American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3: Albert Collins

Embark on a transformative musical journey with our specialized course, "American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3: Albert Collins." This particular segment is meticulously designed to immerse you in the electrifying world of Albert Collins, a titan of blues guitar. Through a series of expertly crafted lessons, you'll explore foundational and advanced blues techniques that will elevate your playing, creativity, and understanding of blues music. This course promises not only to teach you note-for-note but also to imbue you with the spirit and emotional depth of the blues genre. This course is taught by Steve Trovato.

Guitar Lesson Overview

Learning Blues Scale Patterns

The blues scale is the cornerstone of blues music, offering a gateway to expressive solos and deep, emotional storytelling through your guitar. This course takes you step-by-step through blues scale patterns, ensuring you can navigate the fretboard with ease and confidence. Mastering this scale enriches your solos with that unmistakable bluesy sound, a must-have skill for any aspiring blues guitarist.

Major Pentatonic Scale Patterns

Contrasting the blues scale, the major pentatonic scale offers a brighter, more uplifting sound. This course teaches you patterns of the major pentatonic scale, providing you with the tools to add variety and contrast to your playing. Learning this scale allows you to craft solos and melodies that stand out for their melodic richness and emotional diversity.

Utilizing Double Stops

Double stops are a powerful technique in the blues guitarist's arsenal, allowing you to play two notes simultaneously for a fuller, more harmonic sound. This week's lessons focus on integrating double stops into your playing, adding texture and depth to your solos and riffs. This technique is key to replicating the dense, layered sound characteristic of blues legends like Albert Collins.

Shifting Positions for Longer Licks

To extend your solos and create more elaborate musical phrases, shifting positions along the fretboard is essential. This course provides practical exercises for smooth position changes, enabling you to traverse the neck of your guitar seamlessly. This skill not only enhances your fluidity but also expands your creative possibilities.

Combining Scales for Innovative Blues Licks

A hallmark of advanced blues playing is the ability to combine different scales, such as the blues and major pentatonic scales, to create unique and compelling licks. This course guides you through the process of mixing these scales, teaching you to improvise with both structure and spontaneity. This technique is crucial for developing your own voice on the guitar.

The Advantage of Backing Tracks

Practicing with a backing track is an invaluable part of your blues education. It simulates a real-band experience, challenging you to maintain timing, rhythm, and dynamics in a live setting. This course includes a backing track tailored to the week's lessons, ensuring you can practice in context and prepare for live performances. Playing along with a backing track not only solidifies your technical skills but also enhances your musicality and stage presence.

Guitar Techniques Summary

This course covers a broad spectrum of techniques essential for blues guitar mastery. Below is a summary of the primary techniques explored in Week 3, along with additional resources to further your learning:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends

"American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3: Albert Collins" offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the techniques that shaped the blues genre. Whether you're a beginner looking to lay a solid foundation or an experienced player aiming to deepen your blues knowledge, this course will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you not only learn the notes but also the soul behind the music.