This is part 2 of my discussion on turnarounds.
Ascending turnarounds push upwards, propelling your music beyond the four chord and onward to the five chord. The result is an uplifting twist in the progression that offers a hopeful, energetic build-up before looping back for another round.
Here is an example: https://share.descript.com/view/SJ0Zph6j7Cm
Crafting Lead Phrase Turnarounds
For players looking to blend turnarounds with soloing, lead phrase turnarounds can add flair and sophistication. These phrases use slide and note harmonisation, offering a melodic way to guide listeners through the turnaround.
This one can be played with fingers or a combination of slide and fretted notes, holding the 12th fret top string note with the slide and moving a fretted note against it.
Adapt and Harmonize
Whether you’re jamming alone or with a band, turnarounds allow you to adapt the blues progression to suit the mood of your piece. From bright and gospel-like to deep and soulful, they enhance the journey each time you complete a cycle.
Conclusion: Your Turnaround Toolkit
With these powerful turnarounds, you can enrich the blues progression and make it uniquely yours. Experiment with the examples provided and create your own variations. As you continue to immerse yourself in blues music, remember that the turnaround is your gateway to musical storytelling, bringing each cycle to life.
I hope you enjoy exploring these new blues dimensions!
Give it a try and let me know how you get on with this effective little tool. Take a look at my FREE Get Going with Slide Guide here, and check out my Slide Success course to develop your confidence with slide.
Happy sliding!