American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan

Dive deep into the heart and soul of American blues with "American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan". This engaging guitar course serves as your gateway to mastering the quintessential elements of blues guitar, inspired by the legendary prowess of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tailored for guitarists at various skill levels, the first installment of this series introduces essential blues techniques, setting the stage for a transformative musical journey. This course is taught by Steve Trovato.

Guitar Lesson Overview

Blues Scale Patterns

At the core of blues music lies the blues scale, an indispensable tool for any guitarist. This section of the course demystifies scale patterns, empowering you to navigate the fretboard with confidence and fluidity. Mastery of these patterns not only enhances your improvisational skills but also broadens your ability to express emotions through music, serving as a cornerstone for your development as a versatile musician.

Blues Phrasing

The art of blues phrasing allows you to weave emotional narratives through your instrument, turning simple notes into compelling musical stories. This course segment focuses on the subtleties of musical expression, teaching you how to inject your performances with depth and feeling. Grasping the nuances of blues phrasing is crucial for anyone looking to infuse their guitar playing with a unique, personal touch.

Playing the 'Shuffle' Feel

The shuffle rhythm is a rhythmic backbone of blues music, characterized by its swung, groovy feel. Learning to play with a shuffle feel will not only enhance your rhythm playing but also immerse you in the authentic vibe of blues music. This technique is essential for capturing the spirited essence of blues and adds a lively dynamic to your playing repertoire.

Double Stops

Double stops introduce a layer of richness and complexity to your guitar playing. This technique, involving the simultaneous playing of two strings, creates a fuller sound and adds harmonic depth to melodies. Integrating double stops into your playing brings a new dimension to your musical expressions, echoing the style of many blues legends.

Using Trills, Hammer-Ons, and Pull-Offs

The dynamic trio of trills, hammer-ons, and pull-offs adds embellishment and flair to your playing. These techniques allow for smoother transitions between notes, contributing to a more fluid and expressive performance. Mastering these elements not only polishes your playing style but also equips you with the tools to execute intricate passages with ease.

Using Triplets and Chromatic Passing Tones

Triplets offer a rhythmic variation that can energize your playing, while chromatic passing tones introduce tension and resolution, adding a layer of sophistication to your blues improvisations. Both techniques are invaluable for creating engaging solos and riffs, enriching your musical vocabulary.

Benefits of Using a Backing Track

Practicing with a backing track is a critical component of this course, offering a multitude of benefits. It enhances your timing, groove, and ability to play in a band setting. Additionally, it provides a supportive backdrop against which to practice the newly learned techniques, allowing you to experiment with improvisation and phrasing in a realistic context.

Conclusion

"American Blues In 6 Weeks - Week 1 - Stevie Ray Vaughan" is designed to immerse you in the world of blues guitar, equipping you with the skills and techniques to express your musical voice. By the end of this course, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of blues music but also a greater command over your instrument, ready to explore the rich tapestry of blues guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Blues Scale Patterns
• Blues Phrasing
• Shuffle Feel
• Double Stops
• Trills
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Triplets
• Chromatic Passing Tones