New Orleans Style 12 Bar Blues
In this lesson we will arrange a 12 bar blues in New Orleans Style. We will apply all of the concepts that we have covered so far in the course including bass lines, voicings, melodic decoration, and turnarounds.
Simple Left Hand Pattern
We explore a simple left hand pattern using the root, 5th, 6th, and b7th to create a solid groove. We add the b3rd as a grace note to add more character and interest to the bass line.
Right Hand Chord Voicings
The right hand can mimic the left hand pattern to create a synergy between the bass line and the harmony. As discussed in previous lessons, it’s common to voice our right hand chords inside an octave to get a fuller and bigger sound.
Lesson Downloads
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12 Bar Blues Arrangement File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
“Spann’s Stomp” follows the 12 bar form which we explored in the earlier lessons. We are going to play the tune in the key of C.
This lesson on licks and riffs will inspire you to build your own vocabulary that you can use to improvise when playing the 12 bar blues.
In this lesson we will shift the focus onto our left hand and explore some useful left hand patterns, mainly focusing on the shuffle feel.
Practice Tips
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Practice the left hand shuffle pattern hands separately with a metronome.
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Once you are comfortable with the feel and the groove you can add right hand chording.
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Start with simple right hand voicings and then voice your chords inside an octave to get the authentic New Orleans sound.
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For the final time through the form experiment with the reharmonisations that Jon demonstrates.
- Apply the different turnaround variations and techniques to bring the arrangement to a conclusive ending.
