This has been a great year for the Blues Guitar Institute. Even though the site officially launched late November 2011, things really started to take off in 2012. I’d like to take a quick look back at some of the cooler moments of the year.
After struggling (and I mean struggling) to get my video quality up to something I could be proud of, I made a conscious decision to just hit record on the camera and keep bringing awesome lessons to you guys. You’ll no doubt notice the wavering quality, something to work on for 2013? Anyway, making these videos has been a ton of fun and I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from some really cool players.
Here’s a few of my most popular video lessons:
The Sweetest Blues Turnaround
This lesson was a ton of fun to record and I received tons of positive feedback on this video. This is by far my favorite turnaround in E because of the contrary motion (one line going up while another goes down). I simply love it and use it all the time in my acoustic blues improvised tunes. When I was first introduced to this turnaround, I struggled with it. I mean this contrary motion thing is a bit mind boggling. But, I stuck with it and now this just pops out of my guitar with ease. I hope this lesson helps you do the same.
Watch On YouTube | View the Lesson
Slide Guitar Lick in Open G
I made an effort during 2012 to tighten up my slide playing and as a result started studying some of the great slide players like Elmore James, Duane Allman and Derek Trucks. This little lick came out of that focus and I couldn’t be happier.
As I mention in my Slide Guitar Tips lesson, you should really dedicate a guitar to slide playing and set it up accordingly. This one tweak to my gear really bumped up my slide skills and I highly recommend it.
Watch On YouTube | View the Lesson
Acoustic Fingerstyle Lessons
One of the highlights of 2012 for me personally was scoring this sweet 1930’s Harlan Brothers Guitar from Steve Chipman (a great guy) at Vintage Parlor Guitars. Steve was kind enough to let me interview him to share with Blues Guitar Institute readers. You can check that interview out here.
But I digress…
Some of the most popular lessons of the year were nestled in this series where I taught the main framework to an original tune of mine called “Lowcountry Blues.” PS – When I named the song, I wasn’t aware of the Gregg Allman album of the same name. Oh well.
Check out this video series on acoustic fingerstyle blues in E.
Something for Beginners
This site is dedicated to helping beginner and intermediate blues players improve their playing. Up until a few days ago, my stated goal for the site was to excite people about the blues. But, recently had a friend of the site tell me this:
“You don’t need to excite people about the blues, the blues already excites people. You just need to show ’em how to play it!”
Thanks, Gary.
He’s right. And with that, I have some lessons on the site dedicated entirely to the beginners among us.
- Beginner Guitar Chords
- Learn the Fretboard
- The Basic 12 Bar Blues Progression
- The Major Scale is a Major Deal
A Big Thank You!
I want to give you a sincere “Thank You” for taking time out of your day to connect with the Blues Guitar Institute. So, here it is….THANK YOU!
I’ve enjoyed talkin’ blues with each of you on Twitter (@johnfhatcher), YouTube and Facebook. It means the world to me that you guys are interested in this site. If you haven’t connected with me yet, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what lessons you’d like to see in 2013, what players get you excited or what gear your using these days. If you wanna talk blues, hit me up!
I have some great ideas for 2013 so expect big things from the Blues Guitar Institute this year.
I wish you and your family a happy and bluesy 2013!
All the very best!