BLOCK 1 — STARTS OCTOBER 08 The first block of the Delta Blues Slide Guitar Program begins October 8. Four live online sessions exploring the foundations of Delta Blues guitar. Can't make it live? No problem. Every session is recorded and added to the program, allowing you to watch and work through the material in your own time. Subscribe for $49 AUD/month and join Block 1.
DELTA BLUES SLIDE GUITAR BLOCK 1 — GETTING INTO THE BLUES Block 1 establishes the foundations of Delta Blues slide guitar. We'll begin by looking at where the music came from and how the guitar became such an important part of the Delta Blues tradition. From there, we'll get practical — setting up the guitar, choosing the right slide and developing the basic techniques you'll need to begin playing.
In Block 1, we'll explore: 1. A Brief History of Delta Blues Guitar Discover the origins of Delta Blues and the role the guitar played in its development. We'll look at some of the musical traditions and approaches that shaped the distinctive sound of Delta Blues.
- Open Tunings — What & Why? Discover why open tunings became such an important part of Delta Blues guitar and how changing the tuning can transform the way you approach the instrument.
- How to Open Tune Your Guitar Learn how to tune your guitar into an open tuning and begin exploring the possibilities it creates.
- Choosing the Right Slide Explore different types of slides and discover how the material, size and fit of a slide can affect your playing and your sound.
- Fingerpicking — Hand Position Develop a comfortable and effective picking-hand position for Delta Blues fingerpicking and begin separating the bass, rhythm and melody.
- Using the Slide Learn the fundamentals of slide technique — how to hold the slide, where to position it, how to move between notes and how to develop accurate intonation.
THE AIM OF BLOCK 1 By the end of Block 1, you'll have a practical understanding of the instrument, tuning, slide and basic picking technique needed to begin your Delta Blues journey. More importantly, you'll begin to experience how these elements work together to create the sound and feel of Delta Blues. Listen. Explore. Play.