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View Full Version : Do You Play the Blues or Want to Play the Blues?


Clough
Jan 7, 2008, 03:57 AM
Most of us have heard the musical form of blues music presented in various ways. It is an early and simple form of jazz music that has stood the test of time and is also very relevant to today as it was at it's first inception. Perhaps you have been intrigued by it? Playing the blues is easy! It's a form of music that is fail-safe for you to learn, and something that anyone can do!

Perhaps you already play a musical instrument and have played the blues? If so, would you mind sharing about some tunes and/or improvisations that you have played as well as information about the instrument on which you play it? Maybe there are some particular licks that you know that others who also play or might want to play might benefit by learning about them?

If you don't know how to play a musical instrument, but do own a musical instrument of some kind, perhaps I or someone else could show you how to play the blues? I know that if you play at least a keyboard or wind instrument of some kind, that I can teach you how to play the blues via dialogue that we can have on this site! Concerning the stringed instruments, if it is concerning improvisation on the basic blues scales, I know that I can help with that. But, when we get into the variables on the electric or acoustic guitar concerning chords, then I am hopeful that others will step in to advise. But, I know that I can help with at least the scale improvisations on guitars.

SonofSam
Jan 8, 2008, 11:12 AM
I wouldn't say the blues is easy. Look at guys like John Mayer. Yeah, he can play the blues but he's not a bonified bluesman like Albert Lee, John Hooker, Buddy Guy, etc.

Blues scales and chords are easy, but to play them with soul and feeling is the hard part.

But for a start just learn the basics like Pentatonic box patterns, blues scales [same as minor pentatonic with a flat fifth added, aka the blue note]

From there the possiblilities are endless. Guitarists like Zakk Wylde and Dave Mustaine rarely stray from the pentatonic scales.

IMO once you get more into modes the music becomes more cerebral rather than soulful, but there's nothing wrong with that. Its just my opinion that music should come from the heart, not the brain.