Mastering Solo Blues Guitar: Boom Bass with Licks

Boom Bass with Licks is a game-changing technique for solo Blues guitar. It combines a steady bassline with lead licks to create a full, rich sound — perfect for solo playing without a band. Learn it as an arrangement, then use it for your improvisation.

Introducing MatchMySound: Your New Learning Tool

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the lesson, check out the tab "Play" below the video tutorial! Our new feature can listen to you play and give you feedback while you're practicing! It'll let you know if you're hitting the right notes if your timing is spot-on, or if you're rushing or dragging. Plus, you can use it to repeat sections as often as needed. Trust me, this tool is a game-changer when you learn complex arrangements like this one. Click here to learn how to use MatchMySound

The Importance of Timing

Now, let's talk about one of the most crucial aspects of this technique: timing. I can't stress enough how important it is to make this arrangement in time. Sure, when you're first learning, it might be a bit stop-and-start, but always keep that rhythm in mind. The whole thing falls apart if you play all the right notes, but your timing is off.

The magic of this style is that the listener should feel the groove even during the lead lines. It's not about playing the bass in time and throwing in some random licks - everything needs to fit within that steady rhythm.

The Meat of the Lesson

We'll start with a detailed explanation of a classic acoustic Blues lick and then add that all-important bass part. As we move through the lesson, we'll add more licks, explore different chord progressions, and dive into some classic Blues techniques. We'll look at simple minor pentatonic runs, B7 chord voicings favored by legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton, and even a classic turnaround that's been used since the days of Robert Johnson.

Throughout the video, we'll break down each section and see exactly where to place your fingers and how to transition smoothly between the bass notes and lead licks. We'll work on building your muscle memory and developing that all-important sense of rhythm.

Making It Your Own

While I hope you enjoy playing the arrangement, I want to encourage you to use this as a starting point for your creativity. Once you've got the basics down, try changing the licks, adding your ideas, or even incorporating licks from other Blues songs you know. The goal is for you to develop the ability to improvise in this style, creating your own unique solo Blues performances.

Remember, maintaining that steady bass rhythm while experimenting with different lead lines is key to making this work. It takes practice to develop the rhythmic awareness needed to pull this off smoothly, but that's exactly what you'll gain from working on this arrangement.

Wrapping Up

I hope you enjoy diving into this "Boom Bass with Licks" technique. It's a fantastic way to expand your solo Blues playing and create rich, full-sounding performances. Remember, the key is patience and consistent practice. Take it slow, focus on maintaining that steady rhythm, and gradually build up your speed and complexity.

In the video, you'll see close-ups of my fingering, hear the nuances in the rhythm and tone, and get a much more comprehensive understanding of how all these elements come together. Plus, remember that awesome new interactive feature? You'll see it in action and learn to use it to supercharge your practice sessions. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

Have a fantastic time with this lesson, and I'll be back soon with more solo blues-style pieces for you to sink your teeth into. Keep on playing, and I'll see you in the next lesson. Take care!

👉 Learn more! Check out the next free lesson and learn Steady Thumb Primer.