Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 6

The Electric Blues In 6 Weeks course by LickLibrary is a comprehensive journey into the core of blues guitar, focusing specifically on the electric aspect of the genre. Week 6 stands out as a pivotal point in this series, where learners are introduced to advanced concepts that bridge traditional blues with the energetic essence of rock and roll. This final week is dedicated to exploring rhythm ideas, mastering the nuances of bluesy rock and roll within the A, D, and E chord shapes, advancing melodies up a 4th, integrating 6th and 9th chords into your play, weaving chords into lead lines, and emulating three distinct licks in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughan. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Rhythmic Exploration

The journey begins with a deep dive into rhythm techniques essential for any aspiring blues guitarist. This segment focuses on dissecting complex rhythms to enhance the player's timing and groove, laying a solid groundwork for improvisation. Mastering these rhythmic patterns not only boosts one's playing dynamics but also serves as a critical step toward achieving a genuine blues sound.

Bluesy Rock and Roll with A, D, and E Shapes

At the heart of blues rock is the mastery of key chord shapes. Week 6 emphasizes the importance of the A, D, and E shapes, crucial for crafting that signature bluesy rock and roll vibe. Gaining proficiency in these shapes enables learners to confidently navigate the fretboard, unlocking creative avenues and expanding their musical lexicon.

Advancing Up a 4th

The technique of moving melodies up a 4th opens new perspectives in blues improvisation, offering a novel approach to melody and harmony. This skill encourages guitarists to delve into uncharted musical landscapes, enhancing their understanding of harmonic relationships and fostering a more sophisticated ear for music.

Incorporating 6th and 9th Chords

The addition of 6th and 9th chords brings a new layer of complexity and richness to blues progressions. Renowned for their lush, textured sounds, these chords can transform a straightforward blues riff into a captivating musical passage. Learning to wield these chords effectively will elevate your blues performance, imparting a polished and intricate sound.

Blending Lead with Chords

The ability to intersperse chords within lead playing marks the hallmark of expert blues guitarists. This technique enriches the lead sound with rhythmic and harmonic depth, offering a more comprehensive and expressive musical statement. It's an indispensable skill for those looking to deepen their lead playing and add complexity to their musical expressions.

Emulating Stevie Ray Vaughan

Channeling the intensity and technical skill of Stevie Ray Vaughan, this week's course introduces three licks modeled after his iconic style. These licks not only broaden your technical skillset but also enhance your ability to convey deep emotional nuances, drawing on Vaughan's masterful blend of soulful articulation and dynamic expression.

The Advantages of Practicing with a Backing Track

Incorporating a backing track into practice sessions transforms the learning experience, simulating a live ensemble environment. This practice sharpens timing, groove, and improvisation, fostering a holistic musical development. The backing track provided in Week 6 is carefully curated to complement the lessons, offering an immersive environment that mirrors real-life performance scenarios and prepares students for collaborative playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered

Throughout the Electric Blues In 6 Weeks series, a variety of guitar techniques are explored, culminating in Week 6. For further study on each technique, refer to the links provided:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends

Week 6 of Electric Blues In 6 Weeks presents an enriching culmination to your blues guitar education, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to express your musical voice with depth, authenticity, and flair.