Turnarounds
A turnaround is a two bar phrase which can be found at the end of each verse in the vast majority of Blues songs. Turnarounds usually begin on chord I in bar eleven of a 12 bar progression and move to chord V in bar twelve. A turnaround has the effect of finishing a verse while setting the progression up for the start of the next verse. Here are some examples in the key of A. Learn each one and then try playing a 12 Bar Blues shuffle pattern and using the turnaround for the final two bars.
This is a variation on the previous turnaround. Instead of playing two notes together, the same notes are played consecutively, alternating between the third and fourth strings. With each new thing you learn, try re-arranging the notes or experimenting with the rhythms. If you make a habit of this, you will soon be inventing your own turnarounds and rhythm patterns. This is invaluable when it comes to jamming with other musicians.
The next two turnarounds are in the key of E. Once you can play these, try making up some of your own turnarounds. To get some more ideas, try listening to your favorite Blues albums and copying what the guitarist does on turnarounds. Once you can do this, the next step is to create your own variations. The more you do this, the easier it gets.
Here are several more turnarounds to give you some new ideas. Any of these turnarounds can be used at the end of a 12 Bar Blues progression. Often the choice of turnaround depends on the song and what the other instruments are playing. It is always useful to have a collection of turnarounds up your sleeve.
Keep the little finger on the A note on the first string while changing notes on the second string.
Here’s one in the key of G minor which makes use of the Blues scale.
The next two turnarounds end on different shapes of the E7 chord. Now you have the basic idea of how turnarounds work, try creating some of your own. Listen to Blues albums for more ideas, each player will have a slightly different approach to turnarounds.
Here are two 12 Bar Blues Rhythm parts which make use of turnarounds. Try using some of the other turnarounds you have learned instead of the ones shown here.
This one makes use of harmony notes, which can be a great way of fattening up the sound if you are the only guitarist and you are accompanying a singer or harp player.
