Posted by Drew in Blues Profiles on 25. Aug, 2010 | 0 Comments
With the possible exception of Robert Johnson, no artist had a more profound impact on the entire blues catalog than Mr. Willie Dixon. Dixon was the leader, bass player, and primary songwriter for the Chess label’s house band during the 1950s and early 1960s. Muddy Waters may have been the face and voice of Chicago [...]
Few blues players past or present were able to mix Texas grit and funk as well as Albert Collins. From the way he tuned his guitar (F minor, with a capo choked way up at the 8th fret), to his unique fingerpicking technique, to the way he slung his famed Tele over his right shoulder; [...]
Sam Maghett – better known as Magic Sam – is one of the great unsung heroes of Chicago blues. His distinctive style bridged the gap between the classic, stripped down sound of Chicago blues and the more polished R&B sounds of the 1960s. The result was an energetic and charismatic style that was unforgettable.
Tried and true? Yes. Boring? Maybe, but the trusty old “E shape” movable major triad is an indispensable tool in any guitarist’s toolbox; one that can save you when you’d otherwise be lost in the woods. This grip will serve you well for Blues, Folk, Rock, and Country music. The thing that makes movable chord [...]
To quote Muddy Waters, “The blues had a baby, and they named it rock and roll.” While most fans of the latter are generally aware of this fact, it’s often surprising to discover that so few have actually explored the roots of their favorite music. For many, the blues start with Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, [...]
Posted by Drew in Drew's News on 30. Aug, 2010 | No Comments
If you’re a musician who’s ever traveled with their instrument, you know it’s a hassle. If all goes well, you get to carry your axe onto the plane with you, safely stowing it in the overhead bin above your head. If all goes otherwise, your precious gear gets chucked into the bowels of the plane [...]
Posted by Drew in Drew's News on 27. Aug, 2010 | No Comments
It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since that tragic day when Stevie Ray Vaughan and four others died in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin. Much like his hero, Jimi Hendrix, Vaughan’s stature has only increased in the years since his death, as evidenced by, among other things, his recent #1 ranking in [...]
Posted by Drew in Drew's News on 27. Aug, 2010 | No Comments
This month’s issue of the UK’s Total Guitar magazine features an quick lesson covering Jimi Hendrix’ blues style. Based on Jimi’s classic “Red House,” the Richard Barret-penned lesson features four different examples with supporting video and tablature. Whereas Hendrix recorded “Red House” in Bb (actually, B, with his guitar tuned down one-half step), this lesson [...]
Posted by Drew in Drew's News on 26. Aug, 2010 | 1 Comment
This month’s Guitar Edge magazine features Jason Shadrick’s full analysis, lesson, and transcription of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s underrated slow blues “Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up on Love,” off of his third release Soul to Soul. This track features SRV at his Albert King-best, and — being a down-tempo number — is a great starting point [...]
Posted by Drew in Drew's News on 25. Aug, 2010 | No Comments
The folks over at Gear Vault have posted a nice overview of the Danelectro line of guitars. Schwanky guitars with a unique vibe, Danelectro did what few other manufacturers were able to do in the second half of the twentieth century: distinguish themselves from the Fender and Gibson lines and provide an affordable, distinctive instrument [...]
