Improvising blues in A-minor over a backing track
Lesson #217 • Feb 20, 2019
Video lesson:
Instructional PDF 1 page
Editor’s notes
I recently learned St James Infirmary Blues (check out my lesson for it!) – and as part of learning a few licks & fills for that song, I found myself wanting to continue exploring beginner blues lead guitar. So, I went ahead and made a backing track to practice over. In this resulting entry in my practice log, I’ll demonstrate some of my exploration of the minor blues scale (played over the backing track). I’ll show you the scale chart I’m using, as well as talk through some of my thinking in getting started with unfamiliar scales.
Remember, you can access the scale chart web tool I built (aka. FretMonster!) at playsongnotes.com/fretmonster
Video timestamps
- 0:00 Playthrough & agenda
- 2:38 I explain how to read scale charts
- 5:04 I start improvising w/ the backing track
Backing track
My lesson for St James Infirmary Blues
Video timestamps:
- 0:00 Playthrough & greeting
- 2:05 Chords shapes needed
- 6:20 Chord progression
- 6:55 Strumming patterns
- 9:39 Adv. strumming tips
- 13:40 Fills & licks
- 21:02 Farewell
Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!
If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
June 3, 2023
Pentatonic Fun with Billy Strings' "Lonely At The Top" Riff
-
June 2, 2023
Major Pentatonic Scales in Open Position
-
May 27, 2023
"Fast Car" Riff, Explained Step-by-Step!
-
May 23, 2023
Uncle John's Band
-
May 16, 2023
Learn the Percussive Slap Strum, Step by Step
-
May 12, 2023
Tips for Writing Guitar Tabs (on Paper and iPad)
-
May 8, 2023
First Steps with the "Amie" Intro Riff
-
May 3, 2023
Easy-Going Fingerstyle Blues! A Step-by-Step Guide.