First learn all the 1st measure fingerings as
well as the chord at the beginning of the 2nd measure
(only fingerings, without taking care of the rhythm part).
When it seems to you you are not doing mistakes anymore, add the rhythm. In
this connection look at figures I, II and III which explain you the
rhythms used in this Blues. Better still, take a look at the part "How to play the rhythm parts" in
this method.
Finish by working the last notes of the second measure separately before
incorporating them to the intro).
"Blues" :
First learn the 1st measure fingerings without taking care of the rhythm, just memorize
the fingerings sequence.
Once it is done, play the part in a steady rhythm (first straight eighth then shuffle eighth notes).
Then connect the first eight measures,
since it is always the same musical sentence which is exploited
over different groups of strings (read the indications at the
top of the standard musical notation stave).
Work measures 9,10,11 and 12 separately. Read the playing
indications at the top of the standard musical notation stave.
Finally assemble all the parts of this puzzle, without
rhythmic rigour, then play in a steady rhythm.
WITHOUT THE INTRO
WITH THE INTRO
To help you play with the sequence, there are two measures "lead in" at the beginning of it ( the famous Drumer's one-two, one-two-three-four). Notice : when the tempo is too slow there is only one measure lead in (one-two-three-four).
TWO MEASURES LEAD IN
ONE MEASURE LEAD IN
DURATION OF THE NOTES / RHYTHMS :
The quarter note lasts one count, the half note lasts two counts
(see figure I).
A triplet is composed of three equal notes played during one count (quarter note). You can think of a Waltz whose three
pulsations well evoke this division in three equal parts (see figure
II).
The shuffle eighth notes divide time into three equal parts
(like the triplet), but you play only the first and the last note of
this division into three (see figure III).
Have you noticed the simple structure of this E Blues ?