This book takes an innovative approach to learning Blues rhythm guitar. Progressive Blues Rhythm Guitar Method uses both chords and single note riffs to help the student gain control of timing and rhythms, which are essential in creating good rhythm parts. The book contains a study of both open and moveable chords. before moving on to single and double note riffs which include many of the classic Blues sounds.
The method uses five basic major chord shapes and shows how many other chords can be derived from them and moved to every key. The book also contains an in depth study of dominant 7th chords, which are the heart of the Blues sound. A variety of chord forms are introduced within a framework that quickly allows the student to play confidently over the entire fretboard. Other essential sounds such as the 9th chord are also introduced. Exercises are introduced in a progressive manner, encouraging the development of both hands.
In Blues playing what you do with the notes and where you put them is much more important than how many different notes you play. It is largely the phrasing and timing, along with imaginative use of rhythms that distinguishes the great players from the rest. This book presents a study of note and rest values along with ties and expressive rhythm techniques such as staccato and percussive strumming, along with an explanation of different feels such as straight or swing 8ths and the shuffle.
By the end of the book, the student will be playing authentic Blues rhythm parts as played by the greats.
To improve your skills even further it is recommended that you use a metronome or drum machine with all the examples in the book. It would also be helpful to play along with the recording that accpmpanies the book. If you are serious about music, a good teacher can often help you progress much quicker than you can on your own.
