Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3

Welcome to week 3 of the acclaimed “Electric Blues In 6 Weeks” online guitar course from Licklibrary, guided by the renowned instructor Stuart Bull. This intermediate-level course is designed to elevate your blues guitar playing by focusing on the essential techniques and concepts that define the genre. If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and start crafting truly melodic and expressive blues solos, this is the perfect next step in your journey. This online blues guitar lesson will equip you with the skills to not only play the blues, but to feel it.
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Stuart Bull Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Stuart Bull

Lessons Included in this Course

1 Introduction
2 A Major Pentatonic Scale In The 1st Position
3 Major pentatonic up, Blues Scale Down
4 Phrasing
5 In The Style Of Larry Carlton - Lick 1
6 In The Style Of Larry Carlton - Lick 2
7 In The Style Of Larry Carlton - Lick 3
8 Final Solo - Combining All New Techniques

Course Content Overview

This week’s course delves into the sophisticated and melodic side of blues guitar, with a special focus on the style of the legendary Larry Carlton. You will learn to:

  • Master the Major Pentatonic Scale: Unlock a brighter, more melodic sound in your blues soloing and learn how to effectively integrate it with your existing minor pentatonic and blues scale knowledge.
  • Combine Scales for Greater Expression: Discover how to seamlessly weave together the major and minor pentatonic scales, as well as the blues scale, to create more dynamic and emotionally resonant solos.
  • Understand Upward vs. Downward Motion: Learn how the direction of your melodic lines can dramatically impact the feel and narrative of your solos, adding a new layer of storytelling to your playing.
  • Develop Your Phrasing: Move beyond simply playing scales and start crafting memorable musical statements with a variety of new phrasing ideas and techniques.
  • Master the Shuffle Rhythm: Get to the heart of the blues by locking into the infectious groove of the shuffle rhythm, a cornerstone of electric blues guitar.
  • Learn 3 Licks in the Style of Larry Carlton: Add a touch of fusion and sophistication to your playing by learning three licks inspired by the master of tasteful blues, Larry Carlton.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is ideal for intermediate guitar players who have a solid understanding of the minor pentatonic scale and basic blues soloing concepts. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, playing the same licks over and over, this course will provide you with the fresh perspective and new techniques you need to break through to the next level. It is also perfect for those who admire the melodic and sophisticated playing of artists like Larry Carlton and want to incorporate some of that magic into their own style.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

“Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3” is more than just a collection of licks. It’s a structured and progressive learning path that provides a clear roadmap for your development as a blues guitarist. The course’s focus on a specific artist’s style allows for a deep dive into the nuances of their playing, while the inclusion of a professional backing track provides the perfect context for you to apply your new skills. With Stuart Bull’s expert guidance and Licklibrary’s proven teaching methodology, you’ll be amazed at how much your playing can improve in just one week. This is not just another online guitar lesson; it’s a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that will transform your blues playing.

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Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3

Embark on an electrifying journey into blues guitar with "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3," a meticulously crafted guitar lesson aimed at broadening your musical horizon and sharpening your techniques. This session zeroes in on the art of mastering the major pentatonic scale, the fusion of different scales for musical depth, the exploration of motion in your solos, the expansion of your phrasing repertoire, mastering the groove with shuffle rhythms, and adopting the legendary Larry Carlton's lick style. Accompanied by a bespoke backing track, this lesson is designed to elevate your improvisation skills and deepen your musical insight, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring blues guitarists. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Major Pentatonic

The major pentatonic scale, celebrated for its uplifting and melodious character, is fundamental for guitarists venturing into the blues realm. Mastering this scale not only unlocks a vast array of improvisational opportunities but also lays a robust foundation for scale integration. The advantages of conquering the major pentatonic scale are manifold, including an enriched understanding of melody crafting and a comprehensive toolkit for creating captivating solos.

Combining Scales

This lesson adopts a ground-breaking approach by instructing you on how to amalgamate major, minor pentatonic, and blues scales. This technique amplifies your musical expression, enabling a fluid transition between different emotional states and technical flair. Grasping how to merge these scales empowers you to traverse various musical landscapes, offering a playing style that is both versatile and engaging.

Upward Motion Versus Downward Motion

Delving into the concept of upward and downward motion adds a dynamic layer to your musical expression. This strategy emphasizes the directionality of your melodic lines, influencing the listener's emotional journey and the continuity of your solos. Acquiring this skill boosts your narrative capabilities on the guitar, rendering your solos more captivating and meaningful.

More Phrasing Ideas

At the core of musical expression lies phrasing, and this lesson introduces novel ideas to refine your phrasing technique. By adopting these new phrasing strategies, you'll inject more character and expressiveness into your performance, ensuring each note you strike resonates with purpose and emotion.

Shuffle Rhythm

Integral to blues music is the shuffle rhythm, with its distinctive swing feel that's both infectious and compelling. This lesson equips you to nail the shuffle rhythm, honing your timing and rhythmic precision. Achieving fluency in shuffle rhythm significantly boosts your overall groove, authenticating your blues rendition with vigor and style.

3 Licks in the Style of Larry Carlton

Imitating Larry Carlton's iconic licks offers a unique opportunity to embody the essence of one of the blues greats. Learning these licks not only honors Carlton's legacy but also integrates his sophisticated approach to melody and tonality into your playing. These licks are invaluable for appreciating the fusion of technique with emotion, a signature of Carlton's musical philosophy.

The Advantage of Using a Backing Track

Utilizing a backing track is crucial for any musician's development. It replicates the experience of playing with a live band, allowing you to refine your timing, dynamics, and improvisation in a realistic setting. The backing track provided in this lesson is tailor-made to complement the taught techniques, offering a practical and engaging means to apply your newfound skills and polish them within a contextual framework.

Guitar Techniques Used in All Lessons

Below is a compilation of guitar techniques featured throughout the lessons, accompanied by links for in-depth exploration:

This extensive list ensures that you have access to a broad spectrum of techniques, each contributing significantly to your evolution as a dynamic and expressive blues guitarist. "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3" offers invaluable lessons and skills, regardless of your current proficiency level, enhancing your musical voyage.

Stuart Bull playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Stuart Bull

As co-founder of LickLibrary and Total Accuracy, Stuart plays a tremendous part of all the goings on in LickLibrary today. Looking at our entire catalogue, the entire contribution from Stuart is phenomenal and has had an impact on tens of thousands of aspiring guitar players the world over. Stuart's professional...

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