Weekend mini break
Starts:
5pm, Friday 21st May 2027
Ends:
1pm, Sun 23rd May 2027
Venue:
Run by:
Gary Dunn
Venue:
Holiday Inn Scotch Corner, Scotch Corner
A residential guitar weekend with Gary Dunn
Discover the sounds, techniques and musical ideas that define three of the most influential styles of guitar playing.
From expressive blues licks and iconic rock riffs to the infectious grooves and sophisticated chord work of soul music, this weekend explores the connections between these styles and how you can bring them into your own playing.
Led by experienced Guitar Weekends tutor Gary Dunn, the course combines practical workshops, demonstrations, improvisation and group playing in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Whether you’re looking to expand your repertoire, develop your improvisation or simply become a more confident and versatile guitarist, this weekend offers plenty of opportunities to learn, experiment and make music with others.
Three great styles. A wealth of musical ideas.
Blues, rock and soul share a rich musical history, with many of the same techniques and ideas appearing across all three styles.
Throughout the weekend, we’ll explore how these elements work, how they connect and how you can use them to develop your own sound.
Blues guitar provides the foundation for much of the music we love. We’ll explore the techniques that give blues playing its distinctive character, with an emphasis on phrasing, expression and musical confidence.
Topics will include:
Building on our blues foundations, we’ll explore the riffs, rhythms and lead guitar techniques that helped shape rock music.
We’ll look at how great rock guitar parts combine memorable musical ideas with strong rhythm playing, dynamics and expression.
Topics will include:
Soul guitar often relies on subtlety, precision and a strong connection with the rhythm section.
We’ll explore how relatively simple guitar parts can become incredibly effective through tasteful chord choices, rhythmic placement and melodic embellishments.
Topics will include:
One of the most rewarding aspects of the weekend will be putting these techniques into practice with other guitarists.
We’ll explore how blues, rock and soul overlap, using familiar musical ideas to develop arrangements, improvise and play together.
Through practical exercises and group workshops, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you’ve learned, develop your musical confidence and discover new approaches to your playing.
Friday evening is designed to help everyone settle in, meet the other participants and enjoy making music together.
We’ll begin with relaxed group playing and accessible musical exercises, introducing some of the blues, rock and soul ideas we’ll explore throughout the weekend.
After dinner, there’ll be an informal opportunity to play, share musical ideas and get to know the group.
Saturday is our main workshop day, with practical sessions exploring the techniques, sounds and approaches associated with blues, rock and soul guitar.
Gary will guide participants through rhythm playing, riffs, chord work, improvisation and expressive techniques, demonstrating how these musical elements connect across different styles.
Throughout the day, we’ll work on musical examples and group arrangements, providing opportunities to put new ideas into practice.
After dinner, we’ll enjoy another relaxed evening of music-making, with opportunities for group playing, improvisation and informal performances.
Sunday focuses on bringing together the ideas developed throughout the weekend.
We’ll revisit key techniques, explore further musical arrangements and work on combining rhythm, lead and accompaniment parts.
There’ll be opportunities to play in small groups, develop improvisation skills and gain confidence performing alongside other guitarists.
By the end of the weekend, our aim is for everyone to leave with a broader musical vocabulary, improved technique and plenty of practical ideas to take into their own playing.
Suitable for guitarists with some playing experience who want to broaden their musical skills.
You don’t need to be an accomplished soloist or have previous experience playing all three styles.
However, you should be comfortable with basic chords, common rhythm patterns and playing complete songs or musical sections.
This weekend may be particularly suitable if you want to:
You don’t need to be equally experienced in blues, rock and soul. The weekend is designed to help you explore these styles and develop your existing abilities.
Please bring your guitar, any essential accessories and a notebook for recording ideas.
An electric guitar is particularly suitable for exploring many of the techniques covered, although acoustic guitarists are also welcome.
If you use an amplifier, effects or backing tracks, we’ll provide further guidance about practical arrangements before the weekend.
Most importantly, bring an open mind and a willingness to experiment, learn and enjoy playing music with others.
Our residential package is planned to include:
Non-residential attendance and arrangements for non-playing partners may also be available, subject to confirmation.
Holiday Inn Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire
Located at Scotch Corner, the Holiday Inn provides a convenient and comfortable setting for a residential weekend of music-making.
With accommodation, dining and teaching facilities together in one location, participants can concentrate on learning, playing and enjoying the company of other guitarists.
The venue is conveniently positioned for access from the A1(M) and A66.
Book early and enjoy our 2026 prices for the Blues, Rock & Soul – The Guitar Experience weekend with Gary Dunn, 9–11 April 2027, at Holiday Inn Scotch Corner.
| Booking Option | Standard Price | Early-Bird Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Residential Weekend | £545 | £500 |
| Full Non-Residential Weekend | £420 | £380 |
| Sharing Couple | £650 | £610 |
EARLY-BIRD OFFER – SAVE UP TO £45
Book by 31 January 2027 to take advantage of our special early-bird prices.
From 1 February 2027, standard course prices will apply.
Places are limited to approximately 10–14 participants, ensuring everyone has plenty of opportunities to develop their playing, ask questions and receive individual guidance throughout the weekend.
Early booking is recommended to secure your place.
You can choose to pay the full course fee or secure your place with a deposit, with the remaining balance payable nearer the course date.
Blues, rock and soul may have their own distinctive sounds, but they share many of the same musical foundations.
Learning to recognise and combine these ideas can transform the way you approach rhythm playing, improvisation and guitar arrangements.
If you’d like to expand your musical vocabulary, develop your technique and enjoy a weekend making music with other guitarists, this is the course for you.