Eric Slone's Serious Blues: Expanding Lead & Rhythm: Guitar Book & DVD

Slone bridges the gap between foundational blues knowledge and the specific techniques that define authentic playing. The structure moves from core concepts like chord targeting and arpeggios into the grooves and stylings that matter most (Texas power rhythm, funk blues, jump blues), so students aren't learning techniques in isolation but seeing exactly how they function in real musical contexts.

The book grounds you in the mechanics of blues vocabulary while the DVD brings those mechanics to life with real demonstrations. You're learning from someone who has played these styles professionally and taught hundreds of students, so the progression feels practical and grounded rather than abstract.

Intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to move beyond basic blues patterns and understand the compositional and rhythmic logic behind authentic lead and rhythm playing. Players familiar with blues vocabulary but looking to develop command of specific styles (Texas swing, funk blues, jump blues) will find targeted material for each.

• Study the DVD demonstrations alongside the book examples. Seeing Slone execute the techniques in real time clarifies the articulation and phrasing that sheet notation alone cannot convey.
• Work through the transposition exercises across all twelve keys, not just the ones featured. This cements the intervallic relationships that underpin call-and-response and chord-tone soloing.
• Focus on the Texas power rhythm section first if you're drawn to that style. Mastering the rhythmic pocket and percussive attack will inform how you approach fills and lead playing over the same grooves.
• Practice targeting chord tones over chord progressions by singing or humming the target notes before playing them. This trains your ear to hear the harmony underneath the scales you're running.

Use this as a self-directed study resource for students pursuing blues guitar outside of ensemble settings, or assign specific sections to guitarists in your jazz ensemble or rock band to deepen their understanding of the styles you're performing. The DVD format makes it ideal for independent practice between lessons.

• Targeting chord tones in improvisation
• Arpeggio execution across the fretboard
• Transposition in all twelve keys
• Call-and-response phrasing and timing
• Texas power rhythm technique in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Advanced right-hand techniques (pinch harmonics, rakes)
• Blues phrasing across jazz blues, funk blues, and jump blues styles
• Extended chord voicings and progressions
• Filling space between vocal lines with melodic continuity