Robben Ford Discussion

[Sharkie]

Greetings:

I am a new Robben fan after seeing one of his DVD's. (Playing at a club in Germany - great stuff!) Anyway, I used to play a bit myself and am trying to get back into it after years away. Question - I'm looking for music/learning videos which would show me some basic blues licks/progressions etc. and was wondering if Robben's videos would help and if so which one. Also any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks to all.

Sharkie

[Aeolian]

Both Robben videos are great. In the first one he describes basic blues ideas and in the second he provides some chord substitutions and alternate scales. He also discusses the use of the half-whole or half dimished scale that he bases a lot of his "outside" playing on.

From there, Don Mock (compatriot of Robben's during his GIT days) has a great tape on pentatonic subsitutions. There is also a Larry Carlton tape from around the time of the Last Nite album where he goes through his extended/stacked triad approach. Joe Pass made an incredible tape on chord substitutions using 1-6-2-5's. You've never heard Blue Moon played so many different ways. Jimmy Bruno has made a couple of tapes on his simplified approach to scale forms. And to help get you out of that rut, Scott Henderson's tape on phrasing will open some doors.

Have fun
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[StratCat]

I've got the Robben videos and would certainly recommend them. The first two especially, for the reasons Aeolian has mentioned. The last two videos (Back to the Blues 1 & 2) I haven't watched much or spent much time with so can't really advise you about.

Although he's not into demonstrating licks and phrases by themselves, the way he explains and demonstrates the music theory behind his phrasing and note choice is great. Very accessable too, although some knowledge helps! Many of the trademark Robben licks are there though - just gotta transcribe them, although some you'll find in the little booklets that come with the video.

And there's plenty of progressions there too - Robben's never been one for sticking heavily to the 'standard' 12 bar progression.

Chris
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[Sharkie]

Just ordered Robben - Playin' The Blues Video and it's being shipped right now. Also have a chance to see him at the Horseshoe Tavern in T. O. at the end of the month. Hopefully all will pan out.

Regards,


Sharkie.

[Bleunotejax]

Or consider the great blues training book/CD "Blues You Can Use" by John Genapes. It has progressions, and not just I, IV, V, plus how to find your way around the blues scale, chord diagrams, etc. Having a book in front of you is often more helpful because you don't have to rewind to look at something again.

[roadwarriorfortheblues]

I like the lessons in FRETS magazine. Good interviews too!
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