Advanced Blues Reharmonizations And Melodic Ideas For Guitar

Blues is a genre that has captivated musicians and audiences for decades with its raw emotion, soulful expression, and rich musical heritage. While the traditional blues form and chord progressions provide a solid foundation, advanced blues reharmonizations and innovative melodic ideas can elevate your guitar playing to new heights.

Understanding Reharmonization

Reharmonization is the process of changing the harmonic structure and chord progressions of a song while maintaining its melodic essence. In the context of blues, reharmonization allows you to take iconic blues tunes and infuse them with fresh harmonic colors and unexpected twists.

One way to start reharmonizing the blues is by altering the basic 12-bar progression. For example, try replacing the traditional dominant seventh chords with extended and altered chords. Instead of a simple G7, substitute it with a G13 or a G7#9 for a jazzier sound. Experiment with various chord substitutions and inversions to add complexity and interest to your blues progressions.

Modern Blues: Advanced Blues Reharmonizations and Melodic Ideas for Guitar

by Bruce Saunders(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31742 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	50 pages

FREE

Exploring Melodic Ideas

While reharmonization greatly enhances the harmonic aspect of blues, melodic ideas are equally important in shaping your guitar playing. To expand your melodic vocabulary, explore bending and vibrato techniques to infuse your solos with expressive nuances and emotional depth.

Another melodic concept is the use of chord tone targeting. Instead of mindlessly playing scales, focus on emphasizing the important notes within each chord. By targeting the root, third, fifth, or seventh of a chord, your solos will have a stronger connection to the underlying harmony, creating a more cohesive and compelling musical experience.

Incorporating chromaticism can also add interest and sophistication to your blues playing. Experiment with incorporating chromatic passing tones between chord tones for a jazz-inspired sound. The contrast of tension and resolution created by these chromatic tones can create captivating moments in your solos.

Blending Tradition and Innovation

Advanced blues reharmonizations and melodic ideas provide a platform to blend tradition and innovation. By combining these concepts, you can give classic blues tunes a fresh twist while still honoring their heritage.

One approach is to experiment with modal interchange, borrowing chords and harmonic colors from other scales. For instance, try incorporating a minor iv chord into a major blues progression to create a unique and unexpected tonal contrast.

Additionally, explore the use of substitutions and altered chords in your melodic lines. Replace familiar blues motifs with new and unexpected voicings to add intrigue and freshness to your solos. This experimentation will help you develop a unique voice and artistic identity as a blues guitarist.

Putting it All Together

The journey to mastering advanced blues reharmonizations and melodic ideas requires dedicated practice and exploration. Start by analyzing and understanding traditional blues progressions, and gradually introduce substitutions and alterations. Incorporate bending, vibrato, chord tone targeting, and chromaticism in your solos to infuse them with emotion and depth.

Experiment with modal interchange and explore alternative voicings to add your personal touch to classic blues tunes. Allow your intuition and creativity to guide you as you blend tradition and innovation.

Remember, the goal is not to abandon the blues tradition but to reinvigorate it with fresh ideas and techniques. By embracing advanced reharmonizations and melodic concepts, you can take your blues guitar playing to new heights and captivate audiences with your unique musical voice.

Advanced blues reharmonizations and melodic ideas have the power to transform your guitar playing and unlock new creative possibilities. Through reharmonization, you can add complexity and interest to traditional blues progressions. Exploring melodic concepts such as bending, chord tone targeting, and chromaticism allows you to infuse your solos with unique expression and emotion. By blending tradition and innovation, you can create a distinct sound that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. So pick up your guitar, explore these advanced concepts, and let your blues playing soar to new heights.

Modern Blues: Advanced Blues Reharmonizations and Melodic Ideas for Guitar

by Bruce Saunders(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31742 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	50 pages

FREE

Modern Blues is for intermediate to advanced players wishing to expand their melodic and harmonic vocabulary. The music is in standard notation as well as tablature and audio is included in which the more difficult exercises are played at a slower as well as faster tempo. The audio was recorded with live drums, acoustic bass and guitar. All the exercises are included on the audio as well as many practice tracks that enable the student to play with a rhythm section. The book covers such topics as reharmonization, exotic chord/scale combinations, intervallic and triadic exercises, alternate pentatonic suggestions and exercises and many other topics. Includes access to online audio.