This is something fun you can use either by yourself or with a band…
This is the TAB for the version where you use the V chord to start the form again. For the end, just change the F9->E9 to Bb7->A7 (or 9, or 13 if you want… have fun with it!)
Cool lesson. Using the blues half step on the 5 chord to go around again and then using the blues half step for the 1 chord when you want to end the song was a ‘light’ bulb moment for me. I missed that little detail previously. This kind of stuff is really run to play.
Another video that is so helpful. And the end of a lot of your video’s I am like “duh”. That is so obvious and cool but after all these years playing I hadn’t figured it out on my own. I am referring specifically about changing the ending of the turnaround to be 1/2 step down to the one chord for the end of the tune versus the five chord between choruses. Really obvious but never thought of it that way.
I’ve messed with this turnaround forever (learned it from you in the first place) and I can never make the move to the 5 chord half-step cleanly and in rhythm. I’ll keep plugging.
JUST WHAT I NEED. MY OLD BAND MATES, PLAYED AT THE PIZZA PALACE IN LONG BEACH, ON PCHWY.
I WENT TO ONE OF THERE PRACTICES SESSIONS AND TOLD THEM I HAD LEARNED, “BAD TO THE BONE”” I TUNE MY GUITAR TO G AND USE MY SLIDE. I GOT THE LEAD GUITAR TO BACK ME UP AND MY BUDDY PLAY’S RTHYUM. IT IS VERY BLUESY AND HE ASKED ME TO COME AND SEEE THEM PLAY. WELL, THEY CALLED ME UP ON STAGE TO DO A SONG. MY OLE BUDDY WRITE THE SONGS. WE USE TO CO WRITE AT ONE TIME. THEY KIND OF SOUND THE SAME, BUT THE PLAY SOME COVER SONGS. THEY NEVER PLAY BLUES.
I GOT CALLED UP TP PLAY. I WENT TO STEVE, OUR LEAD GUITAR PLAYER AND TOLD HIM IF HE REMEBERD BAD TOO THE BONE. HE GAVE ME A WINK. WE WENT FOR IT AND IT REALLY WAS VERY BLUES SOUNDING. PLUS PLAYING SLIDE GUITAR, I ALSO DID A FEW LICKS. I REALLY SCREWD UP ON THE END. WISH I HAD SEEN THIS VIDEO FIRST. THANKS GRIFF, YOU SOLVED MY PORBLEM. JUST NEED TO MAKE IT SOUND RIGHT IN THE TUNEING OF “G”. WE GOT A STANDING OVATION.
I HAVE TO SAY, ALL THE YEARS WITH YOU GOT ME UP THERE AND I DID OK! THANKS BROTHER.
Thank you once again Griff! Your ability to explain all of these musical concepts in a way that makes sense has benefited me greatly. I had learned to roughly emulate this type turnaround but didn’t know the what’s or why’s involved. Thank you for sharing your musical understanding in such a clear, friendly and professional way.
Since you have 5 easy blues solos out,how about 5 easy blues rhythms or better yet a combination of rhythm and solos that I can use and to move different solos in and out of those spots.
The last bit about either using the half-step to resolve to the V (for another round – a turn-around) or the I (to end the song) is so familiar to my ear and satisfying to now know.
Again with the perfect timing! been working on the challenge and have been stymied by this very thing. Particularly, how to use this when continuing as opposed to ending. Thanks very much.
Thanks Griff, you have re-awakened my interest in playing guitar again, even if my fingers are stiff (mild arthritis)and the cords harder to form now! Thanks.
Thanks Griff. Iconic sound. Also very versatile. Thinking Brown eyed girl riff. You can add a warmer timbre if played on the second and fourth strings starting on the 14th fret,in the key of A,
Your ideas are always a great catalyst,gets my old brain cranking!! Regards,Chris.
38 replies to "A Blues Turnaround With The Blues Half Step Ending"
Very cool
Thanks
A good example of this technique in practice is the Downchild Blues Band tune, “I Got Everything I Need (Almost).” Check it out.
Cool lesson. Using the blues half step on the 5 chord to go around again and then using the blues half step for the 1 chord when you want to end the song was a ‘light’ bulb moment for me. I missed that little detail previously. This kind of stuff is really run to play.
Another video that is so helpful. And the end of a lot of your video’s I am like “duh”. That is so obvious and cool but after all these years playing I hadn’t figured it out on my own. I am referring specifically about changing the ending of the turnaround to be 1/2 step down to the one chord for the end of the tune versus the five chord between choruses. Really obvious but never thought of it that way.
I’ve messed with this turnaround forever (learned it from you in the first place) and I can never make the move to the 5 chord half-step cleanly and in rhythm. I’ll keep plugging.
Very useful and enjoyable lesson. A real keeper!
Griff,
This was a gem thank you!
Thanks Griff, one of the nice little ‘secrets’ !
I have sort of been doing this over the years… but never worked it out as clearly as Griff has shown us. Strike one for Griff (again) 🙂
Very useful stuff!
11/3/18
Thanks–I am slow but making headway.
JUST WHAT I NEED. MY OLD BAND MATES, PLAYED AT THE PIZZA PALACE IN LONG BEACH, ON PCHWY.
I WENT TO ONE OF THERE PRACTICES SESSIONS AND TOLD THEM I HAD LEARNED, “BAD TO THE BONE”” I TUNE MY GUITAR TO G AND USE MY SLIDE. I GOT THE LEAD GUITAR TO BACK ME UP AND MY BUDDY PLAY’S RTHYUM. IT IS VERY BLUESY AND HE ASKED ME TO COME AND SEEE THEM PLAY. WELL, THEY CALLED ME UP ON STAGE TO DO A SONG. MY OLE BUDDY WRITE THE SONGS. WE USE TO CO WRITE AT ONE TIME. THEY KIND OF SOUND THE SAME, BUT THE PLAY SOME COVER SONGS. THEY NEVER PLAY BLUES.
I GOT CALLED UP TP PLAY. I WENT TO STEVE, OUR LEAD GUITAR PLAYER AND TOLD HIM IF HE REMEBERD BAD TOO THE BONE. HE GAVE ME A WINK. WE WENT FOR IT AND IT REALLY WAS VERY BLUES SOUNDING. PLUS PLAYING SLIDE GUITAR, I ALSO DID A FEW LICKS. I REALLY SCREWD UP ON THE END. WISH I HAD SEEN THIS VIDEO FIRST. THANKS GRIFF, YOU SOLVED MY PORBLEM. JUST NEED TO MAKE IT SOUND RIGHT IN THE TUNEING OF “G”. WE GOT A STANDING OVATION.
I HAVE TO SAY, ALL THE YEARS WITH YOU GOT ME UP THERE AND I DID OK! THANKS BROTHER.
Thank you once again Griff! Your ability to explain all of these musical concepts in a way that makes sense has benefited me greatly. I had learned to roughly emulate this type turnaround but didn’t know the what’s or why’s involved. Thank you for sharing your musical understanding in such a clear, friendly and professional way.
Simple, multi key useful, easy to play easy to remember…,Great stuff….
Love these little lessons, Griff!
Thanks Griff!
Thanks again, Griff, another little item for my growing tool chest. You are an excellent instructor, and I appreciate you.
as always…useful info…thanks…later.
cowboy
أفكارك هي دائما حافزا كبيرا، ويحصل بلدي الدماغ القديم التحريك !! التحيات، كريس.
..what he said 😎
Great refresher.
Since you have 5 easy blues solos out,how about 5 easy blues rhythms or better yet a combination of rhythm and solos that I can use and to move different solos in and out of those spots.
The last bit about either using the half-step to resolve to the V (for another round – a turn-around) or the I (to end the song) is so familiar to my ear and satisfying to now know.
Griff. Your better than most YouTube gurus,thanks for the great blues lessons they are simple but VERY effective!!!
those of you with BGU this turnaround is in the 20 turnaround and ending licks bonus material … good to have if you need some fresh ideas
T Rex Lean Woman Blues is a simuliar type of tune E A B a half step up to A is used it was not hard to figure out the rest .
that was quick – the tab, Thanks.
Griff, great again. As others mention , tab would help, as always.
Thanks,
JOHN
Great stuff Griff, tab would be appreciated.Cheers and thanks for all the lessons!
Griff , that was a great lesson . After you explained how to do it , makes it much easier . Thanks for sending it . Mike Z.
Again with the perfect timing! been working on the challenge and have been stymied by this very thing. Particularly, how to use this when continuing as opposed to ending. Thanks very much.
I’ld like it on tabs…….of possible
I wish you put the tabs for this one. Is this lesson in my Blues Unleashed package?
Great stuff Griff! Thanks as always.
Thanks Griff, you have re-awakened my interest in playing guitar again, even if my fingers are stiff (mild arthritis)and the cords harder to form now! Thanks.
Cheers Griff
can’t have enough turnaround ‘s 🎶😎
Very useful considering the latest challenge.
Thanks Griff. Iconic sound. Also very versatile. Thinking Brown eyed girl riff. You can add a warmer timbre if played on the second and fourth strings starting on the 14th fret,in the key of A,
Your ideas are always a great catalyst,gets my old brain cranking!! Regards,Chris.