Music Lesson: Blue Counterpoint

Welcome! Today, we're diving into the tune Blue Counterpoint. It's a fun piece, reminiscent of rock and roll played on classical guitar. Let's get started!

Introduction

• We'll begin with an introduction and work on getting into the groove.
• Start slowly with the metronome to feel the beat and tempo.
• I'll set a click on the 2 and 4 beats so you can really internalize the pulse.

"Notice how I anticipate that 16th note at first. That's where we need the click."

Now, let's move to a faster tempo!

Verse

The verse features sixth chords, chords that include a sixth note.

Chord Progression:

• E
• C#
• G#

We then descend that shape and go up to the 12th fret, playing over A in the bass.

"Let's hear that with the click slowly."

Now, let's speed it up!

Chorus

Next, we head into the chorus, which includes more jazz chords, specifically, ninth chords.

• I play those at:
  • Seventh fret
  • Ninth fret

Then we transition to another E7 chord with G# in the bass, repeating the ninth figure again higher up.

"Let's hear it to the click slowly to get our groove going."

Post-Chorus

Moving on to the post-chorus, I substitute a B major chord with a B minor 7th chord and introduce:

• A sus 13 chord
• A standard A13 chord
• B11 chord

I take off my index finger, put it back on, and then return to that little figure.

"Let me play that again for you slowly."

Now, let's hear that with the click, slowly to get it in the groove!

Tips:

• Sliding: Ensure you slide into those notes, up to the E and down to the A.
• Riffing: A nice little-sounding riff, which includes pulling off:
  • From C# down to B (9th to 7th fret)
  • From G to G# (8th to 7th fret)
  • Down to the open E.

Let's speed up that whole section!

Ending

As we approach the ending, focus on grooving, really feel the beats on 2 and 4.

"Count it in as 1, 2, 3, 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3."

• Try tapping your foot on 2 and 4 for a tighter feel.
• Let's count it together: One, two. One, two, three, four.

Slow Practice:

"Let's try that slower so you can really get in the pocket with me here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 4."

Now, let's do it just a little bit faster!