Adding Interest to the Blues

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Instructor: Jody Mac Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Blues

Excerpt: Lick 1 The first example uses a chromatic run and legato. Use it to break out of the traditional blues box. The chromatic notes add interest and stretch the listener. The tempo is quite fast, so practice it cleanly. Make sure you're hitting all of the notes in the chromatic section.

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Instructor: Jody Mac Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Blues

Excerpt: Lick 2 This is a unique way to turn ordinary lines into head turning slide emulation. Heavily influenced by Jimmy Herring and Derek Trucks, it uses only a few notes, but wrings every possible sound from them. By staying on only one string and using bends, you are able to simulate the sound that a slide player would get. Precision in this exercise is key. Ma...

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Instructor: Jody Mac Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Blues

Excerpt: Lick 3 This is a lick in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Nothing says blues like an occasional nod to one of the greats. Many players try to emulate Stevie to the point of unoriginality. Be careful to become your own player. This lick is fun to play, and will catch the audience's ear. Familiarity is sometimes a useful tool. Practice it slowly and carefully...

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Instructor: Jody Mac Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Blues

Excerpt: Lick 4  This lick is built around an Am arpeggio played over G minor. It sounds fairly outside when played in context due to the first notes in the pattern. Don't overdo it though. An occasional departure from the diatonic key can add interest, but too much makes it hard for the listener to follow your ideas.

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Instructor: Jody Mac Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Blues

Excerpt: Lick 5 This lick requires you to master the art of raking the strings. It's a good transition lick to set up your favourite blues runs. It is derived from the F# Blues scale. Don't let the fact that it's short fool you - it takes work to make this example sound musical and fluid. Use it to embellish and create interest in your next blues solo! Good Luck!

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