A-Z Blues Improv Vol1

What’s it about?

Aynsley Lister shows you how to use the triggers, changes and rhythms to influence your licks and bring it all to life. Using a live band backing track, this Masterclass shows you how to create the unexpected with five focused approaches that will give you the tools to really tell your story.

With a series of primer lessons and a full array of licks packed with decades of experience, this is a chance to tap into the language of one of the UK’s hardest-working blues players.

A full solo then rounds off the release, showing you how to combine the varying approaches in a way that’s fresh and unexpected.

Filmed at JTC’s London HQ.

What will I learn?

This Masterclass is based on five different approaches over one upbeat A Major track. You’ll learn to make the most of the pentatonic scale, and when and how to mix it up. A range of chord-based licks will show you how to move in and out of scales and how to maximise the potential of simple arpeggios.

“Listen to drummers,” is Aynsley’s advice when it comes to rhythm. Within this portion of the Masterclass, you’ll feed into the idea of mixing up your start and end points, and how to push and pull between the straight-up quarter notes of a track.

As you move away from theory, the lyrical and thematic licks arrive. Learn how to sing with your guitar with an “off the grid” idea that taps into the floating approaches of some of history’s best singers. Aynsley will guide you to understand the value of creating an idea, and sticking with it to build memorable melodies through the art of repetition.

What theory is covered?

This Masterclass offers real value for those wanting to see how to take what they know from the page and use it in an organic setting.

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

What techniques are covered?

The technical takeaways in this Masterclass happen organically as part of Aynsley’s natural approach to improvisation. Once again, taking you away from exercises and into a more fitting context for improvement!

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

Who is this for?

Go beyond your usual box shapes and extend licks way beyond a few bars. This is a Masterclass packed with vocabulary-extending ideas to make your playing feel alive. If you want the tools to improvise within the world of blues, this is for you.