Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

Bluesy, Jazz Guitar Lesson (Solo Composition) EP207

Description

In this bluesy jazz guitar lesson, you’ll learn a solo composition that works on acoustic or electric guitar. I’ll show you where all of the licks and chords come from so that you can improvise in this style or even write songs like this. This was inspired by the great jazz guitar player Kenny Burrell. Take a listen to his classic “Midnight Blue” to hear the inspiration for this chord structure.

Part 1 - Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2 - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  2. justin N says

    Dang Brian! Another awesome composition. I really like the jazzy chords that you used and the scales. This is one of your best. Also always nice to see that Byrdland in action. Cheers!

  5. michael b says

    Really great Brian. Midnight blue is one of my all time faves. Great jazzy laid back blues groove.
    And just about that groove I’ve got a question: in the Tab and also in the video tab breakdown you strum the G minor at beat 2. But in your video part one you strum this G minor at Beat ‘1 and’. I guess last one ist right and close to Kennys original. Am I wrong with this.
    Can’t wait for the next Kenny Burell lesson (maybe the great K Twist?)
    Best from Germany.

    • TonyFex says

      What a coincidence I was just listening to k twist and midnight blues etc a week ago and really wanting to comp something in that style.
      This really gives me a jump start as how to create that sound/groove!
      Michael, I was just going to write that same k twist suggestion when I saw your comment! 🙂

      Greetings from Frankfurt Germany!

    • Brian says

      You’re correct – you could do it either way. I noticed that every time I play this I do it differently. I would stick to the tab break down to learn it first.. .then you’ve got an alternate way of playing if you want 🙂

  9. sunburst says

    WOW! I’m sure going to enjoy this bluesy jazz style! Got to check out Kenny Burrell too! Going camping, start this later on! ty Brian! really cool lessons as with the bonus added micro lessons too!!

  12. Aussie Rick says

    Great lesson and I love the bluesy jazz composition. And the fact that it sounds great without accompaniment is a real bonus. Really looking forward to getting stuck into this one. Thanks Brian .
    Rick

  13. Layton B says

    I have been on this site a year and never new i could leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

    I make this comment in the blog section….as i just saw this section as mentioned above.

    No MP3…..I sure like an MP3 to attach to my Forscore app where I keep all these lessons…Hope you can include one.

  15. klox says

    Hi Brian,
    I really enjoy the variety in your lessons including the jazz oriented ones.
    I have been trying to understand the chord progression here.
    I am thinking it is in the key of Bflat (rather than F as mentioned) and starts on the relative minor Gm. Hence the A# and D# shown in the tab would perhaps be better denoted as Bb & Eb. That would make it virtually a I – IV vamp progession switching between major & relative minor chords. Does that make sense ?
    Glad Michael B raised the query about the strumming pattern – I had across that one also when seeking to get the groove right.
    Cheers
    Ken

  16. Stefan N says

    Wonderful composition, like so many lessons on this site !
    And so interesting to learn about the jazzy blues of one of my favorite guitar players.

    @Brian, is it possible to download the mp3 of this lesson too?

    Thank’s a lot and grettings from Berlin
    Stefan

  19. madams says

    I have had a chance to go through this lesson a few times.

    I really love this one. There are some really creative and cool licks and rhythm to learn. This will help my playing tremendously.

    Thank you,
    Michael

  24. jimbostrat says

    So where can I get a great player like this Gibson Byrdland, Brian??!! This has got to be your new favorite guitar!! I once read an in-depth article years ago on K.B. that went into great detail about how he loved to challenge himself constantly on guitar……..and push the jazz/blues envelop……..and I believe you’ve captured the essence of this style here quite nicely! I would actually challenge ActiveMelody members to grab the baton and extend this even further……..nothing in either jazz or blues is set in stone and it would be cool to hear further arrangements on this great little arrangement from others…….after all our only true objective on guitar is to ever grow and challenge ourselves into evolving our technique and accuracy, right!!?? Jim C.

  25. Michael M says

    You are SO good, Brian. I’d be the happiest man alive if I could play 90 percent as well as you. But, alas, I’m over 72, and didn’t start learning to play guitar until a few years ago after I retired. Plus, no matter how much I practice, I can’t get my fretting hand pinky to stretch more than one fret doing an A power chord 12 barre blues. Just don’t have that “guitar DNA” apparently. Other than that, I enjoy what I have learned, and play, and continue to try and learn new things, with the help of you, and a few others on the internet who graciously share their talents and skills with old hacks like me. Thank you for all you do. All the best to you, and your family. Sincerely, Michael P. McCartney

      • Michael M says

        LOL…yeah, you would think! I’m even left handed. But play guitar right handed. Don’t ask. I don’t know why either. 🙂 I had the honor, and pleasure of seeing The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany in 1962 while I was in the Navy. For free! Just before Pete Best got the ax. Then again the following year in Liverpool. By then, Ringo was on board. The ship I served on took President Kennedy’s two brand new helicopters to Europe while he was there to speak at the Berlin Wall. We had a port of call in Liverpool, and saw them at the Cavern Club. For free! By the time they arrived on The Ed Sullivan show Feb. 9, 1964, I was off the coast of Brazil, or I would have been there too. I have a sister who was 9 then, and she became one of their biggest fans. When I got home, I asked my dad what he thought of The Beatles. He said, “They need to get a hair cut.” LOL Again, Brian, thank you for all you do. You are a gem. Regards to you, and your family. MPM.

    • Brian says

      you’ll get different results depending on the browser you use. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox and click on the “Download MP3” link, it will download the file automatically. Other browsers will try and play the file after it downloads (which is what you’re experiencing). So try RIGHT clicking on the “Download MP3” link if you’re on a Windows computer and then choose the “Save As..” option. If you’re on a Mac, hold down the “Control” key and click on “Download MP3”.

    • Brian says

      Hey Jon, not that I know of. see my response above to the person that was asking how to download the MP3 file – that same response should help you download the tab pdf file.

  34. John J says

    ah, Brian, this is the best! It will take me forever to nail this down. I have no jazz chops, but every time I attempt this something jazzy sounding happens and then I am off to the races. I want to be able to jazz noodle man …thanks

  37. rainmon1 says

    Hey, Brian, how about doing a lesson based on Robben Ford’s sound? I know, his music is pretty complex, but maybe it could be simplified enough for some mere mortals to follow. I’ve seen him a few times, and he’s fantastic, as I’m sure you know.
    Thanks, Jeff

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