Bye Bye Blackbeard Music Lesson

"One of my favorite tunes ever written."

In this lesson, I'll highlight some of the techniques and chords I use in the song "Bye Bye Blackbeard."

Chords and Timing

• Substitute Chords: I like to incorporate substitute chords.

  • You can play it faster too, which I usually do. However, I want you to learn this arrangement and spread it around, so I'll play it slower.

• Steady Timing: Time is so important. Keep steady time.

  • If you have a problem with that, use a metronome set to click like "1 and 2 and Tat Tat tat."
  • When I'm recording on a slow tune, I'll have the metronome play in 16th notes.

Chord Progressions

• Starting with:

  • G sus to F 13 (with a G in the bass).
  • C (with a G in the bass).
  • F sharp diminished.

• Move to:

  • B flat (with a D in the bass).
    • I love that harmony!

• Transition to:

  • F diminished to C (with a G in the bass).
  • B flat with an A flat in the bass.
    • Notice how nicely it resolves to an A flat.
  • Then, I think I went to a B flat, and sometimes I go to an A flat.

Improvisation

• "Blackbird, bye-bye."

  • Play the scale starting on the upbeat, it works out nicely.
  • I will do that again, even though I have trouble playing it every time.

• You don't have to execute exactly what I did; you could play your own arrangements.

• "What tune am I playing?"

  • In this portion, I just improvise the melody while playing rhythm. It's simple, but effective.

Final Thoughts

• "Bye bye, bye, bye."

  • Then I go down to a C with a 3 in D minor.
  • Followed by D minor again, A augmented, B flat, E, A, and then A flat.

• I throw a little Beatles "Blackbird" on the end.

  "Blackbird, bye."

If you're having trouble seeing what I did, back it up and watch it again. It's hard for me to explain!