Level: 4
Tuning: Dropped D

Playing a blues in the Dropped D tuning is challenging and exciting. It was always my dream to be able to establish a string rhythmic alternating bass and then riff on top with interesting and exciting licks. The next step was to be able to improvise in this style verse after verse.

The early recordings of Lonnie Johnson heavily influenced this approach. When I first heard these I thought he was playing in a Dropped D tuning. But after studying his arrangements I discovered that he was actually tuned to D G D G B E or a G6 tuning! This did not discourage my playing in Dropped D but rather expanded my experimentation.

This is not an easy lesson. You'll need to feel totally in control of the alternating bass before adding the melodic lines. Good luck and have fun! Once you can do this doors will open.