Silicon Valley Tom
It makes me happpy to play The Blues!
There are many approaches to playing the Blues on guitar. Here are a few from different sources:
1. Play only dominant 7th chords.
2. Play only minor chords.
3. Play only major chords.
4. Play major on the I, and minor on the IV and V.
5. Always start on the first beat of a bar.
6. Never start on the first beat of a bar.
The list goes on. Personally, I dislike “absolute statements” like the ones above insist upon. I do think it is up to the listener and the player what approach to take.
To me playing the Blues is like having a conversation. You use intonation to express and emphasize your thoughts, just as if you are speaking. Call and response is a good fit for the Blues. There are those who play endless licks that do not appeal to me, as they are disjointed, and lack continuity. Some players can play an endless number of 1/16 notes up and down the neck. Most impressive! For those who like "noise" (ie. unwanted sound )
Well, we have to remember that there are almost 50 different types of Blues. So I guess we have to pick and chose what we like. My favorites are Shuffle, Rumba, and Piedmont styles. I do not enjoy other flavors, so I know what I like, and spend my time accordingly.
Oh, I admit that many have called me opinionated, and they are so correct!
Now I am off to break all the rules of the experts, and enjoy myself!
Tom
1. Play only dominant 7th chords.
2. Play only minor chords.
3. Play only major chords.
4. Play major on the I, and minor on the IV and V.
5. Always start on the first beat of a bar.
6. Never start on the first beat of a bar.
The list goes on. Personally, I dislike “absolute statements” like the ones above insist upon. I do think it is up to the listener and the player what approach to take.
To me playing the Blues is like having a conversation. You use intonation to express and emphasize your thoughts, just as if you are speaking. Call and response is a good fit for the Blues. There are those who play endless licks that do not appeal to me, as they are disjointed, and lack continuity. Some players can play an endless number of 1/16 notes up and down the neck. Most impressive! For those who like "noise" (ie. unwanted sound )
Well, we have to remember that there are almost 50 different types of Blues. So I guess we have to pick and chose what we like. My favorites are Shuffle, Rumba, and Piedmont styles. I do not enjoy other flavors, so I know what I like, and spend my time accordingly.
Oh, I admit that many have called me opinionated, and they are so correct!
Now I am off to break all the rules of the experts, and enjoy myself!
Tom