Slow blues in Am over Quist backing track

[JoeD1]

I took a 4 week course from Quist and this is the culmination of what I learned.

• play only short phrases (3–5 notes max)
• leave a clear pause between each phrase
• Keep your phrases short (3–5 notes max)
• leave a clear pause between each phrase
• let at least one note ring out for a longer duration
• Land all – or most of – your phrases on basic target notes (A, C, E)
• Play 1 or more “lead-in phrases” into target notes that land on 1
• Bend or slide into a target note + add vibrato to really make it sing
• Put as much emotion as you can into each phrase
• Repeat and develop at least one idea during your solo
• Try to make it feel like a continuous “conversation” – like you’re telling a story

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[JoLa]

Wow, Joe! This sounded fantastic! The 4 -week course was a great investment on your part, very impressive! Gosh, I just LOVED those pauses, they spoke as much emotion as the best phrases in music.

With minimal modifications, you could turn it into the April Challenge Response 😉

🎸JoLa

[Michael Krailo]

Yep you handled the spacing really well, just watch out for that 2nd string bend in pattern #2 is not in the pentatonic scale. I sometimes forget that myself. You can bend all the way up to the b3, but it’s a 1-1/2 step bend to get to that C note. Other than that, superb job.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Garry]

Very musical solo with lots of expression Joe. Yes, these are valuable dot points for sure. I definitely subscribe to the theory of less is more. You’re taking your guitar playing to another level. Well played. All the best! 😎🎸😎

[Laurel C]

Joe. So much substance in your moves and another level up in your playing. Fantastic result. The dot points are really helpful and summarise what we need to consider when navigating the blues. Thanks for sharing these tips and showcasing your results from doing the course.

[Mark T]

A wonderful performance from you, Joe – and the points you made are well worth noting, particularly pausing between each phrase, which you demonstrated perfectly. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Geoff]

Well done Joe. You are showing definite improvement and the quality of your recording is great 👍 . It is clear you work hard at this and that’s what makes the difference.

Over the years of being with AM, I have come to similar conclusions completely independently. Short phrases with room to breath makes a big difference. At the end of the day, playing with your heart is the most important thing.

I think it is very worth learning the theory too without getting too hung up on it. I find the theory just works its way into my playing gradually over time 😄

[San Luis Rey]

Some really nice playing Joe! You absorbed quite a bit from this course that will stay with you going forward.

Mike

[David L]

You nailed another one, Joe. You hit all of the eleven points that you outlined. Very impressive.

[John H]

Joe
Yes!! To what JoLa said, your breaks and pauses spoke as meaningfully as what you played. I’m glad to did this, and shared it because in reading through the list it’s “food for thought” for all of us. These are tips from which we all can benefit. This was your best submission and solo to date. Keep up the good work. Impressive, tasty, choice chops!!!

John

[Author]

Posts