rhythm Guitar. You are a great teacher, I got a lot out of the course and I love mixing the strumming patterns and coming up with cool sounding stuff. I just bought your new 30 Beginner Blues Riffs course and I'm learning a lot from that as well,you make learning guitar fun. I'm sticking with the Riff Ninja, you are awesome, great humor. I'm also a Riff Ninja member, lots of great stuff there also. Keep on Rockin
~Dan B, Minnesota

Thank you Colin. I have picked up the Guitar again after 40 years of "life got in the way". I am 58 and my hands don't always work as well as I would like but I will persevere. I enjoy your method of teaching, it is more like sitting down with a friend that is willing to share than a teacher teaching. I like being able to replay the lesson as many times as it takes to get things right and not have the teacher get frustrated. You are clear, concise, and interject so many extras that it far exceeded my expectations for lessons.

Keep up the excellent work and many thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
~EDWARD COFFMAN, OHIO

Great Strumming Course Colin! It works great - thank you. Can you make a DVD-book course for acoustic-friendly popular chord progressions? Please give it some thought.
Thank you!
Ann J.
USA Mid West
~Ann Jacobs, Mid West

Hello Colin just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your instruction and strumming course. I am not a professional musician but I love the guitar and will always play and learn. I am only about 4 years in and play or practice at some point usually every day. I have purchased some very expensive courses to help me along, and they have for sure because I want to understand guitar not just make it talk. Your course is inexpensive and fantastic quality. Players think a lot about their fret hand but neglect the star hand or rhythm hand. I have learned you can know all the chords, runs, riffs and tabs but are very limited without your partner Mr. Rhythm Hand. My point being if you want to expand your knowledge even if it is one little “ah-ha” this product is well worth it. Thanks again Colin! Folk I am a real person who just loves to make my kids smile and guitars talk.
Dan Petrilli
~Dan Petrilli, Greece, New York

I recently purchased the Rhythm Guitar course, and have found it to be very helpful. My timing has improved greatly. and I'm finding it much easier to pick out the rhythm in songs. For anyone wanting a solid base for strumming, this is a good purchase.
Dave
~Dave

Awesome rhythm & strumming course! You kept it simple and straight foreward with some added touches. very cool! It truly has helped me as a rhythm guitarist and a solo musician. Your format (the 3 screen) and honest approach really was a great help. This seasoned guitarist benefited richly - it was worth every penny, but continue to keep them afforably priced. I highly recommend this course for everyone who plays guitar...electric or acoustic. Keep'um coming!! Hey how about a course for modern popular chord progressions - acoustic as well as electric!
Thanks Colin...you rock man!
Joe
Ohio
~Joe Jacobs, Dayton, Ohio

I just wanted to think you for the excellent Strumming Course. I have had some problem with understand how to strum, and this a cleared up a lot of my problems.
~Joe LaBruna, NJ

Colin

I've been trying to find this course for 30 years, thanks for making it happen. Guitar playing is all about the basics. I finally feel like I know how to strum a guitar.

Thanks again...Tom
~Tom, Maine