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The Blues: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing Long and Solos on the Recorder for Beginners

Camden Mitchell

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Published in The Blues Play A Long And Solos Collection For Recorder Beginner

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The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American community in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its use of blue notes, which are notes that are slightly flat or sharp of the corresponding major or minor scale note. The blues is also often played with a 12-bar chord progression, which is a repeating pattern of chords that provides the foundation for the music.

The recorder is a woodwind instrument that is played by blowing air across a mouthpiece and covering holes with your fingers to change the pitch of the sound. It is a relatively easy instrument to learn to play, and it is a great way to get started with the blues.

The Blues Play-A-Long and Solos Collection for Recorder Beginner Series

by Andrew D. Gordon

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6850 KB
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Print length	:	176 pages

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to playing the blues on the recorder. We will cover everything from basic techniques to advanced solos, so that you can learn to play this genre of music like a pro.

Getting Started

The first step to playing the blues on the recorder is to learn the basic techniques. These include:

Blowing: To blow into the recorder, place your lips over the mouthpiece and blow gently. Do not blow too hard, as this will cause the recorder to squeak.
Covering the holes: To cover the holes on the recorder, use your fingers to press down on them firmly. Do not cover the holes completely, as this will block the airflow and prevent the recorder from playing.
Tonguing: To tongue the recorder, use your tongue to tap the top of the mouthpiece. This will create a percussive sound that can be used to add rhythm to your playing.

Once you have mastered the basic techniques, you can start to learn some simple blues songs. Here is a basic 12-bar blues progression that you can use to get started:

I | I | I | I | IV | IV | I | I | V | IV | I | V

To play this progression on the recorder, simply finger the following notes:

I: C, E, G

IV: F, A, C

V: G, B, D

You can also add some simple improvisations to your playing. For example, you can try playing some blue notes by flattening or sharpening the third, fifth, and seventh notes of the scale. You can also try playing some slides by moving your finger up or down the recorder while blowing.

Playing Longs

Once you have mastered the basics, you can start to learn how to play longer solos on the recorder. A solo is a section of music that is played by one instrument without any accompaniment. Solos can be used to express your creativity and to show off your skills.

To play a long solo on the recorder, you will need to be able to play a variety of scales and patterns. You will also need to be able to use your breath control to sustain your notes. Here are some tips for playing long solos:

Start with a simple scale: The most basic scale to learn is the C major scale. Once you have mastered this scale, you can start to learn other scales, such as the G major scale and the F major scale.
Practice your patterns: Patterns are short sequences of notes that can be used to create melodies. There are many different patterns that you can learn, so experiment until you find some that you like.
Use your breath control: To sustain your notes, you will need to be able to control your breath. This means breathing in deeply and slowly, and then exhaling evenly. You can practice your breath control by playing long notes and trying to hold them for as long as possible.

Once you have mastered the basics of playing long solos, you can start to add some more advanced techniques. Here are some tips:

Use dynamics: Dynamics are the changes in volume and intensity that you make in your playing. You can use dynamics to add expression to your solos.
Use articulation: Articulation is the way that you start and stop your notes. You can use different articulations to create different effects.
Use improvisation: Improvisation is the art of creating music without any preparation. You can use improvisation to add your own personal touch to your solos.

Playing Solos

Solos are a great way to show off your skills as a recorder player. Here are some tips for playing solos:

Start with a strong opening: The opening of your solo is very important, as it will set the tone for the rest of the song. Try to start with a strong melody or a catchy riff.
Build up your solo gradually: Don't try to play your best material all at once. Start with some simple ideas and then build up to more complex ones.
Use variety: Don't be afraid to use different scales, patterns, and dynamics in your solo. This will keep your playing interesting and engaging.
End with a strong finish: The ending of your solo should be just as strong as the beginning. Try to end with a memorable melody or a flashy riff.

Playing the blues on the recorder is a great way to learn about this genre of music and to improve your skills as a musician. With a little practice, you can learn to play long solos and improvise like a pro.

The Blues Play-A-Long and Solos Collection for Recorder Beginner Series

by Andrew D. Gordon

4 out of 5