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Hip Lines

Three hip lines with a modern blues-rock feel

Welcome back! I just walked off stage from performing Cruefest 2, but I haven't forgotten about delivering a new lesson to help your guitar playing. I figured this lesson we'll have a little fun and give you some hip lines to practice. These lines are in a funky, rock-bluesy feel with a more modern approach. Let's dig in!


Listen
Example 1
This first example is based from the A Dorian scale (A, B, C, D, E, F#, G) with a added Major 3rd, which would be a C# note to give it a more bluesy feel. The last beat of this line has a C Diminished 7th arpeggio (C, Eb, Gb, A) which adds a nice twist. Don't forget the diminished 7th arpeggio is symmetrical, so the C dim7th shares the same notes as the Eb dim7th etc.

Listen
Example 2
Here is another hip line with a little more modern feel, but this one is in B minor. You could think of this in B Dorian (B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A) with a added Major 3rd, which would be a D# note and then mixed with a B blues scale (B, D, E, F, F#, A). Another way you can come up with the same notes is by simply mixing the B minor Blues scale with the B Major Blues scale (B, C#, D, D#, F#, G#). You might want to follow the suggested fingerings.

Listen
Example 3
This is another modern-type line derived from the A Mixolydian scale (A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G). The whole first bar is based from a cool little repeating pattern that is a good workout by itself and then to a 5 note pattern moving up an octave. The last bar can be a great exercise for both hands, be sure to follow the fingerings suggested. This one moves quick, so start slow and then gradually build up speed.

Okay, there are a few examples to start you off--the most important thing is to make up your own. Be sure to visit me online at mikecampese.com.