Simple Blues Phrases & Learning to Improvise

http://www.andrewwasson.com/

Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers questions from off of his Guitar Blog website...

Q). I'm an intermediate guitar player with a strong interest in learning about improvising and I keep hearing how simple blues phrases can help lead into improvisation. I do like the blues and I've developed the skill of playing rhythm over a 12 bar blues progression. But, how can I start making up licks that will eventually lead me to the ability to improvise?
Craig -- St. Louis, MO. USA

A). Once you become familiar with at least one or two blues scale patterns, practice creating short simple phrases. Work on those phrases until your simple short phrases are able to be tossed in at will over a slow 12-bar blues jam track progression. As you develop more skill with the scale (and your phrases) try expanding upon them. Go from short single bar ideas into longer, (possibly even 4-bar), phrases. Keep in mind that not only do these phrases work very well for learning how to improvise, but they're great for fills when backing up vocalists, or instrumental soloists. In the video I have a blues scale shape and two simple blues licks from that scale pattern that you could begin working on right away.

Improvisation ability can be very difficult to come by if you try starting with long lines from the outset. I always recommend short phrases and the simpler the melodic material is, the sooner you'll begin to develop a more complex sense of phrasing when improvising.

Thanks for writing in.

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[goldoba27]

I have a question. I'm beginner. So we can start at any note of the C7 for example and we need to end in the same note? if some one could give me a short explanation :). Thanks.

[Cring0r]

one of the best guitar teachers on you-tube. keep up the great work andrew!

[emmetwhitey]

Awesome As Always Andrew :)