Blues Course

Lesson 1 • Core Blues Characteristics

Identifies the defining musical features of blues. Connects these traits to the emotional and expressive goals of the genre.

Lesson 2 • Listening and Ear Training Basics

Develops active listening skills specific to blues music. Students learn to identify structural and expressive elements by ear.

Lesson 3 • Major Blues Styles Overview

Surveys Delta, Chicago, Texas, and Piedmont styles. Provides a map of regional differences students will explore in depth later.

Lesson 1 • Playing the Form in Multiple Keys

Applies the 12-bar structure across common blues keys. Builds transposition fluency and fretboard or keyboard awareness.

Lesson 2 • Rhythm and Feel Within the Form

Focuses on groove, timing, and rhythmic feel inside the 12-bar structure. Students develop a steady, authentic blues pulse.

Lesson 3 • Common Variations and Extensions

Introduces quick-change, slow-change, and minor blues variations. Expands students' harmonic vocabulary beyond the basic form.

Lesson 1 • Minor Pentatonic Scale Fundamentals

Introduces the five-note minor pentatonic scale in multiple positions. Provides the melodic foundation for blues soloing.

Lesson 2 • Scale Patterns and Sequences

Builds technical fluency through melodic patterns and sequences. Prepares students for fluid, musical soloing.

Lesson 3 • Adding the Blues Note

Adds the flat-five blue note to the pentatonic scale. Students learn to use tension and release expressively.

Lesson 4 • Connecting Scales Across the Neck

Links all five pentatonic positions into a unified fretboard map. Students solo freely without positional restrictions.

Lesson 1 • Shuffle and Boogie Patterns

Teaches the shuffle and boogie-woogie rhythm patterns central to blues. Students develop a driving, locked-in groove.

Lesson 2 • Rhythm Feels Across Blues Styles

Applies different rhythmic feels to match Delta, Chicago, and Texas styles. Students adapt their rhythm playing to stylistic context.

Lesson 3 • Essential Blues Chord Voicings

Covers dominant seventh, ninth, and thirteenth chord shapes. Provides the harmonic palette for authentic blues comping.

Lesson 1 • Constructing Blues Phrases

Applies expressive techniques to build complete, musical phrases. Students develop call-and-response phrasing over the 12-bar form.

Lesson 2 • Developing a Personal Blues Voice

Guides students toward a distinctive personal style. Encourages intentional choices in tone, phrasing, and feel.

Lesson 3 • Bending Technique and Intonation

Teaches string bending as the primary expressive tool in blues. Students achieve accurate pitch targets and consistent intonation.

Lesson 4 • Dynamics and Articulation

Explores how volume, attack, and articulation shape blues phrasing. Students learn to use silence and contrast for emotional impact.

Lesson 1 • Delta Blues Deep Dive

Examines slide guitar, open tunings, and raw Delta phrasing. Students replicate key techniques from foundational Delta recordings.

Lesson 2 • Modern Blues and Contemporary Voices

Surveys post-1980s blues evolution including blues-rock and soul-blues. Students connect classic roots to contemporary applications.

Lesson 3 • Piedmont and Acoustic Fingerpicking

Teaches the alternating bass and melody fingerpicking style of Piedmont blues. Students develop right-hand independence and coordination.

Lesson 4 • Texas Blues Approach

Explores the fluid, jazzy phrasing and clean tone of Texas blues. Students develop longer melodic lines and sophisticated chord work.

Lesson 1 • Targeting Chord Tones

Teaches students to land on chord tones for harmonic clarity. Connects melodic lines to the underlying chord changes.

Lesson 2 • Soloing Over Chord Changes

Applies melodic and harmonic awareness to navigate chord changes. Students track the I, IV, and V chords in real time.

Lesson 3 • Improvisation Mindset and Approach

Establishes the mental framework for spontaneous musical creation. Students learn to listen, react, and commit during improvisation.

Lesson 4 • Building Solo Structure

Guides students in shaping solos with a beginning, climax, and resolution. Develops musical storytelling over the 12-bar form.

Lesson 1 • Setlist Design and Song Flow

Teaches how to structure a blues set for maximum audience engagement. Students sequence songs by key, tempo, and emotional arc.

Lesson 2 • Practice Routines for Performance Readiness

Designs structured practice habits that translate directly to stage performance. Students build consistency, stamina, and mental focus.

Lesson 3 • Tone Shaping and Gear Essentials

Covers guitar, amplifier, and effects choices for authentic blues tone. Students build a practical, versatile blues rig.

Lesson 4 • Stage Presence and Performance Energy

Builds physical confidence, movement, and audience connection during performance. Students project authenticity and emotional commitment.