Lead Guitar Tactics

Posts Tagged ‘Slow Blues’

This video demonstrates an exercise that requires you to play a solo on only one string using just one finger. Give it a try to see what you can learn from it.

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This video lesson demonstrates the use of the pentatonic/blues scale with emphasis on hitting the chord tones. By using the chord tones we add a new dimension to the blues and also hint at the use of modes over each chord.

Picking up where the last lesson left off I want to get into the use of chord tones in the blues. As stated in the last lesson you can get by playing the blues using just the pentatonic/blues scale. Go ahead and take a second to review that lesson if you need to.

In the chart below I have spelled out each of the chords used in a blues in G. In comparing the chord tones to the pentatonic scale you can see that it’s the 3rd of each chord that make up the primary difference. In other words, those notes are not found in the pentatonic scale, just in the chords.

If you watch the video you will notice that when the chords change I target the thirds. Landing on the third really creates a strong signal that we are on a new chord. If you don’t take anything else away from this lesson, learn the locations of the thirds.

By using these chord tones we are hinting at the use of modes, specifically the mixolydian mode. I don’t want to get into this at the moment because I want to keep things simple. In fact, my thinking for most of this solo is still pentatonic/blues scale with the chord tones (especially the thirds) as a target. We will get much deeper into the modes and some other scales in future lessons.

Below are the diagrams for each chord. That are all played in the same general area of the neck. The lowest fret in each diagram is the second fret. The roots are red, 3rds are green, 5ths are orange and the 7ths are blue. Learn them well.

Once again, as you watch the video, pay close attention the the use of the thirds. I know I said this above but it’s important.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.
You can also download the backing track below.

Slow Blues In G

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