Hey now - This week on Sonic Junction we've got verse three of the slow blues, "So Long". This verse provides kind of a lift from last week's more sparse approach. This week we're using a lot of warbles or trills, along with some glissandos or slides - then, on the V we'll reach back to my last series for some full and half step bending. And again, me talking about it makes it sound a lot more complicated than it is!
Have fun and the main thing is - Feel it!
Rick Estrin
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Chicago Blues
Print Chords & Tab
A Harp in the Key of E.
Loop 0:35 Verse 3 Acoustically
Loop 1:33 Breakdown of First 4 Bars
Loop 8:00 Breakdown of IV Chord and Back to I (Bars 5 - 8)
Loop 13:57 Practice Loop of IV Chord and Back to I (Bars 5 - 8)
Loop 14:15 Breakdown of V Chord and Turnaround
Loop 18:05 Practice Loop of 3rd Verse
Loop 19:02 Slow Practice Loop of 3rd Verse
Loop 20:36 Closing Thoughts
Comments
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Hey Rick,
I got it! You do it two different ways. In the performance and in the first time through in the lesson, there are five notes (5draw, 6 blow, 5draw, 4draw, 5draw) before the slide down starting on the 6-blow. Then in the lesson you do just the first three notes before the slide. I think it can work either way with some flex but the original way you do in the performance makes more sense to me. I feel like James Brown - so good! What a great lick. Do you remember a recording where Little Walter did that thing you talked about. I want to find it now.
This verse is a masterpiece. I'm starting to get the feel for when to use those stabs and hearing how you use them in other pieces. And the pulsing scoop on the trill to keep the groove going...such a little thing that makes such a big difference and which has taken me many, many repetitions to get a beginning handle on. I just want you to know that when you point these things out I'm paying attention. You are giving me so much to grab on to. And I know I'm just scratching the surface.
Bill
Hi Bill - It makes me real happy that you're catching on! Sorry about doing things different ways sometimes. I try to memorize the verses, but often I'm not entirely successful. As far as that lick you're asking about goes, one place where Walter does it is in the last verse of "Take Me Back". He does it in a couple other songs too - I'm sure of that, but "Take Me Back" is the only one I can think of right now.
Hey Rick,
I'm about a week behind on these lessons. That Little Walter-like lick in the middle - you're right. It could be a whole lesson. I've been trying to get that sucker into my head for a few days now. I think I need to stop trying to play it and just listen to it a couple hundred times. Maybe then it will make sense.
So much in this tune. Thanks as always.
Bill
Hi Bill - You're exactly right - Once you get the phrasing and timing of any lick in your head, it becomes a lot easier - Conversely, until that lick is firmly in place in your mind, it's gonna be a little bit frustrating. It's important to remember to be patient with yourself.