Bluegrass Books Online

August 06 Lesson

 First, let me say “Thanks” to all of you who have purchased “JAM TUNES”, told your friends about it and posted nice things about us in the various bluegrass and instrumental forums. We’ve completed our first year in business and we wouldn’t be here at all if not for you. Again, “Thank You”, and “Welcome”, to any and all newcomers to our site.

I’ve had a several folks ask me for the tab of my version of Blackberry Blossom, that I used for the intro track on the “JAM TUNES” CD’s. This is not the version that’s tabbed out in the book, this is me “showing off” and playing what I might play in a jam, on my 2nd or 3rd turn. This version is definitely more “lick” than “melody” oriented.

I am a little concerned about the level of difficulty in this version, so in addition to my normal layout of tab and mp3s’, we’ve included 2 videos this time. 1 video of the slow melody, and our first video lesson, where I walk you through what I think are the trickier spots and things to look for. Again, no laughing! If I seem a little uneasy on the video, I was. When I teach, I usually have a student to show things to and work with, on specific areas of playing. Talking to just the camera was a first for me and a little weird. I’ll have to learn to deal with it, just like you have to get over your fears and learn to play with other people.

There’s also a mistake or 2 on the videos and things I wish I had said a little differently, but overall I think they came out better than our first attempt. (See the Gold Rush video) The lighting and camera angles are much better. We are learning!

Rick

Blackberry Blossom

This should keep you busy for a while. I recorded 2 solos back to back on this one, so you have a lot of licks to rip off. I ripped them off of different pickers, who ripped them off of different pickers, etc. The licks in any tune are there for the taking. TAKE ‘EM! That’s what this is all about, incorporating new ideas into tunes you already know.

Jamming for real usually means you’re going to get at least 2 solos in a given tune, sometimes 3 or 4 depending on the size of the jam and the length of the tune. This version will give you LOTS of ammo.

If you are unfamiliar with Blackberry Blossom, this lesson won’t make a lot of sense. This version should NOT be your introduction to this tune. Get a real solid melody version under your belt before you tackle this one. There are so many good versions of this tune on the net, learn as many as you can. Then pick out the licks and phrases that sound the best to you and reassemble the tune. You now have your version of this, or any other tune.

Again, make sure you know the chords. I say this a lot, don’t I? Also practice going from melody to rhythm, rhythm to melody, etc., without stopping.

The lesson videos are 65+ megs. A high speed connection is a must. Please let us know if you find any problems or have any questions. I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at Rick@Bluegrassbooksonline.com
 

Have fun,

Rick

Guitar Lesson

Blackberry Blossom.mp3 -- Intro track from Jam Tunes

Blackberry Blossom.pdf

Blackberry Blossom Slow Melody.mp3

Blackberry Blossom Slow Video.wmv

Blackberry Blossom Lesson Video.wmv

Blackberry Blossom Slow Rhythm.mp3

Blackberry Blossom Fast Jam.mp3

Mandolin Lesson

Blackberry Blossom --intro track from Jam Tunes

Blackberry Blossom.pdf

Blackberry Blossom Slow Melody.mp3

Blackberry Blossom Slow Video.wmv

Blackberry Blossom Lesson Video.wmv

Blackberry Blossom Slow Rhythm.mp3  

Blackberry Blossom Fast Jam.mp3

I broke this up like it would be in a real jam.

Intro- no melody

Mandolin- 1st solo

Guitar- 1st solo

Rhythm only- your 1st solo

Mandolin- 2nd solo

Guitar- 2nd solo

Rhythm only- your 2nd solo

Outro- no melody