| Join me as I examine the joys of blues guitar and the | | | | While I respect and understand those who decide |
| major influence it has had on modern day music. | | | | not to play blues, I have little tolerance for ignorance. |
| Learn how to make your guitar sing out what you're | | | | You have heard it said over and over again that |
| feeling. Learn how to play with blues rhythm and try | | | | blues has always been the cornerstone for many of |
| out some new chords and strumming patterns. | | | | your favourite styles that you love today. Blues lead |
| Blues - Soul Food | | | | guitar playing uses a multifaceted approach that is |
| Blues guitar music is one of the most intriguing and | | | | established upon smooth bends, hammer on's, pull |
| fascinating music genre that is out there. It features | | | | off's and many other standard techniques. The way |
| a colourful history, interesting people and a way of | | | | they are ultimately played and delivered is what sets |
| expressing feelings unlike any other style of music. In | | | | blues apart. First off, blues rarely, if ever, follows a |
| essence, blues tells a story of one's life experiences | | | | single one set rule. |
| and has diverse themes ranging from travel to | | | | However, there are numerous approach patterns |
| modern day events. | | | | that have made blues famous. You can branch out |
| Blues isn't as decorated as other genres of music. It | | | | from these patterns into your own unique style. |
| is raw and uncensored and as far as the guitar is | | | | Ultimately, you can make anything sound bluesy with |
| concerned, one of the finest venues to let your | | | | some simple scales. There are various kinds of blues |
| creativity soar. You will not be criticised for your | | | | scales. Many are derived from the pentatonic scale. |
| technique here, instead, you will be complimented for | | | | However, a true blues scale has what is called a blue |
| your ingenuity. Within the realm of blues guitar, there | | | | note. A blues note means a drop in pitch located on |
| are many different sub-specialties. There is delta | | | | the 3rd, 5th, or 7th tone of the scale. If this flatted |
| blues and many more | | | | note isn't included in the key signature, an accidental |
| A lot of blues guitarists fail to understand is that | | | | will be used to tell you to play that note as a flat. |
| legendary players such as BB King, Albert King, Buddy | | | | That scratches the tip of blues scales and there are |
| Guy, Eric Clapton were all blues players. Many of their | | | | many other variations. I encourage you to go to your |
| songs were inspired by blues and produced a | | | | local store to buy a scale book to hone your skills |
| completely original and new generation of pumped up | | | | and see the other blues scales available. I will also |
| guitarists. Unfortunately, a lot people fail to arrive at | | | | encourage you to purchase professional blues guitar |
| that association and blues is oftentimes underrated | | | | backing tracks to take your blues playing to the next |
| by aspiring guitarists. The reality is that blues is only | | | | level. |
| what you make it. | | | | |