Advanced Blues Form Lesson

Recap of Previous Lessons

In the previous two videos, we explored:

• What the blues is:
  • Basic form: Three chords of the blues
  • Advanced form: Introducing more complex elements like the 2 and the 5 at the end of the sequence.

We also worked on developing:

• Chord tones
• The blues scale

Today's Objective

Today's lesson focuses on an even more advanced blues form.

Regular Blues Form

We've been playing the following form:

• 1
• 4
• 1
• 14 (sharp 4)
• Diminished
• 1
• 6
• 2
• 5
• 1
• 6
• 2
• 5
• 1

This advanced form will build on what we've learned, particularly in terms of two, five, ones, and turnarounds.

Turnarounds

At the end of the previous blues form, we encounter a turnaround:

• 1
• 6
• 2
• 5

We will incorporate these elements earlier in the blues progression as well.

New Progression Steps

1. Start on the 1:
   Move to the 4, then back to the 1.

2. Two-Five-One to B flat:

   • Start: 1, 4, 1
   • Transition: 2, 5, 1 to B flat.

3. Continuing the Progression:

   • Diminished, then back to the 1.
   • Transition to a 3-6: This involves the same pattern as the 2-5 but goes to the minor second.

   In our case, the second of F is G. Use the II V pattern to reach there.

Using Major and Minor Chords

• For Major chords:

  • Use minor followed by dominant, followed by 1.

• For Minor chords:

  • Use a half-diminished chord.
  • For example, the 2-5-1 to G is:
    • A (half-diminished)
    • D7 (dominant)
    • G (major)

Final Four Bars

Now moving into the last four bars of the blues:

• Instead of just going directly to the G minor, we can introduce passing chords.

Passing Chords

We'll use:

• A to D
• Then we can head to A flat and D flat in between.

So, rather than moving directly from A to G to D, we will descend using the same pattern of minor 7 and dominant 7. This variation adds interest to the progression.

Conclusion

Remember, playing in a blues context generally follows this pattern:

• Blues Band: More straightforward.
• Jazz Context: Incorporating extra changes and harmonies adds more complexity and richness.

Developing Your Own Voice

As you continue this practice, keep in mind:

• The same form and the blues scale you've learned will still apply.
• Adding complexity enhances interest.

Let's elevate your skills! I will now play an improvisation, focusing on chord tones (root, third, fifth, and seventh of the blues form) while incorporating these additional elements.