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Learn Blues Guitar in inner SE Portland
Topics Covered: Rhythms, swing beats, polyrhythms; blues standards. Soloing, playing in key. Classic awesome blues bends, vibrato, licks; modes and modal blues playing. Chordal theory, chordal soloing. Learn from the styles of Lightnin’ Hopkins, Hendrix, Clapton, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Lurrie Bell, Robert Cray and more.
Music Theory: Key signatures and sight-reading music notation for those whom wish to read; simplified and easy-to-use music theory for those who wish to rock. Playing in key. Scales, modes; chordal theory and rhythms. Intervals, and interval-related ear training. For vocalists of any sort and age, a capella interval vocalization and creative improvisational composition is encouraged – and possible.
Material and Application: You pick the music.
Instructor notes: The guitar is definitely my specialty, and I grew up just outside of Detroit Michigan, playing the aggressive John Lee Hooker Detroit Blues style (as well as funk and Motown, and jazz). I love the guitar in all forms including blues, rock, jazz, latin jazz, and country, fingerstyle guitar with alternate tunings; psych rock, industrial, kid’s tunes, church songs and traditionals.
You Should Bring: Your guitar, and your friends/parents. After the first lesson (when I’ll ensure that your guitar is playable and not too frustrating), you’re welcome to use one of my guitars. I don’t care if you bring your lesson papers back. I prefer that you know the material and leave the papers at home. When we are learning what we love, we memorize it better. That’s why students of all ages guide their own lessons.
About the Instrument: Blues is generally played on an electric guitar with single coil pickups due to the cutting, clear bite of single coil pickups … this is not a music instrument gear site. Variations on guitars, and my problem with instrument purchasing, is its own discussion. 😉
Genres: Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, Detroit Blues, Blues Rock, Slide Guitar, Alternate Tunings, Gospel Blues, Jump Blues, Swing Blues, Rhythm and Blues
-Amanda Machina
squirrel at whirling squirrel dot com
I am retired. I have a sort of self taught fingerstyle basic 12 bar blues in E thing I can do, and not much else. I have a fabulous Martin guitar and I would like to expand my blues ability and see where it leads. I also have a cheap strat and would like to learn more about playing blues with an amp. Also, I have a 1934 National style O resonator that I would like to learn more about playing. I would prefer private lessons. I struggle in groups and can only sit for about 20 minutes without having to stand briefly.
Hey Don, call me or email me at
Squirrel@whirlingsquirrel.com
Or
503-577-2311
Amanda
I live in Camas but am interested in taking lessons. I want to get the most out of our time together so I was wondering how often you recommend scheduling lessons? Once a week? Twice a month? Etc. Thanks!