Spanning the Neck (Guitar Lesson)
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Spanning the Neck
Hawkeye explains how the blues scale can span the neck in any key.
Taught by Hawkeye Herman in Blues Guitar with Hawkeye seriesLength: 22:09Difficulty: 3.5 of 5
At this point in the series, Hawkeye has only shown you one of the five minor pentatonic box patterns. In this lesson, Hawkeye demonstrates how to play a three octave minor pentatonic scale that spans most of the fretboard. This three octave scale shifts through each of the five pentatonic boxes. Learning this pattern will allow you to utilize the full range of the guitar in any given minor key when playing solos. The current pattern that you have learned only spans two octaves.
Note: Check out lesson 4 from Matt Brown’s phase 2 Rock series to learn the remaining patterns of the minor pentatonic scale. Or, visit the JamPlay Scale Library. This site feature can be accessed through a button on the left side of the homepage.
Advantages of Multiple Octave Scales / Horizontal Scales
-Scale patterns that feature position shifts are typically easier to play at rapid tempos compared to scales that remain in a single vertical fretboard position. String crossings greatly diminish right hand speed. Horizontal scales limit string crossings since multiple notes are often played on the same string.
Note: The following advantages of approaching the guitar from a horizontal perspective are taken from Mick Goodrick's book entitled The Advancing Guitarist.
-The simplest way to see notes is in a straight line.
-A single string is a straight line.
-On a single string, there is a direct relationship between interval distance and movement in space.
-Playing on a single string helps eliminate two potential problems: "paralysis" (fear of movement) and "acrophobia" (fear of higher frets), since the entire length of the fingerboard is utilized from the very beginning.
Scale Demonstration / Instruction
Hawkeye breaks down this new three octave scale in the key of A minor at 03:00. Notice how the first four notes are exactly the same as the A minor pentatonic pattern that you have already learned. Now however, the notes are simply played in different locations on the fretboard.
Practical Applications
Hawkeye demonstrates how the first portion of this pattern is used in the Cream song "Outside Woman Blues" at 04:29. Listen to the original recording of the song here.
"Outside Woman Blues" was originally written by Blind Joe Reynolds. Check out the original version of the song here.
Goodrick, Mick. The Advancing Guitarist: Applying Guitar Concepts & Techniques. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Hal Leonard Corporation, 1987. Chapter 2: (05:20) Spanning the Neck Tips for Practicing Scales
-Practice all scales as though you are performing a melody. Always play musically and with energy even when working on technique!
-Playing with perfect rhythm and a smooth, legato sound will drastically improve the overall musicality of your lead playing.
-Make sure you can play the scale in time with a metronome.
-Do not simply memorize the visual pattern of the scale. Do not be a guitarist that simply "connects the dots." You must understand the musical relationships between the notes in the scale.
-Always remember to ascend and descend when playing scales. Pay careful attention to which finger performs the position shift in the descending version of the scale.
-Play scales with the following right hand patterns:
1. All Downstrokes
2. All Upstrokes
3. Alternate Picking Beginning with a Downstroke
4. Alternate Picking Beginning with an Upstroke
Left Hand Fingering
Adhere strictly to the fingering that Hawkeye demonstrates in the lesson video with the exception of the notes played on the first string. A better fingering that will allow you to play more quickly and accurately is provided under the "Supplemental Content" tab.
Additional Notes
Two additional low notes can be added to the scale pattern in the key of Am. These notes are G at the 3rd fret (played by the first finger) and the low open E string. These notes can be included in both the ascending and descending patterns of the scale. Hawkeye demonstrates this at 04:43. Chapter 3: (07:32) Different Keys Additional Practice Suggestions
1. Practice this scale in all possible keys. F# minor is the lowest key you can play in. B minor is the highest you can play on most acoustics (classicals and steel strings). You can play up to the key of D minor on a guitar with 22 frets, or up to the key of E on a guitar with 24 frets. The spatial relationships within the pattern remain the same for all 12 minor keys.
2. Start developing licks using this scale pattern. You do not have to utilize all 3 octaves all of the time. Let your ears guide you to what sounds good. Learn lead guitar ideas by studying the records of your heroes. Also, learn licks from transcriptions of your favorite guitarists. Practice your lead guitar vocabulary by improvising over the 12 and 8 bar blues progressions in a wide variety of keys, tempos, and styles.
Video Subtitles / Captions
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.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Phil Keaggy
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Evan Taucher
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Greg Greenway
Greg kicks off his series telling a little about himself and introduces the C9 tuning.
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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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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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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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Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
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Mark Kroos
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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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Andy James
Get an in-depth look into the mind of virtuoso guitarist Andy James. Learn about Andy's early beginnings all the way up to...
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Jeff Kollman
Been playing the standard 12 bar blues and looking to add some flare? Look no further than Jeff Kollmann's series, "Blowing...
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David MacKenzie
David MacKenzie introduces the tapping technique and teaches a fun exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
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Brendan Burns
Brendan demonstrates the tiny triad shapes derived from the form 1 barre chord.
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Emil Werstler
Emil takes you through some techniques that he uses frequently in his style of playing. Topics include neck bending, percussive...
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Yvette Young
Welcome to Yvette Young's series! Join Yvette as she gets creative with open tunings.
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Glen Drover
Lesson 25 from Glen presents a detailed exercise that firmly builds up fret hand dexterity for both speed and accuracy.
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Brad Henecke
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Steve Smyth
JamPlay sits down with veteran fret grinder Steve Smyth of Forbidden and The EssenEss Project. He talks about how he got...
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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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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Thanks, Hawkeye, these lessons are fantastic. I've been playing classical and decided I want to learn finger style blues, but I'm starting with your lessons because it looked like they would give a good foundation in the blues. I also think this will be helpful to me when I go back to classical. One of my challenges was always playing pieces beyond the third position because I had such a difficult time memorizing where the various notes were. I always thought, you know, if only I could figure out a pattern it would be a lot easier. And now, here I have a pattern that will help me to become more fluent on the finger board. Many thanks for all the time you put into this!
This is fabulous, thank you. What you have enabled me to do over the last few months is to pick up the guitar and not feel as though I am floundering, stuck or intimidated by it, but I can use it and enjoy it. Opening up the fretboard has been a sticking point for a long long time and now I have finally overcome that barrier. Thank you so much.
well, maybe the last lesson 77 was the most important one so far...but Hawkeye this lesson 78 to me was the best!! Thanks so much for this lesson..
I'm glad you're continuing to find useful information in my lessons. To me, each and every lesson is important. That's why they are presented in this lesson series.. I've given considerable thought and planning as to the order and content of each and every lesson. Thanks for enjoying them all.
It's taking be a long time but doing them in order....thanks again for your great lessons...and when you are in Thailand I will let you ride my bamboo bike and trailer.:))
Time is not an element of consideration when it comes to learning an art form. There is no rush ... there is no 'race' and there is no 'finish line.' It's a long and winding road that has no end. The joy is in the journey ... there is no 'end of the line' ... enjoy the journey from one day to the next. Time is a creation of humankind that is not a consideration when it comes to the learning and practicing process ... when 'time' is placed into the learning process equation it creates STRESS. Be patient with yourself and I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. I hope to ride your bamboo bicycle ... someday. Thanks for the invitation. ;-)
Hi Hawkeye , great lesson ! I understood it very well , as I know my notes across the neck (but that note guessing game on JamPlay gets me all the time !) & I know all 5 boxes of the Pentatonic scale & when I practice my scales I'm always looking for patterns that er repeated - kind of like a game. So I understood what you showed in this lesson , it was good to see it laid out in such an understandable & easy to follow manner - which unfortunately many instructors don't do.
Thanks for the kind comments about these lessons, DD. Very much appreciated. Don't forget about the free guitar lessons at my web site: http://hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... and in particular, learn how to 'hook up' all five 'boxes' of the blues scale by studying this "Spanning the neck using the blues scale in A": http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/lessons/Spanningtheneck-A.pdf ... and please do view 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: http://www.youtube.com/user/HawkeyeH ... try to play along with me and 'lift' ('steal') my licks/riffs/ideas. Again, thanks for your positive comments and for enjoying these lessons.
Hawkeye, I think this is one of the best lesson so far,but I have been Guilty of jumping around .Soi my advice is to start with your first lesson and get that founadation to start with. I have in the last month Started literally from the begining and,although I can't play ach one as good as you, I cvertainly know the procedure for Pracrtice.This #78 lesson really starts to bring it home. Your the Best when it come to Blues Instruction and Playing.
Thanks so much for the kind comments, DD. Much appreciated. I'm glad that you are aware that I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the order content of these lessons ... and that they are meant to be taken incrementally, in the order presented, progressing from one lesson to the next at one's own learning speed. Skipping around/;cherry picking' within my lessons series will afford one a lot of information, but will not provide a strong understanding and foundation in the blues. My goal is to give each student a strong foundation/understanding of the blues that will allow them to play blues guitar freely/creatively/improvise, with feeling, and grow their skills on the instrument forever. You will find a 'graphic/chart' on this lesson "SPanning the neck" at my web site, here: http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/lessons/Spanningtheneck-A.pdf ... Thanks again for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons ... 'the second time around.' ;-)
Hawkeye this lesson was huge for me. I may have gotten a peek behind the Green Door.
Hawkeye this lesson was huge for me. I may have gotten a peek behind the Green Door.
wow..thanks hawk! the last two lessons were great.. youve been holding out. haaa.
Hi, Rob. Glad you're enjoying my lessons. I don't know how to 'hold out' ... these lessons are pre-recorded and it's up to JamPlay.com admin. to post them as they see fit ... all of these lessons have been pre-recorded, usually over three long days at a time, at least three three-day sessions in the past three years. I have not control over when each incremental lesson is posted. There are free lessons at my web site: http://hawkeyeherman.com/guitar-lessons.htm ... including information about 'spanning the neck': http://hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/lessons/Spanningtheneck-A.pdf ... be sure to watch my videos here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH ... by watching the videos you'll see how I use the blues guitar techniques I teach here at JamPlay.com when I'm performing in concert and at festivals ... try to play along with me and even steal my licks/riffs/ideas. Thanks again for the message ... I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Cheers and Best, Hawkeye
i didn't mean it that way. i was just saying that 'holding out' by the fact that the last two lessons were like getting the big secret. its perfect where its placed. i wouldn't have been able to do it had it been introduced earlier. keith richards once said that one shouldn't even pick up an electric guitar untill they master the acoustic. i think i get what he was saying. one can't cheat on the acoustic! ha.. thanks again. you are a fantastic teacher. i'm now addicted to the blues.
I understand what you mean, Rob. I've given a lot of thought and planning as to the content and order of these lessons ... that's why I want people to follow them in the order they are presents, and progress at one's own speed from one lesson to the next. Skipping lessons/'cherry picking' will allow one to learn .... but not provide the strong foundation and understanding of blues music that patiently following the lessons in the order they are presented will provide. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons and practicing/playing blues music ... forever! ;-)
Great lesson, Both lesson 77 and lesson 78 have created an "Aha" moment. One question, Can you move this method up 3 frets to create the major pentatonic scale like we can do with the 0-3, 0-2, 0-2 0-2, 0-3, 0-3 version of the minor pentatonic scale.
Thanks for letting me know that these lessons are opening the 'doors of perception'/'aha' moments for you. EVERYTHING is movable on the guitar ... in this case, that would be 'down' three frets' ... not up three frets. Give it a try ... don't be afraid to experiment and find out ... ;-) ... you won't get injured in the process. Thanks so much for enjoying these lessons and 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.
Hawkeye, yet another genius session, i'm beginning to think i'm a stalker as i cannot help myself tell you lesson after lesson what a inspirational teacher you really are. Just cos someone has the in-depth knowledge on a certain subject as in playing blues or learning any trade doesn't mean the necessarily can teach, and boy you truly, truly are a living legend in acoustic blues the way it should be played and how it should be taught!!!
You are too kind. I just love what I get to do, and that's always in my mind first and foremost ... and then comes my natural enthusiasm for sharing everything I can about blues music with others, while I'm still eagerly and always learning more, as well. My teaching skills are not learned, for the most part, they are the result of a great deal of experience trying to communicate musical concepts to others over the years, and via trial and error, eventually figuring out what and how to present the information in a manner that allows almost everyone to 'get it' on the first time around. If some don't 'get it' I've got alternative ways of explaining the same concept/idea/technique. In other words, as a teacher/guitar instructor, I'm not happy unless EVERYBODY 'gets it.' I'm willing to go slow and repeat concepts in multiple ways because I don't want anyone to miss out on the fun of playing blues guitar. I'm no genius. ... I just love what I do and am very gratified to be able to share it with others. Thanks so much.
hawkeye, not only are you a great teacher and blues player, but reading your comments and your attitude towards everything shows that you're also a compassionate person.
Gerald, Thanks so much for your kind comments and for enjoying these lessons. I love what I do, I've been blessed to have been able to work exclusively at playing the guitar as a life's work since 1975, and I love to teach and encourage others. I'll be filming more lessons next week ... so you'll be seeing many more of my lessons, beyond this one in the weeks ahead. I hope you continue to enjoy traveling the 'blues highway' with me. Thanks again!
Thank you Hawkeye, I have really enjoyed the lessons your a great teacher. wondering if anymore are coming.
Dom, Thanks so much. There might be more lessons in this series yet to be posted by jamplay.com ... not sure ... and even so ... I'll be filming more lessons for jamolay.com in late October ... so there will be many more lessons ahead. Thanks for asking ... and for enjoying these lessons. I hope you continue to enjoy the blues and the continuing lessons that will be posted here in the future.
so, lets say we want to play this in key of E, we find ANY 'E' on the neck and deploy the same STRUCTURE ? (visually speaking) cause there are bunch of lets say E's lets say in between frets 12 and 21 and surrounded by strings 2 to 6 . . . ??
kasra. Yes. That's why it's called 'spanning the neck :-) ... by finding the key note you want to play in, and using the visual pattern, you can play up/down/across the entire neck of the guitar in any key. Have fun.
Here's a 'graphic' that helps to cover the concepts in this lesson: www.hawkeyeherman.com/pdf/lessons/blues-box-system-F.pdf It's a bit different than what I'm showing you in this lesson ... but the ideas are the same and this might be helpful to some of you. Have fun!
I can only echo aquiguillermo. Clear as crstal. I have seen this pattern before in books but not in a way that engaged my interest and my understanding. The example of the question and answer on different octaves in a useful memory aid and also a good example to get us thinking about the practical applications - ie it isn't only a pattern of notes to be learned. Thanks Hawkeye. My weekend has had purpose with lessons 77 and 78.
No kidding vikingblues. Thanks Hawkeye for your sincere and inspiring comments and suggestions.
Thanks so much. the information in these last few lessons will feed your creative needs for years to come. Practice the 'pattern' and play licks in a 'call and response' way all over the neck ... and do this in EVERY KEY ... and you'll eventually have a good handle on what to do/where to go when playing a blues solo/fill/rhythm. If you do as I suggest, in a short time you'll be able to listen to all your favorite blues players and pretty much be able to figure out what they're doing ... within this pattern, usually ... when you hear something you think is 'new' to your ear ... and look for it on the guitar, you'll generally find that the player jumped from one note in this pattern/scale to another note in the scale in a place where you usually/habitually do something else that is closer to the the way the notes generally fall in the pattern. So, for me, this is like an endlessly amusing game, like a Rubix cube, with variations upon variations to be found ... by the player. Think of this scale/pattern like you'd think of building a vocabulary in language ... we all have access to the same words/vocabulary ... we learn 'new' words from others and reading and the media as we go through life and our vocabulary is ever expanding ... how much of our vocabulary we choose to use at any given time in order to be understood is up to us ... the choice of our words, the order in which they are used, the volume at which they are spoken, and the rhythm that is attached to them ... can happen as a conscious effort ... or a spontaneous response ... either way, we can be choose to be even more 'artful' unique in those choices ... if we're familiar basic 'tools' that most everyone is using. So it is with blues (blues/rock/jazz/bluegrass/etc.). What's in these recent lessons are the 'tools.' Get to know them, and they'll serve you forever. Have a great
Couldn´t be made simpler. Cristal clear. Up and walking faster. Thank you. Billy Huft
Billy, Thanks. Much appreciated. Practice 'spanning the nieck in every key, as you'll be using these skills for the rest of your blues guitar playing life. Don't forget to view the Hawkeye videos at yourtube.com to see how I use the information I share with your here when I'm performing: www.youtube.com/profile?user=HawkeyeH&view=videos Thanks again.
100% Hawkeye. Love your teachings.
steve, Thanks so much. Very much appreciated.
Thanks Hawkeye,for a really good lesson.
clifford, Thanks for the kind comments. I hope you follow the entire lesson curriculum and build a strong foundation in the blues.
Thanks Hawkeye, its great to see another teacher who really cares about us learners... JamPlay seems to have many of these types of instructor, which makes this site the best guitar learning site out there. I have got a month-long intensive teaching course coming up, but with any luck I can squeeze at least an hour of guitar practice in on a daily basis.
This is a cool lesson Hawkeye, thanks... gonna start your tutorials from start to finish and hit the blues. Been loving Mary Flower's fingerstyle tutorials, and this has got me hearing the blues in a different way than before. Really loved this lesson, thanks. Stu
skaterstu, Thanks for the kind comments. Good to have you traveling on the 'blues highway' with me. I hope you'll follow the lessons in the order present ... so there will be no hole/gaps in your 'blues foundation' ... and you'll playing/creating freely sooner than you might think. Enjoy the process and take your time. If you love the blues, this is a life's work, and journey is a happy one. Thanks for being here.