Electric Blues with Eric

Genre and Style Guitar Course from Eric Madis

The 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.

68 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

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Full Course Breakdown

Eric Madis will guide you through the world of electric blues. He will start off with the basics of country and urban blues and move on to touch on nearly every facet of electric blues playing.

1

Basic Blues Shuffle

In this lesson, Eric introduces himself and his Phase 2 lesson series. He also teaches a basic blues shuffle in the style of Jimmy Reed.

17:35 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

2

Licks by Lightnin' Hopkins

Eric teaches a few popular Lightnin' Hopkins licks. These licks can be played over the blues shuffle from the previous lesson.

11:46 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

3

More Lightnin' Licks

Eric covers a few more essential licks in the style of Lightnin' Hopkins.

7:42 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

4

John Lee Hooker Licks

Eric teaches a few licks inspired by the great John Lee Hooker.

7:43 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

5

Country Blues Lick

Eric Madis explains a country blues lick he calls the "Country Blues Double Wham."

6:35 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

6

Memphis Blues Lead

In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.

10:37 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson
7

Using the Memphis Blues

Eric demonstrates how the Memphis blues licks taught in the previous lesson can be used over various chords.

5:52 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

8

12 Bar Memphis Blues

Eric demonstrates how to construct a full 12 bar blues solo by using the Memphis blues licks he taught in previous lessons.

7:25 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

9

Applying the Memphis Blues

In this lesson, Eric applies the Memphis Blues Lead to a practical blues context.

4:06 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

10

Learning A Licks

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches two licks that can be used over an A chord.

12:16 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

11

IC Blues

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a type of blues shuffle that he calls the "IC Blues."

12:45 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

12

Simple Blues Lead

In this lesson, Eric talks about playing blues lead using licks you already know.

8:58 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

13

Play Like T-Bone Walker

Eric Madis begins to explain T-Bone Walker's style of playing the blues.

7:48 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

14

T-Bone Walker Lick

Eric Madis teaches a classic T-Bone Walker lick and talks about several different variations you can play.

10:56 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

15

Exploring T-Bone Walker Licks

Eric Madis introduces several new T-Bone Walker licks and explains the ways they can be used.

10:21 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

16

T-Bone Walker Licks Continued

Eric continues his exploration of T-Bone Walker licks and techniques.

9:22 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

17

T-Bone Walker Licks Wrap-Up

Eric wraps up his overview of T-Bone Walker licks and techniques in this lesson. You will be applying what you've learned in the next lesson, so be sure to practice.

10:10 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

18

Swing Blues in A

Eric teaches a swing blues progression. He teaches the progression in the key of A and explains how licks from previous lessons can be played over it.

14:17 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

19

Stormy Monday Blues

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches the blues progression to "Stormy Monday Blues." This progression is played in the style of T-Bone Walker and Earl "Fatha" Hines.

9:49 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

20

Stormy Monday Blues Introduction

In this lesson, Eric returns to the world of "Stormy Monday Blues" to teach an amazing introduction segment.

7:21 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

21

Transition Licks

Eric Madis teaches a series of licks that can be used to transition from one pentatonic pattern to another.

9:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

22

Second Position Licks

In this lesson, Eric Madis demonstrates popular blues licks within the second pattern of the minor pentatonic scale.

16:50 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

23

The Thrill is Gone

In this lesson Eric talks about one of the classic blues tunes, "The Thrill is Gone," by B.B. King.

10:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

24

Third Position Playing

In this lesson, Eric Madis introduces the third pattern of the minor pentatonic scale. This pattern is used frequently by the likes of B.B. King.

11:27 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

25

Using Third Position

Eric Madis once again talks about third position and how it can be used. He also introduces a slew of new licks.

12:19 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

26

The Fourth Position

In this lesson Eric Madis talks about the fourth position of blues playing.

10:04 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

27

Playing Strategy

In this lesson Eric talks about "strategies" to use while playing and improvising.

7:11 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

28

Alternative Blues Shuffle

Eric Madis introduces the alternative blues shuffle, which is particularly useful on guitars featuring humbucker pickups.

14:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

29

Freddie King Style Licks

In this lesson Eric Madis teaches licks in the style of Freddie King.

9:38 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

30

Aeolian Mode

In this lesson Eric talks about the differences between the minor blues and the "dominant" blues. He also introduces the modes, beginning with the Aeolian mode.

10:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

31

Locrian Mode

In this lesson Eric Madis introduces the Locrian mode and talks about how it can be used in blues.

6:58 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

32

Dorian Mode

Eric continues his series on modes. This time he covers the Dorian mode and its relation to the blues.

7:16 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

33

Modes & Minor Key Blues

Eric continues his discussion on modes in relation to the minor key blues.

9:31 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

34

Minor 7th Arpeggios

Eric Madis teaches a handful of minor 7th arpeggios in this lesson.

10:34 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

35

Dominant 7th Arpeggios

Eric demonstrates dominant 7th arpeggios in this lesson.

7:27 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

36

Applying Dominant 7th Arpeggios

Eric discusses dominant seventh arpeggios and how they can be used in blues licks.

6:58 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

37

Diminished 7th Arpeggios

Eric talks all about diminished 7th arpeggios and gives five exercises to practice.

10:20 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

38

Applying Diminished 7th Arpeggios

Learn how the diminished 7th arpeggios from the previous lesson can be applied to the blues.

12:13 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

39

You Don't Love Me

Eric teaches the catchy blues song "You Don't Love Me."

14:27 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

40

Freddie King Variation

Eric teaches Freddie King variations on T-Bone Walker licks.

7:53 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

41

Lick Exercise

Eric provides an exercise that uses previously learned licks from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th patterns of the minor pentatonic scale.

12:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

42

Introduction to Modes

Eric starts you off on the right foot with an introduction to modes.

28:09 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

43

Mode Application

In this lesson, Eric explains some common blues applications for the modes of the major scale.

12:43 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

44

Mode Application Continued

Eric Madis continues his discussion on mode application concepts.

18:30 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

45

Major Pentatonic Scale Ideas

Eric Madis discusses major pentatonic scale ideas.

6:09 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

46

More Lick Ideas

Eric shares some more great lick ideas that you can incorporate into your playing.

10:25 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

47

Ending Licks

Eric shares ideas on ending licks, turnarounds, and tags in this lesson.

12:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

48

Fill-in Licks

Eric Madis teaches some great filler licks for your bag of tricks.

14:13 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

49

Bass Lines

Eric Madis talks about some common blues bass lines that will spice up your playing.

13:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

50

More Ending Licks

Eric Madis teaches some classic ending licks.

16:01 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

51

Swing Blues

Eric Madis introduces the swing style of the 12 bar blues.

8:03 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

52

Classic Minor Blues

Eric Madis introduces the basics of the classic minor blues and talks about how this progression can be spiced up using simple blues techniques.

18:35 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

53

A Minor Blues in 8/8 Time

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a popular blues progression in 8/8 time. This rhythmic feel gives the progression a funkier or more rock-like feel than the traditional blues.

7:04 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

54

Descending Minor Blues

Eric teaches a classic blues progression he calls the "Descending Minor Blues."

11:15 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

55

Modern Block Chord Minor Key Blues

Eric Madis teaches an interesting minor blues progression he calls the "Modern Block Chord Minor Key Blues."

7:40 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

56

Detroit Chicago Funky Blues

Eric Madis teaches an amazing blues progression he calls "The Detroit Chicago Funky Blues."

9:49 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

57

Jimmy Nolen's Funky Groove

Eric Madis moves on and teaches an astonishing blues progression he dubs "Jimmy Nolen's Funky Groove."

8:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

58

The Bump Shuffle

Eric Madis introduces a blues style called "The Bump Shuffle."

7:27 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

59

The Bump Shuffle #2

In this lesson Eric Madis teaches a second way to play the classic blues progression "The Bump Shuffle."

4:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

60

Chicago Bass Groove

Eric Madis teaches a bass oriented blues progression entitled the "Chicago Bass Groove."

6:50 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

61

Blues Bass Groove

Eric Madis teaches another powerful bass groove he has extracted from the world of blues.

3:55 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

62

Blues Bass Groove #3

Eric Madis teaches another useful bass groove for blues guitar.

5:47 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

63

Blues Bass Groove #4

Eric Madis teaches another valuable blues bass groove.

4:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

64

Wolf's Groove

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a blues bass groove inspired by Howlin' Wolf.

4:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

65

Minor Progression Major Chords

In this lesson, Eric Madis teaches a valuable blues chord progression that he calls "Minor Progression Major Chords."

11:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

66

Sliding Ninth Groove

Eric enthusiastically presents a new chord progression he calls the "Sliding Ninth Groove."

5:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

67

Tribute Blues Shuffle

Eric pays tribute to Memphis Slim and Jimmy Reed in something he likes to call the "Tribute Blues Shuffle."

8:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

68

Chicago Style Funky Blues

Eric Madis teaches a blues chord progression inspired by the Chicago style of blues playing. This progression has a funky rhythmic feel.

9:51 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

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  • Seattle, Washington
  • Playing since 1965
  • 140 lessons at JamPlay
Eric Madis is a guitarist, singer and composer, a versatile artist whose playing and compositions reflect his diverse and thorough background in American music. Whether performing in an ensemble or as a soloist, he exudes a love and a mastery of the blues that have been refined by years of experience in jazz, country, rock, and even Hawaiian music. What results are performances that include authentic renderings of old rural blues, personal interpretations of modern urban blues and jazz standards, and original music that defies strict categorization, but that draws heavily from these traditions.

Eric lives in Seattle where he leads his own ensemble, performs as a solo act and performs in the Seattle Swing Trio. He has released four CDs on Luna Records, and is currently working on a fifth. He is on the faculty of the National Guitar Workshop and Dusty Strings Music and teaches guitar privately.

Eric lived his formative years in Colorado with a family that was musical (his mother was an accomplished opera singer), and began his music study on the piano at the age of nine. He began performing shortly after picking up a guitar at ten years of age. By the age of sixteen, he was performing in Chicago-area coffeehouses. He has accompanied artists as diverse as bluesmen Big Walter Horton, Sunnyland Slim, Deacon Jones, Hawaiian luminaries Irmgaard Aluli, Kekua Fernandez, Emma Sharpe and author/poet Nikki Grimes.

He has led bands in Illinois, Texas, Colorado and Washington. He has opened shows for Robben Ford, James Cotton, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Mem Shannon, Hawkeye Herman and author Sherman Alexie. Eric's four albums have received critical acclaim, including regional airplay and nominations from NAMA and Washington Blues Society (WBS). He has received 16 Best Blues nominations from WBS, was a finalist in the New Folk Awards at the 1981 Kerrville National Folk Festival, a finalist in the 1991 Seattle Guitar Starz competition, and has music featured on five film soundtracks. Eric has taught guitar classes at Denver Free University, University of Washington's Experimental College, Northwest Folklife Festival, National Guitar Workshop, and Canada's Guitar Workshop Plus.

Whether performing in a group or as a soloist, at a concert or a small club, teaching privately or a large workshop, Eric is a dedicated professional, with commitment to the quality of his art and to his audience.
Reviews & Feedback 95/100 with 802 ratings
Mivler

Great lesson. It took me a while but I finally worked my way through this.

lovebeer84

... and it was easy to understand.

Kerkhofh

a good summary

rajeshmgohil

Actually all of the above! Great lesson.

bazunga

All Adobe

HornLakeBlues

All of the above.

RoyT1950

All of the lessons so far have been easy to understand and I liked the teacher.

Thunderphrog

All three. Love Eric. For some reason the way he explains and the pacing works really well for me.

Rabidbadger

An easy starter lesson that was well presented, easy to understand and follow, and finishes with a nice little turnaround that is sure to impress your friends. Thanks

Bazer47

Brill lesson good foundation for many types of blues.Very well explained very clear.Great.

bean911108

Expanded Blues scale

cav_vet

great teacher

Carlozanini

Easy to understand.

Gipper17

Eric has this great way of moving at an appropriate pace (especially for beginners), then building on each lesson to help establish a library of licks (with understanding of each). He is also very good about repeating at just the right interva

simmy58

Fantastic Eric!!!!

jimmyk

I'm starting lesson #12, but wanted to review the 1st eleven lessons quickly to make sure I didn't miss any of the nuances or techniques, since my ear is picking up much more than when I started with Eric.

lyndon1610

Eric is great!

myjamplays

Great player nice guy and good teacher

radiocycle

Eric knows how to teach! And I can tell he has some heart...

Earl of Toomes

Eric Madis is the real deal when it comes to his electrifying renditions of a wide range of blues styles. My favorite style is, gospel blues.

GuitarDoc69

Excellent explanation of 12 bar blues, the turn around and the tag. Looking forward to continuing with this series.

felipevaca

Excellent teacher. Precise explanations and easy to understand. The progressive construction of the blues structure is logical, easy to capture and, importantly, not boring. Thank you!

FunkyCroft

Explaining details like the E diminished seventh chord was perfect. Was the exact answer to the question that was going through my head when he said it.

pbeausejour

Good balance of information and context. Great teacher!

oj.salomaa

Good description. Just enough detail.

LeeRose

Good lesson . He is clear in his teaching.

Gtork

Very good.

MikeeBee

Good stuff. Nice guitar too.

roguewolf

Great alternative Eric, although I found it easier to move to the second shape with my first finger hitting the D string and holding that shape for the third beat of each bar.

muddy4821

Great overview on T-bones most common licks

sandyc

Great practical lesson from a good communicator. Some reference examples (artist, song) would have been great to hear how this works in a real song.

mr_scary

Great teaching style, never patronising - Eric really knows his stuff. Great to have Eric at JamPlay!

samjoe

Great! All three choices.

Mackmcka

the man

Gold713

I like the explanation of what is happening theoretically

Still-alive

I like the teacher, easy to understand......and just what I need!

Galvestonian

I love this guy. Great lessons..

GJD

I needed some dirty old blues explained well.

TheMadStrater

I think it needs a little more to "put it all together"...at least for me. Maybe that comes in the next lesson?

BetThisNameAintTaken

I wish I could lick on all of the above choices. I like the way this guy presents his material. It is really easy to follow. And it is just what I need right now.

wjb0003

I would have selected all 3 if I could have. Excited to see where this goes after lesson 1.

Strumbo_

I would have selected all three had I had the option.

salixdan

If it was capable I would check all three boxes above. Should be fun to follow through the lessons.

rudyolea

well spoken easy to understand lesson great job.