Hawkeye Herman
Hawkeye is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com
""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 ... (more)
Hawkeye currently offers 195 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 189 intermediate lessons and 6 song lessons.
Hawkeye Herman's contribution to JamPlay
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Blues Guitar with Hawkeye
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.
Introduction to Blues
Hawkeye Herman introduces the blues. He explains the 12 bar blues chords and the poetic format that blues lyrics typically follow.
19:25 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Understanding Blues Chords
Hawkeye explains how the I, IV, and V chords are used in a 12 bar blues progression.
12:12 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Blues Rhythm
Hawkeye demonstrates common strumming patterns used in blues music. He also explains how country music evolved from the blues.
19:42 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
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.
18:12 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
More Blues Shuffle
Hawkeye covers the blues shuffle in greater depth.
13:13 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
The Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye introduces and explains a common blues turnaround.
7:45 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Interesting Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye demonstrates various ways of arpeggiating the blues turnaround from the previous lesson.
8:08 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Moving the Turnaround
Hawkeye explains how the turnaround from the previous lesson can be transposed to all 12 keys.
5:57 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnaround in the Bass
Hawkeye explains how the blues turnaround can be played on the bass strings.
11:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnaround Practice
Hawkeye provides some tips regarding how to integrate turnarounds into the context of the 12 bar blues form.
3:58 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnarounds as Lead
In this lesson Hawkeye will explain how you can use turnarounds as a way to play basic lead.
0:00 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
7:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Blues Shuffle Variations
Hawkeye demonstrates more blues shuffle variations. He discusses playing individual notes and palm muting.
7:23 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Bass Blues Shuffle
In this lesson, Hawkeye teaches a bass version of the blues shuffle that mimics a common left-hand piano pattern.
10:49 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnaround Exercise
Hawkeye presents an exercise that will enable you to play a turnaround over the blues form in all twelve keys.
10:44 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Delta Blues Turnaround
Hawkeye teaches a Delta blues turnaround in the key of A. This turnaround is played in the style of Robert Johnson.
10:45 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Delta Blues Turnaround #2
Hawkeye Herman teaches a new Delta blues turnaround. This lick was inspired by Robert Johnson.
7:12 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Robert Johnson Style
Hawkeye Herman teaches more components of Robert Johnson's signature sound.
27:38 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Movable Chords
Hawkeye introduces some common, movable chord shapes.
17:42 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Movable Chord Review
Hawkeye reviews movable chords in this lesson. He explains how these chord voicings can be used in a practical blues context.
5:41 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Basic Blues Scale
Hawkeye Herman introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson, the most commonly used scale in blues lead guitar.
23:54 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Passing Notes
Hawkeye builds on the pentatonic scale. He introduces "blue" notes, which transform the pentatonic scale into the minor blues scale.
12:50 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Scales and Keys
Hawkeye explains how to transpose the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales to different keys.
21:18 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
15:31 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
16:36 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Treble Shuffle
Hawkeye explains how to play the blues shuffle on the treble strings.
9:22 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
The Great River Road
Hawkeye Herman teaches you how to play his original song, "The Great River Road," in this phenomenal lesson.
16:39 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Mississippi John Hurt Style
Hawkeye covers the guitar style of Mississippi John Hurt. This style makes heavy use of alternating bass lines.
14:48 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Piano Blues
Hawkeye teaches an original piece called "Piano Blues." He teaches this song to further demonstrate the alternating bass line.
13:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Blues Accompaniment
Hawkeye Herman teaches a beautiful blues accompaniment pattern.
10:11 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Stop-Time Blues
Hawkeye introduces the stop-time blues rhythm.
17:21 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Sweet Home Chicago
Hawkeye Herman explains how to play Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago."
16:17 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye introduces the eight bar blues progression.
22:28 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
6:39 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Classic 8 Bar Blues
Hawkeye teaches a classic 8 bar blues tune in the style of Brownie McGhee and Big Bill Broonzy.
25:10 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Playing Multiple Notes
In this lesson Hawkeye revisits the blues/pentatonic scale and talks about playing multiple notes at the same time.
9:42 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Classic End Tag
Hawkeye Herman teaches a classic blues song ending. He also explains how it can be played in different keys.
9:42 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Basic Blues Slide
Hawkeye Herman covers the basics of slide technique and provides exercises to demonstrate them.
25:49 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
14:56 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Ramblin' On My Mind
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates the classic Robert Johnson song, "Ramblin' On My Mind" in open D tuning.
8:41 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Blues Shuffle in Open D
Hawkeye explains how to play the blues shuffle in open D tuning.
0:00 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Open D Harmony Shuffle
Hawkeye teaches the "harmony" version of the shuffle in open D tuning.
5:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Open D Turnaround
Hawkeye teaches a simple blues turnaround in open D tuning.
9:00 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
8:14 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Pentatonic Scale in Open D
Hawkeye Herman explains how to play the D minor pentatonic scale in Open D tuning.
4:00 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Ramblin' On My Mind
Hawkeye challenges you to play "Ramblin' On My Mind" using the techniques from the past couple of lessons.
4:03 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
15:55 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
10:00 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
You Got To Move
In this lesson, Hawkeye teaches a classic blues song by Mississippi Fred McDowell - "You Got To Move".
9:03 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
You Got to Move Melody
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates how to play the melody of "You Got to Move" with a slide.
6:51 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Slide Guitar and Blues Licks
Hawkeye Herman talks about playing and creating blues licks with the slide.
9:53 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Elmore James Style
Hawkeye Herman breaks down important aspects of Elmore James' style.
23:11 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Blues Licks and Riffs
Hawkeye teaches some versatile blues licks and riffs that can be used in open D tuning.
11:15 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Open G Tuning
Hawkeye Herman teaches the basics of open G tuning.
7:28 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
G Tuning Chords
Hawkeye gives a brief overview of chords and how they are played in open G tuning.
6:11 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
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.
4:48 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
G Tuning Accompaniment
Hawkeye talks about playing accompaniment using open G tuning.
7:44 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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."
7:26 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
10:37 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
15:45 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Robert Johnson Licks
Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.
14:40 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
10:28 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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."
6:33 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
19:15 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
10:26 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Drop D Tuning
Hawkeye shows you the wonders of drop D tuning and teaches his rendition of "Big Road Blues."
30:30 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Statesboro Blues
Hawkeye goes over the fantastic song "Statesboro Blues" by Blind Willie McTell in Drop D tuning.
27:12 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
19:40 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Minor Blues
Hawkeye explains the chord changes used in a minor blues progression.
12:53 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
The Capo
Hawkeye talks about the capo and its many uses.
22:32 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Song Endings
By user request, Hawkeye shares ideas on how to end songs in this lesson.
21:26 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
17:53 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye talks about the eight bar blues and uses some classic blues songs as examples.
26:19 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Blues Mambo
Hawkeye talks all about the blues mambo in this lesson.
16:09 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Movable Endings
Hawkeye explains how all the endings you've learned up to this point can be transposed to any key.
31:53 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Movable Blues Scale
Hawkeye talks about transposing the minor pentatonic scale to various keys.
16:58 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Blues Scale Lead
Hawkeye explains how the blues scale can be used to play lead in any song.
30:57 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Spanning the Neck
Hawkeye explains how the blues scale can span the neck in any key.
22:09 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
The Blues Had a Baby
Hawkeye talks about the background of rock 'n roll and how it is connected to blues.
21:42 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Fun Licks
This lesson is filled with fun licks and lick techniques.
17:32 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Spanning the Neck Continued
Hawkeye brings more blues wisdom to you in this lesson about spanning the neck.
18:18 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Barre Chords Refresher
Hawkeye provides a few useful tips on playing barre chords.
13:18 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Chord Relationships
Hawkeye discusses how the visual shapes of chords relate to one another on the fretboard.
15:06 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Chord Relationships Continued
Hawkeye explains how to find the I, IV, and V chords in all 12 major keys.
8:43 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Shuffle Rhythm Review
Hawkeye answers member questions on the shuffle rhythm.
16:19 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Key of A Idea
Hawkeye shares an idea in the key of A that you can apply to your blues playing.
18:15 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Thumbpick Vs. Flatpick
Thumbpick Vs. Flatpick: A most common question asked among guitarists is discussed in this lesson.
15:13 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Capo Ideas
Hawkeye shares his ideas on the capo and explains why he thinks it is important for every guitarist to own one.
18:34 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Everything is Movable
Hawkeye reiterates that everything is movable on the guitar and provides some fresh new ideas.
12:27 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
21:21 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Treble Shuffle
Hawkeye provides more amazing tips and tricks on moving your shuffle rhythm to the treble for a unique sound.
16:50 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Creating Solos
Hawkeye revisits the techniques learned in the last few lessons and explains how to tie tie them together to create solos.
9:46 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Transposing Songs
Hawkeye provides some great tips for transposing any song you want to learn to a different key.
17:31 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
History of Blues
This exciting lesson dives into some of the earliest history of blues music and how it has shaped popular music today.
13:52 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Blues is the Roots
Hawkeye Herman explains why "blues is the roots, and everything else is the fruits."
8:41 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
The Style of Hank Williams
Hawkeye discusses the history and style of Hank Williams.
17:07 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
The Style of Jimmie Rodgers
Hawkeye demonstrates some key aspects of Jimmie Rodgers' style.
12:30 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Boom-Chicka Strum
Hawkeye demonstrates the "boom-chicka" strum and explains various ways you can incorporate it into your playing.
22:44 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Fun Runs
Hawkeye Herman explains how to spice up your rhythm playing by incorporating bass runs between chord changes.
16:20 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Review & Practice
Hawkeye Herman celebrates lesson 100 with a short but sweet review of what you've learned in the past couple of lessons.
6:51 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Song Medley
Hawkeye Herman demonstrates rhythmic concepts from earlier lessons by playing a fun medley.
13:08 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Hawkeye's Favorite Licks
Hawkeye shares some of his favorite licks in this lesson.
22:35 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
More Fun Licks
Hawkeye teaches more fun licks to add to your blues bag of tricks.
31:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
More Licks Up the Neck
Hawkeye Herman is back with some more classic blues licks that span the length of the fretboard.
26:20 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Bass Licks
Hawkeye explains the importance of playing licks over the entire neck of the guitar.
21:33 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
19:09 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Turnaround Positions
Hawkeye discusses how ideas derived from turnarounds can be incorporated into blues solos.
8:19 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Instrumental Themes
Hawkeye Herman talks about instrumental themes and how you can add lead fills to them.
18:03 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Instrumental Themes Continued
Hawkeye continues his discussion on instrumental themes and blues.
23:42 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Ninth Chords
Hawkeye Herman explains how dominant 9th chords are formed and how they can be used in blues music.
15:16 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Ninth Chords Continued
Hawkeye Herman continues his discussion on 9th chords.
26:52 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
More Eight Bar Blues
Hawkeye Herman shares more eight bar blues knowledge in this fun and information-packed lesson.
23:57 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Using a Tuner
Hawkeye shares his thoughts on tuners in this lesson.
6:38 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
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.
23:21 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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 barre chords with determination and a little help from Hawkeye.
10:03 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
18:44 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
16:43 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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.
20:31 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
All About Finger Picking
Hawkeye takes a look at this important right hand technique.
20:54 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
20:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Thematic Bass Lines
Hawkeye teaches some blues bass lines that can be applied to the twelve bar blues form.
19:04 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Bass Lines Continued
Hawkeye continues on from his 121st lesson with more examples of blues bass lines for guitar.
7:14 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
12:57 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Willie's Bounce
Hawkeye teaches the bass line riff to his song "Willie's Bounce."
16:31 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Finger Picking Part 2
Hawkeye continues his discussion on finger picking.
12:27 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
The Texas A
Hawkeye Herman teaches a version of the A chord that he calls "The Texas A."
13:59 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
Blues Scale: Adding the Major 3rd
Hawkeye breaks down the blues scale and demonstrates how to appropriately add the major 3rd.
26:16 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
11:53 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
Scrapper Blackwell
Hawkeye introduces the guitar stye of Scrapper Blackwell. He uses the song Scrapper called "E Blues" as a starting point.
20:46 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
22:43 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
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 road ahead.
18:49 Runtime
4.0 Difficulty
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.
29:53 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
24:07 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
15:02 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
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.
10:27 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
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."
15:15 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Starting on the IV Chord
Hawkeye demonstrates how to change up a traditional 12 bar blues progression by starting on the IV chord.
16:51 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
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.
24:43 Runtime
4.0 Difficulty
Utilizing 9th Chords
Need a slightly different voicing to spice up your playing? 9th chords will give your blues playing a colorful, urban sound.
24:53 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Minor Tuning, Major Sound
Hawkeye breaks out his slide and demonstrates how chord progressions in major keys can be played in open minor tunings.
4:43 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Style of Elmore James
Hawkeye offers up some tricks and techniques that Elmore James utilized in his style of playing.
25:52 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
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.
14:32 Runtime
3.5 Difficulty
Hummin' and Strummin'
Learn how to "think what you play and play what you think" in Hawkeye Herman's series, Hummin' and Strummin'! Relax, visualize and tune into your best friend: your guitar!
Series Introduction
Hawkeye Herman introduces his new series, Hummin' and Strummin'! Learn how to "think what you play and play what you think". Relax, visualize and connect with your best friend: your guitar!
5:18 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Relaxation
The first step in connecting with your guitar is learning good posture and learning how to relax. Join Hawkeye in this lecture style lesson as he discusses how to get comfortable and how to relax!
16:28 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Tuning
After we've relaxed ourselves, it's time to get the instrument in tune. In this lesson, Hawkeye discusses how to properly use a digital tuner.
8:41 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Feel the Pulse
Are you guilty of watching yourself play? Hawkeye explores this topic in this lecture style lesson and helps you break the habit!
18:33 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Intention and Visualization
Being intentional with your instrument is one of the best ways to connect with it! Hawkeye discusses his philosophy on being intentional through visualization techniques.
12:51 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Connecting through Rhythm Guitar
Join Hawkeye as he shows you how to connect with your instrument through various chordal formats and rhythmic variations.
10:19 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Connecting through the Blues Scale
So far, Hawkeye's shown us how to connect mostly through rhythm guitar. Now, he shows us the blues scale and takes Hummin' and Strummin' in a new direction!
11:24 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Connecting through the Major Pentatonic Scale
You've already learned the minor pentatonic scale. Now, learn to connect through the major pentatonic scale - a great scale to know for country and folk songs!
8:57 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Transposing
The ability to transpose is a must have when playing your favorite songs. In this lesson, Hawkeye shows us an easy method for transposing songs. This will help keep you on the same page with others during your jam sessions!
14:46 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Series Review
Hawkeye wraps up his Hummin' and Strummin' series with a recap of the philosophies and concepts he's shared so far. Thanks for joining him for this series! You should now have all the tools you need to truly connect with your instrument!
13:31 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Jamming With Others
Are you tired of just playing in your bedroom? Are you thinking of putting yourself out there in a jamming situation? If so, this series from Hawkeye Herman is just the one for you! Hawkeye has been a professional musician for more than 40 years, and has facilitated hundreds of jams. Benefit from his vast experience in this series, Jamming With Others.
Series Introduction
Join Hawkeye as he introduces his series, Jamming With Others.
5:14 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
How to Survive a Blues Jam, Part 1
Hawkeye gets started in this series with this lecture style lesson explaining just what a blues jam is, and how your typical jam session works.
14:38 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
How to Survive a Blues Jam, Part 2
Remember, it's not all about you! Hawkeye discusses a major part of jamming with others: etiquette!
19:33 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
How to Survive a Blues Jam, Part 3
Learning how to be on stage during a jam is super important! In this lesson, Hawkeye gives us a picture of what it's like on stage, and he coaches us on one of the most important aspects of all: How to be a good listener!
14:50 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Easy to Play Hard to Forget, Part 1
Chris Liepe joins Hawkeye in this lesson, giving you a practical look at playing with another person with no rehearsal!
11:15 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Easy to Play Hard to Forget, Part 2
Now, Chris will lead a song and Hawkeye will back him up! Then they will both explain the process they went through to make this jam successful.
8:37 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Easy to Play Hard to Forget, Part 3
One more collaboration between Chris and Hawkeye. In this one, they explain the process of complimenting each other musically, when both are playing rhythm guitar.
12:40 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
The Nuts and Bolts of a Jam Night
Now that Hawkeye has discussed all of the elements of a Jam, he gives you a detailed look at a Jam Night, from being a jammer to being a facilitator of the jam.
10:35 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Planning Your Own Jam
Having your own regular, private jam session can be a great way to build a musical community. In this lesson, Hawkeye shares is extensive knowledge that comes from years and years of hosting his own private jams. Get ready to take notes!
29:42 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Series Summary
Hawkeye wraps up his series on Jamming With Others with a review of his key points: Jamming in a club situation, and starting your own private jam.
11:33 Runtime
0.0 Difficulty
Blues Greats & How They Play
After reviewing some basics when it comes to the Blues, Hawkeye shares his knowledge from personal experience and one-on-one encounters with some of the greatest classic blues players ever to play! Learn some licks and hear fascinating inside information about some of these players that only a man who was there could deliver!
Study The Blues Greats!
You've taken Hawkeye's Blues and Songwriting lessons here on JamPlay, and now it's time to join Hawkeye in looking at specific aspects of some of the most influential blues guitar players of all time. The simple and quick ideas in this series will deepen your appreciation for these musicians and help you work some new flavors into your own playing!
3:30 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Choose Your Slide
Many of the classic Blues greats used a slide in their playing. Hawkeye goes through the many types of slides available and helps you choose one that is right for you.
18:17 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
Pick Up Your Capo
A capo for Classic Blues? Well, Hawkeye uses a capo to keep classic blues phrasing and ideas the way they were originally played while being flexible for the singer who is performing along side him. Learn how to use a capo in this way.
16:05 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Play In Any Key
Alright, now that you're more comfortable with a capo, you'll get to see how they did it in the old days. Take simple chord shapes and move them around. You'll learn a few tricks to help you know exactly what you are playing.
14:21 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Spanning The Neck
The old blues players didn't play in 'positions' as we think about them today. They just played what felt natural. This lesson will explore a way to use more of the neck while getting that familiar classic blues sound.
28:41 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Easy Fingerpicking
Hawkeye delivers an extremely simple way of getting started with fingerpicking. Anyone can do it. Even if you have no experience! Add this to the classic blues player's toolbox
25:06 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Country & Folk Backup.
Before you are a lead bluesman, you gotta know how to accompany other artists. Hawkeye covers a common backup rhythm style and teaches a pattern to go along with it!
19:24 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Shave And A Haircut
Learn how to implement one of the most common rhythm patterns ever! Work it into your blues playing.
23:55 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Learn the style and essence of the best selling blues artist of the 1920s. Blind Lemon Jefferson has a bit of a Country feel to his playing.
9:17 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
T-Bone Walker
Get a taste of the style of the guitar player who gave legends like Clapton and B. B. King their start! T-bone walker is an amazing blend of genres and techniques and a blast to study!
13:58 Runtime
2.5 Difficulty
T-Bone Walker, Lead
The last lesson focused primarily on Walker's rhythm style. Get a start on learning some tell-tale T-Bone licks in this lesson!
18:49 Runtime
3.0 Difficulty
B. B. King
B. B. King was one of the most original and influential Blues guitar players of all time. Learn his hand shake and approach to vibrato here!
12:21 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Albert King
You will know Albert King by his bends. His style, like many of the blues greats, is unmistakable. Learn how to bend like Albert King.
15:34 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Buddy Guy
Get an overview of the lyrical style of Buddy Guy. Sometimes he plays a lot of notes and sometimes his style is very sparse, but his sense of timing and intuition is unmatched! Learn two key licks in this classic style!
14:11 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Jimmy Reed
Learn the bedrock blues rhythm made popular by Jimmy Reed. He wrote so many great tunes that have been covered over and over again. He laid the groundwork for so many Blues musicians to come!
20:05 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Cool Papa Saddler
Cool Papa knew what it meant to have taste. Other, younger players would often share the stage with him and try to cut heads with him by blazing through a bunch of notes. But Cool Papa stayed calm and collected. He was about milking a note for everything it was worth!
12:59 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Muddy Waters
So many of the recognizable turnarounds and lead hooks come from Muddy Waters. You only have to listen to Waters along side modern Blues players to hear the influence. Learn a few Muddy Waters tricks here!
26:13 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Magic Sam
Learn a lick from one of the guys who defined the role of lead guitar in Classic Blues. Magic Sam could play it all, but he knew when and how to phrase also!
21:22 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Lightning Hopkins
Sam "Lightning" Hopkins was one of the original Texas Bluesmen. Once upon a time, Hawkeye got to sit down with Lightning and take a guitar lesson and how he's passing the baton.
31:11 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Brownie McGhee
Part of one of the most popular guitar/harmonica duos of the Classic Blues. Hawkeye used to help Brownie with his groceries and in return, he got to take lessons from him. Learn a fingerpicking style from a man who got to take lessons directly from Brownie McGhee!
26:40 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Tommy Johnson
Who could forget Tommy Johnson in Hawkeye's must learn list of Blues greats! See how Hawkeye breaks down key aspects of Johnson's style and gives practical ways to practice in the style of Tommy Johnson!
14:58 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Robert Johnson
Learn the important aspects of Robert Johnson's music from a broad point of view. Look at turnarounds and the importance of focused practicing!
17:39 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
More On Robert Johnson
Take the turnaround that you learned in the last lesson and practice moving it around to different keys. It makes for a nice constant blues riff as well!
16:26 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Robert Johnson & Slide
You've been treated to several tastes of Robert Johnson's style. Now see and hear how he uses slide in only the way a classic Bluesman can!
17:44 Runtime
2.0 Difficulty
Elmore James
Meet a relative of Robert Johnson and an acoustic Blues player who plugged in his guitar... And one of the early guys to do so. He played a lot of Robert Johnson's licks but with some more beef behind the notes!
31:27 Runtime
1.5 Difficulty
Boogie Woogie Piano Blues
Playing guitar with the influence of other instruments does great things for your playing. Learn how to emulate blues piano playing on your six string!
11:40 Runtime
0.5 Difficulty
Around The Neck
One of the great things about learning the Blues, and learning guitar for that matter is that so many things are moveable! The early Blues players knew this and Hawkeye shows you how to take advantage of this in an easy-to-understand way!
7:12 Runtime
1.0 Difficulty
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