BLUES VOCAB SERIES 2 - GROOVIN': Lesson 1

Stop Chasing Solos. Start Sounding Like a Pro.

Great guitarists don’t just play solos—they create grooves, build harmony, weave in licks and make every note count. That’s what gives their playing depth, confidence and feel. Whether you’re backing a singer, playing in a band or jamming with friends, these are the skills that make you stand out.

In this course, acclaimed guitarist Nat Martin reveals the secrets behind authentic blues playing. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest blues musicians, Nat breaks down the techniques, mindset and musical choices that transform good players into great ones.

By the end of the series, you’ll have a proven framework for creating your own grooves, chord progressions, songs and jam tracks—giving you the confidence and freedom to play real music, not just memorised licks.

Watch the series 2 summary video in the side bar

LESSON 1 ONLY – SEPT 30th

This session is all about the groove, how to master it and how to make it sound cool. We don’t need big chord shapes or complicated rhythms, what we need is feel, accuracy and some simple shapes. You’ll learn to think more like a drummer, segmenting down the rhythmic qualities of the bar, using some varied techniques to create something that sounds highly musical, is fun to play and makes an audience tap their foot.

In summary we will;

  • Revisit the 12 bar Blues pattern and study the ‘1 – 2+’ Blues shuffle groove played using bass notes and chord fragments
  • Add a backbeat to the Blues shuffle groove to create a driving rhythmic feel
  • Bring in percussive techniques and fret muting
  • Explore a range of diad and triad chord fragments across the fretboard to allow for musical variety in your arrangements
  • Experiment with jamming along to a percussion backing track (provided) to develop your sense of time and groove

Nothing is rushed in these sessions. We take our time to clearly explain everything and give you ample opportunities to ask questions or get help to understand something even better.

 

Find out about the whole series

Find out about the whole of series 2 using this link

 

Did you miss series 1?

Series one covered learning how to solo using blues vocabulary. It is an excellent opening series for anyone serious about learning how to understand and eventually master their soloing. Based primarily on the minor pentatonic, the course used three lessons, building on each lesson to showcase what each of you can really achieve. You can watch the summary video and buy the course using the following link. Don’t worry that the event has already occurred, you can still purchase the series. Once you do, we’ll email a link to watch the 3hrs of lessons, plus any accompanying materials.

  • Lesson PDF
  • Any relevant MP3s used in the session
  • Access to a video recording of the complete live session

 

Buying options

• You can purchase all three lessons as one course. This is the advised option as the lessons develop on each other to give you an in-depth practice regime. It’s also cheaper at £50 for all three lessons.

• Purchase lessons individually at £20 per lesson.

 

Who’s this level suitable for?

The level is ideal for players who want to:

  • further their blues knowledge
  • correct/tweak existing chord and soloing skills
  • take your blues playing to new levels

As a guide you should be familiar with:

  • Fretboard knowledge – basics (E and A strings but all strings should be the target)
  • Reading TAB Yes (including basic rhythm)
  • Chords – Open and basic CAGED barres
  • Ability to change between chords smoothly and play basic melody
  • Scales – you should be comfortable with a minor pentatonic scale

Things you won’t need to know (but you should definitely not ignore them):

  • Theory – although it’s so useful to understand the essentials as it makes learning things much faster and better when playing with others
  • Reading music – this is something to strive for as a long-term project

 

Attending the sessions

By default, you’ll start every session with complete anonymity i.e. with your mic muted and your camera switched off. You have total control of these at your end.

You can ask questions at any time:

  • Using the online Chat facility
  • Simply unmuting your mic
  • Switching on your camera and unmuting your mic

It’s all very friendly and there isn’t such a thing as a daft question – they usually lead to deep, interesting streams of very relevant stuff!

 

Can’t Attend

If you want to come along but can’t make the sessions just book in and you’ll receive the full materials and lesson video.

 

IMPORTANT POINTS

  • You will receive the Lesson PDF just prior to it being run.
  • The lesson video will only be available after the session has run. It is usually uploaded and the link sent to students 1 to 2 days after the lesson.
  • If you don’t want to be on the live video recording keep your camera switched off
  • If you’ve missed a course you can still purchase it as part of the group of lessons.
  • If you want to be part of the online session, please avoid booking in on the day of a course. This ensures that you’ll get the Joining Instructions in time.

BUT this shouldn’t put you off booking in as you’ll receive the full materials including the video of the complete live session.

Start slowly – if you decide to book just one session but then become interested in other sessions just buy them on the website.

Full Course Overview

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    Prices

     
    Full Fee
    Blues Vocabulary Series 2: Groovin' and Adding Chords - lesson 1
    £20
    Blues Vocabulary Series 2: Groovin' and Adding Chords - lessons 1, 2 & 3
    £50

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