Take the Lead

Guitar the way it's meant to be played slayed.
Featuring: Marc Seal
LIVE: THURSDAYS 3PM PACIFIC | ON-DEMAND: ALWAYS

Take the Lead is a live, interactive guitar show that puts YOU in the spotlight. Every episode, Marc Seal, veteran guitarist, instructor, and host takes on new topics and addresses what viewers want to see most. TTL combines viewer submissions, artist performances, musical knowledge, and audience participation to create a unique, live experience.

Each week we receive viewer submissions of guitar players who are trying to capture a certain sound or nail a technique. Marc kicks off each show with his “Set the Stage” segment, where a lucky viewer gets to see their submission played out. Marc will then give live “Sound Advice” as well as detailed instruction during “Technically Speaking” so the viewer can achieve that perfect sound they’re looking for. Submit your videos today for a chance to be featured and have Marc give his advice to you directly!

Take the Lead takes music entertainment to the next level by putting you in the driver’s seat. Tune in every Thursday at 3pm PST to be a part of it!

Marc Seal
Photo by Tony Tribolet

Past Shows

Episode 17: July 22, 2021

Sky Green returns to Take the Lead and shares her insights on the viewer-selected topic: Playing vs. Performing! Elixir Strings® group Low Lily is featured on Welcome to the Stage before Sky gives an amazing LIVE performance. Viewers vote to discuss music theory, and after Q&A the winner of Name That Tune claims their prize!

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Episode 16: July 15, 2021

This episode, viewers voted in our social media polls to cover pentatonic scales! Marc shows you how to learn them his way. Elixir Strings® artists Billy Brandão and Massimo Varini are featured on Welcome to the Stage and viewers vote LIVE to to combine pentatonic and diatonic scales. After Q&A the Name That Tune winner claims their prize!

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Episode 15: July 8, 2021

This time on TTL, Marc discusses music theory and what it actually means to “play in key”. Elixir Strings® artist Fiona Boyes is featured on Welcome to the Stage and viewers vote to hear Marc’s tips on getting gig-ready. After Q&A we play Name That Tune and the winner claims their Elixir prize, LIVE!

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Episode 14: July 1, 2021

In this episode, Marc shares his insights on hybrid picking. Elixir Strings® artist Cameron Cooper is featured on Welcome to the Stage, and viewers vote to hear a “Mystery Riff” breakdown! After Q&A, we play a special double Name That Tune and declare TWO winners to receive giveaways, LIVE!

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Episode 13: June 24, 2021

The next edition of Thyme Over Time is here! TTL Producer Thyme updates us on her guitar-learning journey. Elixir Strings® artist Jimena Fosado is featured on Welcome to the Stage, Marc takes your questions, and a winner gets a prize on Name That Tune. It all happens LIVE!

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Episode 12: June 17, 2021

This week, a viewer asks Marc for his advice on teaching strong rhythm playing and using barre chords. Elixir Strings® artist Luca Faraone is featured on Welcome to the Stage, and viewers vote to reveal Marc’s adventures as a new pilot! After Q&A, we play Name That Tune for a free giveaway, LIVE!

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Episode 11: June 10, 2021

This time on TTL, Marc answers a viewer’s question and dives deep into different chord soundings without using a capo. Elixir Strings® artist Lloyd Spiegel sends a video to Welcome to the Stage, viewers vote to hear Marc’s favorite alternate tuning, and we declare another Name That Tune winner, LIVE!

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Episode 10: June 3, 2021

On this week’s show, a viewer asks for tips on pick holding while tapping, and Marc dives into tapping techniques. Elixir Strings® brings us performances by Phil Short and Greg Karas on Welcome to the Stage. Viewers vote to hear Marc’s Roadshow Stories, Marc does Q&A, and the winner of Name That Tune gets a free giveaway- LIVE!

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Episode 9: May 27, 2021

This week, a viewer asks Marc for help on his Texas blues shuffle. Elixir Strings® artist Chris Turpin is featured on Welcome to the Stage, and viewers vote to learn Marc’s favorite speed exercises. After Q&A, we play Name That Tune for a free giveaway! There are more prizes to win next week, and it all happens LIVE!

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Episode 8: May 20, 2021

In this episode, we catch up with Thyme Over Time and Marc gives his first-ever LIVE, in-depth lesson. Elixir Strings® guitarist Bill Worrell is featured on Welcome to the Stage, viewers vote to hear Marc’s essential acoustic songs, and we play Name That Tune for a string giveaway!

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Episode 7: May 13, 2021

This time on TTL, a viewer asks Marc to demonstrate muting and thumb placement on SRV/Hendrix-style riffs. Elixir Strings® sends in an incredible performance for Welcome to the Stage. Viewers vote to hear some sweet Metallica loops, and Marc unboxes a brand-new Ibanez guitar, LIVE!

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Episode 6: May 6, 2021

Marc returns! In this week’s episode, a viewer asks for tips on how to perfect a guitar solo from Pink Floyd’s Mother. Marc covers raking techniques and takes your questions, LIVE! Kenny Echizen is featured on Welcome to the Stage and viewers vote to hear about the song Marc wrote while he was away in Mexico.

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Episode 5: April 29, 2021

Special guest host Sky Green guides a viewer through how to sing and play Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love. Sky discusses arpeggiating, dealing with different time signatures, and how to add vocals. Sage Escalante is featured on Welcome to the Stage and viewers vote to hear Sky’s “Clean Playing Tips and Tricks”, LIVE!

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Episode 4: April 22, 2021

In this acoustic episode, we introduce our first installment of Thyme Over Time. Marc demos picking fundamentals and must-have skills for new acoustic players. Guest Sky Green delivers a powerful live performance on Welcome to the Stage. Viewers vote to learn about Marc and Sky’s musical influences. It all happens LIVE!

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Episode 3: April 15, 2021

In this episode, a viewer asks Marc for help on one of his very own songs, The Daily Battle. Marc gives tips to perfect your hammer-ons and pull-offs. Aaron Broering is featured on Welcome to the Stage and viewers vote to play “Name That Tune”. It all happens LIVE!

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Episode 2: April 8, 2021

In our second episode, a viewer Sets the Stage by asking Marc for help playing a section of Eric Johnson’s Cliffs of Dover. Marc demonstrates and gives details on achieving different types of bends and vibratos. Gabriella Quevedo and Guthrie Govan are featured on Welcome to the Stage and Marc takes your questions, LIVE!

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Episode 1: April 1, 2021

In our pilot episode, a viewer sets the stage by asking Marc for help on a Bon Jovi solo. Marc dives into artificial pinch harmonics and takes your questions, LIVE!

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