Four Tasty Blues Licks

Summary

In this video, the presenter demonstrates four blues licks that can elevate your playing, primarily using the C blues scale. Each lick is broken down slowly for easier practice, starting with simple concepts like anchoring notes and progressing to faster tempos. The video covers licks that range from basic blues scale runs to more complex combinations involving the minor pentatonic scale. The presenter encourages viewers to transpose these licks into different keys to help internalize them and incorporate them into their own playing. A fun and educational video for blues guitarists!

Takeaways

• 😀 The video demonstrates four cool blues licks that can be used in blues playing.
• 😀 The licks mainly come from the blues scale, and the video uses the C blues scale as a reference.
• 😀 It is recommended to transpose the licks to different keys for better internalization.
• 😀 Lick 1 involves descending and ascending notes with a smooth transition between them.
• 😀 Lick 2 focuses on the flat five and uses the fifth as an anchor, starting slowly and gradually speeding up.
• 😀 Lick 3 comes purely from the blues scale and features a three-part structure with a thumb-over technique.
• 😀 Lick 3 includes a combination of ascending and descending notes, making it a versatile lick.
• 😀 Lick 4 is more of a run than a traditional lick and is based on the blues scale.
• 😀 The first part of Lick 4 uses the minor pentatonic scale, and the second part includes a run down the blues scale.
• 😀 The video emphasizes practicing the licks slowly and gradually increasing speed for better mastery.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on teaching four different blues licks that are based on the blues scale. The presenter provides demonstrations and explanations on how to play each lick, with the goal of enhancing viewers' blues guitar playing.

What is the recommended key for the blues scale in the video?

The blues scale is demonstrated using the key of C, but the presenter recommends transposing the licks to other keys to help internalize the concepts and increase versatility in blues playing.

What should a beginner do if they are unfamiliar with the blues scale?

If a viewer is unfamiliar with the blues scale, the presenter suggests checking out a dedicated blues scale video, which presumably explains the scale in detail and how to use it in playing.

How is Lick 1 played in the video?

Lick 1 starts with a specific phrase that is then slowed down for clarity. It involves a hand movement where the player moves their hand over the strings and runs up the last part of the lick. The lick is based on the blues scale.

What is important to note about Lick 2?

Lick 2 is described as a fun lick, but the key to mastering it is practicing slowly before gradually speeding it up. It starts on the flat five note and uses the fifth note as an anchor while incorporating the three notes above it.

How is Lick 3 structured?

Lick 3 consists of three parts. The first part is a simple phrase from the blues scale. The second part continues the idea, and the third part involves the player using their thumb to play a note over the top, creating a distinct sound. The lick is demonstrated slowly to ensure understanding.

What is the concept behind Lick 4?

Lick 4 is more of a run than a traditional lick. It starts on the fifth note and involves running up the minor pentatonic scale, which is similar to the blues scale but without the flat 5 note. The second part involves additional notes from the blues scale, and the final part runs down the blues scale.

What is the difference between the blues scale and the minor pentatonic scale as explained in the video?

The blues scale is a minor pentatonic scale with the addition of a flat 5 note. In Lick 4, the player uses the minor pentatonic scale, which does not include the flat 5, while the blues scale features that note to give it a more distinct, bluesy sound.

How should viewers approach learning these licks?

Viewers are encouraged to start by practicing the licks slowly and gradually speeding them up as they become more comfortable. The presenter emphasizes that the licks are based on the blues scale, so mastering the scale itself will be helpful.

What does the presenter suggest if viewers find the licks difficult?

The presenter suggests leaving any questions in the comment box for further clarification. Additionally, viewers are advised to practice the licks slowly and focus on internalizing them, as repetition and gradual speed increase will lead to improvement.