American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This initial week is designed to immerse you in the fundamental elements of American blues guitar. You will learn the key techniques and concepts that will enable you to play with an authentic blues feel and sound. The lessons are structured to be clear, concise, and immediately applicable, allowing you to start playing real blues from day one.
Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:
- Blues Scale Patterns: Master the essential blues scale patterns, the foundation of all great blues solos. You’ll learn how to navigate the fretboard and create your own licks and phrases.
- Blues Phrasing: Discover the art of blues phrasing and learn how to make your guitar sing with emotion. You’ll explore techniques like string bending, vibrato, and dynamics to create a truly expressive and individual voice.
- Playing the ‘Shuffle’ Feel: Get to grips with the infectious shuffle rhythm, the heartbeat of Texas blues. You’ll learn how to lock in with the groove and provide a solid rhythmic foundation.
- Double Stops: Add richness and texture to your playing with double stops. You’ll learn how to use these two-note chords to create powerful and melodic blues licks.
- Using Trills, Hammer-Ons, and Pull-Offs: Develop your legato technique with trills, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. These essential techniques will add fluidity and speed to your playing.
- Using Triplets and Chromatic Passing Tones: Spice up your solos with triplets and chromatic passing tones. You’ll learn how to use these rhythmic and melodic devices to create interest and sophistication in your playing.
- Practice with a Backing Track: Put your new skills to the test by playing over a professional backing track. This is the perfect way to develop your timing, feel, and improvisational skills.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is perfect for beginner to intermediate guitarists who are looking to dive into the world of American blues. It is especially beneficial for those who want to:
- Learn the fundamentals of blues guitar in a structured and easy-to-follow way.
- Develop an authentic Texas blues sound in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
- Build a strong foundation in blues techniques, including scales, phrasing, and rhythm.
- Start improvising and creating their own blues solos.
- Learn from a world-class instructor with a passion for American music.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
‘American Blues in 6 Weeks - Week 1’ provides a clear and accessible introduction to the world of blues guitar. Steve Trovato’s engaging teaching style and step-by-step approach make it easy for anyone to start learning the blues. The course focuses on practical, musical examples that you can start using right away. With high-quality video lessons, close-up camera angles, and a professional backing track, you have everything you need to begin your blues journey. This course will not only teach you how to play the blues but also inspire you to develop your own unique voice on the guitar.
WE CAN HELP...
1-ON-1 COACHING
Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!
American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan
Dive deep into the heart and soul of American blues with "American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan". This engaging guitar course serves as your gateway to mastering the quintessential elements of blues guitar, inspired by the legendary prowess of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tailored for guitarists at various skill levels, the first installment of this series introduces essential blues techniques, setting the stage for a transformative musical journey. This course is taught by Steve Trovato.
Guitar Lesson Overview
Blues Scale Patterns
At the core of blues music lies the blues scale, an indispensable tool for any guitarist. This section of the course demystifies scale patterns, empowering you to navigate the fretboard with confidence and fluidity. Mastery of these patterns not only enhances your improvisational skills but also broadens your ability to express emotions through music, serving as a cornerstone for your development as a versatile musician.
Blues Phrasing
The art of blues phrasing allows you to weave emotional narratives through your instrument, turning simple notes into compelling musical stories. This course segment focuses on the subtleties of musical expression, teaching you how to inject your performances with depth and feeling. Grasping the nuances of blues phrasing is crucial for anyone looking to infuse their guitar playing with a unique, personal touch.
Playing the 'Shuffle' Feel
The shuffle rhythm is a rhythmic backbone of blues music, characterized by its swung, groovy feel. Learning to play with a shuffle feel will not only enhance your rhythm playing but also immerse you in the authentic vibe of blues music. This technique is essential for capturing the spirited essence of blues and adds a lively dynamic to your playing repertoire.
Double Stops
Double stops introduce a layer of richness and complexity to your guitar playing. This technique, involving the simultaneous playing of two strings, creates a fuller sound and adds harmonic depth to melodies. Integrating double stops into your playing brings a new dimension to your musical expressions, echoing the style of many blues legends.
Using Trills, Hammer-Ons, and Pull-Offs
The dynamic trio of trills, hammer-ons, and pull-offs adds embellishment and flair to your playing. These techniques allow for smoother transitions between notes, contributing to a more fluid and expressive performance. Mastering these elements not only polishes your playing style but also equips you with the tools to execute intricate passages with ease.
Using Triplets and Chromatic Passing Tones
Triplets offer a rhythmic variation that can energize your playing, while chromatic passing tones introduce tension and resolution, adding a layer of sophistication to your blues improvisations. Both techniques are invaluable for creating engaging solos and riffs, enriching your musical vocabulary.
Benefits of Using a Backing Track
Practicing with a backing track is a critical component of this course, offering a multitude of benefits. It enhances your timing, groove, and ability to play in a band setting. Additionally, it provides a supportive backdrop against which to practice the newly learned techniques, allowing you to experiment with improvisation and phrasing in a realistic context.
Conclusion
"American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan" is designed to immerse you in the world of blues guitar, equipping you with the skills and techniques to express your musical voice. By the end of this course, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of blues music but also a greater command over your instrument, ready to explore the rich tapestry of blues guitar playing.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
- Blues Scale Patterns
- Blues Phrasing
- Shuffle Feel
- Double Stops
- Trills
- Hammer-Ons
- Pull-Offs
- Triplets
- Chromatic Passing Tones
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Steve Trovato
To fans of country music, Steve needs no introduction and as an educator Steve holds a fulltime position in the Studio Jazz Department of Southern California. Steve has had a huge impact on the guitar learning scene with his old country guitar video and his Voodoo Blues series of books...