Introduction to Blues Guitar Lesson
Introduction to Blues
Hawkeye Herman introduces the blues. He explains the 12 bar blues chords and the poetic format that blues lyrics typically follow.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 19:25Difficulty: 1.0 of 5
Chapter 2: (05:00) Series Introduction, History and Poetic Form Hawkeye introduces himself in this scene. Hawkeye began playing the guitar in 1958. He grew up in the era when many of the blues guitarists that are now common household names were still alive. While living in San Francisco's Bay Area, he was fortunate enough to see these musicians perform, learn from them, and play with them as well. With roughly 50 years of experience, Hawkeye will provide you with the information necessary to playing the blues effectively.
For more information about Hawkeye Herman and his work, please visit hawkeyeherman.com. This website includes performance dates, mp3s, videos, and song lyrics among many other exciting features.
History of the Blues
The Blues is a combination of sacred spiritual music and work songs (sometimes referred to as "field songs"). Blues music sprung from the disenfranchisement of African Americans. It was away to release the anguish of slavery and oppression.
Many of the rhythms common to the blues genre can be traced back to Africa. However, the poetic form of the blues is wholly original. The poetic format of blues phrases is "aab". This includes a line that is sung, then repeated. Finally, a second rhyming line is sung. The two "a" lines create what is referred to as a "call and response." Call and response is an extremely important component of blues music. A very common example of call and response happens in a church service. The leader of the congregation sings "Amen," then the congregation responds. Hawkeye provides yet another great example. "They Call It Stormy Monday," is a blues classic. BB King sings a melodic phrase, then plays the same phrase on guitar. This often involves adding bends and slurs to imitate the voice.
Blues As a Watershed for Other Styles
The influence of blues is very widespread. Without blues, there would be no jazz, country, or rock music. Much of heavy metal music draws upon blues scales and other blues idioms as well. Chapter 3: (01:42) Blues Formula The most common form in the blues genre is the 12 bar blues. This is a chord progression consisting of 12 bars. This chord progression usually repeats for the entire duration of a song. The 12 bar blues is usually played in 4/4 or 12/8 time.
Chord Changes
The most basic form of the 12 bar blues progression consists of the I, IV, and V chords. If you are unfamiliar with Roman numeral analysis, don't worry! Hawkeye explains it in simple terms. These chords can also be labeled by the way in which they function. Respectively, the I, IV, and V chords are referred to as the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords. In a major or minor key, each chord carries out a specific function. Tonic is often compared to home base. This chord is very stable. The subdominant chord or IV chord tends to lead back to tonic or to the dominant chord. The dominant chord wants to resolve back to tonic or home. Hawkeye applies these concepts to the key of E major. The tonic or home chord is E major. To find the subdominant chord, count up four letters in the musical alphabet including the note E. The subdominant chord is A major. The dominant chord is five letters up from E. Thus, the dominant chord in the key of E is B major.
Note: Often, dominant seventh chords are substituted for major chords in the 12 bar blues progression. Chapter 4: (11:30) How Blues Works The easiest way to internalize the 12 bar blues pattern is to vocalize it. Like Hawkeye mentions, the blues was a vocal style of music sung in the fields before it became an instrumental style. Slaves had their instruments taken away from them. Drumming was originally a form of communication developed in Africa. This prevented sedition from occurring on the plantation.
Hawkeye plays and sings a 12 bar blues to demonstrate its form. Notice how the first line is repeated. Then, a new, rhyming line completes the form.
Let’s take a look at all of the phrases in this verse:
Phrase 1: Good morning, Blues. Blues, how do you do?
Phrase 2: Good morning, Blues. Blues, how do you do?
Phrase 3: I’m doin' alright. Good morning, how are you?
Each line in the verse spans four measures for a total of 12 measures altogether.
Applying Chords to the Form
After demonstrating the vocal phrases, Hawkeye introduces the chords and where they each occur in the form. As he plays through the form, count how many times he strums each chord. Also, make a careful note of when the chords change. Count the measures in the way that Hawkeye recommends. Count "1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, etc." This method of counting will ensure that you will not lose your place in the form.
As you learned in the video, the chord changes for the complete 12 bar form are as follows:
Bars 1-4: Tonic (I)
Bars 5-6: Subdominant (IV)
Bars 7-8: Tonic (I)
Bar 9: Dominant (V)
Bar 10: Subdominant (IV)
Bars 11-12: Tonic (I)
Pay careful attention to how Hawkeye chooses to play an A major chord. He plays this chord by barring the D, G, and B strings with the middle finger.
As Hawkeye advances through this series, he will explain some additions and alterations that are frequently made to this basic form. For example, you can play the E chord in bar 4 as E7. This creates a stronger resolution to the IV chord, A.
Supplemental Learning Material
Blues Guitar with Hawkeye
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsThe blues is a distinctly American style of music. Many popular genres such as jazz, rock, and country music draw upon basic blues concepts. Consequently, it is advantageous for any guitarist to study the blues.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Blues
Hawkeye Herman introduces the blues. He explains the 12 bar blues chords and the poetic format that blues lyrics typically follow.
Length: 19:25 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Understanding Blues Chords
Hawkeye explains how the I, IV, and V chords are used in a 12 bar blues progression.
Length: 12:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Blues Rhythm
Hawkeye demonstrates common strumming patterns used in blues music. He also explains how country music evolved from the blues.
Length: 19:42 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Intro to the Blues Shuffle
The shuffle is one of the most common rhythms used in blues music. Hawkeye introduces the most basic shuffle rhythm pattern.
Length: 18:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
More Blues Shuffle
Hawkeye covers the blues shuffle in greater depth.
Length: 13:13 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye introduces and explains a common blues turnaround.
Length: 7:45 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Interesting Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye demonstrates various ways of arpeggiating the blues turnaround from the previous lesson.
Length: 8:08 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Moving the Turnaround
Hawkeye explains how the turnaround from the previous lesson can be transposed to all 12 keys.
Length: 5:57 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Turnaround in the Bass
Hawkeye explains how the blues turnaround can be played on the bass strings.
Length: 11:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Turnaround Practice
Hawkeye provides some tips regarding how to integrate turnarounds into the context of the 12 bar blues form.
Length: 3:58 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Turnarounds as Lead
In this lesson Hawkeye will explain how you can use turnarounds as a way to play basic lead.
Length: 0:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Subtle Changes
Hawkeye demonstrates how subtle changes made to the blues shuffle can have a profound impact on the overall sound of the 12 bar form.
Length: 7:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Blues Shuffle Variations
Hawkeye demonstrates more blues shuffle variations. He discusses playing individual notes and palm muting.
Length: 7:23 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Bass Blues Shuffle
In this lesson, Hawkeye teaches a bass version of the blues shuffle that mimics a common left-hand piano pattern.
Length: 10:49 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Turnaround Exercise
Hawkeye presents an exercise that will enable you to play a turnaround over the blues form in all twelve keys.
Length: 10:44 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Delta Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye teaches a Delta blues turnaround in the key of A. This turnaround is played in the style of Robert Johnson.
Length: 10:45 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Delta Blues Turnaround #2
Hawkeye Herman teaches a new Delta blues turnaround. This lick was inspired by Robert Johnson.
Length: 7:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Robert Johnson Style
Hawkeye Herman teaches more components of Robert Johnson's signature sound.
Length: 27:38 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Movable Chords
Hawkeye introduces some common, movable chord shapes.
Length: 17:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Movable Chord Review
Hawkeye reviews movable chords in this lesson. He explains how these chord voicings can be used in a practical blues context.
Length: 5:41 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Basic Blues Scale
Hawkeye Herman introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson, the most commonly used scale in blues lead guitar.
Length: 23:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Passing Notes
Hawkeye builds on the pentatonic scale. He introduces "blue" notes, which transform the pentatonic scale into the minor blues scale.
Length: 12:50 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Scales and Keys
Hawkeye explains how to transpose the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales to different keys.
Length: 21:18 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Finding the Key
Hawkeye Herman explains how to determine the key of a blues song. This information is essential if you wish to play lead over a song.
Length: 15:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Lightnin' Hopkins Style
In this lesson, Hawkeye will bring together much of what he has taught in this lesson series and apply it to the style of Lightnin' Hopkins.
Length: 16:36 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Treble Shuffle
Hawkeye explains how to play the blues shuffle on the treble strings.
Length: 9:22 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Great River Road
Hawkeye Herman teaches you how to play his original song, "The Great River Road," in this phenomenal lesson.
Length: 16:39 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Mississippi John Hurt Style
Hawkeye covers the guitar style of Mississippi John Hurt. This style makes heavy use of alternating bass lines.
Length: 14:48 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Piano Blues
Hawkeye teaches an original piece called "Piano Blues." He teaches this song to further demonstrate the alternating bass line.
Length: 13:20 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Blues Accompaniment
Hawkeye Herman teaches a beautiful blues accompaniment pattern.
Length: 10:11 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Stop-Time Blues
Hawkeye introduces the stop-time blues rhythm.
Length: 17:21 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Sweet Home Chicago
Hawkeye Herman explains how to play Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago."
Length: 16:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye introduces the eight bar blues progression.
Length: 22:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
8 Bar Blues Key Transposition
Hawkeye takes the 8 bar blues material from the last lesson and explains how to transpose it to different keys.
Length: 6:39 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Classic 8 Bar Blues
Hawkeye teaches a classic 8 bar blues tune in the style of Brownie McGhee and Big Bill Broonzy.
Length: 25:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Playing Multiple Notes
In this lesson Hawkeye revisits the blues/pentatonic scale and talks about playing multiple notes at the same time.
Length: 9:42 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Classic End Tag
Hawkeye Herman teaches a classic blues song ending. He also explains how it can be played in different keys.
Length: 9:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Basic Blues Slide
Hawkeye Herman covers the basics of slide technique and provides exercises to demonstrate them.
Length: 25:49 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Slide Guitar and Open D Tuning
Hawkeye Herman introduces open D tuning. He explains how to play a 12 bar blues progression with a slide in this tuning.
Length: 14:56 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Ramblin' On My Mind
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates the classic Robert Johnson song, "Ramblin' On My Mind" in open D tuning.
Length: 8:41 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Blues Shuffle in Open D
Hawkeye explains how to play the blues shuffle in open D tuning.
Length: 0:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Open D Harmony Shuffle
Hawkeye teaches the "harmony" version of the shuffle in open D tuning.
Length: 5:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Open D Turnaround
Hawkeye teaches a simple blues turnaround in open D tuning.
Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Open D Slide Licks
Hawkeye Herman teaches some open D slide guitar licks. These licks are inspired by the song "Ramblin' On My Mind" by Robert Johnson.
Length: 8:14 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale in Open D
Hawkeye Herman explains how to play the D minor pentatonic scale in Open D tuning.
Length: 4:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Ramblin' On My Mind
Hawkeye challenges you to play "Ramblin' On My Mind" using the techniques from the past couple of lessons.
Length: 4:03 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Rock and Slide Guitar
Hawkeye shows that open D tuning and slide guitar are not exclusive to the blues. He provides an exercise that demonstrates how this tuning can be used in rock music.
Length: 15:55 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
D Tuning Chords
Hawkeye returns to the world of open D tuning. He introduces various chord voicings and explains how they can be used in the blues.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
You Got to Move
In this lesson, Hawkeye teaches a classic blues song by Mississippi Fred McDowell - "You Got to Move."
Length: 9:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
You Got to Move Melody
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates how to play the melody of "You Got to Move" with a slide.
Length: 6:51 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Slide Guitar and Blues Licks
Hawkeye Herman talks about playing and creating blues licks with the slide.
Length: 9:53 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Elmore James Style
Hawkeye Herman breaks down important aspects of Elmore James' style.
Length: 23:11 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Blues Licks and Riffs
Hawkeye teaches some versatile blues licks and riffs that can be used in open D tuning.
Length: 11:15 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Open G Tuning
Hawkeye Herman teaches the basics of open G tuning.
Length: 7:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
G Tuning Chords
Hawkeye gives a brief overview of chords and how they are played in open G tuning.
Length: 6:11 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Blues Scale in Open G Tuning
Hawkeye gives a brief rundown of how the blues / minor pentatonic scale can be played in open G tuning.
Length: 4:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
G Tuning Accompaniment
Hawkeye talks about playing accompaniment using open G tuning.
Length: 7:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Improvising in G Tuning
Improvisation using the minor pentatonic / blues scale is discussed in open G tuning. Hawkeye also touches on Robert Johnson's song, "Walkin' Blues."
Length: 7:26 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Open G Shuffle Rhythm
In this lesson, Hawkeye Herman talks about playing the blues shuffle in open G tuning. He also shows some basic turnarounds.
Length: 10:37 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Open G Shuffle Variations
Hawkeye reviews the blues shuffle in open G tuning. He demonstrates shuffle variations as well as a few licks, turnarounds, and other tidbits.
Length: 15:45 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 61
Robert Johnson Licks
Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.
Length: 14:40 Difficulty: 2.5 FREE
G Tuning and the Capo
Hawkeye introduces the capo and explains how it can be used. This lesson is still in the context of G tuning.
Length: 10:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Come On In My Kitchen
Hawkeye Herman showcases the power of slide guitar by demonstrating the classic Robert Johnson song, "Come On In My Kitchen."
Length: 6:33 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Skip James Style
Hawkeye Herman gives a brief rundown of Skip James' blues guitar style. This lesson also focuses on playing in open tunings without a slide.
Length: 19:15 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Open D to Open G
Hawkeye demonstrates how to take a song from open D tuning and play it in open G. He uses the song "No Expectations" by the Rolling Stones as an example.
Length: 10:26 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Drop D Tuning
Hawkeye shows you the wonders of drop D tuning and teaches his rendition of "Big Road Blues."
Length: 30:30 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Statesboro Blues
Hawkeye goes over the fantastic song "Statesboro Blues" by Blind Willie McTell in Drop D tuning.
Length: 27:12 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Hawkeye discusses some history behind the great blues guitarist Blind Lemon Jefferson. He covers the song "Matchbox Blues" to provide an example of his style.
Length: 19:40 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Minor Blues
Hawkeye explains the chord changes used in a minor blues progression.
Length: 12:53 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Capo
Hawkeye talks about the capo and its many uses.
Length: 22:32 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Song Endings
By user request, Hawkeye shares ideas on how to end songs in this lesson.
Length: 21:26 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Stop Time Blues
In this lesson, Hawkeye Herman returns to the wonderful world of stop-time blues. He teaches a few more ways to play in this glorious style.
Length: 17:53 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye talks about the eight bar blues and uses some classic blues songs as examples.
Length: 26:19 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Blues Mambo
Hawkeye talks all about the blues mambo in this lesson.
Length: 16:09 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Movable Endings
Hawkeye explains how all the endings you've learned up to this point can be transposed to any key.
Length: 31:53 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Movable Blues Scale
Hawkeye talks about transposing the minor pentatonic scale to various keys.
Length: 16:58 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Blues Scale Lead
Hawkeye explains how the blues scale can be used to play lead in any song.
Length: 30:57 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Spanning the Neck
Hawkeye explains how the blues scale can span the neck in any key.
Length: 22:09 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
The Blues Had a Baby
Hawkeye talks about the background of rock 'n roll and how it is connected to blues.
Length: 21:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Fun Licks
This lesson is filled with fun licks and lick techniques.
Length: 17:32 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Spanning the Neck Continued
Hawkeye brings more blues wisdom to you in this lesson about spanning the neck.
Length: 18:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Barre Chords Refresher
Hawkeye provides a few useful tips on playing barre chords.
Length: 13:18 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Relationships
Hawkeye discusses how the visual shapes of chords relate to one another on the fretboard.
Length: 15:06 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Chord Relationships Continued
Hawkeye explains how to find the I, IV, and V chords in all 12 major keys.
Length: 8:43 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Shuffle Rhythm Review
Hawkeye answers member questions on the shuffle rhythm.
Length: 16:19 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Key of A Idea
Hawkeye shares an idea in the key of A that you can apply to your blues playing.
Length: 18:15 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Thumbpick Vs. Flatpick
Thumbpick Vs. Flatpick: A most common question asked among guitarists is discussed in this lesson.
Length: 15:13 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Capo Ideas
Hawkeye shares his ideas on the capo and explains why he thinks it is important for every guitarist to own one.
Length: 18:34 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Everything is Movable
Hawkeye reiterates that everything is movable on the guitar and provides some fresh new ideas.
Length: 12:27 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Bass Notes in Treble
Hawkeye explains how to add variety to the shuffle pattern by transferring the bass notes to the treble register and by adding palm muting. He also explains how you can create your own shuffle variations.
Length: 21:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Treble Shuffle
Hawkeye provides more amazing tips and tricks on moving your shuffle rhythm to the treble for a unique sound.
Length: 16:50 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Creating Solos
Hawkeye revisits the techniques learned in the last few lessons and explains how to tie tie them together to create solos.
Length: 9:46 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Transposing Songs
Hawkeye provides some great tips for transposing any song you want to learn to a different key.
Length: 17:31 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
History of Blues
This exciting lesson dives into some of the earliest history of blues music and how it has shaped popular music today.
Length: 13:52 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Blues is the Roots
Hawkeye Herman explains why "blues is the roots, and everything else is the fruits."
Length: 8:41 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
The Style of Hank Williams
Hawkeye discusses the history and style of Hank Williams.
Length: 17:07 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Style of Jimmie Rodgers
Hawkeye demonstrates some key aspects of Jimmie Rodgers' style.
Length: 12:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Boom-Chicka Strum
Hawkeye demonstrates the "boom-chicka" strum and explains various ways you can incorporate it into your playing.
Length: 22:44 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Fun Runs
Hawkeye Herman explains how to spice up your rhythm playing by incorporating bass runs between chord changes.
Length: 16:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Review & Practice
Hawkeye Herman celebrates lesson 100 with a short but sweet review of what you've learned in the past couple of lessons.
Length: 6:51 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Song Medley
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates rhythmic concepts from earlier lessons by playing a fun medley.
Length: 13:08 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Hawkeye's Favorite Licks
Hawkeye shares some of his favorite licks in this lesson.
Length: 22:35 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
More Fun Licks
Hawkeye teaches more fun licks to add to your blues bag of tricks.
Length: 31:20 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
More Licks Up the Neck
Hawkeye Herman is back with some more classic blues licks that span the length of the fretboard.
Length: 26:20 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bass Licks
Hawkeye explains the importance of playing licks over the entire neck of the guitar.
Length: 21:33 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rock Me Lick
Hawkeye Herman shares a lick that is commonly known as the "Rock Me Baby" Lick. He explains how this lick can be incorporated into a performance of this classic B.B. King song.
Length: 19:09 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Turnaround Positions
Hawkeye discusses how ideas derived from turnarounds can be incorporated into blues solos.
Length: 8:19 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Instrumental Themes
Hawkeye Herman talks about instrumental themes and how you can add lead fills to them.
Length: 18:03 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Instrumental Themes Continued
Hawkeye continues his discussion on instrumental themes and blues.
Length: 23:42 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Ninth Chords
Hawkeye Herman explains how dominant 9th chords are formed and how they can be used in blues music.
Length: 15:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Ninth Chords Continued
Hawkeye Herman continues his discussion on 9th chords.
Length: 26:52 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
More Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye Herman shares more eight bar blues knowledge in this fun and information-packed lesson.
Length: 23:57 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Using a Tuner
Hawkeye shares his thoughts on tuners in this lesson.
Length: 6:38 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Introducing the Capo
In the 114th installment of his Blues Series, Hawkeye introduces the capo. He demonstrates how this valuable tool allows you to transpose chord voicings to various keys.
Length: 23:21 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Forming Barre Chords
Having trouble getting those fingers to form barre chords? In lesson #115 of his Blues Series, Hawkeye covers some tips and techniques to help with these problematic chord shapes. Any beginner can master...
Length: 10:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
4 Up, 5 Down Applied Concept
Hawkeye explains why the adjacent strings on the guitar are tuned in perfect fourths and how this relates to left hand fingering.
Length: 18:44 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Relative Chord Shapes
Hawkeye continues where he left off in lesson 116 and explains how the tuning of the guitar relates to commonly used chord shapes.
Length: 16:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Transposing Notes / Changing the Key
Hawkeye Herman reviews important transposition concepts. Here he demonstrates how to change the key of a song so that it is appropriate for your vocal range.
Length: 20:31 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
All About Finger Picking
Hawkeye takes a look at this important right hand technique.
Length: 20:54 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Bo Diddley Beat
Hawkeye provides a history lesson on Bo Diddley. He also demonstrates how to play the classic "Bo Diddley Beat." This rhythmic pattern appears in countless blues and rock songs.
Length: 20:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Thematic Bass Lines
Hawkeye teaches some blues bass lines that can be applied to the twelve bar blues form.
Length: 19:04 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bass Lines Continued
Hawkeye continues on from his 121st lesson with more examples of blues bass lines for guitar.
Length: 7:14 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Lead Bass Ideas
Hawkeye dives into some lead bass ideas. He demonstrates how a classic Eric Clapton riff can be used over the twelve bar blues form in any key.
Length: 12:57 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Willie's Bounce
Hawkeye teaches the bass line riff to his song "Willie's Bounce."
Length: 16:31 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Finger Picking Part 2
Hawkeye continues his discussion on finger picking.
Length: 12:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Texas A
Hawkeye Herman teaches a version of the A chord that he calls "The Texas A."
Length: 13:59 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Blues Scale: Adding the Major 3rd
Hawkeye breaks down the blues scale and demonstrates how to appropriately add the major 3rd.
Length: 26:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Double Stops
As demonstrated in previous lessons, Hawkeye opens up the world of double stops. Hawkeye teaches some classic Chuck Berry licks to demonstrate how double stops can be used effectively.
Length: 11:53 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Scrapper Blackwell
Hawkeye introduces the guitar stye of Scrapper Blackwell. He uses the song Scrapper called "E Blues" as a starting point.
Length: 20:46 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Influence of Blind Lemon Jefferson
History flows deep in blues music. Hawkeye discusses the influence of Blind Lemon Jefferson. This lesson is one for the history books.
Length: 22:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Humming and Strumming
Hawkeye opens up some ideas on how to "plan ahead" in your playing. Similar to riding a bike, you need to look forward to see where your going. Humming what you want to play allows you to anticipate the...
Length: 18:49 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only
Katrina, Oh Katrina
Inspired by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Hawkeye was commissioned by the BBC to write a song about Katrina. Hawkeye demonstrates this song and recalls his thought process in writing this song.
Length: 29:53 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
All About the Hammer-on
Hawkeye demonstrates how a hammer-on can be used to open up doors in your playing. Hawkeye shows you how to achieve this technique and use it successfully in your playing.
Length: 24:07 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Pull-off
Hawkeye covers the pull-off, best friend of the hammer on. This technique is used to achieve the same goal as the hammer-on, yet with a completely different finger movement.
Length: 15:02 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Using Hammer-ons and Pull-offs Together
Hawkeye combines lessons 133 and 134 and demonstrates some examples of how to utilize the hammer-on and pull-off techniques together to enhance your overall blues guitar skills.
Length: 10:27 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
The Quick Change
The 12 bar form is a staple in the world of blues music. However, there are plenty of different ways to arrange it. This lesson covers what is commonly called "The Quick Change."
Length: 15:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Starting on the IV Chord
Hawkeye demonstrates how to change up a traditional 12 bar blues progression by starting on the IV chord.
Length: 16:51 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
The Talking Blues
Hawkeye demonstrates yet another form of blues known as the "Talking Blues." This style is indicative of its name. It features a talking vocal style played over a I, IV, V chord progression.
Length: 24:43 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only
Utilizing 9th Chords
Need a slightly different voicing to spice up your playing? 9th chords will give your blues playing a colorful, urban sound.
Length: 24:53 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Minor Tuning, Major Sound
Hawkeye breaks out his slide and demonstrates how chord progressions in major keys can be played in open minor tunings.
Length: 4:43 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Style of Elmore James
Hawkeye offers up some tricks and techniques that Elmore James utilized in his style of playing.
Length: 25:52 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Style of Son House
In lesson 142, Hawkeye dives into the style of Son House. House pioneered an innovative style featuring strong, repetitive rhythms often played with a slide.
Length: 14:32 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
About Hawkeye Herman
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""One of America's finest acoustic guitarists and blues educators."
Cascade Blues Association
"Herman plays with a sensitive, reflective touch that continually draws
attention to his vocals, which are effectively understated and free of
affectation... Herman can rock with the best of them. A solid choice for fans of
traditional acoustic blues."
Living Blues Magazine
" ...plays haunting music on a mournful guitar."
Los Angeles Times
"The only thing better than hearing this live album is seeing Hawkeye Herman
in the flesh. Whether adding his own spin to blues classics or offering his
own songs, Herman is a one-man history of blues, noteworthy guitar player and
inimitable communicator. Miss him at your peril."
Blues Access
With over 40 years of performing experience, Michael "Hawkeye" Herman
personifies the range of possibilities in blues and folk music. His dynamic blues
guitar playing and vocal abilities have won him a faithful following and he leads
a very active touring schedule of performances at festivals, concerts, school
programs and educational workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
His original music has been included in video dramas and documentaries and in
four hit theatrical productions.
In 2000, Hawkeye was awarded Philadelphia's
Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre for best original music in a
theatrical production. "Everyday Living," Hawkeye's first nationally released album
from 1987, now reissued on CD, features the late blues giants Charles Brown and
"Cool Papa" Sadler, and established the demand for his now long-standing
festival and concert touring. His latest CDs and DVD, "Blues Alive!" (CD), "It's
All Blues To Me" (CD), and "Hawkeye Live In Concert" (DVD) have been greeted
with rave reviews. Hawkeye's journalistic efforts have been published in numerous
national and regional blues and music-related periodicals.
In 1998 he was the
recipient of the Blues Foundation's "Keeping The Blues Alive" award for
achievement in education. He served on the Board of Directors of the Blues
Foundation for six years. Hawkeye was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of fame in
2004. In September of 2005, Hawkeye composed, at the request of the British
Broadcasting Company (BBC), "Katrina, Oh Katrina (Hurricane Blues)," detailing the
hurricane disaster on the Gulf Coast. The song was aired to over 7 million
listeners on the popular "BBC Today" program. He is the cofounder of the Rogue
Valley Blues Festival, Ashland, OR.
This musician has definitely carved out a
spot for himself in the contemporary acoustic blues/folk field, and has earned a
reputation as one of the most accomplished artists in the genre, and
audiences throughout the US/Canada/Europe have come to know and appreciate Hawkeye's
talent, dedication, and captivating performances.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Steve Eulberg
Steve Eulberg introduces the Circle of Fifths. He demonstrates a song that features a Circle of Fifths progression.
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Randall Williams
In this lesson Randall introduces the partial capo (using a short-cut capo by Kyser) and talks about how it can make the...
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Eve Goldberg
Eve talks about the boom-chuck strum pattern. This strum pattern will completely change the sound of your playing.
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Erik Mongrain
Erik expounds on the many possibilities of open tunings and the new harmonics that you can use in them. He explains what...
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Hawkeye Herman
Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.
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Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
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Mark Kailana Nelson
Mark delves into the world of slack key guitar. He discusses basic concepts such as open tunings and chords.
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Mitch Reed
Mitch teaches his interpretation of the classic "Cannonball Rag." This song provides beginning and intermediate guitarists...
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Jim Deeming
Jim Deeming walks you through the process of changing your strings. He gives some excellent tips on this important process.
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Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
Dennis Hodges
Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...
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Nick Kellie
Nick explains how to use scales and modes effectively when soloing over a chord progression.
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Mark Brennan
Mark teaches you the ins and outs of a Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac fan favorite. After Mark plays the full song demo,...
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Kris Norris
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...
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DJ Phillips
Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The House Is Rockin'".
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Nick Greathouse
Nick starts his series with Alternate Picking part 1. Improve your timing, speed, and execution with this important lesson.
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Brad Lindsey
Brad Lindsey teaches the signature riffs from the classic rock song "Tush" by ZZ Top. This is an arrangement of the original...
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David MacKenzie
Many popular rock songs use power chords extensively. David explains how power chords are formed and provides you with their...
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Eric Madis
In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.
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Emil Werstler
Emil takes you through some techniques that he uses frequently in his style of playing. Topics include neck bending, percussive...
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Hey Hawkeye - Just wanted to let you know you're my first choice for Phase 2 lessons. I took 3 complete courses from 3 different teachers in the phase one lessons because I wanted to get a feel for some differing styles and perspectives. I may even go back and do some more phase one lessons later, but right now I'm up for some more challenge so I'm really looking forward to your series of lessons after watching your introductory first lesson. I have noticed in your comments and discussion area, along with the three instructors I have completed so far, there are lots of comments on the first several lessons and then by the time you get down to the last few lessons there are just a few people checking in. I hope that is more of an indication of them not commenting on every lesson as opposed to dropping out somewhere along the way. I'm not a big commenter my self but will be checking in from time to time along the way and fully plan to complete all these lessons. Like everything else we do, it's commitment, dedication and practice, practice, practice. I know you're going to make me a better guitar player as the other three instructors already have and I just want to thank you up front for all the time and effort you have put into these lessons and that you are willing to share your knowledge and skills with us. Jamplay is such a good deal! Where else could you get this level of instruction when ever, and as long as you want it. Well - I'm ready, so time to stretch those hands and fingers and get going. See you down the road ...
Ehya there! I was playing guitar, and blues occasionally 20 years ago.. then I got married and guess: I stop playing.. dunno why! Now I feel I must come back and I still got the blues, at least in my soul. My fingers, after 20 years don't agreed with me, but is just matter of time. I subscribed here and opened my wallet after seeing your sample lesson about Mr. Robert J's licks in open D, and I am so glad of that. By the way, I have another woman now and she ask me to play something for her.. do you want to guess what I am gonna play her? A blues song of course! Greetings from Italy!
Ciao, and welcome. I hope you take your time and follow these lessons patiently in the order they are presented progressing at your own speed ... and that you have a 'forever' of blues music/guitar playing and enjoyment ahead of you.
Absolutely Amazing. Another passanger on the Hawkeye train!!! I was afraid of starting the Phase II lessons and when I was ready I was going to start with the Blues. So glad I am starting with you. The journey has begun and I will be taking it one step at a time like you suggested. The smile on your face while you are teaching the lesson clearly says that you are enjoying yourself. My wife says I am a different person when I am singing and playing music. I know music is food for your soul just as much as it is for mine. Thanks Hawkeye. I will be checking out your website as well.
Thanks so much, Hemant. Be sure to watch my videos at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... and visit my web site. Play on!!! I hope you continue to enjoy singing/playing blues guitar ... forever. ;-)
Absolutely Amazing. Another passanger on the Hawkeye train!!! I was afraid of starting the Phase II lessons and when I was ready I was going to start with the Blues. So glad I am starting with you. The journey has begun and I will be taking it one step at a time like you suggested. The smile on your face while you are teaching the lesson clearly says that you are enjoying yourself. My wife says I am a different person when I am singing and playing music. I know music is food for your soul just as much as it is for mine. Thanks Hawkeye. I will be checking out your website as well.
Goodness me! Just when I was beginning to think my plate was full, I found something else to add on to it... will I be biting off more than I can chew if I start this series as well? lol. Regardless... excellent stuff!! I think I have another favorite guitarist/hero to add to the list.
Hi Samantha, and welcome to my blues guitar lesson series. Please follow the lessons in the order they are presented, try not to 'cherry pick'/skip around amongst my lessons, as I've given a great deal of thought and planning as to the oder and content of each lesson. Take your time, don't rush, this is not a 'race' to a finish line, it's an art form and a life's work ;-) ... progress from one lesson to the next at your own speed, and you'll gain a strong understanding and foundation in blues music, and you'll be able to eventually play freely and improvise as you wish. Be sure to watch some of my music videos at youtube.com so you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concerts and at festivals ... try to play along with me, and even 'steal' my licks/riffs/ideas: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... also, you'll find free guitar lessons and lots of blues historical information at my web site: http://www.HawkeyeHerman.com ... and you'll find my music/MP3 downloads here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/mp3.htm ... I hope you continue to enjoy 'traveling' with me (and my many other students) on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. ;-) Thanks so much for your kind message. Welcome aboard.
I've been doing as you suggested, Hawkeye, and I appreciate the advise much. Fingerpickin' a slow 12 bars sounds so sweet, I could do it for the next forever.. no rush in my bones at all.. for once! I'm listening to Robert Johnson as I type this, with a brand new soul now that I understand a touch of what his guitar is trying to say. Thanks for all your devotion.. this is something I've really been missing out on.
Hi Samantha. So glad you've found your soul in the blues and the joy of learning/playing/exploring blues guitar. I've been playing blues guitar for over 50 years and I still get a huge amount of pleasure, satisfaction, and gratification from playing a simple blues shuffle rhythm that I learned so many years ago. I hope the same holds true for your years from now. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye. What advice might you have for people thinking about forming their own blues bands?
Patrick, I have posted your question and my answer in the JamPlay.com forum area under the Hawkeye forum posts, here: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/hawkeye-herman/10556.htm#post68940
Cool. Thanks!
Thanks for the question. ONe of the hardest things to agree on when forming a band, believe it or not, is agreeing on a name. You'd be surprised how difficult it can be to get everyone to agree on the name for a band ... harder than naming a child ;-) because more people are involved. As far as general aspect to keep in mind and be aware of when forming a band ... This question has been covered quite thoroughly via online resources and I think all of the 'details' are covered quite well here with excellent advice: http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Tips-to-Starting-a-Band&id=814 http://www.bmusic.com.au/links/bands/archives/forming_band.htm http://www.blguitar.com/lesson/advanced/starting_a_band1.html ttp://musicians.about.com/od/beingamusician/ht/startaband.htm http://teenadvice.about.com/od/entertainment/ht/start_a_band.htm In the future, you might consider posting such general questions in the forum area, here: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/hawkeye-herman ... ... so that others can more easily access the information and share their comments. This 'comments/questions'' area is for questions about each specific lesson ;-) Thanks so much. I hope the information I've posted is helpful.
The music touches people, and so do you. Kind of like a balm for the soul. And once you have you will always have it Thanks
Thanks for your comments, Larry. Very much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
awesome thank you hawkeye. That little hint about visualizing the next chord is actually also really good, i ll keep that in mind!
Thanks for the positive comments, Alexander. Visualization is EXTREMELY important in successfully changing from chord to chord ... and is used in the training of most all activities and sports that demand muscle memory. Don't think about where you are, think about where you're going ... see the chord in your mind's eye before you make the move to it ... and you will make transitions from chord to chord much smoother. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Loving your series, especially the Robert Johnson lesson. Also, your little stories from your past about some of the artist you've played with. Love it...
Thanks, Nicolas. I was fortunate to have met and learned from many iconic blues musicians over the years; Son House, Bukka White, Furry Lewis, Mance Lipscomb, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Jackson, Charles Brown , and many more. If you're interested, there are article that I've written about these encounters with the older generation of blues artists, as well as on blues history at my web site, here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/articles.htm ... thanks again for enjoying these lessons. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye, I'm so glad to have clicked onto your teaching series. I can't tell a lie I've jumped ahead a little, and I especially liked the Robert Johnson, but now I will be starting the series from the first, and go thru it systematically, love it!
Thanks so much for the kind words about my lessons, Nicolas. Very much appreciated. Yes, please follow the lessons in the order presented and you'll gain a strong foundation in blues music ... skip around and you'll still learn a lot ... but there will be holes/gaps in your 'foundation'and understanding of blues guitar. Blues is a 'language' ... one wouldn't study a language by 'cherry picking' the lessons ;-) Be sure to watch my videos so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing at festivals and in concert: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... try to play along with me ... and 'steal' some of my riffs/licks. Be patient and progress at your own speed ... take your time and learn each lesson thoroughly before moving on, and you'll soon find yourself playing the blues, even improvising, as you please. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again for 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
hi i am so happy to have found your lessons!! i love the blues and sing all the time now i want to learn to play as i sing :) i am trying my best but my guitar doesnt sound like yours and my finger tips are sore...feels like it will take ages to learn but i do love it!
Hi, Sarah. Thanks so much for the kind comments and for enjoying these lessons. Please be patient with yourself ... don't rush ... there's no 'race to the finish line' in learning to play blues guitar, it a lifelong activity (like watercolor painting, or any other art form ;-) ... just take it one step at a time .... progress at your own speed ... use the video controls to stop/replay whatever you don't get the first time around ... follow my lessons in the order they are presented ... and as your fingers get stronger and you develop some protective skin/callous material on the end of your fingers (after the initial pain of playing passes) ... it gets much easier to play the guitar. Some folks don't ever get past the early pain of using your fingertips in such an unorthodox/unusual manner, and they give up ... before they've even begun ... because they thought it would be easy to play the guitar ... it is easy to play the guitar ... but you have to develop some finger strength and some callous on your fingertips in order for you to really get going with learning even more 'muscle memory/chords, etc. Just be patient, progress at your own speed ... remember that every time you practice you improve ... it may not seem like it, but it's true ... sometimes we learn in 'big leaps' of ability and information, and sometimes its in very small steps ... but each step, big or small, contributes to the journey. Be sure to trim the fingernails on your fretting hand so that they don't protrude beyond the tip of your finger ... long fingernails prevent one from pressing firmly on the string ;-) Also, if you watch my many music video on youtube.com you'll see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concert and at festivals: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... I hope to see you in the UK ... someday ... I do tour in Europe each year for the past five years, but I've not toured in the UK ... yet ... it seems that there are quite a few folks taking these lessons in the UK ... 'Hawkeye's UK underground' ;-) ... and they're sending emails to blues festivals/producers/bookers in their local areas of the UK referring/recommending that I perform there. I hope it happens. IN the meantime, thanks for being here at JamPlay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
wow i can't believe you read my message haha!!! so happy this morning when i practice 'good morning blues' i will play better i know it :) :) i am going to see bb king at the apollo but i am not aware of many blues gigs however if you ever come to town i will be there no question. thank you it must be amazing to bring so much joy to so many people xx
ps i have watched all your you tube stuff that is what led me to this site x
Thanks so much for viewing the videos, Sarah. Have a great time at the BB King show. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hawkeye - I have a question regarding the I, IV, V chord structure. In lesson 1, scene 3 you refer to these as follows: I - tonic, IV - subdominant, V - dominant In lesson 1, scene 4 you then refer to this same progression as follows: I - tonic, IV - dominant, V - subdominant Could you please clarify which is correct? Thanks!
Thanks for catching my error ... sorry for the confusion ... sometimes I do talk without thinking ... especially when we videotape these lesson early in the morning ... ;-) ... this is correct: I - tonic, IV - subdominant, V - dominant. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Peeked at your lessons during my free trial, and now, almost at the end of my beginners lessons, although I could spend more time there, I am eager to follow your lessons as far as I can go. You are the inspiration that lead me to sign up as a subscriber. My goal is to one day play along with some of my old Champion Jack Dupree lp's. Good old fashion barrel house blues. Got my Herco blue strapped on and away we go!
Thanks for the message, Roger. Much appreciated.. FOllow my lessons in the order they are presented ... don't rush ... be patient with yourself ... progress at your own speed and enjoy the learning process. There are more free guitar lessons at my web site ... http://hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... and be sure to watyc some of my many music performance videos so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing ... http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. You should be able to play along with Champion Jack sooner than you might have though. Thanks again for the kind words.
Hawkeye, I couldn't wait to finish my phase one lessons before starting your Blues lessons. You've really given me the Blues bug and it's great. I've enjoyed this first lesson and am looking forward to carrying on with you. Great to have met you and in years to come I might be able to say to my grandkids that I was taught by the great Michael Hawkeye Herman :-)
Thanks so much for the message and for your patience and diligence in completing Phase One lessons before starting with me at Phase Two. Follow my lessons in the order they are presented ... take your time, be patient with yourself ... use the video controls to repeat as many times a necessary any segment that you don't 'get'/understand on the first viewing ... don't rush, enjoy the process ... and progress from lesson to lesson at your own speed ... like I always say, "You must learn to crawl before you walk, and learn to walk before you run." ;-) I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. If you have a problem, just let me know. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com ... and that the information I share with you serves you ... forever.
crawl before you walk. walk before you run. Run before you fly. Thank you Sir.
You're most welcome, Don. You've definitely got the 'message.' By the way, did you know that your screen name 'driftingblues' is the title of one of the biggest blues hits of all times, written and recorded by the great blues pianist Charles Brown, who was a good friend, mentor of mine, and with whom I toured and recorded ... including a version of his hit song, "Drifting Blues," on my very first album ... you can hear part our piano and guitar duet from the album here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/media/Track06.MP3 ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Mr Hawkeye, a series by you for real beginners would be great. I hope you'll do that one day or another.
Thanks so much for your comments and kind words. I'll definitely consider doing a Phase One/Beginners series. I appreciate your interest. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. ;-)
Hawkeye, this is so cool! I just started the series and your teaching style is so easy to understand. I'm going to go slow and take my time and have fun with this. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the kind comments. So glad you're traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. Follow my lessons in the order they are presented ... take your time, be patient with yourself, progress at your own speed ... if you don't understand something on the first viewing, use the video controls to replay any segment, short or long, as many times as you need to until you 'get it.' I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again! :-)
Thanks a lot for your lesson. I am 40 years old and I used to play guitar when I was a teenager. I have a long break (for almost 20 years in playing) and now I’ve decided to start again. Your lessons are impressive and very useful. The fact that your not just teaching guitar but also blues history and also music theory is another impressive and positive surprise. I regret that 25 years ago when I took guitar lessons for 4 years I didn’t had a teacher like you. Anyway better later than never ! Once again thanks for the lessons. Best regards Adrian (Bucharest,Romania)
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging comments, Adrian. Very much appreciated. Yes ... "Better late than never!" ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. ;-)
thanks for your lessons Hawkeye....I'm almost 50 and have been learning for abt 2 years and really enjoying my guitar....just wish I had started learning 40 years ago. I like blues and folk mostly and have been chopping and changing around in working out how best to learn. Having done your early lessons and read some of your comments I'm decided to take my time and follow your lesson in proper sequence. I'm also doing private lessons each 2 weeks. Do you have any thoughts abt doing private lessons and learning through jamplay. Also, is it ok to use just my thumb and fingers without a thumbpick thanks again... Richard (Sydney, Australia)
Thanks for your kind comments and questions, Richard. I'm happy to have you traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com, and that you understand the values in follwoing my lessons in the order they are presented, being patient with yourself, and progressing from lessons to lesson at your own speed. I have played guitar for over 50 years, and taught for over 40 years ... there are advantages to 'live'/in-person guitar lessons and advantages to online video lessons. Both can serve you well. A 'live' instructor can correct issues/bad habits a student might have with fingering/playing the instrument, as well as spontaneously give necessary/requested information, answer questions, etc. Online video lessons allow you control how much information you want to absorb at a time ... and also allow you to use the video controls to have any short or long segment of a lesson repeated as many times a necessary. With online video lessons you can take guitar lessons any time you want for as long as you want .... with a 'live' instructor, you have to make an appointment, meet with the person, and for a limited amount of time. SOme folks thing/feel that online guitar lessons are impersonal and far less interactive. I'm not going to open a debate on this subject ... There are advantages and disadvantages to both manner of learing/teaching. I suggest you take advantage of both options ... and over time, decide what works best for you. The same holds true for using a flatpick, a thumbpick, or just your fingers and no pick. It's a matter of personal choice. If you're most comfortable with playing the guitar and the sound you get on the guitar with your 'plain thumb and fingers' ... then I encourage you to proceed with what satisfies you and makes you happy. I've been asked about the choices in this matter many time ... and I suggest you read a post/thread in the forum area that I placed some time ago that address the issues/choices of using/not using picks, here ... understand that this includes the choice of not using any type of pick at all: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/hawkeye-herman/4476.htm ... Again, thanks so much for your kind words and for enjoying these lessons.
thanks again Hawkeye....really appreciate your response....Richard
Hi Hawkeye,I started your lesson series in August 09 I think you were up to about 50 lessons then.I had just started playing guitar again after a break of about 20 years.When i watched your introduction I thought I would never be able to do anything like that but after nearly a year and a half of practising,sometimes up to 3 or 4 hours a day I can pretty much play along.This was after following your lessons methodically and not moving on too fast.This is not to say that I havent been learning other stuff as well just to say what can be achieved with a bit of application.I have had a couple of breaks from Jamplay to spend some time learning some songs (Beatles.James Taylor,Neil Young)but now you have a whole load more lessons have come back to the beginning to start the journey again.Looking forward to it.Thanks again.
Thanks so much for your comments, Michael I really appreciate your kind words, interest, and enthusiasm for the blues and my lesson series. I'm so glad you realize that it's best to progress at your own speed, don't rush the learning process, and follow these lessons in the order they are presented. I hope the information and skills you gain here will serve you the rest of your life ... and that you'll encourage others to listen to, appreciate, and even play the blues. That's how traditions are kept alive, by passing the 'torch' to others. Again, thanks so much for enjoying these lessons and for taking the time to post your kind message. There will be many more Hawkeye blues guitar lessons to come ... and I hope you continue to enjoy traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Thank you Mike.I hope you don't mind me calling you Mike. These are very good lessons.I am determined not to give up this time.
You're most welcome. Glad you're enjoying the lessons. (I prefer to be called Michael or Hawkeye ... most folks call me Hawkeye ... except for my wife and immediate family members who call me Michael. Whatever is fine ... ;-) Thanks again.
Hello Everyone, Just to introduce myself as I've just joined JamPlay to improve my guitar playing and become more confident at jam sessions, open mics and during rehearsals. I'm singer/sonwriter mostly self-taught since age 14--I'm 21+ now... ;). I play rhythm on 12 strings Acoustic or Fender Strat. I'm enjoying the lesson with its historical introduction and feel.
Welcome, Rosanella. Thanks for introducing yourself. It's good to have you with us here at JamPlay.com. I hope you'll follow these lessons in the order they are presented., take your time, move forward at your own pace, don't rush, be patient, use the video controls to repeat what you don't quite understand ... and I think you'll find that you'll be playing blues and improving you skills much sooner than you might have expected. I do hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
'Thank goodness'. People told me that I'd reach various brick walls as I progressed with guitar. I was at one such 'wall' when I found this website. Listening to your lessons and enjoying your style has helped me to enjoy the guitar once again. The wife might disagree, but singing along is great fun also !!! Cheers Hawkeye
Thanks so much for the kind words. I hope you follow these lessons in the order they are presented ... and you'll find that I anticipate the 'brick walls' that might hinder your progress ... and that they are transformed from 'brick walls' ... to small hurdles ;-) ... which these lesssons help you overcome. Please continue to Sing Out!!! The blues is about overcoming life's 'brick walls' ... and lifting your spirit in song is an important part of the process. :-)
Enjoyed your classes and workshops at the American River Music Camp. Now I got the Blues once again and have decided to start the lesson set from the beginning, this time with a thumb pick.
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for the message. So glad you enjoyed my blues guitar lessons at the American River Acoustic Music Camp. I had a great time at camp, too. ;-) It was a pleasure having you in the class. As long as you're going to switch to a thumbpick for blues guitar playing... Please note ... don't buy just ANY thumbpick ... if you would have told me at camp, I would have given you one of mine ... I buy them by the 100s (so many folks ask me about them at my 'live' blues guitar workshops that I give them away to those who inquire) ... the Herco Blue Nylon thumbpick is the only one I use ... please be sure to go to these jamplay.com posts to read more about why I use a thumbpick, and why I only use the Herco Blue Nylon thumbpick: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4476 http://www.jamplay.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3924 I'm happy to have you back with me here on the 'blues highway' at jamplay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy the lessons ... and that I'll see you next year at camp. Cheers and Best Wishes, Hawkeye
Hi Hawkeye Thanks for putting so much effort into the structure of the course. It is a pleasure to listen to you play and you have a gift for teaching. Some of the courses I have done in the past have just been a stage for the teacher to perform! You explain the principles very well (simply) and I guess this comes from your own background of learning by watching and emulating the early blues players who themselves learnt to play in the same manner. I am convinced that Jamplay is the next best thing. Can you recommend any Blues Magazines ( I have seen the book list on your website) that have a similar structure to your course, i.e a bit of history, bio, playing skills, recommended listening etc? Once again, thanks Mississippi Mark
Mark, Thanks so much enjoying these lessons and for your kind comments. Much appreciated. My top recommendations for blues magazines: Living Blues magazine and Blues Revue and Acoustic Guitar mag I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Who has got the blues? ME of course
Thanks for saying so ;-) In my humble opinion we all get the blues sometime ... it's a blessing to be able to 'play out' your blues on the guitar. I hope you enjoy this entire lessons series.
Thanks for the lesson. Think I'll stick with this series! One question . . . why is the V chord a B7 and not just a B?
Thanks for the comments and question. The V chord in blues is usually played as a 7th chord, so it would be V7, technically. You can play a B chord/V chord or a B7/V7 chord ... they both work ... the V7 sound betters to my ears and 'leans' a bit more toward resolving on the I (e) chord. I hope you continue to enjoy this lessons series.
Thanks for the lesson~it's going to be an interesting series! :D
Thanks for the message. I hope you enjoy the entire series. There are many lessons posted, and many more to come. I hope you have the patience to follow the lessons in the order they are posted ... for the best results. If you have any problems or questions feel free to ask. Welcome to jamplay.com ... I hope you continue to enjoy 'traveling with me on the blues highway' here at jamplay.com Thanks again for your message.
Hello Hawkeye, I found a thump pick in a store here in Northren Thailand. A plastic thump pick better then nothing. So, going to start the lessons over just to get use to it. I was missing out trying to play without a thump pick. I do not want to miss a thing you teach. Hope all your world tours are doing well.
Sweet I was born in Iowa City. My dad went to that school but moved us to Phoenix when I was 4!
My sister lives in Iowa City, and I usually visit there once a year. It's a nice town. So if you were born in Iowa City ... technically ... you're a "Hawkeye" ... too! Go Hawks!
Greetings Don. Glad you found a thumbpick in Northern Thailand. You're right, a plastic one is better than nothing. However, the Herco Blue Nylon thumbpick is the best and easiest to use. Some of my Jamplay.com students 'overseas' (in Asia and Europe) have purchased the Herco thumbpick via mail order from: http://www.elderly.com/accessories/names/herco-flex-52-blue-nylon-thumbpick--PK3.htm I hope you can get used to using the new 'appendage' to your thumb. It takes about 4 or 5 hours of playing with it for it to eventually feel like a 'normal' extension of your thumb. Thanks for the message and for continuing to enjoy these lessons.
Hey Mr. Herman. This is a great beginning lesson. I think an A7 sound really cool on the 10th measure. My question is: It's hard enough for me to play much less count and sing. Are you counting in your head as you sing? I'm either playing and singing or palying and counting. Thanks Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks for your kind comments and your question. I've been playing the guitar for over 50 years. In the early years I used to count measure while I played, but for the last forty years I don't count at all ... as a result of practice and repetition I 'feel' the chord changes. I don't have to count measures at all ... regardless of the number of measure in a song, my body knows when the chord changes are supposed to happen. This allows me to totally focus on singing and playing at the same time without having to 'count' measures. This can only happen for you if you count measures while you sing and play. I cover this, and how to count measures while singing/playing in a future lesson in this series, so please be patient with yourself and follow these lessons in the order they are presented. Eventually you'll be able to 'feel' where the chord changes happen in 12 bar blues ... which is a great place to start and applies to other types/styles/genres of music. Thanks again for your kind comment and question. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
hawkeye like IOWA Hawkeyes?
Yes, that's correct. I was born in Davenport, Iowa and I attended the Univ. of Iowa. I'm a "Hawkeye" through and through. I took the blues moinker/nickname "Hawkeye" in 1975 to always remind me of my roots in the Heartland. I left Iowa in 1968 to pursue my life as a professional blues musician on the West Coast. I took the nickname "Hawkeye" in 1975. I do return to Iowa and the Midwest to perform at festivals and in concert usually once a year, amongst my other travels all over North America, South America, and in Europe.You can read my full bio. here: www.HawkeyeHerman.com
Great job and well explained.
Thanks for the kind comment. Welcome aboard.
Hi Hawkeye. Any chance of a future lesson on Piedmont blues? Blind Boy Fuller style maybe? Would be very cool.
Thanks for the message and suggestion. Yes, there is a chance that I might teach some Piedmont blues here at JamPlay.com. I'm always open to suggestions. But you must understand that I only tape new lessons in bulk a couple of times a year, so it will be months before anything appears here ... I live on the West Coast and the lesson are taped in Colorado. In the meantime, why not check out the lessons Ihave here on Blind Bloy Fuller, Blind Blake, and Blind Willie Mctell (http://hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm). Also, I recommend you view some of Mary Flower's video guitar lessons here at JamPlay.co. She's an excellent Piedmont blues stylist and teacher. Thaks again for your interest and suggestion.
Hi Hawkeye, I just wanted to take the time and repeat what I have said before that I personally have learned more about ,not only,Blues but many other things about palying the Guitar. I think this is one of the Best Instructional Videos,not that the rest aren't good,as theyare,on Jamplay or anywhere else for that matter.And as you say go slow and Practice! I can't thank you enough.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Dennis. Very much appreciated. In my opinion, understanding the history/background of blues music is almost as important as learning how to play the music. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Again, thanks so much.
Hey Hawkeye, saw you at the IBC in Memphis. sorry you were busy, didn't get a chance to chat. I had a great time; my Brother-in-laws band was in the Challenge. I got into the Blues and started your first lesson on Jamplay. Good beginning lesson; gets you right into it.
Thanks for the message. Sorry I didn't get to meet you in Memphis at the blues challenge ... this was my 9th year as judge. Follow the lessons as they are presented here and you'll be playing blues guitar sooner than you think. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons,
Hi, Hawkeye, Just wanted to let you know that thanks to your lessons The Polishers rocked the house in their debut last night before about 350 people at an important work-related New Year party in Beijing. We did a countrified version of Good Morning Blues with yours truly playing rhythm on an electric acoustic Fender, an Australian playing lead on an electric Yamaha and a German woman on tambourine. We were extremely nervous at first despite much practice because none of us had ever played live before. That nervousness faded quickly, though, when we noticed the Chinese waitresses unexpectedly dancing and digging the blues as they worked during our sound check. That confidence carried over to the show and the crowd got up and into the music as we played and then gave us a standing O at the end. The experience was so surreally cool, I can't properly explain. cheers!
That's fantastic. Congratulations on your first gig! You've made me very happy ... the blues is truly "international' ... you've proved the point ... :-) ... this is just the beginning ... keep it up ... and enjoy the process.
Hi Hawkeye! Brilliant intro! I believe the name of the song is The Great River Road. Do you teach that song in one of your later lessons here on jamplay? I would love to learn it!
Thanks so much for the kind message. I do teach how to play my original instrumental fingerpicking blues instrumental "The Great River Road" here at jamplay.com. Just follow the lesson plans from lesson #1 and you'll be 'prepared' for it. You can watch me perform the entire tune in concert here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4SoVSgV5U Again, thanks so much for the kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy my lessons here at jamplay.com.
Good morning blues, how do you do? E E E, E7 A A E E B7 E. That was fun.
Hi. Thanks for the comment. If each of the letters that you placed signifies one measure ... you only have ten measures and we're doing 12 bar (measure) blues ... so, it would be: E/E/E/E7/A/A/E/E/B7/A/E/E/ ... or you can explore this further here: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/media/guitar-lesson01.mp3 Thanks again for the message. :-)
now thats what i was looking for ""hawkeye"" cant wait to see all ur videos... and learn all your knowledge of the blues... you gave me the kick that i needed to keep going.... thx
Thanks so much. There's a lot more to come ... I just recently filmed many more hours of lessons for jamplay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy traveling with me on the 'blues highway.'
Hi Hawkeye. I enjoyed the first lesson very much, but I have a question. Can I apply what is taught in this course to the electric guitar? You use a lot of fingerpicking and I'm wondering if I can use hybrid picking (with flatpick) or if I could use a thumbpick with my electric? I'm not sure if this style would work with heavier electric strings. Or should I put my telecaster aside and invest in an acoustic for your course?
revgtr, Thanks for enjoying lesson #1 and for your your kind comments and question. You don't need to buy an acoustic guitar, you can use your telecaster. You can use a flatpick if you want. I've been asked this many times, so I posted a bit of an explanation here: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4476 I hope this helps with your decision. Thanks again.
enjoying the lessons and learning your blues :) but your a mean man for that barre chord :D!
jiddz1992, Thanks for the comments and for enjoying these lessons. Very much appreciated. Take your time, don't pressure yourself, be patient ... this is a life's work ... you're not expected to be able to do any of this overnight ... believe it or not, you get better every time you pick up the guitar ... so don't look for instant gratification, look for enjoying the process of learning and getting better in increments ... like the rest of us ;-) You're gonna need a few barre chords ... so pick up the guitar and work on getting rid of those buzzing/muted strings when you're trying to make a barre chord ... make the tiny adjustments that are needed to get your fingers in the right position ... and take your time ... it's a long and winding road that has no end ... not a video game that you can 'master' in a few days ... ;-) ... don't 'barre the door' to your future in playing blues guitar by being intimidated by the barre chord or by your guitar. You CAN do it. The guitar is one of the best friends you'll ever have, if you look at it as your creative pal rather than instrument that you must 'struggle' with . Have fun learning ... follow the lessons in the order they are presented, and you'll be enjoyably playing blues guitar sooner than you might think. Thanks again for being here.
"Good Morning Blues.. How are you?"... I can't get it out of my head :) I can tell you are passionate about what you do. I enjoyed the history lesson and I've made it through the first 3 lessons but I'm holding back because I want to master the basics. I look forward to the next lesson. Thanks
Same here! I caught myself this morning waking up humming good morning blues myself. Your passion for the blues is contagious. Looking forward spending time together on your continued lessons. Thank you.
franr, Thanks for the messasge and kind words. Since you're just beginning with these lessons, let me advise you to stick with the program/order of the lessons. You can jump/skip around and learn a lot, but I've been playing the guitar and teaching for 50 years, and I've given a lot of thought to the order and contenet of each lesson. I want to give you a staong foundation/understanding in blues music so that you can play/creat on your own effectively. Skip around in these lessons, and you'll still learn a lot, but there will be 'holes/gaps' in your blues foundation. Later on in these lessons, when it comes to open tunings and playing slide guitar, you might decide this is not for you, an individual option ... but for now, please stick with the program ... and enjoy the process. Again, thanks so much for your kind message.
pandkyon, Thanks so much. You ain't seen nothin' yet ... I love what I do and I love sharing the music ... this is just the beginning for you ... you've got the right idea; take it slow, don't move on until you can accomplish what is taught in each lesson, and try to stick with the order of these lessons ... if you skip around you'll still learn a lot, but if you stick with the 'program' you'll gain a thorough/comprehensive understanding of the blues, and you'll be able to eventually use your own creativity in playing blues on the guitar. Thanks again.
Great lesson! So enthusiastic you are. Loved this lesson a lot. Thanks!
I really like Hawkeye's style and personality, except in this lesson he makes no mention of which strings to pluck with your strumming hand.
Thanks fopr the comment. Proceed with the lesson plan/order, and your questions will be answered.
mixojam, Glad you enjoyed lesson #1 so much. I hope you enjoy the next 65+ lessons just as much. Thanks so much for your kind comments. Very much appreciated.
I'm enjoying your lessons! What is the name of the thumb pick you use and where can I find them?
Look in the a Hawkeye forum posts ... there´s a complete thread árticle´I wrote about the choice of thumbpicks ... because so many folks have asked about this and I´ve answered the question so many times ... I place a long description there for everyone. Thanks for asking.
Hawkeye: great first lesson. Question: how can you play with a thumbpick but no other fingerpicks? The nails on your fingers don't look long either. Doesn't that affect your sound? Of course, it sounds great. I've just never seen it done that way.
rjooss, Thanks for the kind comment and question. I've never used picks on my fingers, just the blue Herco Flex Nylon thumbpick. Most blues fingerpickers don't wear picks on their fingers ... this is not classical guitar, you don't need long fingernails to play blues guitar ... most guitarists who play fingerpicking acoustic guitar ... in any genre ... don't use fingerpicks ... we use the calloused tips of our fingers to pick the notes. I could never play with picks on the end of my fingers ... I don't like the feel on my fingers nor the metalic sound it creates. Fingerpicks ...? Nope, and I don't know very many people who use them, either. If you use them ... fine. I don't, nor do I recommend them ... but, it's a matter of individual taste ... so if you like using them ... great. I hope you keep enjoying these lessons ;-)
Hiya Hawkeye, great lessons you have. Have gotten tired of the Chinese house bands here playing "Hotel California" and bad Beatles songs, so am going to try and bring a bit of the blues to Beijing.
nycbeijinger, Thanks for the message and kind comments. This is just the beginning for you ... if you're enjoying this lesson, you'll surely enjoy the entire series ... and you'll be playing the 'Beijing Blues' with no problems very soon. So glad to have you 'aboard' our jamplay.com journey on the 'blues highway. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Please remeber, you can watch me perform in concert many of the styles I teach here at and there are free guitar lessons at my web site here: Again, thanks for your kind message.
YOUR VIDEO LESSONS ARE STOPING AND STARTING IS THIS MY COMPUTER . THE BROD
This was a temporary problem and is now fixed.
It has to be your computer ... do you see any other folks registering this complaint? I'm not a techie ... I don't run this site ... I just teach ... maybe one of the tech. folks can help you. Cheers.
sorry hawkeye i am anew member my first lesson love your blues the brod
Nooooooooo problemo. Welcome! I hope you enjoy the journey with me, and the rest of us 'bluesers,' on the "blues highway" here at jamplay.com
hawkeye you do a nice turnaround in this intro, could i ask wat it is? its in the first minute of the video
currnni, Somebody else asked me about that turnaround ... and I explained it in words in a posted response. See if you can find it by looking through the forum posts and comments. Sorry, I don't remember where it is ... but I did write it out in text for somebody ... and i don'thave time to do it again, right now ... because I'm on concert tout. Let me know if you find it ... or don't ... and maybe I can helpyou out with this when I have more time. Thanks!
i ll let u know many thanks & for the word of encouragement..
Hi Hawkeye, I just found you on this site an what a great find! I a drummer looking to expand my musical experience and play the blues guitar. I have seen you every year at the Grafton Paramount Blues Fest. ( thanks for supporting our young festival) I am really looking forward to working through your blues lessons. Tom
Hi Tom, Thanks for the message. Good to see you here. PLease be sure to stick with the program .. I've given a lot of planning and thought to the order and content of these lessons ... if you skip around, you won't get a strong foundation in blues music ... please stick with the order of these lessons ... and I believe you'll be leaving positive comments about these lessons like the many others you see posted here. I've enjoyed being in Grafton and helping get the Paramount Blues Fest going the past three years ... I'm afraid I won't be there this year, as they have some budget problems ... maybe next year. Again, thanks ... enjoy these lessons.
i m currently half way through the lessons and i said i d go back and listen to this intro haha, and now it doesnt look as scary as i thought before.. crazy haha
curranni, Well, a bit intimidating, maybe ... but scary? I hope not ;-)
ok i ll say that it looked hard haha
curranni, Thanks! Much appreciated ;-)
Hawkeye, thanks for the introduction to blues and thanks for the big smile on my face after jumping into the 12 bar blues. im looking forward to my blues lessons with you
JBRADY03, Thanks so much for your kind comments. Very much appreciated. As you can see from the other posted comments from my students ... we're having fun learning and playing the blues. Please try to stick with the 'program' order of these lessons ... and you'll be surprised how soon you'll be playing the blues quite well. Watch each lesson as many times as it takes for you to 'get it' before you move on. Don't rush, take your time and enjoy the process. thanks again for your kind comments.
Hawkeye, About 3.49 into Scene two on "Blues Introduction" you play a little intro by BB King. Can you tell me the preceeding Chord and fingering. It was hard to make out on my monitor. Thanks, Dennis Douglas
DD, The chord is a simple A7 barre chord at the fifth fret. You can learn more here about BB's style: http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/lessons/BBKing-C-blues.pdf in this tablature example the first chord C7 ... is at the 8th fret ... same chord shape as the A7 I'm playing here in this lesson.
This is for those just starting out. Trust me, stick with these lessons IN ORDER and he WILL teach you something about the blues. The first couple lessons seem rather mundane.. the damn blues shuffle again... but like the masterful teacher Hawkeye is, he's just easing you into a greater understanding of the blues form and its possibilities. Again, if you stick with these lessons start to finish you won't ever consider selling your soul in order to play like Robert Johnson.... Hawkeye will have taught you how. Come to think of it, Hawkeye may be the devil himself the sly way he gets you to play the blues but in the end you get to keep your soul. ;-)
jsash, Thanks so much. I do appreciate your passing on your thoughts on my lessons to the rest of the gang. Of course, you're right ... I have played the blues for 50 years and been teaching guitar for 40 years ... and I have given a lot of thought as to the content of each lesson, the length of each lesson, and the order in which they are given ... if one follows the 'program' in the lesson order presented ... there will be much fewer gaps in one's understanding of the blues ... if one skips around when taking these lessons one will still learn a lot ... but one will miss some important foundation/building blocks that are necessary to be a more 'complete' blues guitarist. Learning the shuffle rhythm must be included ... it's a crucial blues rhythm ... if one already knows how to play a shuffle through all the 12 bar chord changes in every key ... then you can skip the shuffle lesson and move on to the next lesson. Be aware that these lessons are 'built'/structured like building blocks ... with a strong foundation first ... then adding information to 'sweeten' one's playing and understanding and blues 'vocabulary' as we progress from one lesson to the next. Well, I've been called a lot worse ... than the 'devil' ... ;-) ... but you are also correct ... I will teach y'all the blues ... and you get to keep your Soul. thanks again for your thoughtful comments.
Enjoying your lessons! Question; in one of your lessons (which I can't find again) you mention the type of thumbpick you use. What kind and where can you buy them? All I can find are thick plastic; I'm looking for a thinner one, like .60 mm..??
brucem, Thanks for the kind comments. Sorry for the delayed response, but I've been touring/performing in Europe from 11/10 to 12/4. The pick I recommend is the HERCO FLEX 52 BLUE NYLON THUMBPICK ... which can be found art http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/PK3.htm accept no substitutes!!! This pick is light, durable, and because it's nylon, can be opened up/loosened if it's too tight, or squeezed/tightened if it's too loose. I was given one of these picks by the great Doc Watson about 25 years ago, and I have been using them ever since. Try it and you'll never use a plastic thumbpick again. Happy bluesin'.
thanks great lessons
sandrocafe, You're most welcome ... sorry for the delayed response ... as I've been touring in Europe from 11/10 to 12/3. There's much more to come. Thanks again.
Hawkeye, thank you.
loslier, Thanks to you for the kind comment. Take your time with these lessons. You'll be surprised how fast you'll learn if you don't skip around and follow the lessons in order ... try not to move ahead until you understand and can accomplish what is being taught in a given lesson. Enjoy the process and don't pressure yourself to move fast or play fast. There's no rush. I want you to have a strong foundation in the basics of blues ... that you'll be able to build on for the rest of your life. Enjoy!
Hey Hawkeye, I'm a self taught guitar player, I was stuck, so I decided to try lessons. Just the first lesson taught me so much, after the lesson I could put together a pretty cool little song, looking forward to the rest of the lessons, thanks!
guitarfool, Thanks so much for the kind comment. If you follow these incremental lessons, in the order they are presented ... you should be able to accomplish a great deal on the guitar. I hope you'll hang in there with me. Thanks again.
Hello Hawkeye, What size strings do you use on your National? Thanks!
Thank you.
mkesner, I use D'Arco light gauge bronze stings (.12 - .52). I could use medium gauge strings for a 'bigger' sound and for less 'buzzing' when using the slide ... but I like the feel of light gauge strings, and I feel that the lighter gauge is less stressful on the neck of my old 1934 Natioanl 'Trojan' resonator guitar.
duaneellison, Thanks for the message. So glad you GET IT! Counting measures in a piece of music via the method I show in this lesson (1,2,3,4 - 2,2,3,4 - 3,2,3,4 - 4,2,3,, etc.) is crucial to not getting 'lost' in the chords/form ... useful in all type of music ... so you know where you are at all times. I'm happy to have helped you make this ... breakthrough. Again, thanks so much for letting me know that these lessons are having an impact on your ability to understand the music and play the guitar.
do u have to play fingerstyle?
Please watch more lessons .. I show how to play much more blues than just fingerstyle.Enjoy the process.
There's a "Hawkeye Live in Concert" DVD you might enjoy ... You can see/hear many of the songs on the DVD for free on youtube.com at; http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH Check 'em out ... you can see/hear my blues ... in action.
Great lessons!!! MORE BLUES!!!!
sweet!!! That was perfect... NOW I understand why people always saw while I need to learn that darn B7 chord. Now I get it... Also - for some STUPID reason that (1,2,3,4) (2,2,3,4) (3,2,3,4) NEVER dawned on me before. I would try to play another with other things and get lost sometimes. Thanks for the duh moment! :) Much appreciated!
Thanks martin and mrigaki. Much appreciated. There's more to come
Great Lessons and such a nice guy. Welcome to Jamplay.
Thanks and welcome!
Thanks to you all for your enthusiasm and kind comments. There are lots more lessons ahead ... scales, licks, turnarounds, rhythms, and complete songs ... as well as some slide guitar ... just down the road a piece ... so take it slow ... but take it ... and remember to always visualize where you're going ... not where you've been or where you are now. Think ahead .. by visualizing the next chord position ... if you drop the time when changing chors it's because you're playing faster than you should ... or you're not visualizing the next chord before playing it. Yes, I did mis-call the four (IV) chord as the dominant chord ... the four chord is the sub-dominant ... the V (five) chord is the dominant. (A little test to see if you were really paying attention) :-)
Thank you Hawk Eye! You are just what the Doctor ordered! Thank you for your instruction. Rob
Excellent lesson! Very thorough! Welcome to JamPlay, Hawkeye!
Thank you, Thank you, the wait is over. The Blues are here YA! Thanks Hawkeye............
I've always wanted to play some blues. Thanks for the great lesson!
Very, very nice. Enjoyed all of it. Nice with the background history, and a very nice lesson on the 12 bars. Lokking forward to many more blues lessons from you.
uuhm...isn't the fith chord the dominat and the fourth the subdominat? or am i wrong????
Yes, I believe he mis-spoke at one point, but you are right the 5th is the dominant.
Thats sweet Hawk.... nice New Orleans sound! JamOn
:D nothing is better than the blues. :D
Fantastic !! Glad to hear your resonator play...I've got one of them too...now you can teach me how to make her sing a little bit sweeter.
I love this guy. His personality made me smile and laugh as I watched.
Good Morning Hawkeye!!! I am so glad to see you!!!! Thank you andI look forward to learning more from you. Very Informative articles in the article section too. YAY!!!! The Blues are here to stay!!!!
That was a fascinating insight into the origins of the blues, and its structure, and counting like that definitely helps keep you on track and defines the form in your head. I really enjoyed the lesson, and its clearly laid out, concise nature. Thank you, Hawkeye, and welcome to Jamplay. Looking forward to many more lessons from you, great stuff.
Welcome to JamPlay! Great Lesson to begin the series and I am will be eagerly awaiting the next lessons because I really want to learn the blue... Thank You Mr. Hawkeye! By the way, love the strap...
Welcome to JamPlay Hawkeye. The blues have finally come to town, and we are very worthy. Given enough time and your instruction, we will prove it.
Bravo!
Yay! JamPlay's got the Blues! Thank you, Hawkeye, for this wonderful lesson series.