Blues Masters & Disciples

Genre and Style Guitar Course from Stuart Ziff

Learn the roots of this timeless style by navigating the blues players throughout history. We start with T-Bone Walker, move to the “three kings” of B.B. King, Albert King and Freddie King, then study the evolution of their playing with Mike Bloomfield and Duane Allman.

40 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

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Full Course Breakdown

Without the blues, modern music just wouldn't be the same. Learn the roots and flavors of this timeless style by navigating the roadmap of storied bluesmen throughout history. Stuart Ziff, accomplished musician and educator, dedicates 40 lessons to this timeline. This course provides the answers to why names such as "B.B. King", "T-Bone Walker", "Freddie King", "Albert King" are considered folklore in the blues community.

Begin the Course

Series Introduction

As guitarists, we all draw from what we know and like. And when we look closely at the greats, we learn to reflect their greatness in our own playing. Join Stuart as he introduces us to the Masters and their Disciples.

7:57 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

Major and Minor Pentatonic Review

The foundations of blues soloing are the major and minor pentatonic scales. Before we get started looking at some of the blues greats, Stuart gives a quick review of all 5 patterns of the major and minor pentatonics.

23:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Drop 2 Arpeggios: Inversions 1 & 2

To have command of your fretboard and to improve your soloing, it's very important to know what makes up a chord - in other words, your arpeggios. Here, Stuart shows us a method for learning patterns 1 and 2 of your dominant 7th, drop two arpeggios.

13:18 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Drop 2 Arpeggios: Inversions 3 & 4

When learning the fretboard is your goal, arpeggios are a tried and true method. Stuart continues by showing us patterns 3 and 4 of the drop two arpeggios, along with a great way to practice them!

16:04 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

T Bone Walker: The Father of Texas Blues

Now we get into the players. All electric blues guitar points back to T-Bone Walker. In this lesson, Stuart introduces us to some of the things that made him legendary: his sense of timing, rhythm and swing, and his use of space.

18:20 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Single Note Solos in the Style of T Bone Walker

T Bone Walker, the Father of Texas Blues crafted single note solos that were fluid and very horn-like. Stuart takes a look at this and other attributes that made him one of the original bridges between blues and jazz.

19:18 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Shuffle in the Style of T Bone Walker: Rhythm

Among other things, T Bone Walker was an authority in regards to rhythm playing. In this up-tempo shuffle, sometimes called a "jump blues", Stuart demonstrates how T Bone would punctuate the groove with horn section-like rhythm parts.

15:14 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Shuffle Feel Solo in the Style of T Bone Walker

Being that bridge between jazz and blues, T-Bone had lots of jazzy elements in his playing: not a lot of bending, use of the 9th and other ear grabbing chord tones. Stuart uses a simple, bluesy harmony over this shuffle feel to demonstrate these qualities.

12:56 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Swing Feel Rhythm in the Style of T Bone Walker

So how do you comp a rhythm part against an upbeat track? In this lesson, Stuart shows us how to execute a swing feel rhythm over this T-Bone style track based on the classic "Strolling with Bones".

13:03 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Walkin' Bones Head Melody

What is a head melody? Well, think of it as you would a chorus in a song being sung. Only in jazz, we refer to it as a "head melody". Learning this simple melody will get you into the feel of this track!

15:53 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Walkin' Bones Solo

We've learned the rhythm and the head melody, now Stuart shows us a call and response technique that he integrates into the solo, along with swung eighth notes and repetitive figures. Note the very horn-like phrasing that was a hallmark of T-Bone's style.

11:40 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Intro to B.B. King

His technique. His distinctive vibrato. His use of major and minor pentatonic scales. We're talking about the great B.B. King. Stuart gives us a worthy introduction to the first "King" and shows the connection to the past in T-Bone Walker.

15:25 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Shuffle in the Style of B.B. King

B.B.'s sweet sound could be boiled down to his note choices. The manner in which he combined the major pentatonic and minor pentatonic scales was the primary way in which he made the guitar speak. And make no mistake - the guitar was B.B.'s voice!

14:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

B.B. the Boss Part 1

B.B. King had many classic moves that Stuart will now take a look at. He had a way of addressing the chords of a song, then applying his nuanced bends and signature vibrato to give us the legendary sound we know and love!

10:48 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

B.B. the Boss Part 2

In part 2 of B.B. the Boss, Stuart asks us to forget about the "B.B. box" that everyone obsesses over, and focus in on the dynamics and emotion that made B.B. the king of the blues.

14:36 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

BB's Big Thrill Part 1 - Rhythm Style

One of B.B.'s most iconic records has a rhythm guitar part played by the legendary Hugh McCracken. On this track in the style of "The Thrill is Gone", Stuart demonstrates how the rhythm guitar part can dictate the feel of a song.

14:46 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

BB's Big Thrill Part 2 - Lead Style

Soloing over a minor blues can be a lot of what NOT to play, especially when emulating the tasteful style of B.B. King. Join Stuart as he talks about finding the right note combinations, where to bend, and what notes to stay away from.

19:24 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson

BB's Locked Door, Part 1 - Rhythm

Playing rhythm guitar over a slow blues can be one of the hardest things to get right when learning to master the blues. It requires a lot of restraint, and a single minded focus on supporting the groove.

11:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

BB's Locked Door, Part 2 - Lead

No doubt about it, B.B. King was the master of the slow blues. His feel, emotion and note choice were impeccable. Using the classic call and response technique, Stuart emulates B.B.'s slow blues style on this classic sounding "in the style of" track.

15:35 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Intro to Albert King

Left Handed. Upside down. Radical string bending. Fingers and no pick. We're taking a look at Albert King now. Another unique, powerful voice in the world of blues, his bending in particular influenced the likes of Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

8:14 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Albert's Down and Out Part 1 - The Rhythm

When analyzing Albert King's style, we must take into account his work with the Stax Records rhythm section, in particular, Steve Cropper. Here, Stuart shows us how Cropper really opened up space in the song through his rhythm guitar part.

18:22 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Albert's Down and Out Part 2 - The Lead Style

Demonstrated in this lesson is Albert King's unique lead guitar style. His instantly recognizable playing was compiled of his phrasing, timing, string bending and overall attitude. Now you'll be able to grab bits and pieces of his phrases to compose your own solo!

12:53 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Draggin' That Saw, Part 1 - The Rhythm

Now Stuart looks at a blues staple in the New Orleans rhumba-style feel. A traditional Latin feel that was adapted to the blues, it is highlighted by contrasting differences in the rhythm section. This is all to understand the timing for soloing in the next lesson.

11:16 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Draggin' That Saw, Part 2 - The Lead

Strong groove and great phrasing highlight this Albert King style solo over the New Orleans rhumba feel. We'll take some of the timing and bending techniques that we learned in a previous lesson and apply it to this unique rhythmic feel.

12:20 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Albert Gets Personal Part 1 - The Rhythm

The Albert King slow blues - a feel that depends on timing and space. One of the hardest feels to master, Stuart uses the tremolo effect to help accentuate the space in the track, helping you to relax and take your time!

6:09 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Albert Gets Personal Part 2 - The Lead

In the slow blues, feel always trumps the number of notes. No one knew this better than Albert King. As Stuart guides you, be aware of the tempo and try to stay relaxed. The goal is to mimic the feel and eventually construct your own solo!

10:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Albert's Big Feet

A player's feel and rhythm can shift when the song shifts feel and style. We've looked at a shuffle, a rhumba and a slow blues in the style of Albert King. Now it's time to travel to Memphis and get greasy with this funky track!

12:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Intro to Freddie King: The Texas Cannonball

Are you hearing Clapton? Maybe Billy Gibbons? Well, they were both influenced by the Texas Cannonball. His distinctive playing included intense one and two bar phrases, and hanging on one note. Fierce, sweet and nasty are just a few words used to describe Freddie King.

13:42 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Wake Up Freddie Part 1 - Rhythm

Stuart now takes a look at the rhythm part of this track based on the classic, Woke Up This Morning. Syncopated eighth notes are the key to making this track groove. Add in the 9th chords, and you've got a very "jazzy" sounding blues track!

10:34 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Wake Up Freddie Part 2 - Soloing

Freddie King was known for his aggressive style of guitar playing, and his very distinctive tone that really cut through the mix. In this lesson, Stuart locks in on Freddie's lead style by being choosy about which notes to bend, and which phrases to repeat.

8:59 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Freddie's Slow Blues

This slow blues in the key of D encounters the challenge of playing at or around the 10th fret. Freddie was a master of being dynamic and grooving even when playing in a higher register on the guitar, just as Stuart tries to emulate here.

10:49 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Intro to Duane Allman

Now we get to one of the Disciples that was influenced by everyone we've looked at so far in this series: Duane Allman. One of the most influential players from late 60's and early 70's, Duane developed his own distinctive style with and without his slide.

11:16 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

A Real Lover's Man

In listening to Duane Allman, you could tell that he had been listening to T-Bone, the Three Kings, Muddy Waters and so on. Taking all of these influences, he put together his own fluid, lyrical and conversational style that Stuart demonstrates in this lesson.

11:09 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Allman City Limits

Duane's bending of notes gave his playing a very animated quality, along with his sense of swing and phrasing that were unique to his playing. In this slow blues track, Stuart demonstrates some of the attributes that made Duane a powerful force in the blues world.

12:46 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Do You Love Me?

In some of the early Allman Brothers records, Duane's power was on full display. He had great facility when playing on slow blues, and up tempo songs as well. In this lesson, Stuart demonstrates many facets of Duane's playing on this upbeat number.

15:49 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Call Home

Along with being a phenomenal blues player, Duane was also adept at playing in the pop/rock, singer/songwriter style featured on some of the Allman Brothers records. On this track, Stuart demonstrates some of Duane's country-like taste that made him such a versatile player.

13:23 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Intro to Mike Bloomfield

Mike Bloomfield was a player with great speed and facility on the instrument that was ahead of his time. He left us way too soon after blazing a trail through the 60's and 70's influencing countless guitarists along the way, including Stuart Ziff.

11:25 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Shuffle for Mike

In this lesson, Stuart takes a look at Mike Bloomfield's style and how he used many of the techniques we've discussed so far in this series: using the major and minor pentatonics, addressing the chord changes and using arpeggios.

11:56 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Hello Mary

Bloomfield was a powerhouse blues talent. Even on a track like this one, with changing feels, Mike kept the intensity up at all times. In this lesson, Stuart emulates and analyzes some things Mike may have played over this type of track.

9:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Lone Star

In this lesson, Stuart takes on the daunting task of playing a slow blues, and playing with such intensity and aggression that it challenges ones timing and groove. Mike Bloomfield was a master at this, and it can be heard in many of his recordings.

8:43 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

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Stuart Ziff

519

Playing since 1985
139 lessons at JamPlay

Begin Course

A veteran guitarist fluent in, Blues, R&B, Funk, Rock, Reggae and everything in between. As a Studio Musician playing guitar on numerous commercials, demos for singer-songwriters and records.

A career as a songwriter that began with Warner Bros recording artist David Ball’s first Nashville CD in 1994 “ Thinking Problem .“ Stuart was co writer on the hit song “ Thinking Problem.” Also playing on the record supplying acoustic and electric guitar. Since 2000, He’s been living in Los Angles.

Presently the Guitarist for the band WAR, touring and recording with them. As a songwriter for Film & TV: “ National Lampoons Cattle Call ,“ Americas Funniest Home Videos and Bad Girls. Songs on recordings by Eric Burden, Johnny Adams, Gary Hoey and Theresa James. Since 2005, a member of the faculty at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood.

Reviews & Feedback 93/100 with 538 ratings

LoungeActor

very practical and useable lesson for me.

Doc Blue

Love the Blues & somebody who knows how to teach it; Teach on Ziff.

bobgelhaus

Real light bulb moment for me. . . it made so much sense almost felt like why didn't I already know this. Stuart Ziff . . my hat off to you sir!!

guitarplayer225

Love it...simplified and easy to understand.

JerryJohnson

I like the instruction and content

rjbadum

Excellent instruction.

Jimmerman

like his style

rjrubin

Wish I could get a tab of the example 24 bars he played!

ailes

Difficult material presented in an easy to understand lesson; now my turn: practice. . . practice. . . practice. Thank you

myjamplays

Great lesson Stuart. Awesome. Taken me a long time to start this further. Loving the bb king

RubenGarayar22

Excelente información y muy ordenada!

swguitar

Stuart Ziff is one of the best teachers you have there

Tesla77

Great Stuff!!

walkndabluz

It's the slow blues. This is what I'm interested in. Thanks

bobbyndallas

Any blues player who knows where Duane was inspired, knows the Texas blues players, good man.

MarkStewart9

Like it

RoadhouseBlues

Cool course

jman1813

Excellent lessons.

dpcam1

beautiful playing, very inspiring.

marshallc

I do want to be better and have the guidance to go deeper to gain an understanding and appreciation.

noletop

Great playing!

Manny22

Great Lesson thanks

beole1961

This looks like exactly where I want to go right now.

mann1960

Great lesson now that I can see them had to buy a bigger tablet

JLGalvis

Great lesson! thank you so much Mr Stuart

bobmacintyre

Great lesson by a great teacher

kodyroams

I am currently learning OG blues with Hawkeye and also acoustic rock with Will. I think when I finish those lesson series, this will be the perfect series to bridge that gap in my playing.

Michellupsin

Great! thx Stuart

chdlam

I like this teacher!! He has a great way of explaining in detail what to practice. I wish I would of stumbled upon this earlier. Thanks for these lessons. I will definitely recommend this course!!

PrettyRudy

This is great fun.

bluenunzio

T-bone was a master great to have this opportunity yo learn about him and his contribution and influence to the blues

keeb56

a nice break from tha standard stuff

slfsocial32

Stuart has that magic in his demonstrations that capture the spirit of the artist and the history of the pattern. History is important because it gives the student context, and with context comes progress.

mmarshallod

Need to be able sync up lesson audio with the soundslice interactive tab.

frankan

I love Mike Bloomfield Tyringe to leran hos style for 50 years

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