Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 5

Dive into Week 5 of "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks," where we intensify our journey into the electrifying realm of blues guitar. This session is designed to push your boundaries with advanced techniques that enrich your musical expression and deepen your blues guitar knowledge. Tailored for both experienced players looking to polish their skills and enthusiastic beginners keen on advancing, this lesson promises to elevate your blues guitar prowess to new heights. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Utilizing Same Shapes Across Different Positions

Mastering the use of identical shapes across various fretboard positions is crucial for any aspiring blues guitarist. This skill broadens your musical language, allowing you to express the same musical ideas in multiple keys and octaves. It boosts your improvisational capabilities, granting you the flexibility to craft more diverse and expressive solos. This technique is key to navigating the fretboard with ease, enriching your blues performances with added depth.

Dialogue Between Major and Minor Scales

The interplay between major and minor scales forms the backbone of the blues genre, creating a musical conversation within your playing. This technique fosters a deeper emotional bond with your guitar, enabling you to convey a range of emotions within a single piece. Learning to fluidly transition between scales introduces a dynamic, conversational quality to your playing, essential for the blues.

Percussive Techniques

Incorporating percussive techniques into your playing adds a rhythmic dimension that simulates the effect of drum or percussion sounds on the guitar. This approach enriches your performances with a compelling groove, making each piece more dynamic and engaging. It is especially beneficial for solo guitarists, as it enriches the overall sound by blending melody and rhythm.

Mastery of Repeating Licks

Employing repeating licks is a vital technique for crafting solos that build tension and captivate listeners. Perfecting this skill ensures your solos resonate deeply, creating an emotional pull that engages audiences fully. It also sharpens your timing and phrasing, elevating the impact and memorability of your performances.

Licks Inspired by Paul Kossoff

Studying three licks inspired by Paul Kossoff, the iconic guitarist of Free known for his heartfelt and expressive style, offers a lesson in blues guitar emotion and technique. Emulating Kossoff's licks not only honors one of the genre's legends but also infuses your style with a depth of feeling and technical finesse.

The Advantage of Practicing with a Backing Track

Utilizing a backing track in practice sessions is invaluable. It mirrors the experience of playing with a live band, enhancing your sense of timing, rhythm, and musical interaction. A backing track encourages active listening and adaptation, crucial for improvisation and playing in ensemble settings. It's an essential tool for anyone aiming to excel in live performances, ensuring you're ready to create music, not just play notes, on stage.

Guitar Techniques Employed in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides

"Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 5" offers a profound exploration into blues guitar, combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches. Completing this week's lesson not only solidifies essential blues skills but also connects you more intimately with your instrument, allowing for a more authentic and expressive musical voice.