Electric Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 5

Welcome to Week 5 of the "Electric Blues In 6 Weeks" guitar course, where we dive deep into the soul-stirring world of electric blues guitar. This week, we're focusing on a series of advanced techniques that will not only enhance your playing skills but also deepen your understanding and appreciation of the blues genre. Whether you're a seasoned player looking to refine your technique or a passionate beginner eager to learn, this lesson is tailored to help you achieve a new level of blues guitar mastery. This course is taught by Stuart Bull.

Course Overview

Same Shapes in Different Positions

Exploring the same shapes in different positions on the fretboard is a fundamental skill for any aspiring blues guitarist. This technique allows for the expansion of your musical vocabulary, enabling you to play the same licks and chords in various keys and octaves. It enhances your improvisation skills, making your soloing more versatile and expressive. By mastering this technique, you'll find new ways to navigate the fretboard seamlessly, adding depth and color to your blues playing.

Call and Response Between Major and Minor Scales

The call and response technique between major and minor scales is a hallmark of blues music, creating a dialogue within your playing. This approach helps in developing a deeper emotional connection with your instrument, allowing you to express contrasting moods and feelings within the same piece. Learning this technique will enable you to switch effortlessly between scales, adding a dynamic and conversational element to your playing that's essential for blues.

Percussive Playing

Percussive playing introduces a rhythmic element to your guitar technique, mimicking the sounds of drums or percussion instruments with your guitar. This technique adds groove and depth to your playing, making your performance more engaging and lively. It's particularly beneficial for solo performers, as it helps fill out the sound, providing both melody and rhythm simultaneously.

Repeating Licks

Repeating licks is a powerful technique for building tension and release in your solos, a crucial aspect of blues music. By mastering repeating licks, you can captivate your audience, drawing them into the emotional journey of your performance. This technique also helps in developing your timing and phrasing, making your solos more impactful and memorable.

3 Licks in the Style of Paul Kossoff

Learning three licks in the style of Paul Kossoff, the legendary Free guitarist known for his expressive and soulful playing, will not only pay homage to one of blues rock's greats but also enhance your own playing style. These licks embody the essence of Kossoff's technique, from his vibrato to his emotive string bending, offering you a masterclass in blues expression and feel.

Benefits of Using a Backing Track for Practice

Incorporating a backing track into your practice routine offers numerous benefits. It simulates a real-life playing environment, helping you develop your timing, rhythm, and dynamics in a way that solo practice cannot. Playing along with a backing track encourages you to listen and adapt to other instruments, improving your improvisational skills and making you a more versatile player. It's an invaluable tool for mastering the art of playing in a band setting, ensuring that when you step onto the stage, you're not just playing notes, but making music.

Guitar Techniques Used in Lessons

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

This comprehensive course on Electric Blues in 6 Weeks - Week 5 offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of blues guitar, exploring its rich traditions and innovative techniques. By the end of this week, you'll not only have mastered key blues guitar techniques but also developed a deeper connection with your instrument, allowing you to express your musical voice more fully and authentically.