Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4

Dive into the core of electric blues guitar with our course, "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4." This instalment is specifically designed to refine your guitar skills, focusing on essential blues techniques and expressions. You'll explore advanced concepts like the A minor and pentatonic blues scales, delve into the art of musical conversation through call and response, and even master licks in the iconic style of Eric Clapton. Accompanied by a backing track, this course promises to enhance your musicality, offering a well-rounded approach to blues guitar. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

A Minor and Pentatonic Blues Scale in the 2nd Position

Mastering the A minor and pentatonic blues scale in the 2nd position is pivotal for any blues guitarist. This lesson not only broadens your melodic horizons but also deepens your improvisational skills. It's a step towards expressing more nuanced emotions and stories through your instrument, making your solos resonate with the blues' soulful essence.

Repetition of Phrasing

The repetition of phrasing reinforces the emotional impact of your playing, creating memorable and expressive musical lines. This technique is about understanding the power of narrative in music, allowing you to communicate more effectively with your audience through your guitar.

Call and Response

The call and response technique enriches your musical dialogues, whether with other musicians or with a backing track. It's about sharpening your listening and response skills, enabling you to weave complex and engaging musical conversations that captivate listeners.

Simplifying Licks

Emphasizing simplicity over complexity, this lesson teaches the importance of each note's emotional weight. By simplifying licks, you'll learn to express more with less, focusing on the authenticity and feel of your playing, which is at the heart of blues music.

Stretching the Time

Playing with the timing adds a dynamic and expressive layer to your music, allowing you to manipulate tension and release in your playing. This technique is key to bringing your solos to life, making them more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Eric Clapton Style Licks

Studying licks in the style of Eric Clapton offers a unique insight into the legendary guitarist's techniques and emotional depth. These lessons are invaluable for understanding how to infuse your blues playing with soul, feel, and expressiveness, mirroring the masterful touch of Clapton.

The Importance of a Backing Track

Using a backing track for practice is crucial for developing a well-rounded skill set. It simulates playing in a live band, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and ability to improvise. This practice environment encourages experimentation and growth, preparing you for live performances.

Conclusion

"Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4" offers an immersive learning experience, focusing on the depth and dynamism of blues guitar. Through dedicated practice of these techniques, you'll find yourself closer to mastering the artful expressions of the blues genre.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pull-offs
• Rakes
• Pre-bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends

This course is crafted to guide you through the essential techniques that form the backbone of blues guitar, paving the way for you to develop your unique voice within the genre.