It’s not every day that a blues guitar lesson uses just one chord shape and just one picking pattern.
That’s exactly why I love the Shapeshifter blues progression.
In addition to having a nice simplicity to it, you can also add a couple of elements that really turn the swag and mojo to 11.
Be sure to watch the full blues guitar lesson to find exactly how Shapeshifter can spice up your guitar playing!
Just as a reminder, this is just one blues guitar lesson in a series where I’ll teach you 5 super fun blues progressions that will help you reboot your guitar practice.
And if you want to learn the guitar practice method that has changed the lives of over 21,000 guitar players, you NEED to check out my guitar-reboot workshop to ensure you get the most out of your guitar practice.
Blues Guitar Lesson #4: Slides and Staccatos
This blues guitar lesson really focuses on style and phrasing. Instead of focusing on a complicated chord shape, I want you to focus on how your guitar technique and you’re playing the notes.
The chord shape you’re using is the A7 shape. While simple, it has room to become much more than just A7.
Here’s what I mean…
This 12-bar blues really hinges on the ability to use slides and staccatos. Let me define both of those things, really quick!
A slide is where you slide from one fret to another fret. In the case of the Shapeshifter blues progression, you’re sliding into the A7 shape from one fret below.
Staccato is the phrasing of a note where it is cut short. Instead of holding the note for its full value, you cut it short, allowing for space within your playing.
Staccatos have a unique, percussive quality that can really take your playing to the next level.
As you move through this blues guitar lesson, I want you to focus on your phrasing and rhythm. Don’t be afraid to swing the beat or try some subtle rhythmic differences!
Need More Blues Guitar Guidance?
To join the hundreds of others taking the 5-Day Blues Challenge and read the tabs, be sure to visit our Facebook group.
If you want to practice the other 5-Day Blues Guitar Challenge exercises, click here.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next lesson!
And did I mention that your progress on the guitar doesn’t have to stop after these 5 days?
No, seriously.
You can make 2020 your best year of guitar playing and learning. In fact…
I think you’d be perfect for my guitar reboot workshop. There’s no commitment, other than an hour of your time.
★ Tabs: https://rb.gy/0trkz6
Tony, I enjoyed your shape shifters blues lesson. I’m not very advanced in my playing, so I try to simplify. I prefer a different voicing of the D7 and E7 chords. I just slide the open C7 chord up. That way I don’t have to change my picking pattern to accommodate that E7 chord. If I mess up an hit the open A, I think that sounds pretty bad.