Brad provides background information on the blues. He teaches you the 12 bar blues, 8 bar blues, and the first pattern of the minor blues scale. He examines this scale closely using scale theory.
Taught by Brad Henecke in Rock Guitar with Brad Henecke seriesLength: 48:14Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
Regardless of whether you enjoy listening to blues, every rock player should spend a significant amount of time studying blues guitar.Naming Blues Chords
Almost all rock guitar teachers teach their students the blues as a precursor to learning countless other skills. As mentioned in the last scene, blues is a relatively simple style of music. For this reason, the blues is a great conduit for learning basic music concepts. Learning the blues enables young students to develop there playing in several key areas:1. Learning a blues is the most effective way to learn how to improvise a solo. The scales utilized in blues improvisation are also the most commonly used scales in rock improvisation.
2. Learning how to improvise over a blues is a great way to develop a vocabulary of licks.
3. Techniques that originally developed in the blues genre have found their way into the rock genre over the years. Techniques such as bending strings and applying wide vibrato originated from the blues.
4. Basic music theory concepts regarding scale theory and chord progressions are explained easily in the context of the 12 bar blues form.
Chords are referred to in two different ways. Chords are referred to by a specific letter name (C7 or GMAJ7 for example). Chords are also named based on the way they function within a given key or chord progression. Within any key, each chord has a specific function or job to do. Roman numerals are used to represent a chord and its function in a key.Chapter 4: (10:30) 12 Bar Blues Frequently, guitarists choose to play each chord in a blues progression as dominant seventh chords (A7, D7, and E7). These chords give the progression a much bluesier feel overall. Standard major triads are acceptable, but they tend to make the progression sound rather stale. Take this time to review these basic open chord shapes.
Let’s examine the key of C Major to see how this works. The key of C is the easiest to start with since it contains no sharps or flats in the key signature.
The C Major scale is spelled as follows: C D E F G A B C. Each note in the scale is now given a Roman numeral based on its position in the scale.C-IA basic 12 bar blues progression utilizes only three chords. A blues consists of the I, IV, and V chords. In the key of C, these chords are C, F, and G.
The 12 bar blues that you will learn in the course of this lesson is in the key of A. This is the best key to start with when learning a blues. This is due to the fact that the scales used to play solos in this key are the easiest to master for beginning students. In order to determine the proper chords to use in this key, start with the Roman numeral analysis of each note in the scale. Always remember the key signature when spelling out a scale! Use the Circle of Fifths to determine how many sharps or flats are in a key. The key of A contains 3 sharps and is spelled as follows:A-IA 12 bar blues consists of the I, IV, and V chords. As a result, we will use A, D, and E chords for a blues in A.
Bars 1-4: A7Bars 11 and 12 form what is called a “turnaround” progression. A turnaround is a short progression consisting of the I and V chord. The turnaround typically occurs at the end of most blues progressions. It serves as a quick transition back to the beginning of the form.
Bars 5-6: D7
Bars 7-8: A7
Bar 9: E7
Bar 10: D7
Bar 11: A7
Bar 12: E7
Another popular way to play the 12 bar blues form is called the Blues Shuffle. A shuffle can describe any piece of music that features the long-short, swinging rhythm of eighth notes.Chapter 5: (1:42) The Quick Change In bar 2 of the 12 bar blues, the IV chord is frequently substituted for the I chord. As a result, D7 is typically played in bar 2. Jazz musicians almost always play the IV chord in bar 2. Adding this extra chord change to the progression saves the harmony from sounding too stagnant in the first four measures. Chapter 6: (1:37) The 8 Bar Blues The 8 bar blues contains the same chords used in a 12 bar blues. However, due to the shortened length of this form, the chord changes occur in different places. Here is a measure-by-measure breakdown of the chord changes:
Note: A shuffle also refers to a quick rhythm in 12/8 in which the first note in a group of three receives the heaviest stress. The rhythm is subdivided into a quick triplet feel. Black Sabbath was the original master of the heavy shuffle. “United States of America” by Smashing Pumpkins is a great modern example of the shuffle.
To perform a blues shuffle, start with an A5 power chord. Fret the sixth string at the 5th fret with the first finger. Then, fret the fifth string at the 7th fret with the third finger. This is the basic A5 chord shape. Now, stretch your pinky in order to the 9th fret of the A string. This note is a major sixth interval from the root A. These basic chord shapes are used to play a blues shuffle. Watch carefully as Brad demonstrates how to play the shuffle at 6:30. Also, check out the “Supplemental Content” section for some additional help.
Bar 1: A7Note: The 8 bar blues can also be played as a shuffle. Once again use the power chord to root/sixth shapes to play this form.
Bar 2: E7
Bars 3-4: D7
Bar 5: A7
Bar 6: E7
Bar 7: A7 (two beats) then D7 (two beats)
Bar 8: A7 (two beats) then E7 (two beats)
Brad applies a technique referred to as “vibrato” as he plays through the blues scale. Vibrato creates a pulsating effect by rapidly moving a pitch back and forth. There are a few different ways of performing vibrato on guitar. The vibrato typically originates primarily from either the wrist or the finger muscles. These muscles combine to create a steady shaking movement. Regardless of the technique you utilize, use your ears to guide your vibrato. Vibrato adds extra dramatic effect to the end of phrases. However, use this technique sparingly. You can have too much of a good thing.Chapter 8: (6:57) The Major Scale The Major scale is one of the most fundamental units of music. Brad begins by breaking down some basic theory pertaining to this scale.
A chord is a combination of three or more notes that is played simultaneously. A contains three notes is called a triad. There are four types of triads: Major, Minor, Augmented, and Diminished. Formulas are used to determine which notes comprise each type of triad.Chapter 10: (2:04) Final Thoughts In the following lesson, Brad will delve into some of the left-hand techniques essential to rock guitar playing. He will demonstrate how these concepts can be applied to the scales learn in this lesson.
Take another look at the C Major scale. A triad can be built from each note in the scale. These chords are referred to as “diatonic triads.” Let’s start with the first note of the scale, C. A triad consists of three components: the root, the third, and the fifth. The root is always the letter name of the chord-in this case, C. The third is the most important note in any chord. The third determines whether a chord is major or minor. 3 half steps make up the minor third interval. 4 half steps make a major third.
To find the third, count up two notes in the scale from C. Thus, the third is E. To find the fifth, count up two more notes. The fifth is G.
Now let’s move onto the next chord. Begin with the note D. Count up two notes in the C Major scale. The third is F. Count up two more to A. This note is the fifth. These notes form a D minor chord.
Here’s a breakdown of all the diatonic triads for the key of C:I: C
In this Phase 2 series Brad Henecke will school you in the art of rock guitar. You will not only learn how to play some of your favorite songs in this series, but you will also learn how to create your own.
This lesson covers the absolute basics of rock guitar. Learn about the electric guitar, pickups, amplifiers, changing strings, and more.Length: 52:09 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
The first step of your rock guitar experience is learning some of the more popular chords and that is what this lesson is all about.Length: 42:30 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke introduces common strumming patterns and barre chords.Length: 42:23 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
In this lesson Brad covers some of the more advanced barre chord shapes. He applies these shapes to the song "Hotel California."Length: 41:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rock has its roots in the blues. Brad helps you explore the wonderful world of blues in this lesson. He also covers some chord theory.Length: 48:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
This lesson is all about specific techniques used by lead guitarists.Length: 52:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
This lesson details how to improvise with the blues scale.Length: 27:27 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
In this fun lesson, Brad Henecke teaches you riffs from 3 classic rock songs.Length: 28:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Power chords help give rock music that "punch you in the face" feel. Learn basic power chords in this lesson.Length: 13:22 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Are you ready to learn "Ain't Talking About Love" by Van Halen and "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC? That's what this lesson is all about.Length: 27:32 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad teaches the first pattern of the minor pentatonic scale and explains how it relates to the blues scale.Length: 14:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad covers the second pattern for both the minor blues and minor pentatonic scales.Length: 9:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Learn the classic rock song "Message in a Bottle."Length: 10:22 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
This great lesson covers the 3rd fretboard pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.Length: 7:19 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad demonstrates how open strings can be added to chord shapes you are already familiar with.Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad covers the fourth pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.Length: 8:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
In this lesson Brad demonstrates how to play the Beatles song "Daytripper."Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad demonstrates the 5th pattern of the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales. He also discusses practicing and memorizing them.Length: 13:05 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Learn the classic rock song "Brown Eyed Girl" in this episode of Rock Guitar.Length: 11:23 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad introduces you to the importance of phrasing. Quality phrasing is essential when performing any melodic line.Length: 14:19 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Tapping is an idiomatic guitar technique that offers a unique sound.Length: 14:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Learning the modes is essential to the development of your scale vocabulary.Length: 31:04 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad further explains what chord shapes are and how they relate to barre chords.Length: 10:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Learn the right and left hand mechanics involved in playing harmonics.Length: 13:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad covers more advanced harmonic techniques such as harp harmonics, pinch harmonics and tap harmonics.Length: 16:10 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad moves on in his modal lesson series to explain the Dorian mode. This lesson includes 2 backing tracks.Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad explains and demonstrates the Phrygian mode.Length: 13:33 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad continues his discussion of the modes. You will learn the Lydian mode in this lesson.Length: 9:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad explains the Mixolydian mode and its practical applications.Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Continuing with his modal lessons, Brad Henecke teaches the Aeolian mode.Length: 9:09 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The final lesson in our modal series covers the Locrian mode.Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad teaches some licks inspired by Ace Frehley of KISS. Incorporate these licks into your own solos.Length: 7:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
In this lesson Brad Henecke teaches you some fun licks that can be used in your own guitar solos.Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke demonstrates some cool blues licks.Length: 17:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke provides an alternate way of comparing modes and scales.Length: 8:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
In the last lesson, Brad Henecke compared some scales that are major or dominant in quality. Now, he repeats this process with minor scales.Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
This lesson is all about 1 string scales. Learning scales on 1 string is essential to your knowledge of the fretboard.Length: 8:34 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad demonstrates a one string version of the Ionian mode. This lesson demonstrates the importance of horizontal scales.Length: 7:27 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad continues his discussion of single string scales. He explains how to play the Aeolian mode across a single string.Length: 4:11 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad explains how to locate octaves within scale patterns. He demonstrates a cool lick that involves playing simultaneous octaves.Length: 7:07 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad explains how to use octaves in the context of an exercise. Octaves can also be used to build effective licks.Length: 5:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad introduces the harmonic minor scale. He explains how it can be applied to the solo break in "Sweet Child O' Mine."Length: 7:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke provides valuable tips regarding the process of learning songs by ear.Length: 23:00 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Improve your ear training by playing "The Tone Is Right" with Brad Henecke.Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke explains diminished chords and provides a fun diminished arpeggio exercise.Length: 19:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke addresses time signatures.Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad Henecke explains the construction of diminished seventh chords. He also provides a diminished chord exercise.Length: 10:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad Henecke introduces open G tuning in this lesson.Length: 23:50 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Brad Henecke introduces drop D tuning in this lesson. He explains many advantages of this tuning.Length: 12:57 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Brad Henecke teaches the G major pentatonic scale. He demonstrates all 5 patterns and explains how they can be transposed to any key.Length: 22:50 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
In this lesson Brad Henecke talks about changing the pentatonic/blues scales with each chord in a chord progression.Length: 11:08 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Brad will show how to use the Mixolydian scale with a blues chord progression.Length: 6:56 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
This lesson is all about gear and effects. Brad begins his discussion with power conditioning and removing hiss from your amplifier. He progresses to discuss a plethora of effects pedals. Brad explores...Length: 52:48 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
In this lesson, Brad Henecke introduces the wah pedal and demonstrates its many applications.Length: 15:53 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About Brad Henecke
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Brad Henecke was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5th of 1963. He has been a fan of music for as long as he & his family can remember. You could always find him running around the farm wailing on his cardboard guitar, pretending to be a member of the rock band KISS. Additional inspiration came during his first concert when he got the chance to see Boston & Sammy Hagar in the early 1970's.
This opened up a whole new world of rock and roll music for him; his parents noticed his growing interest in music and enrolled him into guitar lessons when he was 13.
From there he jumped into two years of lessons at a local music store in Cedar Rapids. After discovering Eddie Van Halen, Brad knew that the guitar would always be a part of his life. He took his love throughout the city as he played as a pit musician & jammed at parties for friends.
This made him thirsty for more. He enrolled classes at Kirkwood Community College & also took lessons from the one & only Craig-Erickson (www.craig-erickson.com).
His love for music landed him a gig opening for Molly Hatchet in Cedar Rapids with a band called "Slap & Tickle". He has also played in the Greeley Stampede show for quite a few years with "True North".
Brad is currently playing in Greeley, Colorado with a rock band titled "Ragged Doll". They play a wide variety of music with an emphasis on classic rock from the 60's to present, with Brad playing electric guitar in the five piece lineup.
He currently jams on his all-time favorite guitar: a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24. Beyond guitar, he plays also plays drums & bass guitar. He has also been known to thrash a banjo from time to time. He is still actively playing & passing his 31 years of playing experience on to others (you!).
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
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