Turnaround in the Bass Guitar Lesson
Turnaround in the Bass
Hawkeye explains how the blues turnaround can be played on the bass strings.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 11:12Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
Hawkeye explains how to play the same turnaround that you have already learned on the bass strings. Review this turnaround and its rhythmic variations if necessary. Playing this turnaround in the bass range will add some extra variety to your playing.
Turnaround Using the Bass Strings
Remember that the turnaround begins with the tonic chord, E7, and descends this chord shape down in half steps. Moving a chord shape downwards in a half step motion is called "chord planing."
Essentially, the note on the third string (the fifth of each chord) remains unchanged. The third of each chord, which is located on the high E string is moved to the low E string. The open high E string is now played as a pedal tone against each chord in the turnaround. Watch Hawkeye at 2:50 for a demonstration. Pluck the 6th and 3rd strings simultaneously. Then, pluck the high E string. Rhythmic variations can be applied to this turnaround just like the higher version of the turnaround discussed in previous lessons.
The Fingering
When playing the turnaround in this manner, you must alter the fingering of each chord shape. Use the second finger to fret the notes on the 6th string. Use your third finger to fret all notes on the 3rd string.
Philosophy on Blues Improvisation
The key to playing blues is playing in the "now" and adjusting your performance to how you feel at that moment. Learning all the possible options available to you such as varying your turnarounds will help you accomplish this goal. Chapter 2: (05:16) Using the Turnaround The best way to test out the sound of a new variation is to insert it into the context of a 12 bar blues. Play through the form repeatedly, and try to play a different turnaround variation each time in bars 11 and 12. Play the low version and its variations as well as the high version and its variations. Listen to Hawkeye demonstrate the high and low turnarounds within the context of the form and imitate his example.
Transposition
In the previous lesson, Hawkeye taught you how to transpose the turnaround lick to any key. If you have any confusion about this process, review the previous lesson before proceeding. In this lesson, Hawkeye demonstrates how to transpose the bass version of the turnaround to any key. Simply begin the first turnaround chord four frets up from the tonic barre chord shape. For example, in the key of G, the tonic G barre chord is played at the third fret. Consequently, the first turnaround chord will begin at the 7th fret. The high E pedal tone will not work in any other key other than E major. Consequently, Hawkeye chooses to double the third of each chord by placing the pinky finger on the high E string of each chord. Place the pinkie finger on the same fret as the bass note for each chord.
Once again, practice all rhythmic variations of this turnaround in all 12 keys. Hawkeye gives you some help with the keys of A and C to get you started on this process. Complete the remaining keys on your own time.
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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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.You're a genius, Hawkeye! I am learning so fast from your lessons, thank you so much. I looked up your music on spotify. It's awesome. God Bless
Thanks so much, Michael. I do appreciate your kind comments, although I'm certainly no 'genius' ... ;-) ... I'm simply a guy who, (obviously), loves the music and who enjoys sharing what I know about blues guitar/blues history with others ... and I'm able to do so in an enthusiastic and (usually) lucid (and fun, I hope) manner. It’s most gratifying to know that my lessons are having an impact on your guitar playing skills. As I’ve stated many times before … I have given a lot of time and thought into the order and content of each lesson ... if you follow the order of lessons you'll have a strong foundation in the blues and be able to understand most aspects of the music and play and create blues music on your own ... I hope you'll stick with it and continue to enjoy the process of progressing from one lesson to the next at your own pace/speed. There are free guitar lessons at my web site, here: www.hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm … and many great articels on blues here: www.hawkeyeherman.com/articles.htm … and I hope you'll watch some of my performance videos so as to see how I use the techniques I teach here at jamplay.com when I'm performing: www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... Thanks again for the kind comments. Very much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy ‘traveling’ with me on the ‘blues highway’ here at JamPlay.com.
Thanks Hawkeye, you make these lessons so enjoyable. You are a very good teacher and make these lessons not seem like work. It will be nice one day to tell people that I learned the Blues from The Great Hawkeye Herman. I cant wait to see whats in the future lessons.
Thanks so much for your kind comments. Very much appreciated. I hope you continue to follow these lessons in the order they are presented, don't rush, be patient with yourself , and progress at your own speed ... and you'll be gaining a strong understanding and foundation in blues music and blues guitar playing. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Again, thanks so much for traveling on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
I know it's difficult to duplicate live lessons but you've come damn close.
Thanks for the comments, George. Much appreciated.
Yes these are probably the very best lessons to be found. Can go up on youtube all we want but half of those guys play by ear like i have.They will show stuff but can't tell us what it is.
Thanks so much, Jeff. Very much appreciated. My goal is to have EVERYONE understand what I'm teaching from moment to moment ... not just a big percentage ... I want ALL to understand and enjoy the blues and blues guitar ... and so I never tire of repeating myself or finding 'new ways' of saying the same thing ... in order to reach my goal of making ALL of the information in these lessons accessible/understandable to ALL. I'm aware that I've set the 'standard' very high by my attempting to 'appeal' to everyone in terms of 'getting the blues' ... but ... I'm always 'up for' and I like the challenge of communicating my passion for the music to others. Thanks again.
You are teaching admirably well Hawkey, videos are instructive and inspirational. Thanks alot.
Thanks for the comments and kind words. Very much appreciated. I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the order and content of these lessons. Follow the lessons in the order they are presented, be patient with yourself, use the video controls to repeat anything you don't understand as many times as necessary until you 'get it' ... and you'll gain an understanding/strong foundation in blues guitar that will serve you for a lifetime. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
This one is fabulous!
Thanks! There's more fabulosity to come. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye,I can't express enough how much your lessons have helped me. I have also found that revisiting the whole Group is not a bad idea. I made the mistake oif Rushing through them and I am going back and finding many things I missed. I understand what you have been saying. Thanks Again (Dennis)
Thanks for the message, Dennis. Much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. In November I videotaped another 20 hours of lessons ... so there's much more to come beyond the current 80 lessons of mine that are currently posted here at jamplay.com. Please take your time and enjoy the process.
Hey hawkeye. Im woking with the turnaround withe the low E string and i have a question about that: When playing the turnaround in feks G starting in the 7 freet, we cant play the high E string so yu add jour pinki at the same freet. Now there is 3 finger involved and i find that just baare the hole freet mutch easier. I gues by nature i try to simplyfie things if i can :-). Is this ok or do i get in trouble later on in the lessons.? Maby the 1st finge must be free for something else?.And Thanks again for finding you on the intenett.
I just started here on JamPlay and immediately homed in on Hawkeye's section. I knew knew I was in the right place when I didn't see any flat picks :) I really appreciate this whole foundational series. It's exactly what I needed to cement together a lifetime of playing 'bits and pieces' in this style. I find myself saying, 'so that's why that works' or 'Aha...I remember my uncle teaching me that way back when.... This will yield a much richer vocabulary for this style and not just teach one fleeting set of tab for a certain song. Thanks Hawkeye and keep it coming....
iuka, Welcome to jamplay.com. GOod to having you traveling with me on the 'blues highway.' Your kind comments are very much appreciated. There are many more lessons to come. Please stick with the 'program' ... I have given a lot of time and thought into the order and content of each lesson ... if you follow the order of lessons you'll have a strong foundation in the blues and be able to understand most aspects of the music and play and create blues music on your own ... if you jump around in this series of lessons, you'll still learn a lot ... but there will be 'holes/gaps' in your blues foundation. I hope you'll stick with it and continue to enjoy the process. There are over 20 free guitar lessons at my web site, here: www.hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm and many great articels on blues here: www.hawkeyeherman.com/articles.htm and I hope you'll watch some of my performance videos so as to see how I use the techniques I teach here at jamplay.com when I'm performing: www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH Thanks again for the kind comments. Very much appreciated.
these lessons are great. i have rarely had this much fun. today, after watching this one, i felt like many many dots just got connected. ill be practicing more and more :)
kasra, Thanks for the comment and for enjoying these lessons. Please stick with the program ... and you'll be playing blues guitar as you please ... getting better and better with each lesson as you practice these techniques. There are many more 'dots' that I'll be 'connecting' for you. Again, thanks so much.
How about playing the G# on the 1st string along with the G# on the 6th string with the E turnaround in the bass?
You don't need my permission to experiment with such things ... in almost all of my lessons I encourage this type of activity ... I have stated in these lessons that the guitar is like a Rubick's Cube to me ... as I can amuse myself for hours (forever) making little additions and deletions from/to riffs and turnarounds. That's what the blues is about ... go for it. NO permission from me is needed. ;-)
hawkeye what chord are you playing in the middle of the turn around at the start here, you do it in a few keys? u do a few d shape chords, and right before you hit the A you do a chord? many thanks great lessons i m doing well thanks
curranni, Thanks for enjoyin these lessons. The chord I'm playing is simply the top three notes of a barred A cord ... index finger on the fifth fret of the 1st and 2nd strings, second finger on the sixth fret of the 3rd string. I don't fret notes in chords that I'm not going to play ... it burns up energy to put your fingers on notes/strings that you're not going to play ;-) ... I do this a lot ... why hold down strings that you're not going to sound? this confuses some students, of course, but it's also a way of teaching people that fretting an entire barre chord is not necessary if you're not going to play all the notes ... and it prevents finger fatigue, as well. Look at a full barred A chord at the fifth fret ... and then you'll see that I'm just playing the first three strings. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
thanks for the replys hawkeye yes my 1st question was just a querie haha, im enjoying the basic shape at the moment and having great fun, the bass notes are a little harder in the turnaround, but i ll keep at it. many thanks.
Hang in there. Enjoy the process. you're always improving.
also as a question for where i am at the moment in the lessons, are there other chord shapes that can be and are popular to use for the turnaround. many thanks
curranni, The answer is yes, there are lots of chord shapes that can be used as turnarounds ... but you ain't ready for that yet ... stick with the program ... don't get ahead of yourself ... examples of what you are asking me will be presented in later lessons ... don't skip around ... or there will be holes in your blues foundation. For now, your job is to learn this turnaround using a D7 shaped cord in every key (yes, even Ab and Bb), backwards and forwards ... and be able to move it at will no matter what key a song is in ... and then, move this turnaround at will, on the fly, to create a solo if you feel like it. Also, picking out notes that you feel like playing within the turnaround ... not just the examples that I show you ... this is a great opportunity for you to learn how to improvise and be creative ... you, even as a student, can come up with stuff that I may never think of. Get down on this ... and learn to move this turnaround to any key on the neck ... and enjoy the process. ;-)
Thanks very much Micheal :D You have really helped me with my blues playing :) Your an excellent teacher :) Love from ireland :)
liamheffernan, You're most welcome. I'm so glad you've found my lessons helpful. Hang in there with me, as there's much more to come. Thanks again.
Thanks Hawkey, great stuff.
mykster454, Thanks for the comment. There's much more to come. I hope you hang in there with me.
walt k, Thanks so much for enjoying the lessons. You can purchase my CDs at my web site: www.HawkeyeHerman.com ... and be sure to check out all of the video songs from my new DVD, "Hawkeye Live In Concert" ... at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... the DVD is for sale at my web site, as well, but you can watch me perform many of the songs on the DVD for free ... and learn from me via the videos ... if you watch my fingers closely. Again, thanks for the comment and for loving the blues!
Thanks for a great lesson...the blues are wonderful when taught by a guy who knows them....tell me how to purchase your latest cd...thanks walt k
seanman, Thanks to you for the message and for enjoying the lessons and exploring the blues with me. There's much more to come.
Thanks Hawkeye! your lessons are great.
ronin808, Thanks! View the turnaround ... as a Rubik's cube type of activity ... twists and turns that you create ... make your own little 'changes' in the notes played ... experiment ... and explore the many possibilities. Have fun!
Gerat lesson! I like thaving the chance to change the turn around position to the base strings. Very cool man