In addition to the common accompanying rhythms for "Blues-Blues," as I call it here, I show you plenty of instructive turnarounds. The icing on the cake of this course is an original Eric Clapton solo, which I transcribed from one of his live recordings. It's a deep dive into Eric Clapton's lick library, and a lesson in dealing with musical rests. Further, it presents lots of ideas that can also help you with Jazz Blues. My tip: Definitely practice this, it's worth it!
Level
Moderate
Lessons
10 Lessons | min
Lesson 1Introduction
Duration: min
Let me introduce you to the topics covered in the course "Clapton Style Blues".
Lesson 2Blues comping 1 and 2
Duration: min
Here I show you how to accompany a blues in C using two different patterns. In addition to the usual keys of A and E, C major is a refreshing change. The harmonies in this blues pattern are as follows: 𝄆 C 𝄀 𝄎 𝄀 𝄎 𝄀 𝄎 𝄀 𝄀 F 𝄀 𝄎 𝄀 C 𝄀 𝄎 𝄀 𝄀 G 𝄀 F 𝄀 C 𝄀 𝄎 𝄇
Lesson 3Blues comping 3 performance
Duration: min
With just two fingerings and three chords, you can create a groovy accompaniment on the upper four strings. The advantage of this playing style: You don't get in the way of the bassist.
Lesson 4Blues comping 3 explanation
Duration: min
The three chords for the blues in C are C13, F9, and G9.
Lesson 5Blues comping 4 performance
Duration: min
Here, I only use triads on the upper strings for an effective blues comping, which, however, doesn't work if played entirely by itself. It requires other instruments to be playing along.
Lesson 6Blues comping 4 explanation
Duration: min
For C, I play C major, for F, it's C minor. This works because the three notes of C minor (the root C, the minor third Eb, and the fifth G) are three very important notes in an F9 chord: the fifth C, the seventh Eb, and the ninth G. These three notes change their function when played over F, as the intervals to the new root change. The same applies to G9, where the triad D minor replaces this chord.
Lesson 7Clapton solo performance (fast)
Duration: min
I transcribed the solo from the following video: Link to video. It starts right at the beginning of the piece. I play the Clapton solo here at the original tempo (182bpm).
Lesson 8Clapton solo performance (slow)
Duration: min
At a reduced tempo, not only is it easier to follow along, but the details of the phrasing become more noticeable.
Lesson 9Clapton solo (explained lick by lick)
Duration: min
Many of these licks can be used in all places of the blues form, since Eric Clapton doesn't play all the harmonic changes. But here: Whenever it goes to C, the master plays a hammer-on from Eb to E to mark the root chord with its major third in a bluesy way. Practice the solo carefully; it's worth it!!!
Lesson 10Turnarounds
Duration: min
With a turnaround (these figures are usually played in the last two bars of the blues form), you can lead the blues into the next chorus (1 blues pattern = 1 chorus) or end the blues with a turnaround. However, you don't play G7 at the end, but C, as in the Joe-Pass-Style turnaround presented here. Enjoy the content presented here!
