5 Essential Blues Boxes: Overview Preview

[@brucey39]

This is a very good lesson for beginners and its just how I learnt to play back in the eighty's . I started by leaning ten classic blues rock licks and when I discovered the box patterns in a old book that came out in 1973 I was able to solo over anything .

[@bubbaluvv]

@texasbluesalley i just learned more in 5 minutes of this video than i have collectively my entire time playing...Thanks for the vids

[@tonystanden666]

Hey dude. I found my own way to boxes. I want to understand it properly. I never learn anything until my head comprehends it a little bit first. It's funny how stuff just suddenly makes sense. I've advanced more since I've been watching Gary Clark Jr play live, than I have in 20 years of playing! I'm chuffed for you bro

[@gabrielsanchez8850]

@@tonystanden666 00000

[@adrianjaxton6584]

a trick : you can watch movies at flixzone. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@yaelwallace8965]

@Adrian Jaxton yup, have been watching on Flixzone} for since december myself =)

[@knite778778]

hey good sir i've been playing with this "scale/box" whatever business for about a week now and it's flipped my guitar world upside down this is just freakin' incredible to me..maybe i'm easily impressed. the fact that it breaks the boundaries of the cookie-cutter blues scale and allows for emotion and depth just lets me play leads from the heart and not the frets. i sound like a tool i know but man i can't thank you enough

[@Williepierce]

This may be THE BEST information I've ever seen on here or with private lessons in the past! Awesome!

[@jordno]

i love the fact that with blues you can use one scale and make amazing music(i suppose you can do same with any kinda music but i like blues most haha) and you get people that have to use a whole guitar neck to make something sound good

[@MGKraest]

Great lesson. I've been playing guitar for 16 years and am glad to see someone on the internet do a lesson on this instead of focusing on tabs and crippling people's minds with playing note for note and lack of originality. Those who asked questions: The 5th box is actually the major pentatonic box played identical to the 1st minor pentatonic box, but 3 frets down (natural minor of the key you're in --- A would be F#, C would be A, G would be E, etc.) It also works for songs in major keys.

[@mbmillermo]

This is a clever approach to a first lesson for aspiring blues guitarists. You leave off the technical music-theory details and focus on shapes and sounds. That's the right approach, I think. Good one.

[@bernardogui3933]

it took me ten years to realize this. great lesson.

[@Texasbluesalley]

These boxes are only a skeleton of where your hands will be positioned to play a lot of Stevie's and other blues players riffs. The different scales may go in and out of them, I don't know because truthfully, I never paid much attention to scales. But these boxes are the markers on the fretboard that I use to know where I'm at on the neck.

[@CarlosBluesman]

On the 5th box he came more to the penta-major than to the penta-blues scale. And for those who wants to rock, his guitar is half-tone lower. But very interesting lesson that all guitarrist should know. Hugs from Brazil!

[@Texasbluesalley]

I like that, "repetitive phrasing", I don't think I've ever heard it put so appropriately. Well done :)

[@ArtDonna84]

Anthony, I purchased the 5 Essential Blues Boxes and would like to tell anyone wondering if they should spend the money on your product, that it is well worth the investment. Your presentation and demonstrations are clear, concise, easy to follow and make learning a whole lot of fun. Just as soon as I get this two DVD's and all the lessons down, I will order the 5 Essential Blues Licks. Outstanding work my friend. Take care.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Not sure if other people call them patterns or not. When I said patterns, I was referring to another part of the fretboard which is very empty in my diagrams. I didn't have time to get that into this lesson, but will teach that pattern later. As for changing keys, the way it works is you just pick the key the song is in, find that fret on the low string, picture the series of boxes starting there and you're set. Same riffs, new key.

[@Texasbluesalley]

@badzbadua6 Keep in mind, I'm not outlining scales here, just shapes that 'contain' common licks.

[@Texasbluesalley]

@BonnardsBluesBand Thanks friend. If you had watched the lesson and read anything about this approach before commenting, you'd know I'm not teaching traditional blues boxes.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Also, for anyone who reads this, what scholzie is referring to is what I call a box within a box. I show Box 5 as an expanded version of what most people consider a blues box, in order to reflect some of the notes in the major scale. This is more useful in songs like "Life Without You", but what he is mentioning is a box that's contained within the box I show. I think of it as a subset of this position on the fretboard. This is something I'll be covering in a more in-depth lesson on Box 5.

[@Texasbluesalley]

"I thougth I was the only one who "understand's" the freetboard this way exactly:) I remember having to draw the freetbrd. and draw that "boxes". Then, everyghings started to make sense." You and me both my friend :)

[@charliemyers6014]

He should have talked about the one special note that really makes this sound good, the Flat 5 "Blue Note" you need to add it to all the boxes

[@Texasbluesalley]

In this video I am playing in the key of Aflat. I guess I think of it this way because I'm tuned down a half step. So I'm playing in the position normally associated with the key of A.

[@MouseGenome]

maann!! I just realized that I see the fret exactly like this when i'm soloing. great stuff!! 6 stars!!!

[@Hotfingers44445]

I have been looking for something like this for a few years now. I''ve picked up some things along the way but this will still definitely be a humongous help. THANKS!!!

[@richardoini]

definatly like this lesson. i'm self taught, and have been playing for quite a few years now, and its interesting to see that what i have learnt by ear and by playing is something that actually exists. it would be interesting to see a little bit more of a look at some of the lower strings, as they work beautifully for blues too. either way, interesting video

[@Texasbluesalley]

I was thinking about this topic the other day after reading these comments and reflecting on the statement that "classical music is the basis of all our music". While I agree that classical music is probably the original music in recorded history to introduce what we know as the major and minor scales etc... I sincerely doubt that the earliest blues musicians were thinking in terms of whole steps, and half steps when creating this artform. I'd like to think it came from the heart, not a book..

[@Texasbluesalley]

I respect your opinion but I represented the 5 box this way for a very good reason that will be covered in more detail in future lessons. I have not yet started talking about connecting the boxes and phrasing.

[@mikearob]

Great video! I'm self taught and have been unknowingly playing these boxes for the past couple of years! nice to know i'm on the right track :) Thank you Steviesnacks!

[@tiagolascas]

you're the best teacher in youtube, believe me.

[@DeanFr0mHell]

Thank you very much man! I needed such a lesson cause I learned playing the guitar without a teacher so my theory knowlegde is slim to none.

[@bababacardi]

I think is the best way to approach the soloing. jeeesus, I thougth I was the only one who "understand's" the freetboard this way exactly:) I remember having to draw the freetbrd. and draw that "boxes". Then, everyghings started to make sense. A tip: if you strt drawing a shape from root to octave (minor scle) you'll have "gun" shape. That shape will be repeating, starting and ending one after another (taking care of the displacement of the 3rd string). It's obvius but....really helps:)

[@Texasbluesalley]

No, the entire set of boxes shifted right or left on the fretboard together puts you in a different key. If the key of the song doesn't change, the boxes start at the fret corresponding to the root note, and they don't move. Your hand moves from box to box, the the map stays fixed to the root note.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Sure thing man. My structure for the different boxes is very intentionally different than other teachings because I want to teach a well rounded approach, not a strict pentatonic approach. The reason there's no bottom to these boxes is because I've found them pretty useless for playing any riffs. I do however plan on teaching a way to connect these boxes on the lower strings in the future. I appreciate the questions.

[@TonyTomacchio]

this vid opened up a lot in my mind...thanks for posting...i'll be going thru the box vids when i am not as sleepy! great stuff

[@swimgc]

superb. Can't wait to see your upgraded version of this.

[@djp141]

@brucey39 Yeah, I had the same book. It was called "Improvising Rock Guitar", and used the same 5 box system. This video does a great job of breaking down and explaining these boxes.

[@cabgt]

Confused the hell out of me at first (i learnt the trad way), but now see your point. Look forward to trying it out.

[@coldshot5555]

I break down every blues songs and others into box patterns all the time...it's how we learn to incorparate minor 7th blues subtatution chords ect. into the meld or BOX...plus it makes songs easy to learn...

[@RyanReadyMusic]

You have grown a ton as a guitar player from thus!!

[@Texasbluesalley]

What you are watching is not scales. There is some overlap, but make no mistake, it's a shortcut. If you compare these shapes to scales, you will see differences. If you don't like this, please move along. Also, I don't answer questions on KZbin, too many comments. Ask me on my site, or send me an email.

[@rom1w]

we. need people like you

[@brandnewty]

Lovely Grosh! and solid intro to the box theory

[@Texasbluesalley]

I think you might be confusing Box 5 with Box 1. Box 1 repeats at the octave up fret, so it's root notes would go across all the strings as they do on the root fret. I've got a PDF showing all the shapes in all keys on the website on this lesson series' page.

[@Texasbluesalley]

I've got all my gear detailed in the FAQ section over at StevieSnacks dot com. On some of my gear demos I list the settings I used as well.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Box 1 is like the grandaddy of all rock'n'roll and blues

[@mrtonywu]

Very cool... I have never heard of "boxes" before.. but it makes a lot of sense.

[@delecroix2]

This video helped me so much that I just had to post a comment to say, thank you!

[@OldManSprinting]

What a great lesson. You cover absolutely the essential stuff that non-anal musicians like me need.

[@eliwolf7827]

Damn great lesson. Even better bending. Kudos! Enjoyed and will be re-watching.

[@blackfender100]

Great lesson. I love your style play what sounds good within the boxes I love it!

[@jordno]

I want to thank you so much for this video and your others, ive never played guitar with such a blues sound thank so much keep up the videos

[@adenning747]

@gr8bluesgtr dude thanks so much for this. this has helped me a ton. i feel 10 times more comfortable on the neck now. not seein it as a bunch of frets but like you sayd a map. best lesson for blues personally that ive ever seen. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Texasbluesalley]

I've been using Fireworks (formerly made by Macromedia, now by Adobe) for all my graphics for years now. But for something simple like this, it's kind of overkill. Even a free program like Inkscape would do the trick. I overlay the graphics in Final Cut Express.

[@Texasbluesalley]

I think I know what you're referring too, and I addressed that in the next video, lesson 26.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Be sure to watch part 2 for a little more detail about why you won't read this in any music book.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Shh....So did I, and so is mine. I've just got a few thousand more hours in wracking my brains out over this stuff than some people. No need for everyone to learn the way I did :)

[@Texasbluesalley]

Yes sir!

[@ontroadagain]

Great sounds, what pedals do you use?

[@AlmostDrAbe]

Awesome channel man, thank you

[@teetoys76]

Howdy from ATX !!!

[@grubnetseor]

Hmm opinions are like... Anthony ;) Your tone is good to my ears, and your explanation is great for people who just want to learn soloing in the Blues

[@Glasbrow]

Very nice lesson Steve, thank you!

[@nickefgen9219]

Great video thank you for posting it

[@Hb35Jazz]

I just use to see the 4th box as the 1st box moved to another string :P Anyways, SUPER NICE VIDEO - IM WATCHING 'EM EVERY DAY! :D THANKS A LOT FOR POSTING THEM! :D :D

[@kurogatana71]

nice lesson dude! i also found out that box 5 can also be played 3 frets back from box 1! (just pointing out, srry if this is obvious and everyone already know -_-)

[@Texasbluesalley]

Yes

[@Texasbluesalley]

I explain this moving of the boxes idea in the detailed version of the lesson for sale over at StevieSnacks (dot) com . Should be up for sale within a day or two. The full lesson is 30 minutes long.

[@kerranz]

@lightningfastblues yes, but in the Relative Scale, 3 frets below.

[@Rk17]

GR8 VIDEO! i give you 6 stars for this... blues is the best flavor when it comes to guitar... coz the sweetness is here! =>

[@kokopiko]

I love your tone so much!!!

[@standepain]

Awesome video lesson!

[@Texasbluesalley]

That is me, and I was making a joke. Aside from Tom Green, Hedo Turkoglu is the other person people keep saying I look like.

[@SupraStarrr]

Great lessons! Thanks so much for the help!

[@dspecht40]

I really like your lessons.. and your take on blues scales. One thing I would like to see or hear is what scales and keys these boxes apply to. A Minor pentatonic, major pent ect.. I know you giving a color and shape kinda theory but an old fart like me likes to see name, key and number too sometimes. =) I will watch more, you prob do go into this somewhere.. Great stuff your prob gonna get some of my money!

[@Donniedoitall]

@gr8bluesgtr hey buddy thanks a lot man im a lefty and a huge huge Albert King fan and this is exactly how i see the fretboard this helps a lot and if u really pay attention to the legends this is they way they play too

[@Texasbluesalley]

Be sure to watch the followup lessons too :)

[@Texasbluesalley]

That's the problem with the scales as they are traditionally taught, part of the reason my approach is not based on scales. You end up sounding like you're wearing out the minor pentatonic the way most people teach blues, this approach forces you to play some major sounding stuff in Box 3.

[@CelticSaint]

WOW I get it now!!! Thanks so much mate!

[@FriggnDiggn]

Pretyy cool, thank you, Ill have to put that to use and see if it helps. One thing I dont understand though, is you have the "root "notes all across the 5th fret. But then an octave up, you have the strings in the middle one fret down rather than an equal octave higher.??

[@Texasbluesalley]

Personally I don't feel that knowing all the note names should preclude someone from learning this stuff, and I think the relative importance of knowing it depends on the person's goals. If someone wants to just learn the riff and they don't care about the note names, I think it's a mistake to assume it's important for that person.

[@badzbadua6]

@gr8bluesgtr yeah but how would that affect the key that u play in? for instance i play in the key of G but the notes in the 5th pattern doesnt match the notes on the key of G. how is that?

[@chrispwns123456789]

these are fantastic lessons! youve earned my sub :)

[@remixgimix]

Where is the next part where you explain the details of the bb king box

[@dreamquarter]

The last one is the Major Pentatonic, the first is the Minor Pentatonic.

[@bidong]

you're fantastic man. kudos

[@freesalute]

bloody great nice one mate

[@TyLaw321]

thx i wish i knew there was this vid i had to figure most of these out by ear

[@svidrigajlov]

very useful lesson!

[@Tickbryan]

Great Graphics!!

[@coupe662]

GREAT!! I never understood theese before but now I do :) very helpfull man!

[@hillol100]

Awesome lesson man! Esp the the box 5, quite an eye...err...ear opener :)

[@evolutionist2010]

@gr8bluesgtr 1st il say good lesson, but im doing scales just now and although i see wot ur saying about them and always sounding like them im pretty sure id just end up sonding like another srv if i didnt put as much effort into this as with the scales.. end of the day scales are just notes man.....keep up the good work!

[@CornersideAcoustic]

@davec3487 It's really part of the B scale, (In this tuning, A sharp.)

[@sonnytjuh]

Thank you for your lessons! I´v seen 6 of your lessons i become a pro :P lol

[@thomasfarmer1730]

Stevie didn’t make blues guitar….blues guitar made HIM despite of how great he is.

[@Putaspellonyou]

nice basic breakdown of blues riffs. very useful...any recommendations for increasing speed?

[@Fitzliputzli23]

Hey, this is weird! It is exactly the way a visualize my fretboard when playing the blues. I even associate them with the players you do: I call them base-position, Albert-King-bending-position, B-B-King-position, Clapton-position and country-position. As if you had taken a look into my brain, man!

[@Fr3derick]

Excellent!!! Thanks for posting:) Grandma mary

[@fatlittleparasite]

Are you still alive?

[@harleymike55]

Thanks,I need this bad!!!!

[@dariocipollaro]

Yes you are!

[@OLDROCKER123]

Thanks for that, a great help..

[@the0ne4nd0nlyz1nk]

wow GREAT lesson!!! i subscribed

[@bababacardi]

you definatly got it man , I wanted to ask you this : (couse I'm a beginner anyway:) mmh, how other players understands the soloing? like remembering notes as writing on a keyboard ...like going thru the hole pentatonic scale in an intuitive way ...like remebering the sounds..like what? best regards, keep on rocking:)!