Blues Riff In A Song

Questions & Answers

3 months ago

I'm confused with the Da Coda and D.S al Coda. Starting from the beginning Intro E I understand do both bars 2X, then to A, E, A, B. At the end of B I see Da Coda under the second bar, do I go back to the Intro, play E 2X. Then repeat all - Verse - A, E, A, B, then after B - where do I go, to E 4 bars, then the Outro ? Thanks, Bob

Mike Olekshy 2 months ago

Hey there - thanks so much for your question! The Da Coda instruction is meant for measure 12 (the instruction will always appear above the staff). So you finish playing the verse, then continue to play the "Re-Intro" in bars 11 and 12. For now, you must ignore the Da Coda instruction, so continue to play measures 13 and 14. At the end of measure 14 - you see the D.S. al Coda instruction. This is telling you to go back up to the segno sign (that symbol above measure 3 at the top of the verse). So now, you will play the verse again from measure 3. This time you play until measure 12 - and now, since we've previously completed the "DS al Coda" instruction, we have to follow the Da Coda instruction - which means to jump ahead to the Coda at the end of measure 12. The Coda is the symbol at the top of measure 15. So we play from measure 15 to end off the song. So, in short, the arrangement is: Play bars 1 and 2 - then repeat them. Play bars 3 thru 10 (verse). Play bars 11 thru 14 (re-intro). Go back up and play bars 3 thru 10 (verse). Play bars 11 and 12 (first 2 bars of re-intro). Now jump up and play bars 15 and 15 (outro). Hope this helps!!

8 months ago

What is the strumming here? I think I got confused after the last video. Am I supposed to be strumming the open E string? What are the strings I am supposed to be strumming for this power chord?

Mike Olekshy 8 months ago

Hi there - thanks so much for your question! In this tutorial, Anders is teaching a blues riff using a E, A, and B power chord shape. For the E power chord riff used in the Intro, Verse, and Outro - you want to strum the low open E string as well as the fretted notes on the A string. However, for the A5 and B5 riffs, you want to strum the A and D strings, not the low E string. Hope this helps!!

1 year ago

Hi, how we do call these chords that we strum right after the A5 and the E5 chords in this blues song? Best regards, Márton

Mike Olekshy 1 year ago

Hello - thanks for your question! Most of the time, you wouldn't even think twice about what to call these chords - as most guitarists recall this as a "blues boogie rhythm" and know exactly what you mean and how to play them. I don't think I've ever come across a transcription of this type of riffing that specifies what those chords are. However, it could be explained by thinking of those chords as "implied IV chords". You are only playing 2 notes, but you can think of those 2 notes as the 3rd and 5th from the IV chord. For example - going from A5 to the next chord - it would be a D (no root) - meaning you're playing the 3rd and 5th (F# and A) of a D major chord. Hope this helps!!

2 years ago

is there any way you can show us a close up to how you're holding the pick? I keep on hitting the E and A string, and it feels like is drowning or muffling the sound of the power chord. I think it has to do with how hard I am hitting those strings.

Mike Olekshy 2 years ago

Hello - thanks for your question! Yes you might be strumming too hard. Here's a tutorial on how to hold the pick: https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson/13957

2 years ago

hello, i am still somewhat confused as to where i should be and how i can find my way on your site. even tho i have been playing for almost 1.5 years, and took lessons in 2023, i started out at the beginning. i am doing beginner acoustic pathway. i leave the tab with my last lesson up on my desktop computer. i look at another tab with your site on it, and see other "paths" in the beginner course. so in short, HOW DO I FIND MY WAY? and, should i be where i am now? it is heavy on power chords, and i question their usefulness in acoustic. but i do see the value of the rhythm and even note naming in the lessons. so, do i find another lesson path more heavy into cowboy chords and strumming or stick with what i am on? (which is riffs and power chords) thanks dale

Mike Olekshy 2 years ago

Hello Dale - thanks so much for your questions. In the bottom right side of the lesson page, you should see the CONTENT and PROGRESS tabs that will show you where you are in the course. Continue to follow this path to make your way through the course at your own pace. As for the power chords, I would urge you to continue working on them. They do get used on acoustic guitar, and also, practicing them contributes to your muscle memory, loosening of your fingers, and overall skill and technique.