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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Comping for an Eight Bar Blues

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 10/31/2013 - 23:56
marcgraci
marcgraci's picture
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Teacher 9Level 10
Joined: 07/15/2013

Slowly, I am pushing myself to get out and play at blues jams. Next week, I'm going to be accompanying a vocalist as the band plays "Key to the Highway."

For my solo, I plan to use several choruses of "Walk With Me" (LOA-1). While I'm comping, I will use the strategies I've learned with fills and hitting the root notes. But I'm wondering about the turnaround. Since the last two bars are the same chords as the standard 12 bar, should I be using the same types of turnarounds? Will root notes produce a satisfying accompaniment?

Thank you for your help.

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Fri, 11/01/2013 - 07:27
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Great idea to use your solo from "Walk With Me." Yes, the last two bars are exactly the same, so use those turnarounds you've been studying. Yes, root notes will do the job... play them softly and with a nice tremolo. The other option (or in addition to root notes) is to play fills between the vocals. Have fun and be kind to yourself afterwards.

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Fri, 11/01/2013 - 18:16
#2
marcgraci
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Teacher 9Level 10
Joined: 07/15/2013
Wish I could take credit for

Wish I could take credit for the idea of using part of "Walk With Me" as the solo. It was actually Aki's idea.

I am sending you an email follow up on this.

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