Rhythmic Variations Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (08:48) 12 Bar Blues Rhythmic Variations In the previous lesson, you learned the most basic form of the blues shuffle pattern. In the current lesson, DJ will cover some rhythmic variations on this 12 bar blues rhythm pattern. From listening to blues recordings, you have probably noticed that there are countless rhythms that are applied to the basic 12 bar blues progression. The possibilities are literally endless. DJ will cover a few of the most common variations to get you started. Learning these rhythmic variations is an essential step to becoming an effective blues guitarist.

12/8 Feel

This time signature indicates that there are 12 eighth notes to a measure. Each eighth note receives a beat. Unlike time signatures such as 3/4 and 4/4, the eighth notes in 12/8 are grouped in sets of three. This feature gives the rhythm a consistent triplet feel. Within the context of a blues band, the drummer typically keeps this rhythm steady on the ride cymbal or hi-hat.

At 01:04 DJ demonstrates how a measure of 12/8 should be counted. Each eighth note in 12/8 receives a beat. 12/8 is usually used for slow blues progressions that have a steady triplet type of feel.

Applying 12/8 to the Blues Progression

At 02:25, DJ demonstrates how to apply the 12/8 feel to the shuffle pattern that you learned in the previous lesson. Count "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12" for each measure. Within this counting scheme, each numeral represents an eighth note or one beat.

Note: Tablature and notation to the 12/8 blues shuffle can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.

Straight Eighths Rhythm

Everything that you have played so far in this lesson series features eighth notes that are "swung." Now, DJ will teach you how to play the 12 bar blues with a straight eighths rhythm feel. A fine example of this rhythmic approach is featured in the song "The House Is Rockin" by Stevie Ray Vaughn. DJ will teach this song in a later lesson.

When applying a swing feel, the first eighth note in each group of two eighth notes is lengthened. The second note in each pair is then shortened. When playing straight eighths, each eighth note in a pair of two receives the same value. This rhythmic feel is featured in many of the old Chuck Berry songs such as "Johnny B. Goode."

Practicing the Straight Eighths Rhythm

DJ demonstrates this particular rhythm at a rather quick tempo. When you first begin to practice this rhythm on your own, start at a much slower tempo and gradually work your way up one metronome setting at a time. Once you can play through this exercise comfortably at around 150 beats per minute, return to the lesson video and play along with DJ at 05:30.

When playing the blues shuffle at high tempos, you will need to apply alternate picking. Every other chord should be picked using an upstroke. When playing with this technique, you are keeping the pulse steady at all times with the picking hand. Be sure to keep your wrist nice and relaxed when using alternate strumming.

To cover up any inaccuracies with the right hand, lightly dampen the strings not being played by lightly resting the first finger on them. You don't actually have to push these strings down like in a barre. Instead, lightly rest the first finger on each string to prevent it from vibrating. Notice how DJ hits all six strings at 07:50. Yet, you only hear the 6th and 5th strings. The same technique should also be applied when playing the D and E chords. When playing these chords, you must make sure that you are avoiding the sixth string when strumming. There is no practical method for muting this string in the context of these chords.

Preview of the Next Lesson

In the following lessons, DJ will explain some different chord substitutions that can be applied to the blues progression.

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