Blues Soloing Approaches | Guitargate

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Blues Soloing Approaches

In this blues guitar masterclass, instructor Jamie McLean covers approaches to blues soloing using the minor and major pentatonic scales. He begins by reviewing the five positions of the A minor pentatonic scale and demonstrates licks using the backing track. Then, he explains how to play the A major pentatonic scale by shifting the A minor pentatonic shape down three frets.

McLean emphasizes the tonal difference between the minor and major pentatonic scales, demonstrating bluesy licks in the minor pentatonic and more upbeat licks using the major pentatonic. He shows how the scales overlap on the fretboard and encourages students to blend between the two scales. Throughout the class, McLean answers questions from students about scale shapes, chord tones, and soloing approaches.

The second half of the masterclass focuses on applying bending techniques when shifting between the minor and major pentatonic scales over different chords in the 12-bar blues progression. McLean provides additional demonstrations of soloing with the backing track and encourages students to experiment with landing on different notes when shifting between the minor and major pentatonic scales. He leaves students with exercises to help internalize the concepts covered.

Transcript Summary

Introduction and A minor pentatonic scale review (0:00-4:34)

  • McLean welcomes students and reviews the five positions of the A minor pentatonic scale
  • He demonstrates licks using the backing track in A minor pentatonic
  • Encourages students to be comfortable with all five scale positions

Relationship between minor and major pentatonic scales (4:34-11:41)

  • Explains the A major pentatonic scale is the A minor pentatonic shape shifted down three frets
  • Demonstrates the tonal difference between minor and major pentatonic licks
  • Shows how the scales overlap on the fretboard

Applying bending techniques between scales (11:41-end)

  • Incorporates bending from the minor third to major third over major chords
  • Provides demonstrations of soloing and blending the scales
  • Encourages experimenting with different landing notes between the scales

As the Axe man for The Dirty Dozen Brass Band for years, and working with all the heavy hitters including Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Blues Traveler, Marc Broussard, and so many more… Jamie is the PERFECT window into what it takes to thrive with the very, very best.

(IMHO, The level of musicianship in NOLA is probably the best in the country - if not the whole world.  THE RHYTHM. THE SWAGGER. THE VIBE!!)

Jamie is a spectacularly tasteful guitarist - but that’s not the whole story:  He’s an equally Incredible singer and songwriter.  As you know, I’m obsessed with understanding WHY things get stuck in your head, WHY hits are hits, and HOW rhythm, harmony, and wait for it - MELODY - work together to craft something moving and unforgettable.  Jamie is uniquely able to take us on a journey beyond the fretboard, and go deep into the craft of making great music & being an even better storyteller.

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