Accents and Dynamics

Lesson 6/40 | Study Time: 5 Min
Course: Blues Guitar Licks
Accents and Dynamics

Accents and Dynamics

Dynamics means using contrasts in music, usually between loud and soft. An accent is a note or chord suddenly played louder than the preceding notes. An accent is indicated by a wedge shape above or below the note. Here are some examples of accents.

These next licks demonstrate the use of dynamics. Varying your dynamics can make your playing sound much more interesting and effective. Listen to some of BB King’s live recordings to hear how effective dynamics can be.

Example 115 is played quietly the first time and louder on the repeat.

This one uses contrasting dynamics within the one lick. Notice the dynamic markings p (meaning soft) ff and (meaning very loud.)

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Class Sessions

1- INTRODUCTION 2- Summary of Scales 3- Call and Response 4- Minor Pentatonic Scale Patterns 5- Dominant 7th Arpeggios 6- Blues Scale Forms 7- Fretboard Diagrams 8- Typical Blues Song Format 9- Movin’ Around 10- Open Position Blues Scale 11- E Form Licks 12- 6ths and 3rds 13- Tablature 14- Callin’ You Back 15- D Form Licks 16- Moveable Blues Scale Licks 17- Rakes and Trills 18- Learning From Other Instruments 19- Tablature Symbols 20- Licks Using 6ths 21- C Form Licks 22- Licks Using 3rds 23- Accents and Dynamics 24- Guitars and Amplifiers 25- A Form Licks 26- A and G Forms 27- G Form Licks 28- Sam’s Shuffle 29- Combining Blues Scale Forms 30- Playing Over Stops 31- Turnarounds 32- Hope Ain’t Enough 33- Lost In The Blues 34- Licks Using The Whole Fretboard 35- Endings 36- Major Pentatonic Scales 37- 12 Bar Blues Solo 38- Combining Different Scales 39- Intros 40- Mixed Up Blues

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