New Orleans Chords & Rhythms Pt. 2 | Guitargate

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Michael
New Orleans Chords & Rhythms Pt. 2

In this guitar masterclass, teacher Jamie McLean continues his exploration of New Orleans rhythms and chord voicings. He builds on the material covered in the previous lesson by demonstrating additional grooves and techniques.

Jamie starts by reviewing a basic New Orleans groove using a D7 chord shape. He breaks down the rhythmic feel in his right hand and adds ghost notes. He then moves the groove to different chord shapes. Michael provides encouragement as Jamie teaches.

The class delves deeper into incorporating basslines into the grooves. Jamie demonstrates using the ring finger to walk basslines between notes like the root and fifth. He emphasizes the importance of playing "wide" by covering more octaves rather than staying "chunky". This allows for more room to add rhythmic flourishes.

As the masterclass progresses, Jamie solos through the grooves, incorporating riffs and single-note lines. He discusses when it's appropriate to embellish versus keeping the core rhythmic feel. Michael offers additional insight from the chat. Overall, the class provides invaluable techniques for bringing New Orleans flavors to guitar playing.

Transcript Summary

[0:00:02 - 0:01:59]

  • Jamie McLean welcomes everyone back and reviews what they covered last week - New Orleans rhythms and chords
  • He encourages people to post videos of them working with the rhythms and chords
  • Today's lesson will build on last week's by extending the rhythms and chords covered

[0:01:59 - 0:11:06]

  • Jamie demonstrates a basic New Orleans groove using a D7 chord shape
  • He breaks down the rhythm played by his right hand
  • He adds ghost notes to fill it out
  • He moves the groove to different chord shapes

[0:11:06 - 0:19:36]

  • Jamie discusses adding basslines to the groove using the ring finger
  • He demonstrates some bass riffs like moving between the root and fifth
  • He emphasizes playing "wide" by covering more octaves rather than staying chunky

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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