Saturday, May 24, 2014

BLUES LANGUAGE 3- Freddie King triplet picking

Tips on Freddie King's picking techniques and use of triplets.

(MORE)

BLUES LANGUAGE 101 part 2


BLUES LANGUAGE 101 part two
Major Pentatonic-based blues a la B.B. King

(MORE)

Sunday, May 18, 2014

MICK RONSON LEAD SOUND

How to get a Mick Ronson "singing" lead sound-- without spending a fortune on vintage gear. 


(MORE)

Raunchy Wah-wah Pedal Sound


"Diamonds and Rain" has a ton of raunchy wah-wah Telecaster by me, Karl Straub.


(MORE)

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Blues Language 101, part 1

Blues Language is partly about notes-- including many that fall between the cracks of the western system. It's also about how to resolve those notes. 

Interestingly, it's very much about articulation too. Without slurs, grace notes, and pick attack, you're not playing any kind of blues I'm familiar with. 

I talk about all that stuff in this lesson. Phrasing and storytelling are a big part of blues language too, but those will be in future lessons. 

(MORE)

Thursday, May 8, 2014

DUANE ALLMAN et al, "DREAMS," 1970 FILLMORE GIG

Duane Allman--using different pickup combinations to add variety to a solo.
There's great playing from everyone here, of course, but Duane really shines. It's interesting to hear him playing some biting fills, then switching to a mellower tone for the first part of his solo. Then back to bridge pickup, presumably, for more of his aggressive sound, then finishing it out with more of the mellow sound. After a while, he puts on the slide for even more variety. Was Duane Allman the Johnny Hodges of rock? He certainly gives us a lesson here in how to structure a longish solo by using different tones, attacks, and ideas.


(MORE)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

KARL STRAUB COMBO FRI, MAR. 30, 8:30 pm, OPENING FOR LITTLE FEAT'S PAUL BARRERE AND FRED TACKETT, AT THE HAMILTON

The Karl Straub Combo (stripped down version for increased intimacy) will be performing Friday, March 30, at D.C.'s hip newish venue @Thehamiltondc. Ariel Francis (keyboards) and Jerry Del Rosso (bass) will be my support cats for another one of those rare shows where you'll be able to hear the lyrics. Don't miss Karl Straub (830 stage time) opening for Little Feat veterans Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett. Doors will be opening at 7 pm, and unless you ate dumb flakes for breakfast, you'll be standing there with your wallet when they open. (Is that too aggressive? I'm never sure how far I can go with this promo material.) @The Hamilton has a website with excellent FAQ, photos, etc.
for info, click on bit.ly/Ha5CA2
(MORE)