Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 6

Electric Blues In 6 Weeks is LickLibrary's premier guitar course designed to inject your playing with the essence of blues mastery, focusing on the electric guitar. Week 6 of this series is a culmination of all the skills you've been developing, with a special emphasis on blending traditional blues with the electrifying energy of rock and roll. This week, you'll dive deep into rhythm ideas, explore bluesy rock and roll around the A, D, and E shapes, ascend up a 4th, incorporate 6th and 9th chords, master playing lead while punctuating with chords, and learn three licks in the iconic style of Stevie Ray Vaughan. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Rhythm Ideas

Week 6 kicks off with innovative rhythm ideas that are essential for any blues guitarist. By breaking down complex rhythms into manageable pieces, students will learn how to add a dynamic layer to their playing. This not only enhances timing and groove but also provides a solid foundation for improvisation. Mastering these rhythms will enable guitarists to inject their blues playing with authenticity and vitality.

Bluesy Rock and Roll Around the A, D, and E Shapes

The heart of blues rock lies in its powerful chord shapes. This week's lessons focus on mastering playing around the A, D, and E shapes, which are pivotal for creating that bluesy rock and roll sound. Understanding these shapes inside and out will allow students to navigate the fretboard with ease, unlocking new creative possibilities and enriching their musical vocabulary.

Playing Up a 4th

Playing up a 4th introduces a new dimension to blues improvisation. This technique offers a fresh approach to melody and harmony, encouraging guitarists to explore new sonic territories. It's a stepping stone towards more advanced musical concepts and helps in developing a keen ear for harmonic relationships.

Using 6th and 9th Chords

The inclusion of 6th and 9th chords adds a layer of sophistication and depth to blues progressions. These chords are renowned for their rich, colorful tones that can dramatically transform a simple blues riff into something more complex and emotionally resonant. Learning to use these chords effectively will give your blues playing a more polished and professional sound.

Playing Lead and Punctuating with Chords

Integrating chords into lead playing is a hallmark of seasoned blues guitarists. This technique allows for a fuller, more expressive sound, providing a rhythmic and harmonic bedrock over which to solo. It's a crucial skill for anyone looking to add depth and dimension to their lead playing.

Three Licks in the Style of Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan's playing is synonymous with emotional intensity and technical prowess. By learning three licks in his style, students will get a taste of what makes his blues playing so powerful and enduring. These licks will not only enhance your technical skill set but also your expressive capabilities, offering insights into the soulful articulation and dynamic phrasing characteristic of Vaughan's style.

The Benefit of Using a Backing Track

The inclusion of a backing track is a game-changer for practice sessions. Playing along with a track simulates a live playing environment, encouraging timing, groove, and improvisational skills. It's an invaluable tool for developing a sense of musicality and for practicing the techniques learned in a context that mirrors real-world playing situations. The backing track provided in Week 6 is specifically designed to complement the lessons, offering a rich, immersive learning experience that prepares students for playing in a band or jamming with other musicians.

Guitar Techniques Used

Below is a list of guitar techniques covered throughout the Electric Blues In 6 Weeks course, with Week 6 focusing on the culmination of these skills. For more in-depth exploration of each technique, please refer to the corresponding links:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pull-Offs
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends

Embarking on Week 6 of Electric Blues In 6 Weeks offers a comprehensive exploration into the depths of blues guitar, equipping students with the skills and confidence to express themselves musically with authenticity and flair.