Blues Lead Guitar - Call & Response

Refer to the lesson below for guidance on how to best utilize Visual Jam Tracks like the example above.

Click here to access the PDF 

Learning to play the lead guitar is often seen as an intimidating task, shrouded in complex music theory, daunting scales, and bewildering techniques. However, what if I told you that there's a simpler, more organic way to approach this craft? What if, just like we learned to speak by imitating those around us, we could also learn to play the guitar by embracing a similar approach? This notion might seem unconventional in the world of music education, where technical proficiency often takes precedence. Yet, the idea of learning by listening and mimicking is a powerful and effective way to master any skill, including guitar playing.

Think about it for a moment. When we were children, we didn't consult hefty grammar books or meticulously memorize vocabulary lists to become proficient in our native tongue. No, we learned to speak by listening to those around us, mimicking their words and phrases until we could express ourselves fluently. I can't recall breaking open a thesaurus or a grammar guide at the age of three or four, yet I was already stringing together coherent sentences effortlessly. How did we achieve this incredible feat? We did it by observing, absorbing, and imitating.

The same principle applies to playing lead guitar, especially in the context of blues music. While learning scales and arpeggios is undoubtedly essential, there's another crucial aspect of guitar playing that often goes overlooked: the art of listening and responding. This fundamental idea forms the backbone of the call-and-response technique. It's about hearing a phrase, understanding its nuances, and then skillfully echoing or responding to it with your instrument. This technique not only sharpens your musical ear but also hones your ability to craft expressive and meaningful phrases on the guitar.

In a way, call-and-response in guitar playing is akin to having a conversation. There's a clear structure, a designated time for you to express your musical ideas, just like taking turns in a dialogue. You listen, you process, and you respond. Through this process, you develop a deeper understanding of musical phrasing, an invaluable skill for any aspiring guitarist.

Now, you might be wondering how to put this concept into practice. How do you begin this journey of call-and-response in your guitar playing? Well, one effective way to start is by working with a specific scale. In this case, we'll delve into the A blues scale, a versatile and widely used scale in the world of blues music. The A blues scale, with its distinct patterns and variations, provides an excellent foundation for experimenting with call-and-response techniques.

You might be thinking, "But where do I even start? How do I incorporate this into my practice routine?" The answer lies in a simple yet powerful exercise. As you follow along, you'll notice that I'll play a phrase, and then it's your turn to respond. Feel free to mimic my phrases or create your own variations. Remember, the key here is not perfection but rather the act of engaging in a musical dialogue, expressing yourself through the language of the guitar.

To assist you in this process, I've prepared a PDF guide detailing the A blues scale and its various forms. You can find the link below this post, providing you with a valuable resource to further your understanding. Additionally, there's a specially curated jam track available, designed to support your practice sessions and help you explore the nuances of call-and-response in a practical setting.

As you embark on this musical journey, embrace the freedom to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find your own unique voice within the blues genre. The more you engage with this call-and-response technique, the more proficient and confident you'll become in expressing yourself through your instrument. Remember, it's not just about playing the right notes; it's about infusing your music with emotion, storytelling, and a distinct voice that resonates with your audience.

So dive in, explore the nuances of the blues scale, and let the call-and-response technique guide you on a transformative musical voyage. With practice, patience, and a willingness to explore, you'll discover a newfound sense of musical expression and creativity that will elevate your guitar playing to new heights.

Looking to learn more about playing Blues Lead Guitar? CLICK HERE