Cutting Edge Series: Blues Guitar: Guitar Book

This book captures what's actually happening in contemporary blues guitar instead of retreating into the same pentatonic patterns found everywhere else. The combination of rare photos, artist backgrounds, and transcribed licks from unconventional players gives students real context for why these ideas matter beyond the textbook.

Contemporary and energized. These licks pull you away from the familiar blues clichés into territory that's less comfortable but far more interesting. You're learning from artists on the actual cutting edge of the genre, not recycled classics.

Intermediate to advanced guitarists who already have solid blues fundamentals but want to explore beyond standard vocabulary. This book challenges players who are ready to hear how modern blues artists are pushing the tradition forward.

• Study each lick in isolation before playing along with the band on the CD; isolating the melodic idea first makes the rhythmic and harmonic context clearer when you add the full sound
• Listen to the recording multiple times without your instrument to internalize phrasing and tone before attempting to replicate the technique
• Work through the scale references provided before tackling the licks; understanding the harmonic foundation makes the unconventional choices more learnable

Use this as a supplement for students preparing blues-focused recitals or as a source for ensemble improvisation sessions where you want to introduce fresh textures beyond traditional Chicago or Texas blues vocabulary. The visual element with photos and artist information makes it engaging for ensemble or group study as well.

• Reading and executing uncommon blues lick patterns from live recording transcriptions
• Applying blues scales to improvisation in modern contexts
• Understanding phrasing and tone production through artist analysis
• Interpreting standard notation and TAB notation fluently
• Adapting traditional blues vocabulary to contemporary musical approaches