Back to Tip Archives
Blues Turnaround Variations
Now that you have learned last week's basic turnaround, I will
show you a few ways to vary the chords and rhythm in order to
easily play cool, blues turnarounds!
The Basic Blues Turnaround
This turnaround from last week is a great place to start making
new turnarounds. You can clearly see the four chords (E7, A7b9,
B7b9, and E) which make up the turnaround progression.
Varying Rhythms
This variation is created by changing each quarter note in the
basic turnaround to eighth-note triplets. Each eighth-note triplet
(group of three) is equal to one quarter note (one beat).
Triplet Turnaround 1
Triplets and Swing Eighths
Now, we will keep one of the eighth-note triplets
from triplet turnaround 1, and change the others to pairs of swing
eighth notes. This rhythm sounds great because the triplets and
swing eighths are related! If you aren't familiar with swing eighths
or eighth-note triplets, please visit our E
Blues Shuffle Lesson.
Triplet Turnaround 2
Varying Chord Structure
Now we will look at new ways to play the chords which
make up the turnaround. One of the classic blues turnarounds uses
just two notes from each chord. These two notes happen to be a major
sixth interval. The 2nd string should not ring, so flatten your
second finger slightly to mute it. If you have finger-picking capabilities,
feel free to use them.
Sixth Turnaround 1
Now you can experiment on your own. Try different
rhythms and mix up the chord structures!
| 
