144) Slow Blues 1: Introduction

This series of lessons is effectively a course within a course. We will focus on the unique and often under-taught subject of slow blues guitar playing.

Slow blues is a very expressive form of blues, since it allows for a lot of freedom in terms of phrasing, feel and dynamics. Slow blues classic such as "Red House","Texas Flood", "How Blue Can You Get", "Be Careful With A Fool", "The Sky Is Crying” and “Five Long Years” are all essential listening.

Since the blues is an improvisational form of music, can be more difficult to teach than other styles and slow blues in particular has its own elasticity when it comes to phrasing. Using a variety of backing tracks, we will learn several slow blues solos, using slightly different approaches to phrasing each time.

For generations, blues musicians have picked up licks and soloing ideas from other players, so feel free to steal the ideas presented here and incorporate them into your own solos. Eventually, like the generations of blues guitarists before you, you’ll make them your own.