If you look at the history of popular contemporary music there was a point, a little less than a century ago, when the distinction between what constituted blues and what defined jazz was a little arbitrary to say the least, with many artists widely regarded as masters of both (Bessie Smith and Lonnie Johnson spring to mind). Countless blues artists were happy to expand their sound with the addition of jazzy overtones (the mighty Robert Johnson for one, and later on the equally talented T-Bone Walker), while the concept of a jazz musician without a deep understanding and assimilation of the blues was considered an impossibility, as to quote the great Count Basie, jazz was created as a highly successful attempt at ‘swinging the blues.’
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOUBLE-STOPS
Playing two notes together is a useful addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. Simon Barnard shows how this can be used in a variety of styles.
BOB DYLAN
This month Stuart Ryan shows how the fleet fingerpicking acoustic style of the protest song legend enriched song accompanient forever.
BRIAN SETZER
For this issue Andy G Jones is looking to unravel the style of rockabilly’s most ardent torchbearer, the stupendous Stray Cat himself.
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
Experiencing Metal Fatigue? Sinking in quick Sand? Then join Charlie Griffiths as he unlocks the secrets of the master of Wardenclyffe Tower.
RADIQHEAD
Martin Cooper checks out the sound of an era-defining band from Oxford, and guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.
MUDDY WATERS
The father of Chicago blues is in the spotlight this month. Join David Gerrish as he examines the man who electrified and defined the genre.
JOSÉ FERRER El Amable (Andante Sostenuto)
This month Declan Zapala explores a hidden gem from 19th-century Spain's heritage of composer-educators of the classical guitar, whose influence is still felt today.
THE CROSSROADS Eric Johnson
This month John Wheatcroft looks at the iconic guitarist from Texas, atrue crossroads’ artist with a 4 phenomenal command of touch, tone and technique.
ULF WAKENIUS Seven Jazz Licks
John Wheatcroft brings you an exclusive lesson from the Swedish ex-Oscar Peterson virtuoso, showcasing his phenomenal technique and incredible jazz lines.
Country-Blues-Rock!
This month Andy Saphir shows how mixing Major and Minor Pentatonic scales, adding extra notes and country guitar articulations, can build you a whole new lickbag.