American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This comprehensive week of lessons is designed to equip you with the essential techniques and concepts that define the B.B. King style. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the blues and learn how to apply these techniques to your own playing, creating authentic and compelling blues solos. This course will help you master the art of blues guitar improvisation and give you the confidence to express yourself freely on the fretboard.
Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:
**The B.B. King Vibrato:** Learn the iconic “hummingbird” vibrato technique that gave B.B. King’s guitar its signature vocal quality.
**Mastering Double Stops:** Add depth and harmony to your playing with the artful use of double stops, a cornerstone of the B.B. King sound.
**The Art of Phrasing:** Discover how to create memorable and emotive musical statements through masterful phrasing and note placement.
**Blues Scale Mastery:** Unlock the full potential of the blues scale, learning how to navigate the fretboard with confidence and creativity.
**Seamless Position Shifts:** Develop the ability to move smoothly across the fretboard, connecting your ideas and creating longer, more fluid licks.
**Combining Scales for a Richer Sound:** Learn how to blend the major and minor pentatonic scales to create a more sophisticated and versatile blues vocabulary.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is perfect for intermediate guitarists who have a foundational understanding of the blues and are ready to take their playing to the next level. It’s especially suited for those who want to:
Learn the signature techniques of blues legend B.B. King.
Develop a more expressive and soulful vibrato.
Improve their blues guitar improvisation and soloing skills.
Add a new layer of authenticity to their blues playing.
Understand the nuances of American blues guitar.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
“American Blues in 6 Weeks - Week 4” offers a structured and effective approach to learning the blues. With Steve Trovato’s clear and concise instruction, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to mastering the techniques that defined a generation of blues guitarists. The course’s focused approach on the B.B. King style allows you to immerse yourself in the techniques of a true master, while the high-quality video lessons and backing tracks provide you with the tools you need to practice and apply what you’ve learned. This Lick Library online guitar lesson series is more than just a collection of licks; it’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and speaking the language of the blues.
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 4 - BB King
Dive into the captivating world of blues with "American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4 - BB King." This course, inspired by the legendary BB King, is designed to enrich your blues guitar skills through an in-depth study of the essential techniques that define the genre. Perfect for guitarists aiming to enhance their blues expertise, Week 4 focuses on key methods and offers insights for creating dynamic, emotive musical expressions. This course is taught by Steve Trovato.
Guitar Lesson Overview
Exploring the Blues Scale
At the heart of blues music lies the blues scale, known for its soulful sound and expressive potential. This course teaches you to master blues scale patterns, providing a foundation for improvisation and soloing. Understanding the blues scale enriches your musical language, enabling you to convey complex emotions through your playing and craft deeply moving solos that capture the true spirit of the blues.
Delving into the Major Pentatonic Scale
The course also highlights the importance of the major pentatonic scale, renowned for its cheerful and melodious character. Mastering this scale allows you to balance the moody hues of the blues scale, offering a versatile approach to blues improvisation. The major pentatonic scale is essential for creating memorable, uplifting licks that enhance the positive aspects of your blues compositions.
The Art of Double Stops
Double stops, the technique of playing two notes at once, are thoroughly explored to add depth and texture to your guitar playing. This method, frequently used by BB King, contributes to a richer, more layered sound. Learning to use double stops effectively introduces emphasis and complexity to your solos, making your performances more intriguing and captivating.
Mastering Position Shifts for Extended Licks
This week's lessons emphasize the significance of shifting positions to craft longer, more expressive licks. This ability is crucial for smooth, seamless transitions across the fretboard, allowing for more creative and varied musical expressions. Position shifting is key to linking different musical ideas elegantly, enhancing your ability to improvise with fluidity and grace.
Blending Scales for Unique Licks
A focal point of the course is combining the blues and major pentatonic scales to create distinctive blues licks. This technique lies at the core of blues improvisation, blending the emotional intensity of the blues scale with the major pentatonic's optimistic tones. This mix fosters a dynamic playing style that can express a wide range of emotions, keeping your solos vibrant and engaging.
Practicing with a Backing Track
Utilizing a backing track in practice sessions is crucial for developing timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. The backing track provides a simulated band experience, encouraging you to apply the techniques you've learned in a practical setting. This practice enhances your synchronization with other musicians, refines your listening abilities, and creates a supportive space for improvisation practice, advancing your overall musicianship.
Conclusion
"Week 4 - BB King" from the "American Blues In 6 Weeks" series serves as an insightful guide to mastering the art of blues guitar, drawing inspiration from BB King. This course is specifically designed for those passionate about deepening their blues knowledge, offering essential techniques and insights that will elevate your guitar playing and musical expression.
Guitar Techniques Featured in This Course
Below is a curated list of guitar techniques featured in this course, complete with links for additional learning:
Embark on this enriching blues journey with "American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 4 - BB King," and discover the secrets to mastering blues guitar through the legendary techniques of BB King.
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...