What Makes the Blues - Guitar Course
Guitar Lessons with Mitch Laddie
What Makes the Blues
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the essential elements of blues guitar. From the fundamental 12-bar blues progression to the subtle nuances of blues phrasing and articulation, you will gain a deep understanding of what it takes to play the blues with authenticity and passion. The course is structured to build your skills from the ground up, with each lesson building on the last.
Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:
- Hideaway: Dive into the classic shuffle rhythm and learn the blues language of signature licks and phrases. This lesson also covers the music theory behind the 12-bar blues and the essential blues articulations that will bring your playing to life.
- The Thrill is Gone: Master the art of slow blues with this in-depth look at B.B. King’s iconic track. You will learn how to create a soulful groove, expand your blues vocabulary, and understand the harmonic structure of minor key blues.
- Still Got the Blues: Explore the powerful and emotive playing of Gary Moore. This lesson focuses on creating a classic slow blues feel, learning the essential licks and phrases, and understanding the music theory behind this epic blues-rock anthem.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is designed for any guitarist who has a passion for the blues. If you are a beginner, you will find a clear and structured path to learning the fundamentals of the genre. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you will discover new ways to approach the blues, expand your vocabulary, and add new depth and emotion to your playing. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to improvise with confidence, write their own blues songs, or simply jam along with their favorite blues tracks. If you want to understand the blues on a deeper level and learn to play with real feel and expression, this course is for you.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
What Makes the Blues is a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that will transform your guitar playing. Mitch Laddie is a passionate and experienced teacher who breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. The course is packed with high-quality video lessons, detailed tablature, and professional backing tracks to ensure you get the most out of your practice time. By focusing on the “why” as well as the “what,” this course will give you a deep and lasting understanding of the blues. You will not only learn to play classic blues tracks but also gain the skills and confidence to develop your own unique voice on the guitar. This course is your ticket to becoming a true blues guitarist.
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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with any of the artists featured, nor do they perform or appear on this course.*
What Makes the Blues by Mitch Laddie
Introduction
Welcome to "What Makes the Blues" by Mitch Laddie, an in-depth guitar lesson series from Licklibrary.com that dives into the essence of blues guitar. This comprehensive program includes lessons on iconic blues tracks such as "Hideaway," "The Thrill is Gone," and "Still Got the Blues," with a focus on essential techniques like Rhythm Analysis, Blues Language, Music Theory, Blues Articulations, and specific song breakdowns. Each lesson is crafted to not only teach you the notes but to imbue you with the feel and emotion of the blues.
Hideaway
Rhythm Analysis
Understanding the rhythm in "Hideaway" is crucial for capturing its groove. This lesson breaks down the complex shuffle rhythm and syncopated beats that define the song. By mastering these rhythms, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of timing and feel, essential skills for any blues guitarist.
Blues Language
The blues language encompasses the signature licks, phrases, and motifs that define the genre. In "Hideaway," you’ll learn to speak this language fluently, incorporating classic blues vocabulary into your playing. This helps in developing your improvisational skills and personal expression.
Music Theory
This section delves into the theoretical aspects behind "Hideaway," explaining the chord progressions and scales used. Understanding the theory allows you to see how the pieces fit together, enabling you to apply these concepts to your own compositions and improvisations.
Blues Articulations
Blues articulations such as vibrato, string bending, and slides give the blues its unique sound. You’ll learn how to execute these techniques with precision and feeling, adding depth and emotion to your playing.
Song Breakdown
Breaking down "Hideaway" into its component parts, this lesson provides a step-by-step guide to playing the song note-for-note. This thorough analysis helps you to internalise each section, making the song easier to learn and master.
The Thrill is Gone
Rhythm Analysis
"The Thrill is Gone" features a more laid-back, soulful rhythm. This lesson focuses on the subtleties of its groove, teaching you to play with the right amount of swing and feel. Mastering this rhythm will improve your ability to play slow blues with emotion and precision.
Blues Language
In this song, you'll explore a different set of blues phrases and motifs, enhancing your blues vocabulary. Learning these elements allows you to diversify your playing style and improvise more effectively in different blues contexts.
Music Theory
Here, you’ll explore the harmonic structure of "The Thrill is Gone," including its use of minor scales and chords. Understanding these elements helps you to see why the song sounds the way it does and how to recreate its haunting mood in your own music.
Blues Articulations
Techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and pinched harmonics are covered in this section. These articulations are essential for adding nuance and expressiveness to your playing.
Intro Solo
The iconic intro solo of "The Thrill is Gone" is broken down in detail. By learning this solo, you’ll gain insight into phrasing and dynamics, essential skills for any lead guitarist.
Still Got the Blues
Rhythm Analysis
"Still Got the Blues" features a classic slow blues rhythm. This lesson teaches you how to play with the right timing and feel, ensuring that your playing conveys the song's deep emotion.
Blues Language
You’ll learn the essential licks and phrases that define this song, expanding your blues vocabulary. These elements are crucial for developing your own voice within the blues genre.
Music Theory
This section covers the chord progressions and scales used in "Still Got the Blues," providing a theoretical framework that helps you understand the song’s structure and harmonic content.
Blues Articulations
Techniques like double stops, bluesy bends, and vibrato are highlighted in this lesson. Mastering these techniques will add authenticity and emotion to your playing.
Main Melody
The main melody of "Still Got the Blues" is taught note-for-note. Learning this melody helps you understand how to create memorable and emotive solos.
Performance by the Tutor
Each lesson includes a performance by Mitch Laddie, showcasing the techniques in a musical context. Seeing these techniques applied in real performances is incredibly valuable, as it demonstrates how they can be used dynamically and expressively. This not only aids in learning but also provides inspiration and insight into the practical application of the skills you are developing.
Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons
By the end of this course, you will not only be able to play these iconic blues songs but also understand the underlying techniques and theory, enabling you to apply these skills to your own playing. Join Mitch Laddie and discover what makes the blues truly special.
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