Blues Rhythm Guitar Lesson
Blues Rhythm
Hawkeye demonstrates common strumming patterns used in blues music. He also explains how country music evolved from the blues.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 19:42Difficulty: 1.5 of 5
Alternating Strumming Pattern
Alternating down and up strums can produce another rhythmic option. Strum down on the strong beats and up on the weak beats. The rhythm of this pattern is comprised of eighth notes, or eight strums per measure. Count the measures aloud like this: "1+2+3+4+2+2+3+4+."
Notice how Hawkeye uses some light palm-muting to dampen the strings. Lightly rest the heel of the strumming hand on the strings just to the right of the bridge. Use your ears to direct you when practicing this technique. Listen to Hawkeye's example closely and imitate what you hear.
Next, listen to Hawkeye sing the melody while strumming in this rhythm. What difference does this strumming pattern make on the overall presentation of the song? After listening to him play through the form in this way, rewind the video and try to play along with him. Repeat this same process with the key of A.
Chapter 2: (06:46) Blues and Country Many of the rhythms in the country genre are borrowed from the blues. For example, the rhythm playing of Blind Lemon Jefferson sounds like country to many people today. If you have been following along with the bluegrass lessons available on JamPlay, you are already familiar with the boom-chuck, also referred to as the boom-tick rhythm. This rhythm features the low bass note of the chord followed by the remaining strings in the chord. Hawkeye uses a nylon thumb pick for the bass note. Then, he brushes upwards with the first finger to strum the chord. Notice how he palm-mutes the low bass note of each chord.
Pause the lesson video and practice playing this rhythm along with a metronome. When you feel ready, return to the video and play through the blues form along with Hawkeye. Be sure to practice this strumming rhythm in all of the keys that you have learned.
Alternating Bass
Repeat the same process while alternating the bass notes. This means that every other bass note in the pattern will be the fifth of the chord rather than the root.
Here are the fifths of each chord in the 12 bar blues progression:
Fifth of E: B
Fifth of A: E
Fifth of B7: F#
When playing the B7 chord, you will need to alternate your second finger back and forth between the fifth and sixth strings at the second fret.
Variation on the Alternating Bass Pattern
Hawkeye also demonstrates a variation on the alternating bass pattern. Instead of strumming once after the bass note, you will strum twice. This creates the rhythm of an eighth note (bass note) followed by two sixteenth notes (strums). Be sure to use a down strum followed by an up strum after each bass note. Chapter 3: (05:56) Rhythm Variety Hawkeye begins this scene with a review of the blues rhythms that he has taught thus far. Here are the strumming rhythms you have learned:
1. Down strum on each quarter note
2. Alternating strums in an eighth note rhythm.
3. Alternating bass in eighth notes
4. Alternating bass featuring sixteenth note strums. Hawkeye calls this the "boom chicka." Hammer-ons can also be added to the second bass note in this pattern. Hammer from the note 1 whole step below the fifth of the chord.
A Few Thoughts on Rhythm and Speed
Always remember that solid rhythm is the foundation of any piece of music. Before you can play anything fast, you must be able to play it perfectly in time at a slow tempo. Visualizing the chord changes in advance will help you nail them in time. For example, when you are playing the tonic chord E, begin to visualize where your fingers will need to be placed for the subdominant 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
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
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.
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Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
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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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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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Lesson 7 is all about arpeggios. Danny provides discussion and exercises designed to build your right hand skills.
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Mark Kroos
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Trace Bundy talks about the different ways you can use multiple capos to enhance your playing.
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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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Nick explains how to play some of the most commonly used chords in the bluegrass genre.
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James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.
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Mark Brennan teaches this classic rock song by Jethro Tull. Released on the album of the same name in 1971, this song features...
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In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.
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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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Lisa Pursell
Lisa breaks into the very basics of the electric guitar. She starts by explaining the parts of the guitar. Then, she dives...
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Nick starts his series with Alternate Picking part 1. Improve your timing, speed, and execution with this important lesson.
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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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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Greetings from FRANCE! It's a real pleasure to follow your lessons. I can feel the passion you have to play blues and to transmit it to everyone that want's to learn it! When I started to play guitar for 4 years ago, I had a teacher that whas passionated like you, but regrettably he left the region where I live when I went retired to move to the south of France, and since I never had again so much pleasure to learn guitar. But the pleasure is back ! Since I found your lessons! Thank you !! Patrick.
Un grand merci for your kind comments, Patrick. Very much appreciated. I have been to France to perform and teach guitar workshops five times in the last six years for Festival Blues sur Seine in Mantes la Jolie. I will most likely be in France again in Oct./Nov. of this year to perform and present guitar workshop in Paris, Normandy, Lyon, and possible other location. I have visited the countryside in Provence many times and enjoy it very much. You should check out my 'tour schedule' on my web site every now and then to see if/when/where I will be in France in the fall of this year: HawkeyeHerman.com ... also, there are more free guitar lessons at my web site ... and be sure to watch my videos on youtube so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay when I'm performing in concert and at festivals: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... I suggest you follow my lessons in the order they are presented, progressing at your own speed from one lesson to the next, and you will gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues music and the ability to play/create/improvise freely. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Perhaps I'll see you in France in Oct./Nov. ;-)
Hi herman! Thanks for your answer! It's very kind to take the time to read and answer to the comments you receive. I have already seen that you have a lot of material on You Tube, so I think that with the addition of JAMPLAY and YOU TUBE I'll be occupied for months, or YEARS !! Yesss ! So.....Let's go!
Hi Schurrle. If course I answer my students' questions and comments. That's why JamPlay.com is the 'best' ...because the instructors care enough to interact with their students. By the way, my name is Michael "Hawkeye" Herman ... and I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Sorry Michael !! I get your first name mixed with your Family name!
;-) No problem. ;-)
Greetings from FRANCE! It's a real pleasure to follow your lessons. I can feel the passion you have to play blues and to transmit it to everyone that want's to learn it! When I started to play guitar for 4 years ago, I had a teacher that whas passionated like you, but regrettably he left the region where I live when I went retired to move to the south of France, and since I never had again so much pleasure to learn guitar. But the pleasure is back ! Since I found your lessons! Thank you !! Patrick.
Men, your the best teacher I've encountered since pre-school. I got 139 lessons to go to master the blues. haha thanks sir!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for enjoying these lessons, Adam. Much appreciated. If you patiently follow my lessons at your own pace, progressing from one lesson to the next in the order they are presented you will gain a strong foundation and understanding of the blues that will allow you to play freely and creatively/improvise as you please. "Mastering" the blues is another matter ... even though I've been playing the blues for over 50 years I'm still learning and don' consider myself a 'master,' even though others might call me a 'master.' When soebody thinks of themselves as a master they stop learning and think they know it all ... I will never know enough about the blues, so I'll never call myself a 'master' of the blues. ;-) There's always more to learn. So stick with the lesson plan I've presented here and enjoy the journey with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com ... and we will both continue on this joyful musical journey ... toward learning more and more about the music we love ... and let's not worry or concern ourselves about being considered a 'master.' Thanks again for your comments. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hi, Is that a problem if I have a look on my right hand when I strum down on the root note in the Boom-Chuck Style or other style...
Greetings, Bertrais. It takes time, patience, and much repetition in order to play the rhythm without looking at your right hand. Everyone, in the beginning, must look at their right hand in order to accurately hit the the bass notes when necessary. After much patience/practice/repetition, your right hand will start to 'automatically' find the notes on the bass strings without looking and you can then focus on looking at your left hand for chording. Take things one step at a time, and don't expect to be successful in all aspects of guitar playing immediately ... you must focus and teach your right hand 'muscle memory' ... and also your left hand 'muscle memory' ... individually ... separate actions, and then bring the two together in one activity. This does not happen overnight. Enjoy the process of practicing and improving bit by bit toward your goals. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Thanks a lot, your lessons are very interesting and well explained.
Sorry just an another question, when I strum up does I have to strum all the string ? because I strum only the one two an third strings.
Brushing up on the 1s, 2nd, 3rd strings is good ... you don't have to hit all 6 strings on the up stroke.
Hi Hawkeye, thanks for responding. How we know what time you are live on a chat? Just to say hello sometimes. Thanks again Aluchi
Hi, Al. Because I'm frequently on tour I'm almost never on 'live chat' here at JamPlay.com. If I am ever to be on 'live chat' the time/date will be announced/posted on the JamPlay.com home page. I may have time to do so in 2012 ... so check the main page for such information in the future. Thanks again for enjoying these lessons.
Hawkeye, Seriously you are a wonderful and a motivating teacher. Had I had you long time ago, I would have been a celebrity by now. Unfortunately, I had few not so good teachers and I was discouraged. I came back to guitar two years ago, and you are a my favourite teacher so far. I am enjoying "Good morning blues" song. Thanks again for your time, knowledge, and great teaching skill.
Thanks so much for the message and kind comments, Al. Very much appreciated. I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the order and content of this lesson series. IF you patiently follow my lessons in the exact order they are presented, progressing from one lesson to the next in your own time/at your own speed/ability, not rushing, you will gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues music and blues guitar that I hope/believe will have you freely playing blues music 'on your own'/creatively for the rest of your life. Please be sure to watch some of my music videos so that you can see how I use the information/techniques that I teach in these lessons when I'm performing at festivals and in concert, and try to play along with me: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... Again, thanks for taking the time to let me know that you're enjoying these lessons and the positive progress you've made as a result of 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Hawkeye, Seriously you are a wonderful and a motivating teacher. Had I had you long time ago, I would have been a celebrity by now. Unfortunately, I had few not so good teachers and I was discouraged. I came back to guitar two years ago, and you are a my favourite teacher so far. I am enjoying "Good morning blues" song. Thanks again for your time, knowledge, and great teaching skill.
Hawkeye, Seriously you are a wonderful and a motivating teacher. Had I had you long time ago, I would have been a celebrity by now. Unfortunately, I had few not so good teachers and I was discouraged. I came back to guitar two years ago, and you are a my favourite teacher so far. I am enjoying "Good morning blues" song. Thanks again for your time, knowledge, and great teaching skill.
Hawkeye, Seriously you are a wonderful and a motivating teacher. Had I had you long time ago, I would have been a celebrity by now. Unfortunately, I had few not so good teachers and I was discouraged. I came back to guitar two years ago, and you are a my favourite teacher so far. I am enjoying "Good morning blues" song. Thanks again for your time, knowledge, and great teaching skill.
I am hooked.....It is after midnight, I am sitting in my hotel room (I travel a lot for work and carry my guitar with me when I am on the road) and going through your lessons and playing along...rather softly. Thank you Mr. Herman (By the way, that is what everybody calls me that can't pronounce my first name properly...hahaha)
Hemant, Thanks ... I appreciate your kind words and I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Yes, you can tell I love teaching/playing blues guitar ... I can't help but smile when I'm doing what I love/enjoy. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye, I started your lesson series early this year, but got sick and had to stop. It's great to start over again now. It amazed me how quickly you have got us all into the rythm and playing some blues songs. It's great. I've also started to look into the history of the blues; I think you have some history on your website - not sure. Anyway thanks for being a good/enthusiastic teacher. Anthony from the U.K.
Welcome back, Anthony. Thanks for the kind comments about these lessons. Yes, there are some interesting articles I've written about blues history, as well as about the many great iconic blues figures I met and learned from here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/articles.htm ... Did you know that there is a very useful 'articles' area here at JamPlay.com? Please look here: http://www.jamplay.com/members/articles ... and more specifically: http://www.jamplay.com/members/articles/index.html?cat_id=4 ... http://www.jamplay.com/members/articles/index.html?cat_id=3 ... http://www.jamplay.com/members/articles/view-article.html?id=2 ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. ;-)
Hawkeye, I've just come from Steve Eulberg basic guitar and I'm so excited to be able to play some blues. Beginning to understand the circle of 5ths now. You're a wonderful teacher...I now know the secret to the blues is in the rhythm. TV and housework have gone out the window all I want to do is practise! I can't get enough...thank you (Cher Australia)
HI Cher. Thanks so much for the kind message. Take your time and enjoy the learing/practicing/playing process. Don't rush ... this is not a 'race to a finish line' ... playing the guitar is a Life journey that is to be savored and enjoyed ... forever. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye, I'd like to echo the words of my countryman... sorry woman. I really enjoy your style of teaching it really is engaging. So thank you. However, unlike "Cher" I live in France and have been here for 12 months after living in SF for 2 years. Love SF and really miss it. Now I notice that you will be running a workshop in France in November 2011. I hope I can find the time to be there... I'll certainly make an effort. All the best Frank
Hi Frank. Thanks so much for your kind message. Very much appreciated. I lived in the SF Bay Area for over 32 years. I now live in peaceful/bucloic mountains of Southern Oregon ... I miss the variety of restaurants in the Bay Area and old friends ... but not much else. Too many people tryin to live in one place for me. ;-) I need peace and quiet when I'm not on tour. I gave a 2-day workshop in Mantes la Jolie, France for the last four years ... but I will not be at the Blues sur Seine Festival (http://www.blues-sur-seine.com) this year (November/2011), I'm sorry to say. Perhaps I'll be back at the event in 2012. I hope so. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hi Cher, Thanks so mucgh for your kind comments and for enjoying my lessons. I've given a lot of thought and planning intot he content and order of these lessons ... follow them in the order they are presented, take your time, don't rush, be patient with yourself and progress at your own speed and enjoy the process of learning and practicing ... and you'll gain a strong foundation and understaning of blues music ... and you'll eventaully be able to play blues guitar feely, and even improvise. I hope to come to Australia to teach and perform in the future ... we have a number of Aussie students here at JamPlay.com ... and I tell them all to look on the INternet for blues festivals in your area of 'Oz-land' ... and send the producers of the blues festivals emails requesting that they book me to come 'down under.' I would love to visit your lovely corner of the planet. Thanks again for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons.
HI Hawkeye! I have a question regarding I got my mojo working: how do you count the beats on the boom-chika strumming? With the up-down strumming I say one-and-two-and etc. but I get lost after a couple of bars when I separate the bass before doing the up-down... I don't know if it makes any sense? Thank you for these wonderful lessons, I finished phase 1 recently and now I'm really enjoying phase 2! -O
Bonjour, mon ami. Thanks so much for enjoying these lessons and for your question. A boom-chick-ah rhythm would be counted: One-and-dah, Two-and-dah, etc. I noticed that you enjoy klezmer music ... I have performed played in all kinds of bands, including a klezmer band, and the rhythm that is used consistently in klezmer band is call "2 -beat' ... the rhythm is boom-chick, boom-chick ... or would be counted; one-and, two, and, etc. Similar to what we're doing with the "Got My Mojo Workin'" song ... instead of playing boom-chick-ah (one-and-dah), in klezmer music you play boom-chick, boom-chick, or one-and, two and. I hope this answers your question and that you continue to enjoy these lessons. Un grand merci for being here at JamPlay and enjoying these lessons.
Merci Hawkeye! Thank you for you comment on klezmer, i'm definitely going to try this and see how it works. Maybe someday jamplay could have a klezmer track or a few songs in phase 3? à bientôt!
It's my pleasure to 'clarify' the counting of such rhythms for you. As one who was trained early in the 'tropes' of the Hebraic music, I can tell you that the minor modes of such musics are very similar to the minor modes of blues music ... which is one of the reasons why I was attracted to blues music at a very early age. Perhaps there might be some klezmer oriented music in the JamPlay.com Phase Three area ... someday. ;-) Again, thanks so much for enjoying these lessons.
I'm going to have to pay more attention next time I go to temple because I've never thought about the similarity between cantillation & blues before ^^
Do you know that I teach a two-day workshop in France, in Mantes la Jolie, for the past 4 our of 5 years, for the Blues sur Seine Festival. Look at the web site: www.blues-sur-seine.com ... and when you get a chance, send them a message asking if I'll be back to Mantes in November of 2011 to teach and perform and if so, ask for information about my 2-day workshop. ;-)
Yes I've read that you went to the festival, however I didn't know you taught a seminar there. I grew up 10 miles away from Mantes la jolie, so talk about a small small world. Is the seminar for advanced players or beginners can also enjoy the class?
THe seminar is two-days long and is for musicians and teachers and covers blues history and some guitar. I have done this for 4 out of the last 5 years. Not sure about this year in November of 2011 ... if you're in interested, contact the event through the link for information. I gave a concert at the lovely old church of St. Martin La Garenne this past November, as well, for the festival. I hope I'm invited back for this November.
Hi! I heard back from the festival, & it turns out they won't be having the seminar this year. That's too bad because it sounded like a really cool event. Let me know next time there's another event in Paris area. Meanwhile thanks to your great videos, I play my guitar every day!
Thanks for the message. I'm sorry to hear that the Blues sur Seine Festival will not be having the seminar in November of 2011 ... you found out from them before I did!!!! ... Oh well, I'll let you know if/when I'll be in France in the future. So glad you're playing the guitar regularly ... that's the way to progress, by playing as much as possible. Thanks again for the message and for enjoying these lessons.
Yes, you should pay attention to Judaic cantorial music and it's relationship to blues. Klezmer music is "Jewish Jazz" because the players have historically improvised after 'stating' the main musical theme. This aspect/influence along with the minor key(s) the music is frequently played in are a couple of reasons why, years ago, there were many Jews who became Jazz musicians in the USA; Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Stan Getz, Lee Konitz, Ziggy Elman, Buddy Rich, etc. Improvisation is, to me, one of the most appealing aspects of vocal cantorial music, klezmer music, and blues and jazz. Check this out: http://www.bje.org.au/learning/people/famous/jazz.html
Great thanks for the link :)
Hi Hawkeye, I'm just starting this lesson & haven't played it yet. I like to view the videos a couple of times first & then look at the TAB. In the Supplemental Material the 3rd TAB is for Boom-Chuck Style as it is played when you first introduce it - I notice that for the E chord the B (2nd fret A string) is not played. It looks as if you do fret it in the video though, could you clarify this for me please? I am really enjoying your lessons by the way, look forward to my practice session every day now - thank you. Ray
Thanks for the kind words about these lessons. Much appreciated. I sometimes play a first position E chord with the 5th string/A string open ... this is actually one version of an E7 chord. It sounds good to me .... so I use it frequently, even when playing a barred E chord ... technically, this creates a 7th chord. SOrry for the confusion ... I hope this answers your question and that you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again.
Thanks Hawkeye, I didn't know that variation of a 7 chord, all is clear now. I'm lucky, I've got something extra from your lesson and having spoken to you about it I'm betting I won't forget that position! Thanks again, Ray
You're most welcome, Ray. Glad you got a 'bonus' from this lesson. :-) I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks so much for traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com
I should not have taken this lesson. The material is over my head. However, I am still interested in taking it, when my level of playing & knowledge improve. Thomas Raimondo
I can see you deal with alot of flat pickers but some famouse electric blues artist use a flat pick or both.Buddy guy uses both i do beleive and robert cray . Bobbyrush finger picks alot without any pick if i'm not mistaken.Me if i could just pick with my fingers i'd be happy.Oh well your probably saying to yourself man this guy talks your head off. I just have so many questions and things that i know about that i see . But anyhow my thumb pick is no good.I can go to the regular music store Mike's in Cincinnati Ohio my city were Mr. Sonny Moorman is well known. and get the one you suggest or maybe, just maybe i might find one @musician's friend.com I have an account with them.
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/PK3.htm
No it's not like the one your talking about.It's a pawn shop plastic cheapy and it isn't worth a darn.
If it's plastic ... it's what I'm talking about ... regardless of where you bought it. ;-)
I NEED TO GET SET UP SO I CAN COME BACK TO THESE ANY TIME I WANT
OF COURSE I AM A BLUES FINATIC BUT YOUR RIGHT BECAUSE JOHNNY CASH WAS A MAIN EXAMPLE FOR THE BOOM CHIKA BOOM CHIKA BOOM CHIKA EXACTLY , AS A MATTER A FACT IBELEIVE JOHNNY CASH WAS MORE ON THAT THAN MOST COUNTRY WESTERN ARTISTS IN THE 1960'S .
HE HAD ALREADY BEEN PLAYING FOR YEARS LIKE ME BY EAR BUT I GAVE UP 2 OR 3 YRS AT A TIME. HE DIDN'T , HE KEPT PLAYING AND THEN HE ACTUALLY LEARNED TABLETURE AND HE TOLD ME THAT IF I LEARN TAB IT WILL MAKE MY PLAYING A WHOLE LOT EASIER AND NOW THAT IS WHAT I WANNA DO SO HERE I AM.
MY COUSIN LARRY LATER ON LEARNED TAB SCALES I MEAN ACTUALLY WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT ALL THE CHORDS ARE AFTER HE STARTED THE BACK ROOM BOYS COUNTRY MUSIC BAND IN THE 1980'S , THEY WENT TO NASHVILLE AND I BELEIVE IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN THEY MET UP WITH THE KENTUCKY HEAD HUNTERS.
YOUR SHOWING ME ALOT A GOOD STUFF HERE MANE. BECAUSE OF COURSE EVERY BODY THAT HAS PLAYED AROUND ON A GUITAR AROUND THE LATE 1960'S AS I WAS 5 YRS OLD MY GRANDFATHER AND NY COUSIN WHO PLAYED IN A COUNTRY MUSIC BAND IN THE 1980'S LARRY RILEY SHOWED ME HOW TO PLAY FOLSON PRISON BLUES BY JOHNNY CASH FLAT PICK BUT I NEVER GOT AWAY FROM THE FLAT PICK. HE DID HE WENT TO FINGER PICKIN AND THUMB PICK BECAUSE HE STARTED TEACHING HIMSELF THE BANJO BY EAR AND HAD IT DOWN IN NO TIME. BUT THAT WAS BEFORE HE STARTED HIS COUMTRY MUSIC BAND HE WENT TO ELECTRIC BASS, AND IN THE 90'S HE STARTED PLAYING ELECTRIC BLUES,ROCK AND FUNK INTO THE 2000'S AND PASSED AWAY IN 2002. MY COUSIN DID. MY GRANDPA NEVER PLAYED ANYTHING BUT COUNTRY AND FOLK STYLE BLUES BUT LIKE I SED WHEN I WAS 5 YRS OLD I THOUGHT FOLK STYLE BLUES WAS COUNTRY .
See i got my mojo workin i always played the way your said we don't wanna do very fast strumming more less but with me it has alot to do with the way i pick with this flat pick.
Ok yes you are right because johnny cash I'm going to jackson and there was several songs johnny cash played the actual boom chika boom chika exactly.
That pause and think when going to the next chord yes that is a no no and i have a couple of songs i recorded of me with that in them my own songs that is, they're not real bad but it's in there.Unfortunately i didn't erase those 2 and go back and re do them like i did several others.Thinking about the next chord while playing the one were on is important.That's what i try to always do even though i have been playing by ear .But the boom chuk style my fingers i must tell you i have alot of problem with that.I have a thumb pick here but i must be honest with you i am no good at all with.
It's called 'visualization' ... and whether one plays by ear or not, is crucial to smoothly changing chords and not dropping the rhythm. You many have a thumbpick ... but if it's not a Herco Blue Nylon thumbpick ... but a plastic clunky one, like most are, you're going to have trouble getting used to it. I refer you, again, to my post on "Thumbpick vs Flat Pick" here in the forum posts at JamPlay.com. By the way ... There are two words I don't use in my vocabulary ... 'can't' ... and ... 'never.' :-) Enjoy the blues journey.
See datz were my problems come in i can only use a flat pick and i never was able to pick with my fingers.I still try though .
THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL GUITARS AND EXPENSIVE.
I do that alot with a flat pick.
Visualization really helps with changing chords. nevr thought of doing it. Now, I always do it!
Visualization is a necesscity in order to smoothly accomplish all physcial activities ... be it playing the guitar, all sports, dancing, writing, painitng/sculpting/arts ... you must look 'up the road' to where you'r going, not focus on where you are or where you've been. I'm glad this lesson has been a help to you. Thanks so much.
hawkeman you rock and rock the world man I want rock and roll come on baby I wanna rock this world this palce rocks I wanna rock in this valley yeah i stay in Canada babe I rock
Thanks for the message/comments. Follow this lessons series in the order presented and you'll be 'rockin' for the rest of your life ;-)
Great less on fundamentals. I started guitar with rock and some blues many years ago. It was the blues, though, that inspired me to pick up the guitar again years later. Your lessons and website, Hawkeye, are exactly what I was looking for, and worth the price of JamPlay in an of themselves. Your enthusiasm for the blues is infectious - and I'm infected. I look forward to spending more time with you on the next 50 or so lessons.
Thanks so much for your comments and kind words. Very much appreciated. There are many more hours of my lessons 'in the can' waiting to be posted ... beyond what is currently available. I hope you'll continue to enjoy traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at jamplay.com. I have much, much more to share with you, It's most gratifying to hear that I'm the impetus for your being here ... if you have friends interested in learning to play the guitar ... please spread the word about my lessons and jamplay.com ... I want everyone to learn how to play and enjoy the blues. Again, thanks so much. :-)
Wow - am I fortunate to have met Herman !! Now all I do is sing the blues all day !!! Love these lessons!
Thanks for the message, Rodger, and for enjoying these lessons. Please be sure to watch some of my performance videos at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos so you cans see how I use the information I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing at festivals and in concert. thans again.
thank you hawkeye every lesson i watch i know alot more about the blues...
Hawkeye, Having a real tough time palm muting - one clarification I am trying to use a standard pick - do youe expect that if I got the thumb pick I might have an easier time with the muting - as my strumming hand would not move so much ?? either way any tips........I cannot stop the b and high e from ringing and it sounds like junk. other than that great lessons.
PAt, Thaks for enjoying these lessons. Yes you can use a flatpick if you want. I've gotten lots of questions about this, and posted an explanation here: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4476 MUting the high E and B strings, nad muting in general, is done with the heel of your palm; if your picking with your right hand, that would be the bottom fleshy edge of your palm, diagonally opposite/across from your thumb ... whether using a flatpick or a thumbpick ... also, lighten up on your stroke/strumming the strings. I hope this helps. Let me know. Practice, you'll get it. :-)
Hey Hawkeye! Thanks for these fine lessons, it realy helps me and it also make the guitar practecing mutch more fun this way. I do have one question for you, im new to this so pleas beare with me.: The 12 bars blues with cords like this E-E-E-E7-A-A-E-E-H7-A-E-E. Is this the only way to play it or can you mix the cords order any way you like it feks E-E7-A-A-A-E-E-E-H7-A-E-E.Tanks for now and keep up the good work on this site. sorry aboud my bad inglish.
Hawkeye, I'm having a ball..thanks!!!!
Don, So good to have you here with us at jamplay.com. I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying these lessons and the 'new' sounds that you're creating on the guitar. Follow the order of the lessons as they are presented ... try not to skip around, and you'll gain a strong foundation and understanding of the music and how to play it and even create music on your own. It's most encouraging for me to know that the blues and my lessons have spread to Thailand. Thanks for 'having a ball."
final, Thanks for the message and for enjoying these lessons. There ARE variations in 12-bar blues, but you can't just mix up the chords any way you want (unless you're attempting to create your own original blues type song that is 12 bars long and has a meoldy that fits your 'new' chord changes.) In the key of E you can play (each letter equals one measure/4beats); EEEEAAEEBAEE, or you can play EAEEAAEEBAE, or you might play EEEEAAEEBBEE, or EAEEAAEEBBEE ... and that's about it for the variations in 12-bar blues. The chords used in these variations depend on what the melody is that is being sung. You can learn more here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/media/guitar-lesson01.mp3 I hope this answers your question. Thanks again.
Thanks for the great lessons Hawkeye. JamPlay is really helping me. I picked up my guitar in January after 7 years and have started over. I am working furiously to get through a 4 day workshop with Ken Hamm next month - I practice any chance I can get. Wish me luck.
slimjim, Thanks for wnjying my lessons. Very much appreciated. Well, take your time ... you have the rest of your life to learn about playing blues guitar ... Ken Hamm isn't going to 'test' you and throw you out if you can't do what he teaches you in five seconds ... you're going to be with him to learn ... not to show him and the rest of the students how much you already know ... please exhale and go to his class/workshop without having something to prove to him and the rest of the class ... you're there to learn ... the 'pressure' is on you to be open-minded and gain knowledge ... in your brain ... so that you can spend the rest of your life perfecting on the guitar what you learn from Ken ... your level of ability should have nothing to do with your attitude in the classroom. This is not a competition ... this is a learning experience ... go there to learn ... not to show what you already know ... and you'll learn a lot more than if you're concerned constantly about 'being good or better' than the rest of the students. This is an art form ... not a competition ... enjoy the learning process ... and take the pressure off yourself, please ... and you'll get more than your money's worth from Ken's workshop. I hope you understand what I'm trying to get across to you ... enjoy the process. ;-)
Thanks Hawkeye. I appreciate what you're saying.
slimjim, I'm glad you accept the comments I've offered in the open and nurturing spirit in which I've given them. Go to Ken's workshop to learn ... with a clear and open mind ... if you get hung up trying to show Ken and the rest of the class how much you already know ... and if think competitively ... you will not have a clear mind that is open to learning ... believe me, I know ... I've taught hundreds of guitar workshops .. and witnessed this mindset many times ... exhale/breathe, go to learn with an open mind ... don't worry about the skills of others ... learn as much as you can from this experience ... where you are on the path of playing blues guitar RELATIVE TO OTHERS is of absolutely no consequence ... try to enjoy the learning process for your own sake and peace of mind. Thanks for listening. Have fun. Please give my regards to Ken.
Hey Hawkeye!....Fantastic lessons...Ive been playing for a few years now, self taught, but due to this fact i am missing some of the basic fun-damentals of playing the guitar which has hindered me greatly in terms of progression. I found jamplay and hoped by taking 2 steps backward it would help me progress that extra step im looking for. It has....and your tuition in these basic first steps is simple and easy to understand. I enjoy your teaching style and will stick with the programme as blues is fun, simple, it sounds fantastic and is relatively easy in the early stages....My problem was however I have a tendancy to jump ahead of myself which, see how hard it gets, it overloads my poor little brain and it becomes too daunting to continue. No more!! :) I do have 1 question for you, when dampening the strings with the heel of my hand I have a problem with not being able to cover all the strings, due to this the top or bottom E still rings not becoming dampened like the rest.....any tips to stop this? Thanks or your help....
andrewg002, Thanks so much for your comments and for enjoying these lessons. Please do stick with the order of the lessons presented ... I have given a lot of thought and planning as to the order and content of each of these lessons ... so as to help you build a strong foundation in blues music ... and if you skip around you'll still learn a lot, but there will be 'holes'/gaps in your blues foundation/understanding. Try to change the angle of your damping hand just a bit and see if that helps your damping all the strings ... this is a trial and error process that is different for every player, due to the fact we all have different hand/palm sizes ... and so many different guitars. Also, you can dampen strings by releasing the pressure of your fingers on the frets. Experiment, and see if any of these suggestions help. Hope so. Thanks again for enjoying these lessons.
Thanks so much for your great instruction. Your teaching style allows for an ease of learning for this 50 year old beginner. Thanks again and look forward to more lessons.
retcpo99, Thanks so much, Glad you're enjoying these lessons. There's much more to come. I hope you'll continue to learn and enjoy playing blues guitar.
Man, lessons superb!
Thanks so much. Stick around ... there's much more. :-) Cheers, Hawkeye
Awesome, just the only way to say it! The recap of the various patterns is great. And the extended comments about visualization is very cool. You had mentioned it in a previous video but I kinda forgot about it, now hopefully it has sunk in. BTW I ordered and received the blue thumb picks, and I like the feel. My previous experience was with a much stiffer thumb pick and I really didn't like the feel. This one also seems to stay put better then other ones I tried. Thanks again, and on to lesson 4!
Very much enjoyin the lessons Hawkeye ..on thing..I wish I had a little more detail nonthe strum in chapter 3 Scene 2- on exactly how you strum down on the down down up deal and a really slow 1-2-3-4 count where I could see your strumming fingers...I'm and old dog learning somw new tricks..and I'm liking your work...also wondering if I could get a DVD of your beginning blues series as I will take months to get through this...Many thanks...Love and Peace Michael
=== mrouse, Thanks so much. I'm happy to hear you're enjoying these lessons ... as much as I enjoy presenting them. Very much appreciated. As far as your question about the strum technique in this lesson ... "a picture is worth a thousand words" ... ;-) ... the advantage of these video lessons is just that ... please use the stop/pause/rev/fwrd 'controls' to review small bits of the video repeated times ... to study what I'm doing closely ... with your guitar in your lap ... and listen to my verbal explanation(s) repeated times ... try to play along ... be patient with yourself ... so what if you have to watch/repeat something hundreds of times until you 'get it' ... I cannot transcribe into text what is already done so well using three video cameras. This is all about repetition, so take advantage of the video 'controls' and you can get me to repeat anything, verbally or on the guitar, a million times ... until you get it ;-) Thanks for asking, but I'm sorry to say that I don't have an instructional DVD ... but there is a Hawkeye Live DVD which many students here at jamplay.com have purchased so as to see how I use the blues techniques I teach here when I'm performing in concert and at blues festivals ... and they/you can play along and 'lift' more blues guitar riffs. You can preview many of the songs on the Hawkeye Live DVD here http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH and if you decide to purchase the DVD, you can do so here http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/blues_shop.htm along with my three CDs. Again, thanks so much for your kind message. I hope you continue to travel with me here on the 'blues highway' at jamplay.com
whitebomber, Thanks for your comments. This is just the beginning for you ... you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a short period of time if you stick with this 'program' ... and practice. Glad you like the blues nylon Herco thumbpick. If it's too tight, you can open it up a little bit, if it's too loose, you can squeeze the loop together a bit for a tighter fit. Always comfortable and lightweight. Plastic thumbpicks are terrible. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again.
Hawkeye, thanks for the speedy reply. Quick question, when you are doing the boom chicka, are you using the thumbpick for the chicka portion or your fingers? Like in the Mojo song. I've tried using the thumbpick and have a hard time just glancing over the strings, so just wondered? Thanks!
whitebomber, I'm using my thumbpick only ... no my fingers. Pretend your thumbpick is a flatpick ... and tuck you index finger along the side of the thumbpick, they way you would if you were holding a flatpick. That's why I love a nylon thumbpick (not thick klunky plastic), because you can grasp it like a flatpick, or not. Play slow ... build up speed ... slowly. Keep practicing.
Wow , Herman. I love you videos , seriously , could there be a better teacher. You are so perfect for me. You take it in a slow and nice tempo and before I knew it I could play blues. THANKS MATE!
stratocrister, Thanks so much. Welcome to traveling with me on the blues highway. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Don't skip around, please ... stick with the program. You can get more guitar lessons from me for free here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm and you watch me perform here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons ... there's much more to come. (BTW, my last name is Herman :-)
I Like that kind of teaching, cool positive lessons, i just linger to be here, despite im a beginner at phase one, i just like to sneak around, lol...thanks Hawkeye !
gerry, Thanks for the comments. That's how I roll ... cool and easy. I hope you'll join me here on 'the blues highway' guitar lessons when you get past Phase One. Thanks again
I gotta say, I was ready to let my JamPlay subscription expire, not because I didn't like the instruction, but because it wasn't much fun. Hawkeye, you have put the fun back in. I'll be keeping my subscription active.
hectorious, Thanks for the kind comment. WHere you been hiding, man ... I've been here with the blues at jamplay.com for many months ... so glad you finally found my 'blues highway' ... take your time with these lessons, we ain't goin' nowhere that ain't fun ... enjoy the process and the music ... I love sharing the blues with y'all, and I appreciate your renewing your jamplay.com 'subscription' ... now, on with my prescription for your (previous) lack of fun while learning to play the guitar. Stick with me and you'll be able to play the blues as you feel them ... and have some fun along the way. Thanks again.
I'm enjoying these lessons so much. They're manageable for a beginner and Hawkeye is so easy to understand and follow. They're also paced really well and I feel like I'm making steady progress which helps keep my motivation up. Thanks so much for doing the blues series, I'm gonna keep working right through them all. Awesome!
laurenb, Thanks so much for your kind comments. 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. Also, I see that you're a teacher ... cool!!! ... please check out the "Blues In The Schools" page at my web site: www.HawkeyeHreman.com ... be sure to listen/watch the sound bytes at the top of the page ... I've presented my Blues In The Schools program in over 500 schools, in 22 states and 5 countries ... to over 1/2 million students of all ages. I'm off to France(11/11 to12-6) to perform at the Blues sur Seine near Paris, in concert each night for two weeks, and in French schools during the day ... and I'll also be presenting a 2-day seminar retreat for French musicians and teachers interested in creating an in-school blues education curriculum according to their skills and background. Did you know that you can get a free guitar by attending a teachers guitar camp for a week in the summer ... and you can get a grant to pay for the teacher's guitar camp, as well. Five elem. teachers in N. Colorado are now using their free guitar and the skills they learned at the camp as a result of my informing them about this opportunity. Please do check it out: http://www.guitaredunet.org I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Please do keep me advised as to your progress.
Great lesson..very helpfull...I laughed when i heard mojo working..its so cool
liamheffernan, Thanks for the comment and for enjoying the lesson. Much appreciated. I can't guarantee you'll get a laugh out of every lesson, but I do guarantee you'll learn a lot about blues music if you hang in there with me and follow the lessons in the order they are presented. Thanks again!
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.
jackie123, Thanks so much for the kind message. Stories like yours are what makes teaching/sharing my love for blues/music with others so gratifying and rewarding. As one door closes in your life, another opens ... and I am most pleased to have had a part in the positive process of ... your life. Many more of my blues guitar lessons will be posted here in the weeks/months to come. I hope you find as much information and encouragement via the future lessons as you have realized via the lessons already posted. Enjoy your retirement ... and new found life path(s) ... via the blues. Again, thanks so much for taking the time to share your story with us.
Hi Hawkeye I just had to let you know.......... I retired from fulltime work from a qualifications awarding body in London UK on Friday and my colleagues gave me a great send off with presents and speeches from my director and line manager etc in our staff restaurant. Rather than give a formal response I sang "Farewell Awarding Body Rubric Blues" It was fantastic and at the end there was a standing ovation!!!!! I could do this because of the confidence your lessons gave me. I was able to write a song that was relevant to my colleagues as well as conveying my enthusiasm, love and frustrations of working for such a super organsation. I had worked there for 21years and 5 years with a six year gap when my children were tiny. So after a long worthwhile career I went out with a WOW! strumming and singing a 12 bars blues!!!! Thanks so much Hawkeye! Your lessons could not have come at a better time for me ...... I have set a new precedent for leaving!!!!!! I am waiting now for some more lessons to add the elaborations. The first verse was: Farewell colleagues, you aint going to see me no more! X2 After 21 years and 5, I'm walking out the door! Thanks again Jackie
more! more! more!
Love this lesson series - really appreciate it Hawkeye
Thanks for the kind comments. Very much appreciated. Jamplay.com will be posting many more of my blues guitar lessons, so hang in there. I've been playing guitar for 50 years ... and a pro for 40+ years ... and teaching all along the way ... most of my guitar teaching now takes place at blues/folk festivals workshops ... I met and learned directly for Son House, Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Bukka White, Furry Lewis, Sam Chatmon, John Jackson, Brownie McGhee, Yank Rachell, etc. ... and it's my goal to communicate what I learned from those blues icons to everyone interested in learning ... clearly and slowly ... so take your time with these lessons ... as we're building on the basics in order to learn understand many blues guitar styles ... and eventually ... how to be/express yourself ... in the blues. Enjoy the journey.
Hawkeye you're my hero! What a legend...
Hawkeye seems to be a great teacher. He moves right along and is very understandable. He will be a great addition.
There's plenty more to come. Get the basics under your belt ... practice until you don't have to think about the next chord ... or have to count ... get the chord changes from your head ... into your gut and fingers ... practice over and over again, and enjoy the process ... you should be able to feel where the changes are ... without counting ... in every key ... and get this stuff down pat ... because we're going to learn some fingerpicking ... and Robert Johnson material in the lessons ahead ... as well as slide guitar. Take it slow ... crawl before you walk, walk before you run. Many blues songs are ... very sloooow ... remember, you don't have to play fast to get a groove going. Visualize the next chord before playing it ... and you'll be less likely to drop the time ... if there's not a solid tempo ... slow, medium, or fast ... it ain't blues. Be sure to check out the free 'guitar lessons' on my web site; www.HawkeyeHerman.com ... and watch the video at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH and try to fiugre out what key I play each song in .. and try to play along. Have fun ... it's a long and winding road ... that has no end. Enjoy the journey.
xcellent lesson...........thanks.. keep it up
Thanks so much about reminding to visualize ahead, it might be basic but has definitely helped me on chord transitions.
Another great lesson, elemental, but so very useful. *keeps on practising*
I have always loved the blues even though I am a rocker at heart. These lessons are awesome, easy to follow, and I know will help me as I move forward in whatever genre. Thanks Hawkeye!
Excellent job as always! Looking forward to more!
Great lesson! Looking forward to the next. Thanks Hawkeye!
Learning blues is the reason I started playing the guitar but this is the most fun I've ever had on a lesson, even though its quite basic, Hawkeye lets you see the possibilities, and its great.
Very Good man!!!keep them comin!!