Colouring The Blues - 10 Easy Steps

Rob MacKillop · #1 01-23-2011, 09:51 AM

I wrote this easy guide for my new students who come to me stuck in a rut with the Pentatonic Minor on the home key of a 12-bar Blues. It's a subtle intro to jazz for blues players:

Colouring The Blues | Rob MacKillop ~ banjos, guitars, lutes and more

That page is part of my blog/website I'm just putting together. It also has all my Mickey Baker videos on one page. I'm not sure how easy it is for new visitors to the site to navigate around the pages, so please let me know if you have problems. Can you find the Mickey Baker page?

There might be other stuff there of interest. Feel free to Subscribe or hit the RSS button, Comments/discussion welcome there and here.

M-ster · #2 01-23-2011, 02:57 PM

Hi, Rob. Interesting presentation. Love the look of the guitar you're holding at the bottom of the page!

Depending on what you have for recording (I kind of glossed over that, at the top), I think the examples would be more engaging with at least a hi-hat on 2 & 4, or perhaps a walking bass, etc. The time is not easily discernible in many of the examples.

Just a thought ... And, hey, the axe is beautiful!

Rob MacKillop · #3 01-23-2011, 04:32 PM

Thanks, M-ster. I am capable of playing in straight 4/4 if I want to. Sorry if you found it distracting.

musicjohnny · #4 01-23-2011, 10:33 PM

I don't think M-ster was reffering to the time signature you were in, but more on the foundation which allows one to clearly distinguish those features such as a walking bassline, and atleast a hat on 2 and 4. This will contextualize the lick/concept.

I agree with him on that,(if that even was what you were getting at, lol), but I overall really liked your little guide. It was quick, concise and effective. I think it triggers the right gears and plants enough seeds in the mind of a guitar player that he'll begin to explore it if he already hasn't.

Great job Rob

Rob MacKillop · #5 01-24-2011, 01:26 AM

Thanks, Johnny.

M-ster · #6 01-24-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicjohnny

I don't think M-ster was reffering to the time signature you were in, but more on the foundation which allows one to clearly distinguish those features such as a walking bassline, and atleast a hat on 2 and 4. This will contextualize the lick/concept.

Yes, exactly, thanks mj.

M-ster · #7 01-30-2011, 09:38 AM

FrilliGe's avatar appears a little young to be concerned about these med's, no?