Mississippi Groovin' Download - New July 2024This Mississippi groove study song is likely the very first of its kind. The structure is similar to the Filisko study song “DeFord’s Dream” and how it’s put together. You should start with DeFord’s Dream if you have not already. It’s much easier. . . .
Monday Blues DownloadThis song is a revised version of an earlier song called "B1 Blues." The riff is based off of the major pentatonic scale and also sequenced over the IV chord. It is tonally very “major” sounding and could be thought of as “blues lite.”
Need More Walter DownloadThis LEVEL III instrumental is another in the style of Big Walter “Shakey” Horton. It’s also a simplified and refined version of an earlier study song called “I Need My Baby Blues.” . . .
New Slow Blues Download - New July 2024This song is a study in the guitar riff used in the Little Walter song “Just A Feeling.” It’s "blues-lite," as it uses the major third and the major sixth and also perfectly sequences over the IV chord. This is one of the easier level-three songs, but is challenging due to the sequenced riff moving over so many holes . . .
Rumba Blues DownloadThis is a study of the commonly heard blues rumba. One big advantage of knowing a song like this is that it is highly recognizable to any band that is familiar with blues. This allows you to start the song off and signal the band in at the IV chord if your rhythm and playing are strong . . .
Tramp O-Matic DownloadThis is a study of the Tramp groove, getting its name from the song “Tramp,” popularized by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas. Remember that this groove is not a shuffle or swing. It is a straight eighth note groove. This is a simplified version of the older study song called “Boot Camp Tramp.” . . .
This song is a revised and simplified version of “Pick-Up Boogie” that I released in 2011. It has ideas from both Little Walter and Big Walter Horton . . .
Zulu BoogalooThis is a study of the Boogaloo groove, which got its name from the 1960s dance of the same name. Remember that this groove is not a shuffle or swing. It is a straight-eighth note groove, very similar to the “Tramp” groove. Check out the George Harmonica Smith song, “Avalon Boogaloo.” This is also a study in how to use the blues scale. This song requires solid tongue blocking and breathing skills and moderate bending skills. Everything except the chords should be played using tongue blocking . . .
