Mark Wilson’s BlueGrooves
Be
B LUES
nique that works well in this lesson is palm muting. Experiment
with it to lend the rhythm a more authentic sound.
The boogie-woogie rhythm is a popular shuffle heard on countless recordings throughout the years. From B.B. King to Stevie
Ray Vaughan, all of the greats have put their own stamp on this
rhythm. The bass plays quarter notes to lock in a strong groove
with the drums, while the guitar doubles the bass line using
eighth notes. This rhythm is effective at any speed, with the
tempo determining the feel.
Let’s take a closer look at this classic boogie-woogie bassline,
which is based on a dominant chord. Since we’re in the key of G,
let’s start there. Most people already know the minor pentatonic
scale: I, flat III, V, flat VII. Since this example is over a G7 chord,
we’ll use the arpeggio, but leave out the third. That would be I, VIII
(octave), flat VII, V.
To help achieve the proper rhythmic feel, be sure to use alternate
picking – down-up-down-up – remembering that each downstroke
should match up with the downbeat. Essentially, every time you
tap your foot should be a downstroke. Another right hand tech
For left hand technique, keep your fingers close to the strings to
help mute unused strings. Also, practice moving from position to
position quickly, to keep the feel going, your pinky for the octave
note, to help keep your left hand in a close compact position to
facilitate throwing in the occasional blues lick. For variation, explore
the idea of root-fifth power chords as a relatively simple way to
add more texture to the rhythm.
The second example is a lead to play over the boogie shuffle. The
main ideas here are the movement from major to minor pentatonic scales to create tension and movement. Also notice when
the solo goes to the IV, or C, it remains in that position after the
change back to G, or the I chord. Also look for the use of the VI, in
this case E, to add sweetness.
That wraps it up for this month’s TrueFire blues lesson. Check back
next month for more blues tips.
86 PREMIER GUI TAR NOVEMBER 2007
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