Turnarounds as Lead Guitar Lesson
Turnarounds as Lead
In this lesson Hawkeye will explain how you can use turnarounds as a way to play basic lead.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 0:00Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
This is accomplished by playing a series of turnarounds over the entire 12 bar form.
Let's take a moment to review the chord changes in the 12 bar blues form.
Bars1-4: I (E)
Bars 5-6: IV (A)
Bars 7-8: I (E)
Bar 9: V (B)
Bar 10: IV (A)
Bars 11-12: I (E)
To play turnarounds as a lead guitar solo, simply play the turnaround in the key of the chord name. For instance, over the IV chord A, play the turnaround in the key of A. Over the V chord B, play the turnaround in the key of B major.
Thinking Ahead
Improvising any type of solo requires some visualization of upcoming chord changes. Otherwise, it is pretty easy to lose your place in the form. Do not think of the chord that you are currently playing. You are already there. Instead, visualize where the next chord change occurs on the fretboard.
Demonstration
Hawkeye plays through the entire form using the high version of the turnaround. A transcription of this solo can be found in the "Supplemental Content" section. Chapter 2: (06:14) Practice Playing Turnarounds as Lead Playing a succession of various turnarounds over the entire form requires much practice. The most important thing to focus on is playing strictly in time. Play through the form with the metronome set at a very slow tempo. Then, gradually speed up. You'll want to be able to play this even faster than how Hawkeye demonstrates. Some fast blues songs reach the 150 or 160 beats per minute range.
Remember to add variety. You can mix and match the high and low versions of the turnaround throughout the form. Also, you can play the chords in different sequences as well. Refer to the transcription for some ideas of how this can be accomplished.
All 12 Keys
Just like in previous lessons, remember to practice what Hawkeye has taught you in all 12 keys. Start with E, then maybe work on the other common keys next such as A, G, and C. Hawkeye plays through the form using turnarounds in the key of G to get you started with this process.
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.Thanx Hawkeye, I know that you are playing the E Chord but how are you actually plucking it. From what I can tell you are playing the full e-chord then the little e string and then the g string. Is that correct. The supplemental material on it is inaccurate at that particular place.
When play the E chord at the point you asked me about I'm playing the G (third) string (fretted with my index finger at the first fret as in the E chord)) with my thumb, then the open high E string with my index finger, followed by my playing the D (4th string) fretted at the 2nd fret (out of the E chord and plucked with my thumb. The three notes being played are: G# on the third string, E note on the open 1st string, and then the E note on the 4th (D) string. I hope this answers your question. :-) Thanks for your patience with the delay in my response, as I'm currently on tour in S. California and have limited access to the Internet while on tour. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hi Hawkey, at 3 minutes and 53 seconds in scene 1 of lesson eleven, I cannot tell how you are playing the e-chord toward the end of the turnaround.
Hi Mark, Thanks for enjoying these lessons and for your question. I'm playing a simple/basic first position E chord at the point in question. Are you aware that there are complete music notations and tablature for each and every lesson in the 'Supplemental Content" area located directly under each lesson? I suggest you look at the 'Supplemental Content' for more complete 'graphic' information about this lesson, and any lesson about which you may have a problem or issue. I hope that answers your question and that you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hi Hawkeye, this is fun, I didn?t know I wanted to learn the blues, but your enthusiasm convinsed me, now I can;t wait to pick up my guitar. Thankyou so much and marry christmas
Thanks so much for the message and kind words, Nina. Very much appreciated. I'm most pleased to know that you're enjoying these lessons, are 'hooked' on blues ("Blues is the roots, and everything else is the fruits.") ... and that you are having fun, more than ever. learning and playing the guitar. I hope you take some time to watch some of my music videos so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concerts and at festivals ... tr to play along with me .. ;-) .... http://www.youtube.com/user/HawkeyeH ... follow my lessons in the order they are presented, don't rush, please progress at your own speed from one lesson to the next, and you'll gain a strong understanding and foundation in blues guitar that will serve you the rest of your life ... not just in blues music, but in other styles of music, as well. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. Wishing you a most Happy Holiday Season and all the best in 2013. Cheers, Hawkeye
Hi Hawkeye, this is fun, I didn?t know I wanted to learn the blues, but your enthusiasm convinsed me, now I can;t wait to pick up my guitar. Thankyou so much and marry christmas
Hi Hawkeye, Loving the lessons especially how you break it up simply but don't pin us down to exact notes before moving on. Do you ever tour this side of the pond? Upto Blues festival would love to see you I'm sure.
Hey Hawk......Just wanted to tell ya I'm enjoying the lessons, even the parts that are so hard for me. But I'm getting it pretty easily.. Sometimes it just takes longer than other techniques. So I just slow down the metronome and drive on. It reminds me of what the Great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect." I believe that quote can be applied not only to football but also to the guitar and anything else in life. :-) Thanks for being here for all of us. :-)
Ken, Thanks so much for your kind comments. Vince Lombardi was right ;-) ... follow these lesson s in the order they are presented ... patiently progressing at your own speed from one lesson to the next and you'll build a string foundation and understanding of the music that will allow you to 'speak' blues on the guitar freely and creatively for the rest of your life. I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the order and content of these lessons ...t hose who 'cherry pick'/skip around within the lesson series will certainly learn a lot ... but not as much nor as thoroughly as those who take it step by step. Blues is a 'language.' One wouldn't study a language by skipping around and only learning/studying the the lessons/words/ that appeal to the student. To be fluent in a language you build incrementally by patiently following the lessons in the order they are presented ... and as a result, one becomes fluent in the language, and has a strong understanding/background for/on the grammar/syntax/vocabulary of the language. Those who 'skip around' in a language (or music class) will learn some useful words and phrases here and there ... (or in blues, some useful licks/riffs here and there) but will not be able to play freely and creatively. Don't forget to watch some of my live in concert videos so that you can see how I use the techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concerts and at festival ... try to play along with me ... and try to 'lift' (steal ;-) some of my musical ideas/riffs/licks ... http://www.youtube.com/user/HawkeyeH .... Again, thanks so much for the message. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
hey hawkeye - i am loving your lessons! i have been playing now for about five years but never felt i had an organized methodology for learning until i discovered jamplay and your lessons about 3 weeks ago. my guestion for you is, how strong do i have to be on the material of a lesson before moving on to the next lesson? i want to own the stuff but it could take weeks to do that and i am yearning to move forward. what do you recommend?
Hi Marcy. Thanks so much for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons. I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the order and content of these lessons. PLease follow them in the order they are presented and progress at your own speed and you'll gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues that will allow you to play freely and improvise as you wish. Blues music is like a 'language,' and should be approached like studying a language ... that being the case, you wouldn't move on/progress to the next lesson in a language course until you con 'pronounce' all the words and understand the grammar of the current lesson. So it is with blues, moving on to the next lesson without fully understanding and accomplishing the current lesson would mean that you are not really 'owning' the material ... and without owning the material, you will have gaps/holes in your knowledge and understanding of the language and ability to 'speak' at will/as you wish. YOU know when you 'get it' or you don't 'get it' ... when you 'get it' and can do it, you move on. I receive so many questions about the 'time element' in studying the guitar ... like studying/practicing/playing the guitar is a race to some (imaginary) finish line ... there is no 'race' and there is no 'finish line.' Learning/practicing/playing the guitar is a life's work ... it's a journey ... and should be a happy journey from day to day ... like Life. "It's a long and winding road that has no end." I've been playing the guitar for 50 years and I'm still learning ... BB King has been playing the guitar for over 70 years and he freely admits that he's still learning. ;-) There's no rush, there's no race, and there's no 'finish line' ... you must progress at your own speed, and only you know when you are ready for the next lesson. So, please 'exhale' ... be patient with yourself ... be in the 'now' and don't think about the future ... enjoy the process of learning and your current 'location' in the journey ... and don't worry about the time element. We all learn at our own pace. You know best when you totally understand and can accomplish what's contained in a lesson, and that's the time to move on to the next lesson in the 'journey.' Thanks so much for 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy the 'journey.' :-)
WOW Hawkeye, I soo get that, to me you are up there with Aristotle, well, coming down to earth now, Aristotle of the the Guitar. In other words, if Aristotle was a Blues Guitar Player, he'd be Michael Hawkeye Hermon for sure!! :ol)
Thanks so much for the 'Aristotle' comment, Richard. Much appreciated. All I'm asking of my students is that they look on learing to play blues guitar as a 'language' ... just as one would not expect to learn a language by opening a language instruction book and randomly selecting lessons that catch one's eye or 'appeal' to them ... the way you learn a language is via an organized approach to vocabulary and grammar/syntax and proceeding from a beginner position on, in a step-by-step manner, building on the previous lesson. So it is with blues guitar ... those that patiently follow my lessons in the order they are presented, patiently progressing at their own rate from one lesson to the next will gain a strong background/foundation and understanding of the 'blues guitar language' that will allow them to play/create/improvise freely for the rest of their lives. Those who insist on 'cherry picking'/selectively viewing these lessons at random ... will learn something, to be sure ... just as you might learn a little something from skipping around/'cherry picking' lessons in a language instruction book, but will not end up being fluent in the language because of no solid foundation/understanding ... and patience with the learning process ... I've given a great deal of thought and planning as to the order and content of each of my lessons ... and by patiently following my lessons in the order they are presented, progressing from one lesson to the next at your own pace ... you will become 'fluent' in blues guitar. If one impatiently 'cherry picks' through my lessons one will still learn a great deal, but the information gained is selective and hardly lends itself to one being 'fluent' in expressing oneself on the instrument. I'm no 'Aristotle' ... I'm just a bluesman who wants to share what he knows with others so that they too can 'speak' the language of blues guitar fluently ... for the rest of their lives. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again for your comments and support. ;-) (BTW: As a James Herriot/James Alfred Wight/"All Creatures Great And Small" fan ... I'd love to visit West Yorkshire ... someday ... I perform/tour in Europe in Oct./Nov. each year for about a month for the past 6 years performing at festivals, concerts, and giving guitar workshops ... but I have not been to the UK other than to change flights and see a bit of London. ;-)
thanks hawkeye - will try to practice what you preach and enjoy the journey
Lesson 11 the turnaround leads. Any possibility you can post a streaming rhythm we can practice with or maybe even a downloadable mp3 file in a few different keys?
thanks hawkeye- i got what you are saying and will try to practice what you preach!
Thanks for the question. Sorry, but I tour heavily in the spring/sumer/fall and I don't have the time to do as you kindly ask. Besides, I would prefer that you just play along with your favorite blues recordings ... if you don't know how to find what key the recordings/songs are in ... see my lesson on' finding the key.' You'll learn a lot more and quicker if you listen to and play along with great blues records/artists ... using classic blues tunes as your 'backing tracks' ... than if you sit and struggle with just you and a backing track. HAve fun in the process. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
SWEET! These are the sounds I've been wondering how some of my favorite artists make! Thanks dude! I'm definitely gonna go through all of your lessons!
Thanks so much for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons. I've given a lot of thought and planning into the content and order of these lessons ... I hope you'll follow these lessons in the order they are presented ... please take you time, move/progress at your own speed ... and you'll develop a strong foundation in and understaning for blues music. Thanks again. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hawkeye, I've been focused on fingerstyle for a while now and just last week decided to give your blues lessons a look. Your energy and passion is infectious. Before I knew it I'd been through your first 16 lessons. This one brought a lot of it together for me so I just wanted to say so well done and thanks. I'm really enjoying improvising for the first time!
Thanks so much for the kind comments and for enjoying these lessons, Harry. Very much appreciated. I truly love the blues and have a deep passion and enthusiasm for sharing what I know with others. I hope you continue to enjoy my lessons and expanding your blues improvisation skills. Again, thanks so much.
To be honest I actually thought that I knew how to play the blues... I wasn't sure if I should join a site like this but I came across it and was bored so I thought I'll give it a shot... Started watching these blues videos and I gotta say over the last 4 hours I have improved incredibly... Hawkeye you are an amazing teacher!
Thanks so much for the kind words about these lessons, Sam. Much appreciated. Be sure to check out the free guitar lessons on my web site, here: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... and please watch some of my music performance videos so you can see how I use some of the guitar techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again!! ;-)
Hey Hawkeye, great lesson! Just wondering if you are playing a different fingering of the cords A and B7 when you are playing the turnaround as lead. I have noticed your 1st finger on the 5th fret but not barred. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the kind words. Very much appreciated. You'll have to tell me in which scene and the exact place (minutes/seconds) in which I'm doing whatever it is that you're asking me about ... I play totally spontaneously ... I don't do the same thing each time I play a song ... that's the blues :-) ... so please be more specific, and perhaps I can answer your question. Thanks again. ;-)
I've always avoided turn arounds beause I've never been quite sure what chords to use and where on the fretboard. So I'm having a good dose of lessons on turn arounds and it feels a lot less frightening after Hawkeyes' lessons. In fact, they're more fun that I had thought. Cheers! :)
Thanks for your comments, Rosanella. Much appreciated. Turnarounds are a major aspect of blues music ... avoiding turnarounds would be like avoiding an entire color in a painter's palette, or avoiding words that end in 'ing' or 'tion' in English ... :-) ... one would still be able to paint and/or speak ... but there would be considerable limitations in one's ability to do so. I'm so glad these lessons have brought you to understanding the value 'fearless' blues music adventuring. I hope you continue to enjoy traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. Thanks again! ;-)
THESE LESSONS ARE VERY EDUCATIONAL TO ME ,UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY, SO A PERSON WHO CAN CATCH ON AND REMEMBER WHAT IT IS THEY'RE DOING SHOUL BE THANKFUL.THAT IS THE REASON WHY I HAVE PLAYED BY EAR SO MUCH,BECAUSE I CAN REMEMBER WHERE TO MAKE THE CHORDS AND TO THINK ABOUT WHERE I'M GOING NEXT BY FEEL, SOUND AND WHAT FRET I AM TO LAND ON , BUT I HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING IF IT WAS AN A# OR AN E MINOR, SO A PERSON SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR LEARNING ABILITIES .
HOW COULD ANYBODY SAY YOU LOST THEM? BECAUSE IF THEY GO UP ON YOUTUBE AND WATCH THESE GUYS ON THERE FREE SHORT TERM LESSONS THEY'RE ONLY GONNA GIVE A SHORT BREIF TERM SHOW OF SEE THIS IS HOW YOU DO THIS AND THIS IS HOW YOU DO THAT?I'M SORRY BUT THAT COMMENT I SAW THAT SOME ONE LEFT , I JUST AM NOT AGREEING WITH, BECAUSE MICHEAL HAWKEYE HERMAN TELLS YOU WHERE YOUR AT. HALF OF THOSE GUYS UP THERE DON'T , BECAUSE THEY'RE PLAYING MOSTLY BY EAR LIKE I HAVE OFF AND ON FOR 42 YRS.THEY WILL ONLY TELL YOU CERTAIN THINGS AND LEAVE GAPS .
Hi Hawkeye great lessons. I haven't picked up my guitar in a long time and felt compelled to play the blues. Damn my fingers hurt, but its well worth it! I keep watching the same segment over and over so I can see the fingering properly, but its well worth it, one problem I am having is my barre chords seeing where your fingering is quite difficult, but hopefully I will get it in time. Keep up the good work, many thanks from the UK!
Greetings, Kristopher. Thanks so much for the kind comments. Please take your time, be patient, enjoy the process of learning. Please follow these lessons in the order they are presented and progress at your own speed ... yes, use the video controls to repeat/replay whatever your don't quite understand until you 'get it.' Because of the many comments I've had regarding difficulty if creating barre chords for 'beginners' ... we have posted a later lesson, #115, on how to focus on making a 'better' barre chord ... I normally would not recommend that one jump ahead in this lessons series, but in your specific case, I think you should look at lesson #115, and then resume the lessons back here at #11 forward. Again, thanks so much for enjoying these lessons.
Started STRONGLY...by the time you were lessons 10-11-12, you lost me! Too much, WAY too fast with no reference to teaching material (tab?)
Thanks for the comments. I'm sorry you feel that way. Look at the comments by others about this lesson, and ALL of my lessons. It is extremely rare, almost non-existent that a student comments that they don't get what I'm teaching ... unless they have not taken the time to go through an entire series on introductory guitar in the Phase One area. This is Phase Two ... if you're 'lost' ... you're in over your head ... you need to be more patient with yourself and thoroughly go through an entire series of Phase One lessons ... not jump into the 'deep end' of the pool. You MUST be more patient with yourself ... you must crawl before you walk, and walk before you run. Please exhale and take the time to allow yourself to succeed by backing up into shallower 'water' ... or by using the video control to stop and replay what I'm teaching in small increments ... and by watching the same segment a million times if necessary ... that's the advantage of online video guitar lessons ... you can make the instructor repeat something over and over and over and over and over ... from 10 seconds worth to ten minutes worth ... until you get it. Take advantage of the system ... and relax and enjoy the process of learning ... not pressuring yourself to learn quickly ... this isn't a race to some finish line ... this is a life's work. Happiness is in the journey. Matt creates the tabs/supplemental material for JamPlay.com and he does a great job ... if it ain't in the tabs/supplemental material here ... then it's covered in Phase One, and there's no reason to put it here in Phase Two. Please ... relax and take your time ... and always look at the comments of other students under each lesson ... in order to gauge where you are. Thanks so much for being a part of it all.
great lesson hawkeye! Been messing around with the blues for a few years and never really got it...if you know what I mean. I must say there is something about your teaching that makes me get it!!! Thank you so much..I am enjoying the guitar again.
Thanks for the kind comments, Mike. Very much appreciated. I'm happy to that these lessons have had an impact on your understanding,interest, and blues playing. That's my goal, to make you want to play ... the blues ... and keep your guitar handy ... not in the closet, in the case, or on the wall ... but always at hand ... a good friend you can count on for music and so much more. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and be sure to follow them in the order they are presented. It's my pleasure and honor to be able to share my passion for the blues/music with you. Thanks again.
Hawkeye,Watching and doing your lessons is like watching an Old Movie,You always see somthing New each time.I can't tell anyone enough how important it is to revisit your Excellent Presentation of "The Blues"
Thanks so much, Dennis. I really appreciate your kind comments. "Review" is an important aspect of learning ... and thanks for sharing the 'concept' with others. That's just part of the 'beauty' of jamplay.com ... you have all access ... and can review as needed ... any time. :-)
Hi Hawkeye. Is there a standard convention for which fingers to use when fingerpicking? I find myself using my thumpick and middle finger in unison when picking two strings simultaneously and using my litte finger to hit the high E and my third finger to hit the B. I want to be consistent in the way I do this until it becomes second-nature, but I would like to know if there is a "correct" technique for this.
NOthing is 'carved in stone' when it comes to the blues. DO what works for you ... if what you're doing doesn't allow you to accomplish what I'm teaching, then maybe think about using your index finger more ... the index finger is 'stronger' and I use it more than the other fingers ... but that's just me. If the music you're making sounds good to you ... then stick with your 'style' of picking. Have fun ... all the time. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye, I get the idea of the turnarounds on the bass and treble strings and playing them in different keys. But I do not understand how to keep count, particularly when alternating between bass and treble, in order to know when to go from the 1 chord to the IV to the V. Awaiting your usual moment of clarity.
Greetings and thanks for the message. SOrry, I didn't quite understand your question ... and did the best I could. Hope you're watching closely and 'getting it.' YOu can view many articles about the great blues musicians I've met and learned from over the years at my web site www.HawkeyeHerman.com, just click on 'original aricles.' Glad you liked the Tale Feathers article ... I'ver seen Lonnie Brooks perform many times and have performed at the same blues festivals with us both on the 'bill.' He's still alive, but not very active these days ... his son, Ronnie Baker Brooks, is doing a great job of carrying on the family 'blues tradition.' I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Cheers, Hawkeye
Thanks, Hawkeye. That was not exactly what I was trying to figure out but will watch your lesson until I get it. By the way, your "Tale Feathers" stories about the old-time bluesmen are very interesting. That must have been quite an experience to sit with Sam Chatmon. I fell for the blues at the first Chicago Blues Festival in the late 70s when a guy named Lonnie Brooks played on a small stage and just knocked us out.
Thanks for the question and for enjoying these lessons ... in one of my lessons I explain how to count ... measures ... like this ... 1/2/3/4, 2/2/3/4, 3/2/3/4, 4/2/3/4, 5/2/3/4, etc. ... don't count measures like this 1/2/3/4, 1/2/3/4, 1/2/3/4, etc., or you'll lose your place and not know what measure you're on. That's the best I can do to answer your question as I understand it. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. I'm filming many more lessons next week, and they should be posted in the weeks/months ahead. Thanks again.
hey hawkeye enjoying bui having a little problem as I am not using the thumb pick. I tried it but it just felt odd on my thumb like I was loosing circulation, couldn't shake that feeling...so I am using the traditional pick beteen my thumb and finger. As i get deeper into the lessons I find it more difficult to emulate your moves as they are based on the thumb pick..any suggestions? thanks, Michael
Thanks for the message. Well, you're not the 'Lone Ranger' when it comes to getting used to using a thumbpick ... it takes at least 4 hours of use to get the hang of it ... if you don't have the patience to put in 4 hours of sporadic playing with a thumbpick ... then you ... sorry, you won't get it. Also, the type of thumb pick is important ... very important ... you need to read the entire post I have posted here: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4476 This post covers all your questions and issues ... including your 'strangulation' issues ... especially if you're using a plastic clunky/big thumbpick as sold in most music stores. Please read the post I refer to ... and please don't assume that instant gratification is an aspect of playing the guitar ... all aspects take time and patience ... ;-) ... I've dealt with this question many, many times here at jamplay.com ... the use of a clunky plastic thumbpick and the lack of patience are the key problems you face ... get a Herco Blue Nylon Thumbpick ... adjust its thumbhole to suit your size ... and patiently put in about 4 hours of work ... and you'll get it, it will feel like an extension of your thumb, not a piece of weirdness on the end of your thumb. Cheers and thanks for enjoying these lessons, Hawkeye
michael, If you just can't sacrifice the time it takes to get used to a thumbpick (using the recommended Herco Blue nylon adjustable, or any other thumbpick), then you'll have to try to hold your flatpick in a way that allows you to also pick with your 2nd and 3rd fingers (and sometimes pinky) when you want/need to 'fingerpick' ... many electric guitar pickers do this ... some acoustic players, too. Also, you can try playing the guitar with no pick(s) at all, just your bare thumb and fingers, and achieve a very nice mellow sound (you'll also acquire thick calluses on your thumb and fingertips, as a result ;-)
Great lesson... I love the way you inspire creativity and individualism in playing. Your passion comes through. a quality in all great teachers...thanks Hawkeye!
dneubert, Thanks so much. Stick with the program ... try not to go on to the next lesson until you can accomplish this, and try not to jump/skip around in the lesson plans. I'm giving you a strong foundation in blues so that you can create and express yourself. If you skip around in the lessons you'll still learn a lot, but there will be holes/gaps in your foundation/understanding of the blues. So stick with the program, be patient with yourself, move on when you know you're ready for the next lesson ... there's plenty more to come. ENJOY THE PROCESS ;-) Thanks again!
Good advice...Thanks
That's what I'm here for. :-) Much obliged.
I LOVE it when he calls himself in third person!!! hahah i love this guy!
yeah he has a good teaching style. very laid back. i like DJ's lessons too though, cuz i use an electric guitar, but i think hawkeye has a better lesson design.
genisis, Thanks! I aplay electric guitar at times, but my purpose here at jamplay.com is to teach acoustic/country blues ... hence the acoustic guitar(s) ... of course, anything I teach/play on the acoustic guitar can be adapted for the electric guitar. Enjoy the lessons.
cylonguitar. Well ... Hawkeye says, "Thanks!" ;-)
Hawkeye.I have been doing Jam Play and learning alot but not having as much fun as with you. I may be making more out of this than necessary,but I can't see the fingeringf for the base turnaround. I have a Dystrophy but can play most Chrods well,but have troble with Bar Chords because of my Hnads. Again, Finegring for base Chrod. Thank You,Dennis vu
dallendouglas, Thanks for your comment and question. Ii'm sorry about the difficulty you're having ... in regard to the fingering ... please look at the "supplemental Information" folder that is just below the video lesson and above the 'comments' area. You should find your answer there. If not, please let me know. Have fun in the process of learning, regardless of how 'accomplished' you are ... this is about having fun ... like riding a bicycle ... can you enjoy riding a bicycle without out being a Tour d'France champion? A big part of enjoying the process is to relax, don't put a lot of pressure on yourself ... beath while you play ... and try to accept having to do repeated exercises in order to get things 'right' ... every time you pick up the guitar you improve ... I hope you'll continue with me on the 'blues highway.'
mclend1, Thanks for the kind words. I love the sound of the acoustic guitar and I love blues music. I never tire of exploring the possibilities and freedom of expression (and amusement) that the instrument and the music provide. I hope you'll stick around for more exploration (and amusement.) Thanks again.
Just a great lesson, Hawkeye, as always. You obviously just love playing these turnarounds "on the fly", it's written all over your face, if that's not enjoyment of the blues, I don't know what is. I haven't commented on some of your recent lessons as I'm pretty much in 'catch up" with the wealth of info you've recorded recently, but I will over time. Just to let you know here, it's all appreciated and this one was my favourite so far. Keep up the good work!