The Blues Turnaround Guitar Lesson
The Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye introduces and explains a common blues turnaround.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 7:45Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
Note: Tablature and notation to this demonstration can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.
Turnarounds can serve as very effective introductions to blues songs. In addition, a lead guitarist can apply a series of turnarounds over the entire 12 bar form to produce an effective blues solo. Hawkeye will demonstrate this valuable concept in future blues lessons.
Playing the Turnaround
By now, most of you are probably familiar with the "open" D7 chord shape. By removing the open string note (D) from this chord, a movable shape is created. If you slide this basic shape up two frets, a rootless voicing of and E7 chord is formed. This is the tonic chord of a 12 bar blues in the key of E. This is the first chord used in the turnaround. Then, this chord shape descends chromatically in half steps down to a tonic "open" E chord.
Adding Variety
Since turnarounds are used so often in blues music, it is important to amass a large catalog of turnaround licks to draw from. By simply varying the rhythm of a single turnaround lick, new turnaround options are created. For example, the chords in this turnaround can be strummed in quarter notes. They can also be strummed in a triplet rhythm as indicated in the "Supplemental Content" section. These chords can be arpeggiated in a variety of different rhythms as well. Listen carefully at 03:50 to the remaining variations that Hawkeye demonstrates. Remember at all times that blues harmony is rather simple and repetitious. Varying the way in which you play basic blues elements such as the shuffle and turnaround will give your blues playing a sense of spontaneity and excitement.
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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Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
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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.Hawkeye- thanks for the good lessons. Finally put the words in with the rhythm and the turn around. It's been an interesting 3 (slow) steps journey into the 12 bar blues. But after these two weeks, I think I have it. Can't wait to move on to the next lessons.
Thanks for the message, Bill. Much appreciated. Just remember to progress from one lesson to the next at your own speed, moving on to the next lesson when you can accomplish what's in the present lesson. Enjoy the process of learning and practicing, as well as just playing ... and don't place any time constraints on your progress ... take your time ... move forward at your own speed ... and you'll gain a string foundation and understanding of the blues that will serve your playing for, I hope, the rest of your life. ;-)
thank you so much , this is it ,now i,m finally playing the blues thanks to you cant wait to see what can be done next to good morning blues .
Glad you're enjoying these lessons. Follow the lessons in the order they are presented, patiently progressing at your own speed. Try not to 'cherry pick'/skip around ... and you'll gain a string understanding and foundation in blues music that will allow you to play freely/create/improvise ... for the rest of your life. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
I thought this video was quite helpful and made me understand the Turnaround thanks Hawkeye
You're most welcome, Ryan. I hope you find that by patiently following my lessons in the order they are presented and progressing at your own speed from one lesson to the next that your understanding of blues music and your playing skills/abilities continue to grow and serve you well.
Attention folks! There's a typo in the tabs. In measure 12, the open E on the "and" of beat 1 should be an open A note. Oops!!
Thanks for the heads up on the typo, Matt. Much appreciated. Thanks for your hard work and attention to detail. Much appreciated.
When I started playing the guitar a year ago, i learned through "YouTube" by only learning the chords and tabs of guitar songs, not the beat and soul of a song, so at first your lessons were a total 180 degree turn around from what I'm used to and it was a great struggle to get used to this style, but i know this is what actually understanding how to play the guitar is all about, and I am am learning A LOT! thank you very much for your help and i greatly enjoy your enthusiasm for the blues and the guitar all together. I am greatly looking forward to learning more through out your lessons. oh and by the way, are those by any chance hawk feathers at the tip of your guitar? (Hawkeye, hawk feathers)
Thanks for the message and kind words about these lessons, Devin. Very much appreciated. I've given a lot of thought as to the order and content of these lessons. Follow my lessons in the order they are presented and you'll gain a strong understanding and foundation in blues music, and you'll be able to play freely and improvise as you wish. Be patient with yourself, don't move on/progress to the next lesson until you can accomplish what's in the current lesson. Don't rush, this isn't a race, it's a life's work of joy. Watch some of my video at youtube.com to see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm on stage performing in concert and at festivals, and try to play along with me, and try to 'steal my licks/riffs/ideas: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos ... I met and learned to play blues guitar from some of the most iconic old blues artists, Lightnin' Hopkins, Brownie McGee, Son House (one of Robert Johnson's idols) , Mance Lipscomb, Bukka White (whop taught his cousin, BB King how to play), and many other blues greats. My style of teaching is upbeat and direct and is focused on getting you to play, not on my showing you how much better I am than you. I teach you just as I was taught by the blues greats who went before us taught me... with joy and appreciation for the music and with your interest in accomplishing the ability to play the blues as you feel it my main goal ... to allow you to express yourself through blues music. Check out the free lessons at my web site, as well as the 'original articles' I've written about blues history and the many fine blues performers who took the time to teach me this most gratifying form of music: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again for 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
Great lesson! I Had this nailed in about 15 minutes of practice. I think there is an error in the supplemental content of the blues shuffle lesson. In the last measure you have an e note instead of an open a note in the turnaround. Video shows this as an open A note on 5th string.
Glad you enjoyed the lesson, and picked up on the idea/skills quickly. Matt does the supplemental content here at JamPlay.com for all of the instructors ... if it's wrong, he'll catch it and correct it. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Another great lesson Hawkeye. Thanks. If I understand well, only hardcore rule during the turnaround measures is to follow a 'chromatic discipline.' Anything else is our blue feeling. If this is true? How much blues tolerates this kinda freedom? Cheers...
Once you understand how the turnaround sounds and works ''chromatically' played ... you can experiment and play the positions in random order and see what you come up with both as an ending to a verse and as segue between song verses and as improvised guitar solos. The 'rule' for blues is ... play what you feel and what you like. :-)
I like this way of the actual original turnaround.Found out upgrade is 20 bucks so i might swing it in a few days as soon as i got a little bread.I gotta also find a way of Geting my 7 yr old daughter a beginners acoustic guitar and get her on the blues scene.Christas gift and yes she is getting a real guitar.
Great, all around.
The turnaround is important in blues.
Yes, this is true ... that's why it's explained here ... and in other aspects of my blues lesson series.
Hawkeye, I'm use a metronome, I'm have trouble with the count on the 12th bar. When I play 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 on the 12 bar, I'm having trouble seeing what lies where. I got this far: at the 1 and, 1=E, and=A. How does 2 and 3 and 4 and lie in the other notes?
Thanks for the question, Mark. Much appreciated ... sorry it took me so long to respond ... I've been on tour in Europe since Oct. 31st. Please look at the shuffle with the turnaround in the 'supplemental material' under this lesson. Set your metronome on a slow speed and play what's on the tablature/music. Look at measure #11: beat #1 is a 1/4 note (one full beat), beats #2, #3, and #4, are 1/8th note (triplets), you must stroke the stings three times per beat. The sound of all four beats is #1=dah, #2 =dah-dah-dah, #3 =dah-dah-dah, #4 =dah-dah-dah ... and now measure #12: beat #1 are 1/8th notes that’s are not a triplets, as are beat #2, and beat #3 & #4 is a 1/2 note ... so measure #12 would go: beat #1=dah-dah, #2=dah-dah, beat #3/#4=dah (held for two beats). So, if we just ‘look’ at it as sound rather than mathematics, measrure #11 and #12 would sound like this: #11:dah/dah-dah-dah/dah-dah-dah/dah-dah-dah/#12: dah-dah/dah-dah/dah. You have to be aware of the difference between 1/8th notes that are tied together as triplets (dah-dah-dah), and 1/8 notes that are tied together as two notes (dah-dah). I hope this is helpful and answers your question. Thaks so much for enjoying these lessons.
Silly question prhaps but in your turnaround, (first one), how did you know to use the D7 shape?
How did I know to use the D7 shape ... well, it was one opf the first aspects of blues that I learned from the 'old guys' who taught me ... this is a traditional music ... it's based on tools/positions that have been passed on from player to player for generations ... and in every book that teaches blues music you'll find information on turnarounds ... this is pretty common knowledge ... all a guitarist has to do is play a turnaround and everyone, even blues beginners recognize that upon hearing a turnaround as an introduction to a song that the song that is going to be played is going to be a blues song ... ain't no blues without a good turnaround. :-) Glad you got the 'message.' :-)
Thanks for the turnaround lesson. That's what was lacking in my blues playing!
Ain't no blues without a good turnaround. So glad you're 'filling in the blanks' in your blues playing. :-)
I love these lessons. Your teaching is awesome!!!!!
Thanks so much, tonya. If you stick with the 'program' order of lessons and don't rush, be patient with yourself, and you'll be playing blues guitar and improving your skills ... forever, I hope. Enjoy the process. Thanks again.
Hawkeye: Its been wonderful for me to have found this site and especally your lessons here. I spend many hours each and every day on my guitar journey and feel I am progressing well. Your lessons are very refreshing to say the least. I own several very nice guitars but you have inspired me to purchase one more, gotta have a resonator. That blues sound through a reso just has it. I don't know what it is but its there, kinda like the very soul of the Blues is the best I can describe it. Thank you so much for the great effort you have put into these lessons. Michael
Thanks so much for the comments and kind words, Michael L. Very much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and enjoy learning and playing blues music for the rest of your life. You don't NEED a resonator guitar to play blues music ;-) ... but if you want/need an excuse to buy another guitar ... that'll work. I primarily use my 1934 National "Trojan" model guitar (as seen in this lesson) for slide guitar ... I very rarely use my resonator guitar for general blues playing ... some of these lessons here at JamPlay.com are an exception to that 'rule.' I like the sustain of the wood body resonator guitars better than the metal body resonator guitars (I have both styles) ... I find that the wood body is less brash and 'banjo-like' in sound than the metal body versions ... the wood body resonators have a sweeter sound and more sustain ... however, if the choice is up to you. My only recommendation is that you NOT buy a guitar without playing it first ... you should like the sound, it should feel comfortable to play in your hands, and it should be well made ... the least important consideration to me is the appearance ... (for some folks the appearance is EVERYTHING, not for me) ... if you buy a resonator guitar it should make you want to play even more. Just keep in mind that my personal choice is to use a standard acoustic guitar for most of my blues playing ... and I reserve the resonator guitar for playing slide blues almost exclusively. The resonator guitar is certainly 'eye-catching' and does have a compelling sound ... but for me personally, I would not want it to be my only guitar ... nor my first choice guitar. The resonator guitar adds variety and dynamics to my music ... a nice change of pace from the standard acoustic guitar sound that I use most of the time. Again, thanks so much for your kind message and for traveling on the 'blues highway' with me here at JamPlay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
That's it Hawkeye - I'm hooked! Used to play classical but this is just awesome. You're a natural teacher that makes it fun and easy to progress - Many thanks!
Thanks so much for the kind comments E.F. Much appreciated. Welcome to 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Getting that turnaround down, Hawkeye! Been on it a while, but nothing better than the feeling when you know it's coming together. Patience certainly is a virtue. Gettin' them spider fingers I think! :)
Hi David, Thanks for the message. So glad you're enjoying these lessons and that you're exercising patience ... there's no rush ... take your time and enjoy the process. There are free guitar lessons at my web site: www.HawkeyeHerman.com I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again for the kind comments.
Hei. Today, when practicing and putting things together that i have learned so far, i incidentally find my self playing the song "before you accuse me" :-) this is starting to be very ineresting.
final, Thanks for the message and for enjoying these lessons. "Before YOu Accuse Me " ... is a Bo Diddley song ... originally ... not a Clapton song originally ... :-) ... and it's 'just another' great blues song ... like thousands of others ... which you should be able to play with very little trouble if you follow these lessons in the order they are presented. Skip around, and you'll still learn a lot ... but follow the order and you'll gain a strong foundation in blues music with few gaps/holes in your understanding of how it all works. Thanks for enjoying these lessons.
This is the most fun I have had with a guitar lesson.
joehobbs, Thanks so much. There's much more to come ... please stick with the lesson plan as presented and you'll gain a string understanding/foundation in blues music and how to play and create blues music freely on your own. Skip around in these lessons and you'll still learn a lot, but there will be 'holes/gaps' in your 'blues foundation.' Please take your time with each lesson, enjoy the process, don't rush, be patient with yourself, and don't move ahead to the next lesson until you understand and can accomplish what I'm presenting to you in the current lesson you're working on. You're going to be having a lot more 'fun' with your guitar from now on, believe me. Thanks again.
Hawkeye, you're the Man! I'm just heading to Lesson 7, thanks my friend.
Thanks for enjoying these lessons. I hope you continue to enjoy your rapid progression in learning blues guitar ... especially if you stick to the order of these lessons. I'm giving you a strong foundation in the music so that you can freely create blues musicf on your own ... skip around and you'll still learn a lot, but there will be 'holes/gaps' in your blues foundation. Watch the videos here for good examples of how I use what I teach at jamplay when I'm performing http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos Thanks again for enjoying these lessons.
rest assured I'm sticking to the order :) I've just completed lesson 8 and that's it for now. As tempting as it is to look at what's next I want to master playing the basic 12-bar and Blues turnaround in the different keys before going any further. If I can get the hang of that... I'll be VERY pleased.
You'll get. Be patient with yourself, enjoy the sounds your guitar is making, and don't try to play too fast; crawl, then walk, then run. And always, enjoy the process. ;-)
Thank you Hawkeye, I never dreamed you would answer sp Quick. I read the longer post and I realise you are right, to jump ahead would be stupid. So I shall listen to the Master and make it one lesson a ta time, I can't thank you enough, keep going with the lessons. A new Blues Fan!
rodgersroy, :-) Thanks for listening to my advice. I've been playing/teaching guitar for almost 50 years ... I appreciate your taking my advice ... the most 'expensive advice is good advice that is not taken ... stick with the program ... move at your own speed ... and enjoy the music and your new found 'abilities.' Thanks so much heeding my advice. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye, I never had much time for the Blues, because I never listened to it. However I watched one of your lessons and with the enthusiasm you teach with I was hooked. I can play the Twelve Bar Blues and the Shuffle. However when I try to sing along I lose the count and brake down. Any thoughts on how to overcome this problim. I just love your lessions, and find it hard not to jump ahead off myself. Great teaching.
rodgersroy, Thanks so much for the message and for enjoying these lessons. Look at the longer message I've posted on this page ... try not to jump ahead ... if you can play the blues shuffle with no mistakes, it's okay to move on to the next lesson ... singing and playing the shuffle rhythm at the same time takes a great deal of practice ... just keep trying/practicing ... and you'll improve ... please stick with the lesson plan, as explained further on this same page ... skip around and you'll still learn a lot, but there will be gaps in your blues foundation. You have the rest of your life to improve and enjoy playing blues guitar, and singing ... be patient with yourself ... enjoy the process ... crawl before you walk, and walk before you run ... don't put too much pressure on yourself ... after all at only $19.95 a month here at jamplay ... you can afford to 'exhale' and take your time and still get a good deal ... if you came to me for private/personal blues guitar lessons it would cost you $35 for one hour (!) ... and you'd have a hard time getting me to repeat something for you 5 times, let alone 50 to a million times ... like you can do here at jamplay. ;-) Thanks again for enjoying these lessons
I'm playing for 9 months now and i never had so much fun! Love your lessons and you enthusiasm.
hawkeye, this lesson is really great. in your previous lessons, stretching my pinkie really really hurt, but bearing with you until this lesson paid off, the pain is less ... thanks for your wonderful work! uli
ulrich, Thanks so much for your kind comments and enthusiasm for these blues guitar lessons. Very much appreciated. As a consultant/trainer ... you are most aware of 'teaching concepts' and the need for a strong curriculum/foundation that is meant to follow in a logical, skill(s) building, incremental order. I've been playing and teaching blues guitar for a long time ... and I've learned how to 'empower' others to freely express themselves with words and music via blues music ... IF they follow the lesson plan ('training program') in the order that I present the material (and don't skip around) ... and if the students patiently work through the fun and repetitions of each lesson until they understand and have taught their fingers (muscle training/memory through repetitions is where it's at!) to do the 'skills/blues vocabulary' I share y'all in each lesson ... before rushing on to the next lesson ... if a student can enjoy the learning process and the music that we are playing as we go ... the student will soon be empowered to express themselves in this art form. I have given a great deal of thought and planning to the methods/examples I use and the order of the lessons ... my goal in life is to give all willing students a sense of understanding for the history and fundamentals of blues music, its deep influence on other genres of music, and to teach them the physical skills to have fun and express themselves ... while encouraging them to absorb more information, further develop their skills, and be creative ... for the rest of their lives. :-) Thanks for sticking with the program ... I appreciate and am gratified at your new found ability to ... make that pinky stretch. Please put that new skill to good use ... and enjoy the blues :-)
I loose count on the turnaround. Too many uneven notes are played. During the shuffle its easy to count, but those chords and triplets mess everything up. :) I play it by ear and it sounds really good. But i think i would not be able to play with other musicians in such way.
Force yourself to start playing with a metronome and you'll get that puppy in no time!
Jeff, i do use a metronome. More than that i use yours on the site :) Who was so thoughtful that decided to add a metronome to all the lessons? :) :) :) (Instead of mine "uh, well, but....", and yours "well repeat it till you get it". ;) lol )
antonskv, Thanks for sharing the problem you're having. You can do this! It's a matter of repetition. Some people have to repeat an 'exercise' many many times before getting it right. You know wat the problemn is ... you loose count ... so why not put the guitar down and follow the lesson and count out loud without your guitar ... over and over again ... no guitar ... just counting and listening to the changes and relaxing completely as you do so by breathing regularly. When you are relaxed and counting and feeling the changes as they go by, enjoy it. Then pick up your guitar and play along ... breath ... don't hold your breath ... and count as you play. With practice, you can do just about anything. SO, practice :-) ... You're right, it may sound good when you play by yourself, but if you don't play the 12 bars blues ... in the prescribed 12 bar format ... other people won't be able to play along with you because you're making the chord changes whenever you feel like it ... which is fun ... but does not encourage others to join in ... unless you're as good as Lightnin' Hopkins, who I knew and learned from ... LIghtnin would change chords whenever he wanted ... and if you played with him you just put up with it. Practice they way I've described, and learn to keep good time ... and enjoy the process. This is much more fun than chopping wood or changing the oil on your car ;-)
Is there a typo at the end of the tab ? I guess the open chord is A and not E ?
I mean the open string, not open chord :)
jackie134, Thanks for the comment. Keep at it. Practice. No buzzing/dead strings, just clear tones when making chords. It may not seem like it, but you improve every time you hold the guitar and practice, for a few minutes, or hours ... repetition is where it's at ... that's how we teach our fingers to do what our brain has learned. If you've got the concept clearly in your mind ... it just takes time and repetition to teach your body to respond ... like dancing, painting, woodworking, all physical tasks ... get the steps/positions solidly in your brain, and then teach your fingers/body to respond to the information in mind ... repetition ... and improvement each time you practice. Crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and enjoy the process. Thanks again.
THanks Hawkeye - this is great! you are super! I really understand what you are teaching. The turnaround sounds good. I need to keep practicing to get the barre chords right - mind knows what wanted but the muscles aren't strong enough yet but I am getting better! Thanks from London UK Jackie
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.
ronin808 and mclend1, Thanks so much. There is an endless amount of music that can be played/created by learning the basic turnaround(s) ... and then 'fiddling' with them on your own ... ascending, descending, picking out notes as your so choose, fingerpicking notes as you so choose, etc. Learn the basics ... and then go for being creative. Learning the 'stock' stuff is the beginning ... then twisting and turning things as you feel ... it what blues is about. If you love the blues, play them as you please.
Hawkeye, your enthusiasm is infectious, another lesson to work on, maybe it'll also 'turnaround' my playing (with practice) keep up the good work, it's appreciated!
awesome totally awesome man!!!