Session 4 : More Blues Tools

Half-Diminished Blues (cont.)

Proper Hand Position

Proper hand position is important in any type of guitar
playing. Proper left-hand (fretting hand) position
involves these elements.

• Keep wrist low.


• Angle wrist slightly forward.


• For general playing, keep a little bit of air space between your palm and the bottom of the neck.


• Don’t bring the thumb up over the back of the neck unless you are needing the extra strength for
  bends, otherwise leave the fretting hand thumb resting around the top third of the back of the neck.

Vibrato

Vibrato brings a degree of motion to fretted notes making the pitch of the note go up and down slightly as the
wrist and fingers move in a rocking motion. It helps to release the thumb on the back of the neck while you
are rocking the wrist. Vibrato can be used on single notes and chords.

Take some time to practice vibrato in order to get the physical
motions needed under control. Remember, the gauges of the strings
also affect how much pressure the hand needs to provide in order
create a good sounding vibrato.

Using the Major 6th vs the Dominant 7th

There is a major difference in sound between using the major 6th in your blues soloing and using the dominant
flatted 7th. The major 6th creates a “sweeter” sound. The flatted dominant 7th creates a “bluesy” sound.

Example 1

Playing Tip

Whenever you see a dominant

seventh chord you can substitute in

a 9th or 13th chord for more color.

Playing Tip

Just a little motion to the

note gives a lot of character

to your sound.

Blues Guitar with Steve Krenz 52 http://www.learnandmaster.com/bluesresources