Let's talk about various techniques and insights that can make your blues playing more interesting and intelligent. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips will help you understand what makes blues guitar unique and how to enhance your playing style.
The Shuffle Groove: Your Bedrock Rhythm (and a Simple 1-Chord Riff)
A shuffle groove should be an essential part of every blues player's skill set. Even when the groove is not explicitly stated, it's always going on in the background. By getting comfortable with this rhythm, you create a pleasant base to improvise around. A simple one-chord riff can be built off of this shuffle, providing a solid starting point for a 12-bar blues cycle.
Major Pentatonic “Lick Builder” Box for the I Chord
Transforming a minor pentatonic into a major pentatonic is a simple yet powerful technique. By sliding your position down three frets, you can create a new sound that is both recognisable and versatile. This technique is particularly useful for major pentatonic licks over the one chord, adding depth and character to your playing.
Preempting the Change: Sneaking in the b7 to Build Tension
Introducing tension before a chord change is an essential blues technique. Bringing in the minor seventh note at strategic points in your progression preempts the change and adds anticipation. This subtle shift can powerfully signal the upcoming switch to the four chord.
IV Chord Magic: Minor Pentatonic, the Powerful b3, and “Blurring” Major/Minor
Playing minor pentatonic over the four chord adds a new dimension to your solos. The minor third is particularly effective and can create a peak of intensity. By blurring the line between major and minor sounds, you maintain listener interest and emotional engagement throughout the song.
Make the IV Interesting: G7 Voicings, Double-Stops, and the “Engine Room” Box
Avoid monotony over the four chord by incorporating G7 voicings and double-stops. Utilizing the riff builder box, these elements add flavor and variation to your playing, making each section of the blues progression unique and interesting.
Marking the V Chord: Classic Slide Phrases and A7 Options
For the five chord, classic slide phrases can be employed to create tasteful and satisfying sections. These phrases are integral to blues and have their roots in harmonica playing, making them versatile and recognisable additions to your repertoire.
Breaking Out of Straight Bar Chords: Finding the 7s Above the Shape
Expand your blues vocabulary by identifying the seventh notes above your chord shapes. These notes introduce intricate lead phrases that break away from standard bar chord positions, enhancing your overall sound and showcasing your creativity.
In summary, these techniques provide a roadmap for solo blues guitar playing. There's always more to explore, such as walking basslines and following chord changes at the 12th fret. In Slide Success, we dive deeper into these topics and continue to refine our blues playing skills.
Embrace experimentation, explore these ideas, and develop a style that is uniquely yours. Keep practicing and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of mastering the blues! ick up your FREE Get Going with Slide Guide here to get started.