Beyond Blues
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Learn how to add some ear-twisting sounds and push your blues playing to the next level.
ARTICLES
Poindexter at the Crossroads: The 5 Tonalities of the Blues
August 17, 2019
There’s way more to blues harmony than just major and minor.
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Beyond Blues: What Would Jimmy Raney Do?
August 10, 2019
A deep look into how a master combined hard bop with soulful swing.
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Beyond Blues: The Mixo-Pentatonic Scale
May 11, 2019
Ditch the clichés and discover new ways to use an old friend.
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Beyond Blues: Nail Those Changes!
May 19, 2018
Fishing around for some new ideas to enhance your blues licks? Check out this step-by-step approach that covers everything from guide tones to scales.
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Beyond Blues: Roy Buchanan’s Tele Tricks
May 6, 2017
The legendary Tele player was a master at emoting the more vocal and expressive side of blues guitar. Here’s a look at some of his boundary-busting techniques.
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Beyond Blues: “Rhythm” Changes and the Blues
April 8, 2017
Learn how to bridge jazz and blues by tackling one of the most popular progressions around.
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Beyond Blues: The Allman Brothers Band
March 4, 2017
One of the most revered Southern rock bands of all time combined grit and soul with blazing blues guitar. Learn how Duane Allman and Dickey Betts forged an unforgettable sound.
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Beyond Blues: Working the Slow Burn
February 4, 2017
Not all blues progressions are created equal. You need to have touch, time, and taste in order to survive when the tempo slows down.
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Beyond Blues: John Scofield
December 31, 2016
For over 30 years John Scofield has explored nearly every genre imaginable. Here’s a look at how he might balance inside and outside sounds over a classic fusion vamp.
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Beyond Blues: Connecting the Dots
November 26, 2016
When learning guitar, the biggest challenge isn’t mastering fingerings, but rather how to put them together in a musical way. Here are some cool tricks for moving from one shape to another.
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Beyond Blues: Scotty Moore’s Raucous Rockabilly Licks
October 22, 2016
The legendary Elvis sideman was a pioneer of rockabilly guitar, and his approach to merging blues and country influenced generations of guitar pickers. Here’s how he did it.
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Beyond Blues: Larry Carlton
September 3, 2016
The studio master walks a fine line between jazz, blues, and rock with ferocious chops and a unique view on improvisation.
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Beyond Blues: 8 Essential Turnarounds
July 9, 2016
To navigate the last four measures of a 12-bar blues in style, you need a sophisticated ear and a solid knowledge of chord tones.
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Beyond Blues: Mike Bloomfield’s Manic Magic
May 14, 2016
The Chicago-born guitarist wasn’t afraid to go searching for those missing notes. Here, Levi Clay breaks down how one of the most influential guitarists of the ’60s combined blues, rock, and jazz.
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Beyond Blues: Soulful Rhythms
April 16, 2016
Modern soul master Derek Trucks draws inspiration from old-time gospel and jazz to create impressively melodic rhythm parts.
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Beyond Blues: CAGED Developments
March 5, 2016
Supercharge your solos with the potent fretboard approach used by legendary players like Robben Ford.
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Beyond Blues: Billy Gibbons
February 6, 2016
Learn a few secrets about how the king of Texas boogie-rock combines attitude with soul.
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Beyond Blues: How to Use Guide Tones
December 26, 2015
Not all notes are created equal. With a few well-placed targets, your solos can stand out.
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Beyond Blues: Matt Schofield’s Sophisticated Solos
November 28, 2015
Uncovering the soloing secrets used by one of modern blues’ masters.
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Beyond Blues: Texas Rhythm 101
September 26, 2015
A quick look at the essential elements of this slammin’ Lone Star sound.
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