Understanding Blues Chords Guitar Lesson
Understanding Blues Chords
Hawkeye explains how the I, IV, and V chords are used in a 12 bar blues progression.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 12:12Difficulty: 1.0 of 5
You should remember from the previous lesson that the chords used in the blues progression are the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and the dominant (V). The key of E is the most frequently used key in blues guitar music. In this key, the tonic chord is E. The subdominant chord is A, and the dominant chord is B. You must be able to apply these concepts to all 12 keys. For example, in the key of A, the chords used are A, D, and E respectively. Pay careful attention as Hawkeye demonstrates how to play these chords in "open" position.
Chapter 2: (09:09) Figuring Out I, IV, and V Chords Did you pass Hawkeye's quiz for the key of C? In this key, the tonic chord is C. The subdominant chord is F, and the dominant chord is G or G7. The hand can be used to determine the I, IV, and V chords in any major key. You may have already learned this trick from Steve Eulberg’s Phase 1 series of lessons. Simply count up on your fingers to find the I, IV, and V in each key. Each finger represents one note in the musical alphabet. For example, C, D, E, F, and G.
Eventually, you will be able to apply these concepts to all 12 possible keys on the guitar. This process takes time and practice. Start with one or two keys and gradually add more to your repertoire. It is important to be able to play in all 12 keys for several reasons. Most importantly, you must be able to support another musician who may know a song in any specific key. The key is usual dictated by who is playing the melody line. For example, a singer may be able to sing a certain song in only one specific key. This is due to natural range restrictions of the voice.
You already have already learned the primary chords for the keys of E, A, and C. Now, Hawkeye demonstrates the appropriate chord shapes for the key of G. Repeat this process on your own with as many keys as you can.
Adding Additional Chords
The V chord can be substituted for tonic in bar 12 to create a stronger resolution back to the top of the form. This V to I transition is referred to as a "turnaround." This is a very important vocabulary word in the blues genre. For example, play B7 in bar 12 of a blues progression in the key of E. Adding this additional chord change helps to break up the monotony of the harmony throughout the form. In future lessons, Hawkeye will explain additional alterations that can be made to the harmony.
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
View Full Biography
""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
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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.
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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.Mr. Hawkeye! I am so lucky to have found you. Blues speaks to me like no other music. I'm a sax player and fairly new to guitar. Your lessons are simply excellent and easy to follow. I've read all your replies to others and will follow your suggestions. BTW, I'm from Humboldt County (Garberville) and now live in Central Thailand. Local Thai musicians will get a Blues groove going on if I can stir some interest. Thanks for sharing your expertise and experience. Yes, I have checked out your website. Thanks so much, Tony Tucker, Muaklek, Thailand
Thanks for the message and kind words about my lessons, TOny. Very much appreciated. Do check out the free guitar lessons at my web site, as well as the many videos of my performing the blue at youtube.com ... try to play along with me and see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing (see 'guitar lessons' and 'videos' links at my web site ... www.HawkeyeHerman.com). Follow my lessons patiently in the order they are presented, progressing at your own speed, and you will gain a strong understanding of blues music and you'll develop the skills to be able to play blues guitar freely and creatively. I have heard from another JamPlay.com student of mine in Thailand, in Bangkok, and he reports to me that he watches my lessons daily online and then he goes to a local park and sings/plays blues guitar for the people in the park and they gather around him in huge crowds to listen and enjoy the blues music he plays for them as a result of my JamPlay.com lessons ... it nice to know that thanks to my lessons online, there's blues in Bangkok! So, there is enthusiasm for the blues all over the world ... and I hope you will continue this 'spreading the word' about the music we love. By the way, I live in the Ashland, OR area for the past 10+ years ... I lived in the East Bay area in Calif. for well over thirty years ... I know Garberville, and have passed through there on Hwy. 101 many times ;-) ... I will be touring in Europe (France/Switzerland/Spain/Norway) in October ... this will be my 5th European tour in the last 6 years ... perhaps I'll make it to Thailand ... someday. Again, thanks so much for your kind message. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hi, Hawkeye! Thank you very much for the excelent lessons! I just started learning the guitar 2month ago. I hopped into the local guitar shop, the sales man showed me the blues music and invited me to the blues society jam night, tonight. Then I thought 'well, let's play blues!!' This is how I found your lessons. Yes, I enjoyed your lessons the most! using the fingers to count the chords, fantastic, Hawkeye! I am little scared to go to the gathering tonight, but I will bring my knowledge I learned from you and try to share with some other people to have a great fun!! I will post here later for the result! Thank you again! Isao
Thanks for the kind message, Isao. I'm so glad you're 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway.' I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the content and order of these lessons. Please follow my lessons in the order they are presented, patiently progressing from one lesson to the next at your own pace, don't rush yourself, just relax and enjoy the process of building a strong understanding and foundation of/in blues guitar music that will allow you to eventually (sooner than you may think ;-) play blues guitar freely and creatively/improvise as you wish/feel at the moment ... alone/solo, and with others. This isn't a 'race' to a 'finish line' ... it's a love of learning, practicing, and playing blues guitar that is never ending road. I hope you continue to enjoy the journey.
Thank you for the reply, Hawkeye. Your comment make me feel good...no rush, and relax. Yes, it sounds good to me! .....the report from last night's blues society----it was great gathering, almost 100 blues loving people at there in local town in New Zealand! Few bands jamed on stage, dancing, talking, smiling----great atomosphere. I liked it. Now I can not wait to watch your next lesson! Thank you very much inspiring me, Hawkeye. Isao.
Isao, It's my pleasure to introduce you to the blues. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons, playing blues guitar, and making new blues friends.
so good teacher ! always happy to learn with you!
what is the reason you move your fingers left hand on the fret up and down thank you
Thanks for the question, Saul. Are you talking about the slight movement back/forth? ... if so, this is to create a vibrato sound, like the human voice. If that's not what you're talking about then you must be clearer in your question by telling me exactly where in this lesson this happens by letting me know from __ min. __ secs. to ___ min. __secs it takes place. Cheers and happy playing.
Thanks so much, Gilles. I hope you get a chance to watch some of my videos: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing ... and there are more free guitar lessons at my web site, here: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... Again, thanks for your kind words.
great teacher love it
Thanks, DIrk. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
What can I say but thank you, thank you, thank you. I've read books that took whole sections on "how to play in any chord". You put it on my fingers. I get it. I know I get it and this is a huge foundation piece that is rock solid now. You're the greatest. --Linny
Thanks! Hope to see ya sometime in the future. ;-) I'll probably be doing a concert and a workshop in the Tri-Cities sometime in 2012 ... besides my being at the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland, WA over Labor Day Weekend in 2012. (www.3RFS.org)
You're most welcome, Linny. I'm so glad you get it!!! Please be sure to follow my lessons in the order they are presented and you'll gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues guitar ... progress at your own speed, don't rush ... this is not a race ... it's a life's work ... be patient with yourself ... and enjoy the process of learning/practicing/playing. I was just in Richland, WA last weekend (Labor Day Weekend) to perform and teach guitar workshops at the Tumbleweed Music Festival ... not that far from Spokane ... sorry you didn't know about it ... you would have enjoyed my workshops on acoustic guitar and blues rhythm and lead playing. I'm there every year ... maybe next year you can make the event. Again, thanks so much for enjoying these lessons.
I'll keep an eye on your website for future workshop dates! thanks again.
This is sort of a revival of the blues for me. I'm only 17 and have been playing both 6 and 12 strings for about 3 years, so I appreciate this. The matertial I understand, it is a review for me. Thanks Hawkeye!
Thanks for the comments, Matt. This is just the beginning ... follow my lessons (ignore the temptation to skip around amongst the lessons, if your can) in the order they are presented and you'll gain a much stronger foundation and understanding of blues music and an ability to play/improvise/create as you wish. Visit my web site and look at the free guitar lessons on the 'guitar lessons' page ... and the many articles I've written on blues history and the many iconic old blues musicians who I met and learned from directly: www.HawkeyeHerman.com ... and be sure to watch some of the many videos of me performing at blues festivals and in concert so you can see how I use the many blues guitar techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Amazing!! I never really understood what people were talking about when they mentioned 1-4-5 style. Now it's clear. This has helped me tremendously. Playing in any key is so easy now. Thanks Hawkeye
Thanks so much for the comments, Paul. Very much appreciated. I've give a lot of thought as to the order and content of these lessons. If you follow these lessons in the order they are presented I believe you'll gain a strong understanding and foundation in blues music. Don't rush, progress at your own speed from one lesson to the next, and be patient with yourself Enjoy the process of learning and practicing. Again, thanks so much for 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Two questions: 1. How come you are using the IV7 and V7 chords for the E maj blues tab but not for the G maj? 2. What is a standard 12 bar blues progression? Is it I I (can I play II7 here for the second bar?) I I7 IV7 IV7 I I V7 IV7 I I (with a turnaround of V7 on the last 3 beats of bar 12) ?
Sorry, but I don't create the supplemental content ... so I can't always answer the why of what's posted there. I use both the IV and V and the IV7 and V7 whenever I feel like it. ;-)
To answer your questions,Please look in the 'supplemental content' folder under the lesson. You'll find a chord chart for 12-bar blues, as well as chords.
It was the supplemental tabs I was talking about. One tab has the V7 and IV7 chords but the other has V and IV. Just wondered whether there was a reason for this. I know you said one can play either.
presentation is great, I am having trouble understanding which fingers are being usedon chords and fingerpicking in the songs. tablaturewould be a great help learning how to play. thanks
Thanks for enjoying these lessons, Howard. Much appreciated. Since you're 'new' here at JamPlay.com, I reckon your question about tablature/notation is based on the fact that you have not 'clicked' on and explored the 'supplemental content' folder that accompanies each lessons. This is where the 'fearless Matt,' our JamPlay resident notation expert places all of the music and tablature notation for every lesson. So, please 'explore' the 'supplemental content' folder that accompanies each lesson, and if you don't find what you're wanting ... let JamPlay admin. know about it. Again, thanks so much for enjoy my 'presentation' ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hawkeye, WOW! I love your teaching style, thanks, it’s simple, direct, easy to get, and I SO get it. I used to play in my teens and I’ve just returned to the Guitar six months ago after a 32 year break!! I play the piano “badly” so when you talk about chords I keep the Piano in mind and translate it to the guitar in my head and I can do that quickly. I’m working through your Blues series and you’re an absolute joy! Already I’m impressing my teenage sons (who both play guitar quite well) with blues shuffles, turnarounds and licks I’m picking up from you, so please don’t ever leave this site! – Goodbar UK, aka Richard, West Yorkshire, UK
... and be sure to watch the many videos I haver posted here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos .... so you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing ... play along with me ... and even 'lift' some of my musical riffs/licks ;-)
Hawkeye, thanks for the response and great to discover you're REAL, though I never doubted it. Thanks for the Youtube link and already I've "lifted" the little ditty you do with your little finger on the B string when you go back and forth twice between B and A (measures 10 & 11 I think) on your composition 'Great River Road' that 'little pinky lick' is just so affective. Thanks again Hawkeye, that's gone right in the quiver. Keep well, Richard
Yes, I'm 'real' ... somewhat 'animated' ... but still real. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons ... and 'lift' as much 'ammo' for your quiver from my videos as you can ;-) Thanks for 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Thanks so much for the message and kind words, Richard. Very much appreciated. If you take your time, be patient with yourself, progress at your own speed, and follow these lessons in the order they are presented you will gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues music/guitar ... and your skills will continue to improve. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons, the learning and practicing process, and 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. Again, thanks so much for the message and kind words.
Fun lessons. I like how Hawkeye refers to himself in the third person.
Thanks for the kind words about these lessons, Augustus. So glad you're enjoying learning to play blues guitar. Yes, I developed the habit of referring to myself in the third person as a result of my learning to play blues from older blues performers and hanging out with them over the years. The great Lightnin' Hopkins, one of the finest of the 'earlier' bluesmen did this most of the time ... for example, if he liked something he's say, "Lightnin' likes that!" :-) After all these years, it's become a habit of mine to refer to myself as such. Thanks again. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
MOVING THE SONG TO ANOTHER KEY? YES YOUR RIGHT BECAUSE FREDDY KING TOOK THE SONG YANDER WALL THAT JUNIOR WELLS AND BUDDY GUY DID AND MOVED IT TO A DIFFERENT KEY NOT TO MENTION SO MANY MORE.
MY BAD C AND F
OK I PAUSE YOUR VIDEO AND I AM GOING BACK TO THE SUBDOMANANT AND PANTONIC E AND D CHORDS HERE . I'M TRYING TO GET THIS THING DOWN HERE AS MUCH AS I CAN. I ONLY HAVE 2 DAYS LEFT SO IF I CAN AFFORD AN UPGRADE I WILL DO THAT BUT UF I CAN'T I WILL TRY EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IF IT MEANS BORROWING THE MONEY TO FINANCE IT.OK LETS GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING HERE.
OK I'M BACK
Your a good teacher. Just proves that there's no substitute for experience.
Thanks so much! Yes, I"ve been 'around the block' when it comes to playing blues guitar ... and I ;earned from the old icons of the blues ... directly, sitting at their feet; Mance Lipscomb, Lightnin' Hopkins, Son House (Robert Johnson's mentor, Bukka WHite (BB King's cousin and a mentor), Brownie McGhee, Sam Chatmon, John Jackson, and many others. You're right ... there's no substitue for experience ... I hope to experience even more ... and share what I learn with you. Again, thanks so much.
You are great!!! Thank you:)
Thanks, tonya. Stick with the lessons in the order they are presented and you'll be playing blues music and even improvising before you know it :-) Thanks so much for enjoying these lessons.
wooo you make jazz and rock guitar easier to understand you were by far the right choice
Thanks so much, emerson, for your kind comments. I believe all of the instructors here at jamplay.com are very good, and each of us has his/her own style of teaching, skills, and ability to communicate. I'm glad you find my lessons easy to understand, informative, and I hope, entertaining. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons, and that you will follow the lessons in the order they are presented so that you gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues music, and guitar playing in general. Again, thanks so much.
Hawkeye, Thanks for taking the time to reply to our comments. Your discussion with guitardream18 on Dec15th & 16th of 2009 really confused me. but that's ok. My question is on the I IV V Reference chart on the supplemental content you show an F# for the V chord on the B tonic and a Bb for the IV Chord on the F tonic. How did you come up with that and why wouldn't those be F and B respectfully? Thanks again.
David, I did a search for you and this is the best I can do for you now, is to refer you to jamplay.com lessons that explain the major scale and it's application to the creation of major chords: http://www.jamplay.com/members/guitar/phase1/steve-eulberg-1/lesson5.html?search_text=major+scale ... http://www.jamplay.com/members/guitar/phase1/david-mackenzie-13/lesson11.html?search_text=major+scale ... http://www.jamplay.com/members/search-results.html?search_text=major+scale&action=1
Hi David. Thanks so much for your kind comments and question. I don't create the supplemental material ... an excellent staff member named Matt takes care of that for all of us instructors. You have to accept the concept ... I can't write out an entire treatise on the 'hows and whys' of increments of the major scale in words. By your not understanding this it shows me that your not familiar with the full and half steps between the notes of the major scale. You need to go to a phase on instructor and find a lesson where the major scaale notes/increments are explained and how it relates to chords ... it's phase one material, and this is phase two ... sorry ... but unless you're willing to accept the chord chart for the I/IV/V chords in each key as presented by Matt in the supplemental material ... you're going to have to dig in to a beginning lesson in the phase one area that explains this. I cannot possibly use words alone to answer your question. Sorry.
Hawkeye: Really glad I found your lessons! Forgive the nit-picking, but the Roman numeral used at the end of your Lesson 2 to denote the subdominant chord is a VI (6) when I'm sure you meant IV (4). Otherwise, your presentation of blues chords is very clear, and I thank you.
I've informed the admin. folks about the error in the text at the end of the lesson that you pointed out. I'm sure they will correct it ... soon. Thanks again.
Thanks for enjoying these lessons and your comment. Always look in the supplemental material tab that accompanies each lesson ... at the bottom ... under the title 'general' ... you'll see a complete I/IV/V transposition guide/chart ... yes, I see the graphic at the end of the lesson has a VI instead of an IV ... that's not my doing ... blame it on our admin. team here at jamplay.com ... they make mistake sometimes. Thanks again for pointing it out. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
hi hawkeye...just started the lessons now and thank you so much for them, they're great! a question on transpose...i guess aminor, f, c and g, would transpose to bminor, g, d and a...am i right to say that the next transpose would b cminor, a, e, b? and how would one to know wether the chord you transpose to would b minor or major or seventh/ sitth etc?
Thanks for the message, for enjoying these lessons, and for your question. Your question will be answered in the course of these lessons via a video lesson on transposing chords/keys that will soon appear here at jamplay.com ... I can't write a 'book' on music theory in the space allowed here. If you transpose a chord to another key it must remain a minor, major, 7th, or whatever it was in the 'original' key. Yo have not taken into consideration sharps and flats that exist in different keys ... the chords to a song that goes G/Am/C (key of G) ... would be C/Dm/G (in key of C) ... and D/Em/A (in key of D) ... E/F#m/B (in key of E) ... A/Bm/E (in key of A) ... you must learn the theory of the major scale (do/re/me/fa/sol/la/ti) ... I/IIm/IIm/IV/V/VIm/VIIm/ ... in the key of C that would be C/Dm/Em/F/G/Am/Bm ... in the key of A the scale in chords would be A/Bm/C#m/D/E/F#m/G#m ... etc. Now that you're totally confused ... I suggest you follow these lessons as they are presented ... don't jump around ... you'll learn the theory behind transposing chords from one key to another in due course. You're close to understanding ... but you're not considering the use of sharps/flats when transposing. Thanks again for the message and question. Crawl before you walk, walk before you run. All will be revealed in time.
I am a 69 year old fart who loves listening to the blues and jazz. I started playing the guitar some years ago and have taken lessons from some very nice people but Hawkeye explains theory in a way that even those of us who have senior moments can understand. Thank you and I am looking forward to playing, lestening and learning the blues. Jerry
Thanks so much, Jerry. Very much appreciated. I lived in the East Bay (Berkeley for 22 years and Oakland for 10 years) before relocating to S. Oregon in '99. I used to perform and give guitar lessons in the Bay Area ... but ZI started touring and performing all over the world in the late 1980s, and in '99 I moved to S. ORegon for peace and quiet when not on tour. I hope you'll be sure to watch the many Hawkeye performance videos at:http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos where you'll see how I use what I teach here at jamplay.com when I'm performing. You're only 5 years older than me ... I know about 'senior moments' ... long term memory is fine ... short term memory is trouble. ;-) Thanks again for enjoying these lessons.
Hi, I´m new here in jam play and I enjoy your lessons so much, thank you!!!! Although I´m far away here in Germany , I can be teached by such a great blues player----------wow!! I´m happy like "gerry" to have your blues lessons.
justusfranz, Gooten Tahg, Thanks so much for your message and for enjoying my blues guitar lessons. It's great to have you here with us from Germany ... we have students in Australia, France, India, Sweden, Kuwait ... all over the planet ... and the wonder of the Internet allows us all to share the joys of learning and playing blues guitar together over the many thousands of miles that separate us. I hope you continue to enjoy these guitar lessons and that someday I'll see you in Germany if I'm fortunate enough to perform in concert or at a blues festival there sometime in the future. I invite you to view the many videos of me performing so that you can see how I use the information and material I teach here at jamplay.com when I'm performing: www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos Thanks again for your kind message and enthusiasm for my lessons and the music we love.
Thanks to transmit your passion of blues music. As soon I joined your lessons, I felt this passion and like your way of teaching !! A student from France, see you in some french blues festivals.
fouss, Un grand merci. I will be in Mantes La Jolie in November for the Festival Blues sur Seine for the 4th year in a row. I will perform in concert, in schools, and I will present a 2-day seminar for musicians and teachers at Castel La Roche Guyon. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and that I see you in France someday.
your lessons are awesome!
robertmiguelastrid, Thanks so much ... this is just the beginning for you ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Please follow the lessons in the order they are presented ... as I've given a lot of thought and planning into the content and order of each lessons ... if you stick with the 'program' you'll gain a strong foundation in blues music ... skip around and you'll still learn a lot, but there will be 'holes' in your blues foundation. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Again, thanks for the kind message.
Maybe I am being naive, but the I-IV-V progression in the key of E sounds alot like Eric Claptons rendition of "Before you accuse me". I kind of played along with it on CD, Clapton and his band just add alot more to it. Great lesson
Hey!, I was really surprised that you replied to me in spanish. That was really nice of you. I live in Monterrey. It is a 2 hr. drive from Laredo TX. Yo no sabia nada de guitarra y ahora me divierto mucho tacando la guitarra. Me gusta mucho el sonido y el ritmo del Blues. Es como si el ritmo saliera de forma natural dentro de mi. Si algun día estas cerca de Monterrey no dudes en llamarme porque me gustaria verte tocar en vivo. Saludos, Angel de la Garza.
adelagar/angel, Gracias muchisimas por su mensaje y invitacion a visitar en Monterrey. Tambien, estoy muy feliz que tu sabias y entiendes mas acerca de la guitarra porque de mis lecciones, tan bueno por los dos ... y tu diviertas mucho tacandas la guitarra ... el sonido y el ritmo del Blues ... es la verdad ... de la vida ... es en su alma ... recuerdo siempre, en este musica, si no es la verdad ... no es el blues ... hay muchas mas lecciones del blues por ti aqui en jamplyay.com. ... espero que tu continuar a gustar camiendas conmigo en ‘el real del blues.’ Paz y Saludos, El Ojo del Halcon (Hawkeye)
I was aware that the song"Before You Accuse Me" was written by Ellis Mcdaniels, (I didnt know that was Bo Diddly). I have a compilation album of vintage blues, that has the likes of Ellis, Roy Gains, and Eddie "cleanhead" Vinson. It is my favorite cd, if I am not playing guitar, I'm listening to some of the greats play(I find it helps with my rhythm). Again thanks for the lessons and the quick response.
Headman, So glad you're paying attention to the songwriter credits on blues rockers like Clapton, etc. They cover lots of great old blues tunes ... but if you don't pay attention to the credits, you might think it's a 'new' song. Keep listening to as much blues as you can ... visit youtube.com and watch me performa and use many of the techniques I teach here at jamplay.com http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH and use youtube.com to watch older blues greats like Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Brownie McGhee, Son House, Furry Lewis, BB King, Albert Collins, Freddy King, Albert King, etc. Being able to see them play the guitar is a great advantage. So glad you're listening as much as you're playing. That's important. Again, thanks for your comments and for traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at jamplay.com
I got in trouble with the misses last night because I watched every one of your videos on you tube. Stayed up way to late!
That could be a song in the I-IV-V. Got in trouble with the wife, for staying up late. got in trouble with the wife, for stayinng up late. now I,m up with the sun, and thats just what I hate.
headman, Yep, that's what the blues is about ... the true circumstances of your life. You've got the beginnings of a blues song there. Cool! However, as much as I appreciate your enthusiasm for my lessons ... and for your viewing my songs at youtube.com ... I think it's best if you stay on the 'good side' of your spouse ... and get to bed at a decent hour ;-) Thanks so much.
headman, Thanks so much for the comment. Yes, you're a bit naive .... what you refer to as "Eric Clapton's Before You Accuse Me" .... is not Eric Clapton's ... but Bo Diddley's (real name Ellis McDaniel) (Bo Diddley wrote it, Clapton just 'covers' it)... now that you're playing blues, you should pay attention to the songwriting credits for contemporary artist's like Clapton ... and try to listen to go back and the original version of such songs like this (which is what Clapton and others do), i.e. Crossroads, Outside Woman Blues and other blues songs by "British and American rockers. "Before You Accuse Me" is a 12-bar blues song, of course ... and Clapton didn't write it ... the song is about 50 years old. Thanks again for your kind comments and interest in these lessons.
I am just getting started with these blues lessons and I am already loving it. Greetings from Mexico!!
adelagar, Gracias musicisimas para sus palabras amables. Epero que tu coninuar a gozar y aprender desde estas leciones. Hay muchas mas leciones aqui por tu. Comprdo y hablo español porque estduio la lengu en las escuela secondaria muchas años antes ... y mi esposa y yo vamos a Mexico para vaciones muchas vezes ... a Oaxaca, Jalisco (por la playa y el sol de Barra de Navidad), la Ciudad de Mexico, y Baja/Cabo San Lucas ... mi vocabulario es bueno, pero mi gramatica es muy mal. En Mayo voy a Cali, Colombia para tocar la guitara a un festa de blues. ¿Donde vives en Mexico? Pues amigo, otra vez, gracias por su mensaje y para gustandas estes leciones. (Lo siento para mi pobre español ;-)
Again, such a good lesson for me, I've played for 3 years without lessons, this lessons you give have brought it all together. By the way, I seen a guitar just like yours at a little bar in White Oaks New Mexico (ghost town), the bars name was "no scum allowed" I pulled the guitar down and played it, nice sound.
guitarfool, Thanks. I hope you'll continue to travel the 'blues highway' with me here at jamplay.com The guitar I'm using in many of these lessons is a 1934 National "Trojan" wood body Resophonic ... which I have had tweaked with new fingerboard/frets/inlay.
Just say the words 'sharp' or 'flat' after the Roman numeral number and count like you normally would ... keeping in mind that there is no such thing as an E sharp/F flat or B sharp/C flat in music (... of course you realize that G# and Ab are the same note, as are Bb and A#, etc.): The I IV V notes/chords follow (the first chord listed will be the I chord, etc.) ... see if you can 'finger' them out: ///Bb - Eb - F/// ///Db - Gb - Ab/// ///Eb - Ab - Bb/// ///Gb - B - Db/// ///Ab - Db - Eb/// ///F# - B - C#/// ///G# - C# - D#/// ///A# - D# - F/// ///C# - F# - G#///
Quick question, how do you find the I IV V in the sharp keys?
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.
Thanks to you all for the kind comments and enthusiasm. There's much more to come. Take your time ... be sure to visit the 'guitar lessons' page at my web site ... and watch the Hawkeye videos on youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... watch my fingers ... and play along. By the way, Sylvia, you're close ... but not quite correct ... the guitar I'm playing is a 1934 National wood-body resonator guitar. The Dopyera brothers invented the resonator guitar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobro Technically, Dobro is the brand name of their company ("Do, for Dopyera, and Bro, for brothers) ... they were of Slavic background, and it's no coincidence that the word 'dobro' also means 'good' in Slavic ... they licensed the concept ot the resonator guitar to other companies ... like National ... Regal ... Kay/Harmony ... when you call a guitar a Dobro ... it means that it's a Dobro brand ... or refers the the fact that it is played flat in one's lap ala bluesgrass pickers ..confusing? ... well, it's best to refer to these instruments as 'resonator guitars' ... not Dobros ... mine has a round neck for standard (not lap) playing ... and note the custom fingerboard in ebony with abalone club/heart/diamond/spade ... I usually have all of my guitars 'teaked' to my specifications ... and have special inlay added for easy recognition ... in case of loss or theft. Enjoy the lessons ... there's lots more to come ... scales, chords, songs, slide guitar ... hang in there ... and remember to take it slow ... and visualize ahead. Thanks again to you all for traveling with me on the blues highway.
Thanks to you all for the kind comments and enthusiasm. There's much more to come. Take your time ... be sure to visit the 'guitar lessons' page at my web site ...a nd watch the Hawkeye videos on youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... watch my fingers ... and play along. By the way, Sylvia, you're close ... but not quite correct ... the guitar I'm playing is a 1934 National wood-body resonator guitar. The Dopyera brothers invented the resonator guitar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobro Technically, Dobro is the brand name of their company ("Do, for Dopyera, and BRo, for brothers) ... they were os Slavic background, and it's no coincidence that the word 'dobro' also means 'good' in Slavic ... they licensed the concept ot the resonator guitar to other companies ... like National ... Regal ... Kay/Harmony ... when you call a guitar a Dobro ... it means that it's a Dobro brand ... or refers the the fact that it is played flat in one's lap ala bluesgrass pickers ..confusing? ... well, it's best to refer to these instruments as 'resonator guitars' ... not Dobros ... mine has a round neck for standard (not lap) playing ... and note the custom fingerboard in ebony with abalone club/heart/diamond/spade ... I usually have all of my guitars 'teaked' to my specifications ... and have special inlay added for easy recognition ... in case of loss or theft. Enjoy the lessons ... there's lots more to come ... scales, chords, songs, slide guitar ... ahng in there ... and remember to take it slow ... and visualize ahead. Be sure to check out the free 'guitar lessons' on my web site: www.HawkeyeHerman.com ... and don't forget the many videos at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH .. check 'em out ... and play along. Thanks again to you all for traveling with me on the blues highway.
Give us more of Da Blues........You are the best Cheers
Thanks Hawkeye! Really well explained. I went onto your website and was able to strum along to the samples and surprised myself that I could pick out the key and use the 12 bar blues in sequence. so I can now transpose! Wonderful. Really waiting in ernest for the next session. - Thanks again
Excellent job on both this and the first lesson! I can hardly wait for the next one! I love blues and it is so nice to finally find an instructor that has the patience to explain clearly! You guys pick out the best teachers!
I've never seen that guitar before. Hawkeye, could you please tell me what guitar you are playing in the video? I would appreciate it.
Hi Jaron: That is a Dobro guitar, I can't tell what the brand is for sure but it looks like a National. I have one by a company made regal but mine has a square neck and has to be played as a lap steel. This one is a round neck with allows him to play it like a regular guitar AND as a slide guitar. Cool huh? Sylvia
very happy to finally see a lesson series devoted to blues. i've been checking every day. great work.
oh man...the blues really got me.... Jesus...
Wow!! These two lessons will keep me giong till the next one. Thanks again man!! Keep 'em comin'
Should have another one for you tomorrow assuming I get the chance to put it online after filming Steve ;)
Another interesting lesson, the blues has never been clearer to me, thanks, Hawkeye. Looking forward to the next one.
Hawkeye Rules. He explained the I, IV, V in a way I finally understood it ! Thank youi
Yes ! happy to have blues lessons thanks Hawkeye...
Great lesson! Love the enthusiasm! I will be waiting for more blues... Tanks!