Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3

Dive into the electrifying world of blues guitar with "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3," a comprehensive guitar lesson designed to expand your musical vocabulary and technique. This week's focus is on mastering major pentatonic scales, combining various scales for depth, exploring the dynamics of motion in your playing, enriching your phrasing, getting the groove with shuffle rhythm, and embracing the iconic style of Larry Carlton. Accompanied by a backing track, this lesson promises to enhance your improvisational skills and musical understanding, making it a must-have for aspiring blues guitarists. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Major Pentatonic

The major pentatonic scale, known for its bright and melodic sound, is essential for any guitarist looking to delve into the blues genre. Learning this scale not only opens up a plethora of improvisational possibilities but also provides a solid foundation for combining scales. The benefits of mastering the major pentatonic scale include a deeper understanding of melody construction and a toolkit for crafting memorable solos.

Combining Scales

This lesson takes an innovative approach by teaching you how to combine major, minor pentatonic, and blues scales. This technique enriches your musical expression, allowing for a seamless blend of emotional depth and technical prowess. Understanding how to mix these scales will enable you to navigate through different musical moods and textures, offering a more versatile and compelling playing style.

Upward Motion Versus Downward Motion

Exploring the concept of upward and downward motion in guitar playing introduces a dynamic aspect to your musical expression. This technique focuses on the direction of your melodic lines, affecting the listener's emotional response and the overall flow of your solos. Learning this will enhance your ability to tell a story through your instrument, making your solos more engaging and impactful.

More Phrasing Ideas

Phrasing is the heart of musical expression, and this lesson provides innovative ideas to elevate your phrasing technique. By incorporating these new phrasing concepts, you'll be able to add more personality and expressiveness to your playing, making each note you play resonate with intention and feeling.

Shuffle Rhythm

The shuffle rhythm is synonymous with blues music, offering a swing feel that's both groovy and compelling. This lesson will teach you how to master the shuffle rhythm, improving your timing and rhythmic accuracy. The ability to play shuffle rhythm confidently will significantly enhance your overall groove, making your blues playing authentic and lively.

3 Licks in the Style of Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton's playing style is legendary, and this lesson gives you an exclusive look into replicating his iconic licks. Learning these licks will not only pay homage to one of the greats but also incorporate his nuanced approach to melody and tone into your playing. These licks serve as a fantastic resource for understanding how to blend technique with emotion, a hallmark of Carlton's style.

The Benefit of Using a Backing Track

Practicing with a backing track is invaluable for any musician. It simulates a real-band experience, allowing you to work on your timing, dynamics, and improvisational skills in a live setting. The backing track included in this lesson is specifically designed to complement the techniques taught, offering you a practical and enjoyable way to apply what you've learned and refine your skills in context.

Guitar Techniques Used in All Lessons

Here is a list of guitar techniques covered throughout the lessons, complete with links for further exploration:

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

This comprehensive list ensures you have access to a wide array of techniques, each contributing to your growth as a versatile and expressive blues guitarist. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 3" offers invaluable insights and skills to enhance your musical journey.