How To Solo Over Bluesy Tunes

Blues Guitar Unleashed Blog

I get a lot of questions about “blues” tunes that aren’t actually blues…

Sure, they are really “bluesy,” but they aren’t an actual “blues,” so the blues soloing approach doesn’t actually work… and my students don’t understand why.

So, since I’ve been working so much with students doing songs that aren’t “just a blues,” I’ve broken down the process of determining your approach into something quick and simple…

And I’ve put that approach in this video. I hope you dig it and that it helps you make a lot of great music

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMojrXdcEwc?wmode=opaque&showinfo=0&autoplay=0&controls=1&modestbranding=0&vq=&rel=0&w=853&h=480]

The short of it –

Is it a blues (12 bar, 8 bar… all dominant 7 chords?) – If so, blues approaches are the way to go.
Since it’s not a blues, do you understand the harmony and how to approach it? If yes, you’re good
It’s not a blues and you don’t understand the harmony – play “follow the chord.”