There’s a lot that comes to mind when you picture New Orleans. Between its delicious food, lively atmosphere, and enthralling music scene, you’d be hard pressed to find a city with as much culture as The Big Easy. Today being Mardi Gras, we figured now’s the perfect time for ArtistWorks blues guitar master Keith Wyatt to share his guitar lesson on a NOLA music staple, the New Orleans two-beat.

The New Orleans two-beat is derivative of the second line rhythm, which is the more upbeat half of a traditional New Orleans funeral march. While the march towards the cemetery would have a somber tone, the march back would erupt into a joyous celebration of life with extravagant music. “It has this kind of bounce to it,” says Keith. “It makes you want to move a little bit.” Grab your guitar, plug in, and click the video below to let Keith transport you on down to Bourbon Street with this essential lesson.

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Check out Keith Wyatt’s blues guitar course right here at ArtistWorks for some of the best online guitar lessons around. You’ll learn from an industry legend and see results in no time. If you still need some convincing on learning how to play a guitar, try out these free blues guitar lessons.