A-Z Blues Improv: Vol 2

What’s it about?

One live backing, five trusted angles of attack and a world of insight into what makes blues improv work.

Aynsley Lister unleashes 50 licks based on pentatonics, chords, timing, lyricism and thematics. Each approach takes you down a path and you’re invited to walk it. Then as you embrace the art of improv, there’s a solo to sink your teeth into, where all those approaches get mixed up. Live at our London HQ.

With primer lessons, lick notes and complete tab/notation, this Masterclass is packed with everything you need to tap into how road-tested improv ideas work.

What will I learn?

We’re digging into D Major, with a funky live backing that doesn’t commit to a rock-solid grid, which will get that internal clock ticking. As it ticks, you’ll be learning to make the most of the five focal points, how to apply them, and how to combine them.

That real-time use of real-world approaches sees you have to step away from scale choices and learn how to make the most of the naturally occurring tension and releases afforded by this great variety of approaches.

Having an approach is one thing, but making it sing is another. As you go pentatonic or mix up your timing, you’ll learn how to make the most of phrase-enhancing dynamics and intonation testing bends. But between the techniques, you’ll see how Aynsley makes the most of the space between the notes, and how he chooses the right moments to add some juice!

What theory is covered?

Exercises are a key part of what helps players develop, but so are licks. This Masterclasses makes the most of the latter and applies concepts in a natural setting.

• Pentatonic scale
• D Major tonality
• Arpeggiating chords
• Rhythmic displacement
• Timing subdivisions

What techniques are covered?

Techniques are at their most valuable when you can apply them musically, and that’s what Aynsley does.

• Bends
• Vibrato
• Double stops
• Articulation
• Dynamics
• Pickup switching

Who is this for?

Real-world ideas applied in a natural context from a player whose improv game is as strong as they come. A blues encyclopedia for players looking to expand their language of blues.