Blues Guitar Practice Exam

Blues Guitar is a musical style and technique which is based on the blues genre, and focuses on expressive note bends, slides, improvisation, and the use of the 12-bar blues chord progression. It has ts origin in African American communities in the early 20th century. Blues guitar focuses emotional storytelling through unique melodies and rhythms, usually using electric or acoustic guitars.

Certification in Blues Guitar validates your skills and knowledge in playing, composing, and improvising blues music. It validates your abilities in blues techniques, theory, and creating authentic blues soundscapes.
Why is Blues Guitar important?

• The certification validates your expertise of blues guitar techniques.
• Builds your credibility as a professional guitarist.
• Boosts your career opportunities in music education or performance.
• Shows your commitment to specialized musical training.

Who should take the Blues Guitar Exam?

• Professional Guitarist
• Blues Band Performer
• Session Musician
• Music Educator
• Guitar Instructor
• Composer or Arranger
• Studio Musician

Skills Evaluated

Candidates taking the certification exam on the Blues Guitar is evaluated for the following skills:

• 12-bar blues progressions.
• Play blues scales and improvisation.
• Blues theory and chord voicings.
• Bending, sliding, and vibrato techniques.
• Composition and songwriting within the blues genre.
• Play rhythm and lead guitar parts.
• Stage performance and live improvisation skills.

Blues Guitar Certification Course Outline
The course outline for Blues Guitar certification is as below -

1. Fundamentals of Blues Guitar

• History of blues music

• Understanding blues scales and chords

• The 12-bar blues structure

2. Techniques and Articulation

• Bending and vibrato techniques

• Slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs

• String muting and tone dynamics

3. Improvisation and Soloing

• Using the pentatonic and blues scales

• Creating melodic solos

• Advanced phrasing and timing

4. Rhythm Guitar in Blues

• Chord voicings for blues progressions

• Shuffle and swing rhythms

• Turnarounds and fills

5. Composition and Songwriting

• Writing original blues progressions

• Adding lyrical storytelling to music

• Arranging for solo and band performances

6. Styles of Blues

• Delta blues techniques

• Chicago blues and electric blues

• Modern blues fusion

7. Performance Skills

• Playing with a band

• Live stage presence

• Handling improvisational duets

8. Music Theory for Blues

• Chord substitutions and extensions

• Modes and their blues applications

• Understanding rhythm and syncopation

9. Recording and Production

• Using effects and amps for blues tones

• Studio recording tips for guitarists

• Mixing blues guitar tracks

10. Advanced Techniques

• Fingerpicking styles for blues

• Open tunings and slide guitar

• Hybrid picking and advanced rhythm patterns