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Learn how to play 6 of the most influential blues rhythms of all time and how to play them in several keys.
Overview
Don’t be the guy at the blues jam who always has to solo because he doesn’t know any rhythm parts.
In this Mini-Course, I teach 6 of the most common, influential blues rhythms. In each lesson, I show you the basic rhythm, some embellishments, and, most importantly, how to play them in several keys.
My goal is to help you play each rhythm in any key and understand what options are available to you as you navigate the 12-bar progression.
Featured Videos
Lesson Details
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Lesson 1
Lesson 1: Tell Me
In Lesson 1 I start by teaching you a basic blues shuffle, ala "Tell Me" by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Then I show you two techniques to make it more interesting by adding in additional notes to the basic pattern.
Next I show you how to apply the pattern to a 12-bar progression, first in the Key of B, then in several other keys. In each key you'll learn several ways to find the I, IV, and V positions and why you might choose one over another.
Included
- Lesson Video
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Lesson 2
Lesson 2: Ledbetter Heights
In Lesson 2 we look at a groove heard in "Ledbetter Heights" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. I start by showing you a basic version of the groove, then how to apply it to a 12-bar progression. We start in the key of E, and you'll learn how to shift the opening lick to a different spot on the fretboard because of the open strings.
Lastly, I show you how to use the rhythm in the key of B, which opens up several different ways to play the same fundamental rhythm, applicable to any non-open key.
Included
- Lesson Video
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Lesson 3
Lesson 3: Mannish Boy
In Lesson 3 I break down the signature rhythm heard in Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters. Because this rhythm is so simple, I teach you several ways to play it, with single notes, and with chords. We focus on the key of A at first, then move to the key of E.
Included
- Lesson Video
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Lesson 4
Lesson 4: La Grange
In Lesson 4 I teach you the techniques used in the rhythm for "La Grange" by ZZ Top. First I show you the basic rhythm, then several ways to dress it up with single notes and chords.
Then I show you how to play it in the Key of A, first using open strings, then in the standard position. Then we move to the key of E and finally the key of G.
Included
- Lesson Video
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Lesson 5
Lesson 5: Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
In Lesson 5 I show you how to play the signature rhythm from "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" recorded by Junior Wells with Buddy Guy. I start with the most basic version then show you a couple techniques to make it more polished. Then I show you how to play it over a 12-bar progression in the key of A.
Lastly we move to the key of E and I show you how Kenny Wayne Shepherd expanded on this rhythm for his song "True Lies."
Included
- Lesson Video
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Lesson 6
Lesson 6: So Excited
In Lesson 6 I teach you the rhythm from "So Excited" by Stevie Ray Vaughan. We start with the most basic version of the rhythm and how to play that over a 12-bar progression.
Then I teach you the techniques that Stevie used to transform this basic rhythm into the fat, grooving rhythm we hear in his recordings.
Included
- Lesson Video