Lesson 4: Playin' the Blues and Payin' Dues
Not all of the notes that you can play on the guitar fit on the staff.
You already know that C is written below the staff with a line through it. To go lower, we simply write the notes below the line or add more lines.
You already know that C is written below the staff with a line through it. To go lower, we simply write the notes below the line or add more lines.
Play the lines below, take as much time as you need to get the notes right:
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In order to write the notes on the A string, we need to add lines underneath the staff. These extra lines are called ledger lines. They work in the same way as regular staff lines. We have already seen where the C on the A string is written. If a note is written in the space below the line for C, it is B on the A string. If we add one more line below the C line we get the open A string.The three lines that are given should be played without regard to time. Just make sure that you get the notes correct. The pitches are given here, but as always, don’t write them in the notation.
A B A B
C B A B
B A B C
A B A B
C B A B
B A B C
Let’s learn a common guitar trick. Start by playing the second position B on the G string that we learned last week.
Go back and forth between the G string B and the open B string.
Now add a Bb (3rd fret on the G) before playing the B on the G string.
Go back and forth between the G string B and the open B string.
Now add a Bb (3rd fret on the G) before playing the B on the G string.
You can also try using a hammer-on between the Bb and the B.
You can get the same effect on other other string.
Try different combinations and see what you like.
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In this lesson we learn how to use open strings and fretted notes that are the same pitch to get a unique effect. We start by working on the G string going between Bb and B. By alternating between open strings and fretted notes we get a sound common to a blues and rock music. You can play these examples with either your fingers or the pick. Know that you can get this effect on all of the open strings. You can also use a hammer-on to get a different effect.
Let’s keep working on reading music in the low register.
As always, give yourself a count-off.
As always, give yourself a count-off.
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We continue working on reading music in the lower register. The third line is in 3/4 , so be sure to give a 3-beat count-off for that line. Also, note that the fourth line has a minor (darker) sound.
Here are the notes for your reference.
E E F | G G E | F F D D | E C ||
G E E | D E F | E D | E D C ||
C | D E F | E E F | G G ||
D D F | G F E | F D | E C D ||
Here is a new song called “Payin’ Dues”.
It uses eighth notes and the note Bb (found on the third fret of the G string). It starts on E on the D string.
Clap through and count the rhythm one time and then try playing the song with the pitches.
It uses eighth notes and the note Bb (found on the third fret of the G string). It starts on E on the D string.
Clap through and count the rhythm one time and then try playing the song with the pitches.
Now that we have been working on reading, we can learn this song in notation. You will probably find it as easy or easier this way. (notice the Bb in the second measure).
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This new song uses the pentatonic scale with the added Bb. You can hear how it gives the music a bluesy sound. It will be helpful to practice counting and clapping the rhythms one time, before trying to play the notes. You might notice that every line ends with a whole note, remember that this gets four counts. You might also notice that there are a few measures that include eighth-notes.
Here’s how they are counted:
Here’s how they are counted:
Remember the fifth and sixth chords from last week?
You can do the same thing on the A string to get an A fifth and A sixth chord.
You can also move the fifth chord to other parts of the fretboard. If you replace the open string with your first finger and add the third finger two frets above on the next string you can get a fifth chord anywhere on the E or A strings.
Try playing these different 5th and 6th chords.
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You can make 5th and 6th chords on the A string in the same way that we made them on the E string. For the 5th chord, play the open A and put your first finger down at the second fret of the D string, this is the A5th chord. To move to a sixth chord, just play the open A string with your third finger pressing down at the 4th fret of the D string. Now you can also play what is called a movable 5th chord. Simply put your first finger in any fret and then put your third finger two frets above your first finger on the next string up. You can practice these chords with the pick or your thumb, either way be careful to not play the open E string.
Now that we have been playing sharps and flats, we can add some color notes to the pentatonic scale.
We know the pentatonic scale as G,A,B,D and E. You can add a note in between A and B and also between D and E.
We know the pentatonic scale as G,A,B,D and E. You can add a note in between A and B and also between D and E.
You can also extend this scale up and down through the instrument:
Practice playing different patterns with this new pentatonic scale.
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When we add these notes to the pentatonic scale we get what is commonly called a “blues scale”. This scale originated in African-American culture, but it has become a staple of many genres American popular music. The flatted notes allow you to get more interesting lines out of the pentatonic scale. As always, it is important to practice the scale by trying to create something with it. While it is important to be able to play the scale straight up and down. Most musicians try different shapes and patterns and often repeat or skip notes when making up melodies with a scale.