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The Turnaround – LEG009

Description

This is a fairly simple lesson that demonstrates 3 different types of blues turnarounds. If you’re wondering what the heck a turnaround is, it’s what musicians refer to when they’re playing a few licks to get from the end of one verse to the beginning of the next. So in 12 bar blues for example, the turn around is the little riff that you play to get you from the 12th bar, back to the first bar. You’ll recognize it in the video right away because it’s such a familiar / even predictable sound. Even though I only show 3 turnarounds in this video, there are obviously a million different ways to play them. You’ll find that they’re very important to learn because you can just add them to your stockpile of guitar phrases to pull from, so that when it’s time for the turnaround, you’ll have a few options to choose from. Over time you’ll be able to just make them up on your own by playing the notes in the scale in a particular pattern.Anyway, enough of the chatter, check out the video – it really says it all. Oh, I should also mention that there are no jam tracks or tablature with this lesson. I wanted to create something quickly and get it up on the site.

Blues Turnaround Guitar Lesson

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Comments

  1. Arjen says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hey Brian,

    Nice to see you again with a cool video.

    Best regards Arjen.

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  2. Hoopero says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Good to see you back Brian. On your home page before we log in there is an introductory video that you do. It is not a lesson, I think it should be. Any chance you could turn this into a lesson?

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  3. FransP says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    I am glad that you are back. All you do is great. Thanks.

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  4. breena says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    thanks brian great eric clapton turnaround breena

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  5. JGBarone says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Brian!

    Your lessons are fantastics!
    I`m getting back to my guitars after many years and I think Activemelody is the best site to my starting over. Just great!

    Many thanks!
    JG Barone

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  6. purbo says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    nice..nice..nice..thanks much Brian!!!

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  7. den.andre says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Thanks for the lesson Brian. I have a question.

    I’ve been playing around with the third turn around with a metronome. When am I supposed to start the turn around? To my ears it seems like you have to start this turn around on the ‘and’ of beat four in the 10th bar. Is this correct or am I just off rhythmically?

    /A

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  8. Brian says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Den.Andre - no it should just be on the one - so if you count, 1, 2, 3, 4, (start) - it starts right at the beginning of that 4 count (not on the and).

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  9. den.andre says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Ok, thanks Brian.

    Beat 1 in bar 11 then?

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  10. FZ1rider says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Thanks Brian…

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  11. old and slow says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    brian, this old abnd slow. i’;ve been studying your free videos and thanks for those. buti’m into acoustic blues along the deklta type blues.

    my influences are lightnin’ hopkins and brownie mcghee. i’d love to see more lessons along those lines.

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  12. telemeister says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Very nice turnarounds. The first two appear to be Robert Johnson style, very cool. Always like learning this type of stuff. Thanks

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  13. RonGreen88 says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Brian, your lessons are just what I needed to take to another level of playing. Not being innovative makes it a little boring sometimes, but like I said your lessons make it so much easier to learn for me. These are definitely the best guitar lessons available, great stuff and many thanks for renewed inspiration
    Regards
    Ron

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  14. J.P.C. says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Brian, Your lesson and videos are a joy thank you .J.P.C.

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  15. cdruli says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hi Brian, your lessons are great.
    May I ask for a lesson on blues-intros?
    Thanx
    Rgds

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  16. erock012 says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Hey Brian, any way we can get a full blues chord lesson with turnarounds?

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  17. farma_gonzalo says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    saludos de España!!!

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  18. gio1050 says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    All 3 in key of E, any in A?

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  19. EMudgeSr says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Brian,
    To learn these turnarounds I will have to write out the TABS.  Sure would like to see an extended lesson showing a large group of other turnarounds.  This time with the TABS written out by you.  :-)

    Thanks for this very helpful lesson.

    Happy New Year, 2014.

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  20. Bryce.AKguitar says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Such a helpful tip about using your ring finger to pick the first turnaround.  I knew the first turnaround however I can’t believe how much fast I can play it now.  This lesson was very helpful.  Thanks Brian!

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  21. Bluesman5364 says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Brian, your lessons are not only informative but very easy to follow which makes studying guitar a lot of fun and less frustrating.  Thanks for the dedication.

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