Advanced Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 2

In Week 2 of "Advanced Blues in 6 Weeks," guitar enthusiasts are invited to step beyond the traditional boundaries of blues music, incorporating the sophisticated essence of jazz. This transformative journey enriches the blues experience, integrating jazz chords and licks to create a sound that's both classic and refreshingly innovative. Students will dive into techniques that expand their musical vocabulary and open new avenues for creative expression, making their blues more intricate and emotionally resonant. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Guitar Lesson Overview

Beyond Traditional Blues

Week 2 of the "Advanced Blues In 6 Weeks" course is a deep dive into the realms beyond the traditional boundaries of blues music. This section is crafted for guitarists eager to explore new territories, incorporating elements that blend seamlessly with blues yet introduce a new layer of complexity and expressiveness to their playing. Moving away from the conventional, this course segment encourages the exploration of diverse musical ideas, fostering creativity and offering a richer, more varied palette for musical expression.

Integrating Jazz into Blues

This week's focus on integrating jazz chords and licks into blues guitar playing is a game-changer for enthusiasts looking to enrich their sound. The lessons introduce complex jazz voicings and sophisticated licks, merging them with the raw emotion and simplicity of blues. This fusion not only enhances the guitarist's ability to express more nuanced emotions but also significantly expands their musical vocabulary, setting them apart in their blues performances.

Emulating Robben Ford's Techniques

Adopting Robben Ford's signature techniques, including the use of altered, chromatic, and Lydian b7 scales, is central to this week's curriculum. These scales are instrumental in achieving Ford's unique sound—marked by its expressiveness, fluidity, and technical sophistication. Mastering these scales and their application in blues not only elevates a guitarist's soloing capabilities but also deepens their understanding of melodic construction and fretboard navigation.

Live Performance Insights

The course features performances by the tutor, demonstrating the practical application of the week's techniques. These performances are invaluable for students, offering a real-world glimpse into how the newly learned concepts can be woven into expressive and compelling musical narratives. They serve as a practical demonstration of technique integration, inspiring students to incorporate these elements into their playing creatively and effectively.

The Value of Practicing with a Backing Track

Incorporating a backing track into practice sessions is a critical aspect of this week's lessons. Practicing with a backing track offers a realistic ensemble playing experience, crucial for honing timing, improvisation, and interaction with other musical elements. It fosters a deeper musical listening and encourages the development of a more nuanced and dynamic playing style, essential for live performance settings.

Key Guitar Techniques Highlighted

The second week of "Advanced Blues In 6 Weeks" puts a spotlight on a variety of guitar techniques aimed at refining and expanding the guitarist's skill set. Here's a list of key techniques featured, along with resources for further study:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Chromaticism

"Advanced Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 2" is meticulously designed to push guitarists beyond the blues they know, challenging them to embrace new techniques and sounds. This course segment promises not just skill enhancement but also a journey towards a more expressive and individualized musical voice.