Blues in E
Blues in E introduces a new chord, B7. Some guitarists deaden the 6th string by lightly touching it with the left hand thumb which reaches over the top of the neck (see photo). The 6th string can then be strummed but it won’t sound as it is deadened. This technique can apply to any chord where the 6th string note is not a part of that chord shape.
B7
Rhythm Pattern
This blues introduces "first and second endings". On the first time through, ending one is played ( Z ), then the progression is repeated (as indicated by the repeat sign,) and ending two is played ( X ). Be careful not to play both endings together.
When changing from E7 to B7 (and vice versa) the second finger acts as a pivot (see Lesson 2). You should be constantly looking for "short cuts" in chord changes, such as this pivot finger principle.
Notes On The Sixth String
The Whole Note
This is an whole note, or semibreve, worth 4 counts. In * time it is held for a full bar.
The Dotted Half Note
A dot, placed after a note, increases the value of that note by a half; e.g., a dotted half note will be worth 3 counts:
2 has the same value as 3 3 3
The Dotted Quarter Note
A dotted quarter note will be worth 1 and ½ counts.
4 has the same value as 5 5 5
Thus the dot itself does not have a specific value, it depends upon which note it follows.
