blues progression

[hot ford coupe]

Thanks again for the vids, Reg. I've got them in my RP collection. Those vids are going to help me immeasurably.

[Sailor]

Oh this is great stuff! It's going to take a little while to take it all in.

I'm seeing parts of every blues progression I've learned in here. Vi-II-V's, chromatic approaches from above and below, etc...

My only question - in a particular song would you go through a series of variants, as in the videos, or stick to more or less one rhythm and progression?

I'll be playing the blues today!!

Thanks, Sailor

[Reg]

Hey Sailor...Kind of depends on tune and who's playing etc... I always start with something simple and lock in, usually with what ever the melody gives the rhythm section or who ever is covering the changes, and backing etc... If the blues or jazz/blues don't lock in... it's pretty difficult to go anywhere, you need a reference and something to set up the ears. Once that's established... your pretty free to interact and react... The more you play... the more what you play needs to lock... your not trying to fool anyone. You want what your playing to feel natural, not forced. To me natural is greasy...your audience should be saying... oh yea I can hear that... Once you have the listener, your free to have fun... I know it sounds... simple and maybe even... well anyway that's my approach... it works and in the end you still get to do your thing, what ever that may be, for me I dig burnin most of the time or pounding in a groove that knocks down the house...
So yes... I start with a rhythmic pattern which has a harmonic pattern,(the actual changes I start with) and that will turn into the groove, feel or style of the tune. As I said once that's established... I have fun... Hope helps...Reg

[Sailor]

Thanks Reg...I'm having a little problem seeing all your chords, but with a little work I think I'll get it all. I just love playing this stuff!!

Thanks again...off to play!!!

Sailor

[Sailor]

I can't catch the chords...too fast and low speaking voice. I've got most of it, (the basics), but I'm missing the sweet stuff

Sailor

[Reg]

Which vid and what part... I'll make a slow version and try and explain in more detail. I host a jazz jam tonight... and have a few lessons before... won't be able to post until tomorrow if you need any more... Reg

[Sailor]

Reg...you are too kind. I'm starting with the Bb vid first:

I see, I think, the I chord as Bb13, usually, chromatic approach to IV, Eb9, Bb13 again, Dm7b5, (rootless Bb9?),etc... then VI-II-V-I turnaround, OR Db13, C13,B13, Bb13 turnaround...etc...

Your groove is soooo good. I can't really catch all the inversions and your playing obscures the vocal explanation a lot.

Would it be easier to, perhaps, give us just one good version of your favorite blues comp in pdf, or, xxxx, or whatever is easiest for you?? I think you are giving us near newbies a little too much...It'll be a few years before I play a groovy blues like this with so many options.

OK, off to study the F blues....

Thanks, Sailor

[Metal Fingers]

Wow! Thanks for those Reg! I really appreciate it.Very clear, simple breakdown and it sounds great.
Now to watch the next one.

[kingbiscuit]

hey reg,

been wanting/trying to inject some jazz in my blues playing for some time, and recently stumbled across this website. The discussion and endless analyzing of the posted changes left me with a big headache. The example videos you posted, however, are inspiring. I'm going to work on these now and add some chords to my vocab.

king

[kingbiscuit]

Originally Posted by Reg

sounds like he thinking of Route 66.

just revisiting this old thread to work on the Bb blues vid. yeah, I thought that dutchbopper thing sounded familiar - one of my favorite tracks from Superharps. Check out these harp players blow through this blues (2 min into the track).


YouTube - James Cotton Billy Branch "Route 66".wmv