Basic Blues Scale Guitar Lesson
Basic Blues Scale
Hawkeye Herman introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson, the most commonly used scale in blues lead guitar.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 23:54Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
When playing any style of music, always remember Hawkeye's basic rules.
1. Crawl before you walk. Walk before you run. Learning to play an instrument is often compared to building a house. You absolutely must start with a strong foundation. Otherwise, the entire structure will topple over.
2. Always visualize the upcoming chord changes. Do not focus your attention on the chord that you are currently playing. Instead, look ahead to what chord is coming next. This becomes even more important when playing lead guitar. An effective lead guitar phrase outlines the chord changes by highlighting the key resolutions between two chords. How do you expect to accomplish this if you don't know which chord is coming next and where it occurs?
The Minor Pentatonic Scale
Hawkeye introduces one of the most important scales used in blues improvisation. This scale is called the "minor pentatonic" scale. This scale is minor in quality and is comprised of five notes. The prefix "penta" means five, and the suffix "tonic" means tone or note.
Note: Many blues players refer to the minor pentatonic scale as the "blues scale." However, the blues scale is actually a different scale. The blues scale adds the b5 scale degree to the basic minor pentatonic formula. This "blue note" gives the scale an overall more blues-y sound. Chapter 2: (09:26) The Blues Scale The most commonly used scale in Western music is the major scale. This is a seven-note scale in which the tonic note is repeated at the end. Consequently, you will play a total of eight notes when playing or singing this scale.
A system of singing syllables is often applied to the notes of the major scale. This system is called "solfege." The solfege system assigns a syllable to each note in the major scale. These syllables are listed below:
1st note (tonic) - "do"
2nd note – "re"
3rd note – "mi"
4th note – "fa"
5th note – "so"
6th note – "la"
7th note – "ti"
8th note – "do"
A scale degree number can also be used to reference each note in the scale. For instance, first scale degree, second scale degree, etc.
Hawkeye demonstrates how this system can be applied to a major scale in the key of E. This scale is spelled as follows: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E. Notation and tablature of this scale with proper left-hand fingerings can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.
The Minor Pentatonic Scale
A specific formula is used to spell any scale. All of these formulas are written in relation to the major scale. The major scale is written with the following formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 1. The formula for the minor pentatonic scale is 1, b3, 5, b7, 1. Recall the spelling of the E major scale listed above. If the formula for the minor pentatonic scale in the key of E is applied to the E major scale, the following notes result: E, G, A, B, D, E. Notice how the b3 scale degree converts the G# note in the major scale to a G natural in the minor pentatonic scale. The same principle occurs with the seventh scale degree as well. The D# in the major scale is flattened, thus making it a natural note in the E minor pentatonic scale.
Hawkeye demonstrates how the E minor pentatonic scale can be played in first position. Pay careful attention to the fingering that he uses. Remember to ascend as well as descend whenever you practice any scale.
Note: Notation and tablature to this scale with proper left-hand fingerings can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.
The Blues Scale
At 08:20, Hawkeye demonstrates how the minor pentatonic scale can be converted into the minor blues scale. The minor blues scale adds the b5 scale degree to the minor pentatonic scale. In relation to the key of E minor, this note is Bb. This b5 "blue note" creates desired tension and color within an improvised solo. However, due to its dissonance, you do not want to linger on this note for too long. Typically, blue notes are placed on metrically weak beats, or on beats that do not receive an agogic stress. Chapter 3: (08:25) Learning the Scale As an exercise, practice trilling between the notes on each string within the E minor pentatonic scale. A trill is a rapid series of hammer-ons and pull-offs performed between two notes on the same string. Hawkeye demonstrates this exercise at the beginning of the current scene.
Using the Pentatonic Scale in the Blues Shuffle
At about 03:00 in the lesson video, Hawkeye demonstrates how short, simple pentatonic scale licks can be used to spice up the basic blues shuffle pattern.
Note: A transcription of the blues shuffle with these added licks can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.
Two Octave E Minor Pentatonic Scale
An additional, higher octave can be added to the pentatonic scale that you learned in the previous scene. The upper octave is played on the G, B, and E strings. This extra octave will give you a larger number of notes to choose from when improvising a blues solo.
Note: Notation and tablature to this scale with proper left-hand fingerings can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Chapter 4: (04:49) Remembering the Scale and Playing Blues In this scene, Hawkeye teaches a few tricks that will help you memorize the minor pentatonic scale. Two notes are played on each string in this scale. One of the two notes is always going to be an open string. The only piece of information that you must memorize is whether the second note is played at either the 2nd fret or the third fret. The low E, B, and high E strings feature notes played at the 3rd fret. All of the other strings in the pattern feature notes played at the second fret.
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
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""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.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Steve Eulberg
Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.
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Trace Bundy
Trace Bundy talks about the different ways you can use multiple capos to enhance your playing.
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Pamela Goldsmith
Pamela brings a cap to her first 13 JamPlay lessons with another original etude inspired by the great Leo Brouwer. This is...
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Hawkeye Herman
Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.
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Randall Williams
In this lesson Randall introduces the partial capo (using a short-cut capo by Kyser) and talks about how it can make the...
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Mark Kailana Nelson
Mark Nelson introduces "'Ulupalakua," a song he will be using to teach different skills and techniques. In this lesson, he...
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Mitch Reed
Mitch teaches his interpretation of the classic "Cannonball Rag." This song provides beginning and intermediate guitarists...
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Jessica Baron
Jessica kindly introduces herself, her background, and her approach to this series.
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Mark Kroos
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Electric Guitar Lesson Samples
Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
DJ Phillips
Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The House Is Rockin'".
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Eric Madis
In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.
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Allen Van Wert
Allen shows you the 24 rudiments crucial to developing finger dexterity. This is a short lesson but the exercises here can...
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Nick Greathouse
Nick starts his series with Alternate Picking part 1. Improve your timing, speed, and execution with this important lesson.
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Nick Kellie
Nick explains how to use scales and modes effectively when soloing over a chord progression.
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Kris Norris
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...
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Tosin Abasi
Tosin explains some of the intricacies of the 8 string guitar such as his personal setup and approach to playing.
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Chris Liepe
Chris brings his ingenuity to this lesson on the American folk song called "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" Also known as...
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James Malone
James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.
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Mark Brennan
Mark Brennan teaches this classic rock song by Jethro Tull. Released on the album of the same name in 1971, this song features...
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At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.Backing Tracks
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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.By the way, I'm Carl from Atlanta, GA
Dr. Torrance created the Torrance test for Creativity. It is used to identify kids levels of creative ability. In most states that have progrms for gifted students, there are several components to enter these programs. Usually IQ above 96%, high GPA, and this test is sometimes used. I was undergrad at North Carolina, MA in Climatology at Georgia State, PhD in gifted education at Georgia. Remain very interested in how people like yourself relate to kids, and how they get info to be retained by them. You seem to really work toward that objective. Creativity is a hard thing to identify and to rate, but is an important aspect marking intelligence.
Carl, thanks for the info. I don't know Dr. Torrance, maybe/likely my sister is aware of his work ... not me. If you're interested in my process ... here are two interviews about my work that were just published in Nov. of 2011: http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/american-blues-news-20111106.pdf ... http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/BCB-201111.pdf ... here are three very good short videos about my work: http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/31294463 ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QACNBlPYKEw ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BnzZHR5O9M ... Thanks again for enjoying these lessons.
Yes, I've looked at your JamPlay.com 'profile,' Carl ... so I hve some information about you ;-). I'm a few years older than you (67) ... but I'm not going to reture ... blues musicians (artists, in general), don't 'retire.' ;-) Besides performing professionally for over 40 years, I have been teachiing guitar for almost 35 years. My "blues In The Schools" programs have been going on since 1978, and have taken me into over 500 schools, all levels, from elementary to college level, in 28 states, 8 foreign countries, and for over 1/2 million students. Here are two very recent, 11/11, interviews about my in-school blues education programs: Blues Festival Guide mag.: http://www.bluesfestivalguide.com/blues_news/michael_hawkeye_herman.php American Blues News: http://www.ameriblues.com/2011/11/06/and-the-scene-is-set-an-interview-with-hawkeye-herman-blues-in-the-schools/ About my in-school programs as posted here at JamPlay.com: http://www.jamplay.com/forums/hawkeye-herman/11519.htm ... and of course, for even more complete information, audio and video on my work with students ... please check out my web site "Blues In The Schools" page: http://hawkeyeherman.com/blues_in_the_schools.htm ... if you visit the above page on my web site, please be sure to view/click on the audio and video items/links at the top of the page. Thanks again for enjoying these lessons and for taking the time to leave me your comments and questions.
Hawkeye, thanks for responding. I am following the lessons in order and have found them to be well done and very suited to my learning style. I have looked at a lot of your work in schools and am very impressed with your understanding of age levels and how to reach kids on their level. People at any age learn in different ways. Some are visual, some like to be lectured to, some like group work, some just want the info and t0 be left alone and will go at their own pace. You seem to include all of this in your lessons. Welll done. One of the higher level thinking skills would be to ask students what if questions. What if... I added this note, ....there were only 17 states, ...world war II had not happened,...etc. Makes them think, which you make me do.
I appreciate your comments on education and my skills in the field, Carl. Thanks! My professor sister has been the department head of student teaching dept. in the Univ. of Iowa's School of Education for over 20 years and she has kept me abreast of teaching skills and trends. I am aware of the power of 'indirect input' at opposed to 'direct input' and one of my most valued skills is using 'guided inquiry' ... engaging the students via asking them questions rather than constantly lecturing to them ... that aspect came naturally to me. I really enjoy teaching ... almost as much as I enjoy playing and performing. The current 'buzz word' in education is 'cross curriculum' ... and in the past five years I have used blues music to teach not only music, but also history, geography, math, physic/science, literature, English/literacy, art, drama, band, and voice/chorus in elementary through college levels. Again, thanks so much for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons. Very much appreciated.
Interesting way to stay up on educational trends, keep it in the family. I also taught at the college level, and specialized in teaching gifted students at the high school level. She may know of DR. Paul Torrance, who I studied with.
Where does/did Dr. Torrance teach? My wife got her BA at No. Ill., her MA at Western Ill., and her PHd at Univ. of Iowa. Thanks again for enjoying these lessons, Carl, and for your appreciation of my skills as an educator/communicator.
I did not start playing until 4 years ago, after retiring from education. At 63 I thought it would be a slow process, but I have found your lessons easy to follow and have allowed me to progress faster than with live teachers. Not that you are not alive, but you have increased my learning speed with your methods. Thanks. My question about the blues scale in this lesson: are the notes between say the 0 and 3 on the 6th string, ever played in blues?
Hi, Carl. Thaks for the kind comments, for enjoying these lessons, and for your question. Just a thought ... I hope you're following these lessons in the order they are presented ... I have given a great deal of thought and planning as to the content/curriculum and the order of these lessons ... patiently progress from one lesson to the next and you'll gain a strong foundation and understanding of blues music that will allow you to play freeely and improvise as you wish. The answer to your question is ... Yes, you can play any notes that are in between the scale notes on any string ... they are called 'passing tones/notes' ... you can't stay on these notes, but you can play them on 'the way' to the notes in the scale. This is the case with all notes on any instrument ... you learn the scale notes ... and then you learn how to gingerly step on the 'passing notes that are in between the scale notes for even more expression. In other words, you can play on the 1st, and 2nd frets o fthe lowest/6th string, either or both, while going from the open string and up to the 3rd fret ... or from the 3rd fret down to the open string ... but you can't 'hang out' on those notes. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hawkeye WOW! – this has to be the most valuable lesson on the journey yet!! – you seem to have a way of dropping ‘pearls of wisdom’ into my head, sometimes when I’ve not even realized it. Richard, West Yorkshire, UK
Hi, Richard. Thanks so much for your kind message. Many of my students here at JamPlay.com inform me that they've experienced what they seem to enjoy referring to as ... "Aha! moments." This is most rewarding for the students ... and for me, too. It is my purpose to open the 'doors of perception' for you ... it's your job to cross over the 'threshold' and utilize the information ... for ... well, forever. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Thanks again for letting me know that my lessons are making a positive impact on your understanding of blues music and guitar playing abilities/skills. ;-)
I was so excited to see you involved in an educational program for the blues! I am originally from the delta south and 7! members of my family are professors, teachers, principals, etc. You are a gifted teacher, your energy and humorous teaching style have gotten me through hours of recent hard times. Thanks!at 47 yrs of age i finally "have time from work" and (irresponsibly) bought my first guitar. These lessons jumped me right into some good blues, (also learning some bluegrass licks). Growing up down south these genres were a way of the back porch so each lesson takes me home! Never stop teaching Hawkeye or you will be hunted down and given a "black and blues turnaround" !
Thanks so much for your kind comments, Benjamin. Much appreciated. I've been presenting my "Blues In The Schools" programs tin schools (all levels, elementary through college levels) for over 32 years ... I've been in over 500 schools in 28 states and 8 foreign nations ... to over 1/2 million students, including Memphis/Miss. Delta area schools and in Indianola, MS in schools and at the new $20 million BB King Museum/Delta Heritage Ctr. last Sept. ... you can see more about my in-school programs here: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/blues_in_the_schools.htm ... and please be sure to view my many videos here ... try to play along with me, and steal my licks ... you'll see how I use the many techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concerts/festivals/schools. Don't forget there are more of my lessons, free, at my web site: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... again, thanks so much. I hope you continue to enjoy my lessons.
GREAT LESSONS MANE I GOTTA MAKE SOME MORE TIME SO CAN GO THHROUGH ANY OF THESE I WANT ANY TIME I CAN.
I practice this scale all of the time. I will add the 30 30 20 20 20 30 to my 03 02 02 02 03 03 bag of tricks. Thanks Hawkeye and wife.
Great! I hope you're following these lessons in the order they're presented. :-) Enjoy the blues and thanks for traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com.
wooooo hoooo...im playing the blues like i wanted to play it... thank you hawkeye
:-) That's what I'm here for ... so glad this is working for you. Keep it up!
Absolutely incredible lesson. Such a simple concept.... and yet is like discovering a whole new world. Muchas Gracias Amigo.
You'll be enjoying this for the rest of your life ;-) Thanks so much.
Sorry for the Confusion.NO,I'am not jumping around,which I usually do,but have made myself stay in the lesson plan. I would like a CD of Blue's Background like we studied in the begining . Keys of E A and B7 . so I can use it as a practice background for lead. In other word just a Cd of Rytrhm Background. Nopt sure there is anything so I may have a friend make make for me as I don't have a way to record,If you have any such Animal I could buy it would be Great. Thanks Dennis Thanks Again.
There are a few tracks here on JamPlay. On the main page, click "Teaching Tools" then "Backing Tracks." Track 50 is the 12 bar blues just as Hawkeye presents it. Tracks 5 and 7 use a very slight variation, but you can still use the basic blues scale introduced here. Hawkeye, in "Future Jamplay" it would be great if we had some simple tracks in midi format so you could speed them up or slow them down as needed for practice. Sort of a robo-bassman. This is a great lesson series. Thanks for all your work and insight.
> andylipscomb, Thanks for the kind comments. So glad you're enjoying these lessons. There's much more to come. As far as your input/suggestion on including midi-tracks with some of the lessons ... it's a good idea ... but I have absolutely nothing to do with the technical aspects of filming/videotaping/editing/webmastering this site ... I sit and teach the lessons in front of three video cameras ... that's what I do ... the jamplay.com 'team' does the rest ... I suggest you pass your suggestion along to the jamplay.com folks for their consideration ... I'm sure the jamplay.com 'team' will see this post, as well. Again, thanks so much for enjoying these lessons.
dallendouglas, Well, I'm glad you're not skipping around on theise lessons and are following them in the order they are presented. If you want blues rhythm tracks ... why not google it???? I just googled "free blues rhythm tracks" or "free blues backing tracks" and I came up with many options. Check 'em out. Thanks again for the comment and for enjoying the lessons. Happy 2009!
i 1st learned this scale from Nils Lofgren who is bruce springsteens & neil youngs backing guitarist, he had a few hits of his own aswell. but i learned this a few months back but this lesson has deffo given me more uses for the 1 tool i learned a while back. i enjoyed this thanks
CURRANNI, You're most welcome. I appreciate your interest and comments. Much appreciated.
Hawkeye, Tryingh to find the Herco #53 Nylon I like a needle in a Haystick. All the sites I have looked at opur Back-ordered I will keep looking. I have a Herco Blue Medium and it will have to do for now until I can get the one you recommended. Thanks Again
Dennis, thanks for the message. Glad you found the Herco blue nylon thumbpick by ordering it from your local music store. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Howdy Hawkeye, I find myseld going back over lesson we covered and I tend to get ahead of myself. I'am having some trouble with the "Thumb Pick" and I'am sure that continued practice will help. (Any Suggestions).I have always just used my Thumb alone. Thanks foir the Great lessons. Dennis
Dennis, It takes about 4 to 5 hours, total, to get used to having a thumbpick on ... you have to force yourself to keep it on your thumb ... whether for 15 minutes at at time, or an hour at a time, it takes a total of about 5 hours to get used to it and feel that it's an extension of your thumb and are not really conscious of it being there. If you're using a big thick/plastic thumbpick, it could take weeks to get used to using a thumbpick. The pick I recommend is the HERCO FLEX 52 BLUE NYLON THUMBPICK ... which can be found art http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/PK3.htm accept no substitutes!!! This pick is light, durable, and because it's nylon, can be opened up/loosened if it's too tight, or squeezed/tightened if it's too loose. I was given one of these picks by the great Doc Watson about 25 years ago, and I have been using them ever since. Try it and you'll never use a plastic thumbpick again. Happy bluesin'.
Hawkeye. Your right about the "Harmony" what do you think of the Epiphone Acoustic Electric Jumbo. It's not reallya Blues Guitar,but it sounds good. I have heard of some famous Muscians who used Epiphone's. I will check out your web site. I think I have a Mental Block when it comes to trying to play a lead in Blue's. I think I'am reading more into it than necessary. I will get it for sure. Again, this is the most fun I have had with your lessons and can see some progress daily. I have mentioned to the Jam Play people that you are excellent as sfar as I'am mconcerned. Dennis
Hi Dennis, Thanks for letting me and the jamplay.com staff know that you're enjoying these lessons. Very much appreciated. I would not categorize any guitar as a 'blues guitar' ... if you like the sound of a particular guitar when you play blues on it, then, it's a 'blues guitar.' :-) If your Epiphone Acoustic Electric Jumbo sounds good playing blues ... that's all that matters. the 'labels' put on certain instruments or brand names by others ... means little to me ... if it sounds good to you ... that's all that matters. There are great sounding/playing Epiphone guitars and crappy Epiphone guitars ... There are great sounding/playing Martin/Taylor/Gibson/Fender guitars and crappy ones. The brand name doesn't guarantee anything ;-) Don't worry about 'being crappy' playing blues lead ... you'll get it eventually ... the fun is in the journey ... the fun is in the process ... I've been playing the guitar for 50 years and I still am hungry for more information. "It's a long and winding road that has no end." I hope you continue to enjoy the blues journey .... for the rest of your life! Thanks again for your comments and enthusiasm. Happy 2009.
Thanks Again, I have a good friends in California that are excellent Guitar Players with excellent recording set ups so I may just have one make me some CD's in the Chords we have covered. one friend in Covina Makes Custom Guitars which are more than I want to spend but good one's. I juyst bought a Epiphone Acoustic Electric Jumbo,but still use my Old Harmony Soverign(now 40 years old) for practice. Thanks again, Dennis
Dennis, Your Harmony Sovereign is a great guitar. I have a couple of them, and one in particular is superb and I used it to perform and record for over 30 years. I only 'retired the guitar when the airlines smashed it up in 2006 on a European tour. Look through my web site photo gallery and you'll see photos of it: http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/gallery.htm Did you know that you can have the inside braces shaved and the bridge changed to a 'pin bridge' and it will be better than most guitar that are made today? Thanks for your enthusiasm for these blues guitar lessons.
Thanks Hawkeye. Sorry to Bug you. Happy New Year. Dennis
Dennis, Thanks for the greetings. Noooo problem. I hope you found some blues rhythm/backing tracks online (for free), and that you are continuing to enjoy the process of learning and to keep a solid blues rhythm :-)
Hawkeye, Man I Love this stuff and I'am in thje middle of your Blues Scale Lesson. sINCE i DOIN'T HAVE A WAYU OF RECORDING THE CHORDS I WISH I HAD THE CHORDS PLAYEYD A VARIOUS SPEEDS SO I COULD PRACTICE THE DIFFERENT THING YOU ARER TAEACHING
dallendouglas, Thanks for the message. So glad you're enjoying the lessons. You should/con always look in the 'supplemental content' folder for more about each lesson ... there should be many chord charts to illustrate finger placement in chords throughout all the lessons, by all the instructors, here at jamplay.com ... look in the 'supplemental content' for all of my lessons, and the lessons of other instructors. In the lesson on this page, "Basic Blues Scale," I don't think I use or refer to any chords at all ... so I'm sorry to say that I'm not really sure what 'chords' your question is about. I hope you're watching these lessons in the order they are presented ... if you skip around in these guitar lessons, jumping at random from one to another, you will not fully understand the building blocks of the blues that I have taken the time to give/present in a very specific and logical order. Please follow the lessons in the order they are presented. If you care to clarify your question, send me another message/comment. Again, thanks so much for enjoying these blues guitar lessons.
Wonderful!!!!!!!!! Real boost to my confidence!
jackie1234, Super! That's my job :-) ... to empower you in music through your understanding the blues ... not to intimidate you into believing that you can't do this. Yes you can! Take your time and follow the lessons as they are presented, in order, and we will continue to the open doors to musical expression that you never thought you'd able able to accomplish. Comments like yours are most gratifying to me. Again, thanks so much.