WEEK 7

This week you will explore some of the more advanced techniques and chords such as dampening, augmented chords and playing a few chords in alternative positions using barred techniques. You can also try out your thumb rolls during the intro and solo sections. 

PDF DOWNLOADS

BLUE SKIES was written back in 1926 by Irving Berlin and is one of those songs that has stood the test of time. It has a wonderful bass crescendo that uses the augmented C and G chords. Similar to Diminished chords, the same shape of Augmented chords can have 3 names depending on what notes are in the chord. 
The C Augmented chord (C+) contains the notes: C, E and G#, which is similar to a C Major chord but with the 5th note (G) raised by one semitone. So the same shape augmented chord can be named using any of those notes as the root as follows: [C+], [E+] or [G#+] and likewise with the G Augmented chord which contains the notes: G B and D#.  

The chord structure will explain where each of the different techniques and strumming patterns fit in and there is a tabbed out solo part that fits over the intro section and the solo section.
DAMPENING TECHNIQUE  (also known as choking technique) is a great way to add sharpened rhythm sections to any song. Shortly after the strings are struck, the sound is reduced by either palm muting the strings or if playing barred chords, releasing the pressure. It can take a bit of practice but can sound really effective when mastered. 

ZOOM VIDEO

AUDIO TRACKS

​The audio play along tracks are a great way to help with home practice. 
BLUE SKIES - CHORDS ONLY

BLUE SKIES - SOLO
This was a recording made by the UCL members back in Spring 2021 with all parts and vocals for you to download and practice too. 
NOW OPEN