Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

MicroLesson: ML118 – Blues harmonies hiding inside chord shapes – Can you see them? Guitar Lesson – ML118

Description

In this MicroLesson (ML118), you’ll learn how to find Blues harmonies inside of basic chord shapes (from the CAGED System) – Makes it easy to find them again in the future (in any key).

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walkthrough

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  4. Anthony M says

    This has some really cool sounding ideas that I have overlooked. Your site has so many great lessons it gets hard to pick through what I select to add as favorites. Keep ’em coming though, I’m not complaining.

  6. Mike R says

    Very useful ideas that I can use for all other keys. Great for jamming and getting these into my head, especially thinking about the containers or positions they apply to. I will have lots of fun experimenting with this. Thanks Brian! You are always thinking about familiar sounds from the Blues that we can all use.

  7. James G says

    I look forward to diving into this arrangement! Love your micro lessons Brian it’s nice to pick up your guitar and play…all your lessons are amazing and my playing has improved..light bulbs! I haven’t seen you bring out your Alvarez for some Ragtime in a while…Thanks

  8. MICHAEL H says

    Your sense of rhythm and syncopation is something that can’t be taught (unless you can come up with a lesson to teach it!). Measure 2 for example: two dotted quarters, 1/8 rest, play the AND of 4 that ties over to the One of the next measure. You’re a funky dude, Brian!

  9. Michael S says

    Thank you very much, Brian. I’ve been following you for many years now and always look forward to Saturday mornings when you share your new inspiration with us here in Germany. Please keep up the good work, thank you again… it’s great fun!

  11. charjo says

    Thanks, Brian. This CAGED “container” concept paired with an understanding of intervals is becoming central to my whole understanding of the guitar. Keep hammering on it.
    John

  12. Mark H says

    Nice lesson. It helped me to understand why those double stop riffs I’ve been doing by rote for years work. CAGED, of course, duh Mark!
    I’m optimistic I can find more (and mess up less often) now I have more theory to lean on.

    Cool hammer-on rolls in there too, also great for fingerstyle.

    Re. the arrangement, where it goes a bit Hawaiian-ish at the end to my ear is a bit “sweet” sounding, I’ll probably find ways to blues it up a tad.

    • Rob N says

      It is a stretch and does hurt a bit. Have you tried slowing the video down and looping it on that slide – to check your fingers are positioned correctly? Brian’s index finger is angled heavily towards the body of the guitar.

      Secondly, finger pressure on the fretboard might effect how much it hurts – the lighter pressure the better, I think. Then you could try playing it further up the fretboard and gradually work your way down.

      Or just use your pinky – we all have to adapt to our own style that is comfortable.

  23. Gabriel B says

    Hi Brian. I’ve loved all your lessons up to now, and really appreciate your teaching style.
    But in the last while I consider my playing has greatly improved, and it seems that it has all come together due to my renewed focus on your triad lessons.
    After your ML113, Ml116, and now this ML118, I’ve gone back over the other lessons, and presto, I already feel more confident improvising all over the fretboard.
    Many thanks, and I look forward to more in the same vein.
    Cheers, Gabriel

  27. Raymond P says

    Wow, a very power packed lesson for me. The putting licks and all the various runs into chord shape containers within the CAGED 5 shape systems was a huge light-bulb moment for me. Very cool. Thanks Brian.

  31. houliAK says

    I love the “container” reference discussion at the end of part 2 to organize licks and scale ideas. I know Ive heard it more than once, but I’m slow and learn by repetition. It’s a great reminder!

  32. Norbert says

    In my collection of Brian´s sheet music, I have a folder called “listen and play along.” I found EP485, which fits with ML118 very well. My favourite starting point: minute 18:18.
    Thanks again, Brian 😉

  35. timothy9 says

    Mike Bloomfield used to play a great jam tune called Mary Jane that uses similar changes to this song. He played it in a rhumba rhythm that had an incredible groove. I believe it was only recorded on a bootleg album but it’s out there. Great lesson Brian.

  39. Jeff B says

    Great lesson as always. I have been going back through your older lessons and it is amazing how much I pick up and retain after going through them again. I think that concept is one of my “light bulb” moments. I must say, I belong to other sites such as Truefire Total Access (which is great) and several others, but your lessons are my favorite. I’ve been a member here over 3-years and will remain because you have interesting content and improve. You put a lot of effort into your lessons and it shows. In addition, I love the different instruments you use and I share your taste on many and even own many similar to yours (yes, it is a disease!). I do have a question ….how come you never play an ES-330 or Casino? I finally got an Epiphone Casino and love it. It is extremely light, easy to play, has P90’s, built solid, and sounds fantastic. Just curious. thanks again Brian

  40. Todd B says

    Brian I could not begin to imagine my life without these excellent lessons. A new revelation for me in every one. Im about 6.5 years into my guitar journey at 71 years old. I feel I’m starting to get pretty good, a good part due to your teaching. I have practiced an hour or two everyday for all of those 6.5 years. What a great feeling! I’m a singer who has always idolized guitar players. Now I’m one myself. As long as I still have Breath, I will always be your member

    Todd Brennan

  41. Paul M says

    Brian, thank you as always for the thought and care that you give to every lesson. I, like many of the other members, only have the capacity to take in a Micro lesson so go the Micro!
    Best wishes

  43. David B says

    Great stuff! This lesson helps me fit together all those pieces from other AM lessons into my brain and make more sense in my improvising and putting extra notes between chords. Love that spotlight on the links to soulful and cool sounds on this six string! Thx.

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