This week we're re-issuing one of Duke's most popular lessons: Slow Blues In C. We've updated the lesson with a full transcription of the solo's 2nd chorus. Next week Duke will be starting a new series: Worried Life Blues.
Hello Folks, in this weeks lesson we go over more options for playing a slow blues in C for both rhythm and lead guitar. Starting with the rhythm we go over ways to play different patterns and also work on various combinations of chords and rhythms to break up and build a rhythm part throughout a song. Then we go over different lead patterns employing double stops, different lead lines, low notes for soloing and riff and picking patterns of different artists like Johnny "guitar" Watson and Albert Collins. Enjoy, Duke .
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:Chicago Blues
johnny guitar watson
Albert Collins
Key of C
Slow Blues
Print Chords & Tab
Loop 0:00 Whole Solo Practice Loop
Loop 0:52 2nd Chorus Practice Loop
Loop 3:30 Additional Chord Ideas
Loop 7:00 Addition Solo Ideas
Loop 14:52 Closing Thoughts
Comments
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Here's a Blues in C tribute to Lucy Mae, Duke's doggie.
Thanks Bruce, And I'm sure Lucy thanks you too. Nice verse and really great BB style soloing! 👍
Thank you, Duke!! I stole a lick from "Live At The Regal". ;-)
Hi Duke,
Here's my best effort, tryin to put inside my solo some stuff you showed us...At the end, my dog started to bark and I had to leave the room, forgetting to shut down the video...No, my chair doesnt playguitar, sorry.
Hello Jean Michel, Sounds great! I like how you leave some space in between phrases. Too many guitarists want to fill every space. Good job! Duke
Hi Mike,
I've tried making a video but when I preview the clip the sound cuts in and out. Any advice?
Thanks.
Duke, I like how you play a slow blues in Db sometimes (I find that it makes me and the other instrumentalists have to think differently). Is there a particular reason why you would choose Db instead of the more conventional C or D?
Hi Jim - good question. When the sound cuts in and out, it's usually your computer's "ambient noise reduction" at work. It's optimized for speech --- and therefore tries to isolate the words. For recording music on my MacBook -- I always turn it off (System Preference > Sound). I hope that helps.
Hi Jimmy, Well I usually choose a key that is good for the vocal but also, Db is a good key to play in. Many jazz players use Db often, it has a nice sound and I like where it sits on the neck for guitar. Also one other reason I use it is that it is the last note on a 21 fret neck and I sometimes slide up to the root without looking because its the last note on an oldstyle Fender. Duke
Hey everyone, I urge you all to post more videos and ask more questions about guitar styles. That's what i am here for! And spread the word if you dig our lessons here please. Thanks, Duke
Yeah Stevieboy! You sound great! Love your tone on that LP Special. Just the right amount of grit. Your phrasing is very good and I like your use of double stops a lot. Good blues ideas and some original ones in places also! Very melodic in a blues sense. i liked what you did down in the lower fret range, nice combinations of notes. very good there Stevieboy, Keep on keepin' on!
Hi Brandon, Great job! Really good tone and use of space, which is so important to good phrasing. You have all the ideas and chops down. Love to hear you play withj a real band! liked your use of your thumb when playing the bridge pickup. It gives it a fatter tone, I do that also to achieve a fatter tone. Keep up the good work. great playing........ Duke
OK, you guys inspired me ... I need to hit the woodshed on my slow blues.
Brandon you have great tone. Your picking techique is really cool... have very nice touch. That rake you do with your thumb at 0:58 is awesome. I'm going to try that out and see if it works for me. How and why did you start picking with your thumb like that?
Steve ... your tone and phrasing around 1:00 is great. It's like how your making the guitar squawk and talk ... and leaving space between the phrases. Takes the solo to a different place.
Hey
Pretty much everything Brandon said before me I would echo, except for the pajamas. I just apologize in advance for being pretty ugly, and all the clams.
Steve
Big Duke fan since the early 70s.
Hi Stevie, Nice blues playing there! I really enjoyed it. Very old school style, which is my personal preference. Duke
Hi Duke, Mike, the rest of sonic junction,
New member here, wow, what a treat to be able to post videos and get responses like this. Thanks so much! Duke, I'm a huge fan and gracious for any feedback. I think it's really awesome you share your knowledge like this. I do apologize in advance for the homer simpson pajamas, I recorded my bit this morning. Cheers, Brandon
Hi DaddyRay & Duke .. Thanks. I updated the chords. C6 was easy ... it was a typo. I think I got the second chord correct ... both fingering and voicing. Let me know if you think otherwise. Thanks!
Yes Ray, You are correct sir! The first chord is a C6th and whatever the second chord is is wrong. I will have to look at it and see what chord should be there. Thanks for the heads up on it!
the above diagram of the turn around chords seeems to be in error. the first chord is a C6 isn't it and then what is the deal with the other turnaround chord.....
Hi David .. thanks! Glad we got it fixed. So everyone knows, Safari needs the latest version of Flash to record video. Have a great weekend everyone!
Thats great Roger. I'm rellay happy some of my suggestions are working for you! Duke
Duke,
I am already seeing some progress using longer lines and tapping my foot. Its amazing that such a simple thing as tapping your foot can help so much. Thank you !
Roger
Hi David .. OK. I use a Mac, so I don't think that's the issue. What type of computer do you have?
Feel free to email me at mike@sonic-junction.com I would be happy to work through it with you. Also, if you want to email me your phone number (please don't post it as a comment) we should either have it fixed or know the issue in about 5 min.
Thanks!
Hi David .. OK. Very helpful. Thanks.
In order to record video, Sonic Junction needs permission to turn on your webcam. This is a security feature which is in place so random website don't start turning on your webcam and recording video. So, after you click on the Record Video button, do you get this window? If so, please click on "Allow" and you should then see yourself in the preview window.