Yazoogirl
Verified buyer
05/15/25
Best teaching method for a senior beginner
Excellent !! Only teacher I have found after about ten different instructors who breaks things down in a way I can use and understand.
Blues Thunder
Big City Powerhouse Blues-Rock Masterclass
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About this course
There's an undeniable allure to the Blues. Steeped in a rich cultural history, the Blues has been captivating audiences and musicians alike for decades. Why do we love to play the blues? Easy answer. The form’s simplicity coupled with its depth opens the door for creative innovation, improvisational freedom, emotional expression, and storytelling.
Joanna Connor, indisputably one of the most talented and expressive Blues-Rock players on the scene, delivers the key for opening that door wide enough for a Mack truck — ‘Blues Thunder Masterclass!’
”The qualities I strive for most when playing is expressiveness, feel and emotional depth. The key to connecting with and winning over our audience is our ability to express a wide range of emotions with the music that we make. This expressive style of playing is the primary focus of this Blue Thunder masterclass and its In The Jam companion.
I’ll show you dozens of expressive techniques and rhythmic variations to bring out the passion and emotional depth of your own playing. Together, we’ll play and practice applying these expressive techniques over 10 tracks that I recorded live in the studio for this project.
Along the way, I’ll share my own influences, rhythm guitar approaches, and concepts for crafting and improvising solos. Everything is tabbed and synced to the videos with controls for slow-mo and looping so you can work with the lessons at your own place.”
Joanna has shared stages with Blues, Rock and Jazz greats including Joe Bonamassa, Luther Allison, BB King, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Robert Cray, Jimmy Page, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker, Etta James, and others. ”A virtuoso American blues guitarist whose interpretation of the traditional Chicago music scene embraces elements of jazz, rock, funk, and soul,” says All Music.
We’re thrilled to welcome Joanna to the family with her first TrueFire project, Blues Thunder, which also generously benefits the Keeping The Blues Alive charity!
You’ll have all of TrueFire’s advanced learning tools at your finger tips to personalize your workspace and learn at your own pace.
You can loop, slow down, or speed up any section of a lesson. Plus, all of the tab and notation is synced to the videos for the optimal learning experience. You’ll also get tab and standard notation files to print out, Guitar Pro files, and all of the backing tracks to practice with.
Grab your guitar, and let’s ‘thunder’ with Joanna Connor!
P.S. Put your Blues Thunder chops to work in Joanna’s Blues Thunder edition of In The Jam, which features all of the Masterclass backing tracks. Switch camera angles and mix, mute, or solo any of the audio tracks for complete control of the jamming experience.
KEEP THE BLUES ALIVE!
Proceeds from purchases of this course are donated to the Keeping the Blues Alive® Foundation. Learn more about the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation and how you can help preserve music education for the next generation!
Joanna Connor, indisputably one of the most talented and expressive Blues-Rock players on the scene, delivers the key for opening that door wide enough for a Mack truck — ‘Blues Thunder Masterclass!’
”The qualities I strive for most when playing is expressiveness, feel and emotional depth. The key to connecting with and winning over our audience is our ability to express a wide range of emotions with the music that we make. This expressive style of playing is the primary focus of this Blue Thunder masterclass and its In The Jam companion.
I’ll show you dozens of expressive techniques and rhythmic variations to bring out the passion and emotional depth of your own playing. Together, we’ll play and practice applying these expressive techniques over 10 tracks that I recorded live in the studio for this project.
Along the way, I’ll share my own influences, rhythm guitar approaches, and concepts for crafting and improvising solos. Everything is tabbed and synced to the videos with controls for slow-mo and looping so you can work with the lessons at your own place.”
Joanna has shared stages with Blues, Rock and Jazz greats including Joe Bonamassa, Luther Allison, BB King, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Robert Cray, Jimmy Page, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker, Etta James, and others. ”A virtuoso American blues guitarist whose interpretation of the traditional Chicago music scene embraces elements of jazz, rock, funk, and soul,” says All Music.
We’re thrilled to welcome Joanna to the family with her first TrueFire project, Blues Thunder, which also generously benefits the Keeping The Blues Alive charity!
You’ll have all of TrueFire’s advanced learning tools at your finger tips to personalize your workspace and learn at your own pace.
You can loop, slow down, or speed up any section of a lesson. Plus, all of the tab and notation is synced to the videos for the optimal learning experience. You’ll also get tab and standard notation files to print out, Guitar Pro files, and all of the backing tracks to practice with.
Grab your guitar, and let’s ‘thunder’ with Joanna Connor!
P.S. Put your Blues Thunder chops to work in Joanna’s Blues Thunder edition of In The Jam, which features all of the Masterclass backing tracks. Switch camera angles and mix, mute, or solo any of the audio tracks for complete control of the jamming experience.
KEEP THE BLUES ALIVE!
Proceeds from purchases of this course are donated to the Keeping the Blues Alive® Foundation. Learn more about the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation and how you can help preserve music education for the next generation!
What you'll learn
- Play a complete minor blues rhythm part in D minor with variations
- Create unison lines with the bass player
- Mix major and minor tonalities in blues context
- Develop speed and coordination with alternate picking patterns
- Develop signature licks in multiple neck positions
Release date: 06/16/2023 • 4h 37m runtime
Sample lessons
Stories From a Great Ride
Key Insights & Approaches
Lump in E
Overview
Lump in E: Rhythm
Performance
Lump in E: Rhythm
Breakdown
What's included
58 lessons • 22 charts • 20 Jam Tracks
Blues Thunder
Hi, I’m Joanna Connor and welcome to BLUES THUNDER!
The qualities I strive for most when playing are expressiveness, feel and emotional depth.
The key to connecting with and winning over our audience is our ability to express a wide range of emotions with the music that we make.
This expressive style of playing is the primary focus of this masterclass.
I’ll show you dozens of expressive techniques and rhythmic variations to bring out the passion and emotional depth of your own playing.
We’ll practice applying these expressive techniques by playing over tracks in a variety of common feels and keys.
Along the way, I’ll share my own influences, rhythm guitar approaches, and concepts for crafting and improvising solos.
Everything is tabbed and synced to the videos with controls for slow-mo and looping so you can work with the lessons at your own place.
Grab your guitar and let’s dig in!
The qualities I strive for most when playing are expressiveness, feel and emotional depth.
The key to connecting with and winning over our audience is our ability to express a wide range of emotions with the music that we make.
This expressive style of playing is the primary focus of this masterclass.
I’ll show you dozens of expressive techniques and rhythmic variations to bring out the passion and emotional depth of your own playing.
We’ll practice applying these expressive techniques by playing over tracks in a variety of common feels and keys.
Along the way, I’ll share my own influences, rhythm guitar approaches, and concepts for crafting and improvising solos.
Everything is tabbed and synced to the videos with controls for slow-mo and looping so you can work with the lessons at your own place.
Grab your guitar and let’s dig in!
Exploring the Neck and Soloing
My unique approach to soloing stems from my self-taught background. I should mention that the only formal music lessons I've ever received were in playing the saxophone. So, I utilize positions in my playing. To elaborate, what I essentially do is create and use specific keys, typically incorporating blues licks that have become a part of my repertoire. These blues licks are strategically placed in certain areas on the neck for particular keys. And interestingly, each key holds its own distinct licks.
Big Love To You
Alright, everyone. The first song we're introducing is affectionately titled "Big Love to You." It's loosely inspired by the words of "Make Love to You," that classic blues standard, although it's quite a departure from the original. What I genuinely appreciate about this song is its open-ended jam quality. It's incredibly useful in a guitar solo context, especially when you're repeating a powerful, attention-grabbing lick. There might not be many changes, but it's the sort of lick that truly resonates and allows you to soar in your performance.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
Big Love To You: Rhythm
Alright, everyone. The first song we're introducing is affectionately titled "Big Love to You." It's loosely inspired by the words of "Make Love to You," that classic blues standard, although it's quite a departure from the original. What I genuinely appreciate about this song is its open-ended jam quality. It's incredibly useful in a guitar solo context, especially when you're repeating a powerful, attention-grabbing lick. There might not be many changes, but it's the sort of lick that truly resonates and allows you to soar in your performance.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
Big Love To You: Rhythm
Let's delve into the first track, which I've titled "Big Love for You." It draws loose inspiration from the classic "I Wanna Make Love to You," a blues standard that countless artists, including Foghat and other groups, have interpreted. Despite its ubiquity, I have put my own spin on it.
Being a working musician keeps me occupied. Even if you're not involved in the music industry, this track is fantastic for jamming. In my band, we thrive on creating a balanced blend of structure and a relaxed ambiance on stage. This allows us ample space to let our creativity flow freely. The band comprises a bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and myself on guitar.
For me, rhythm is where I find true bliss.
Being a working musician keeps me occupied. Even if you're not involved in the music industry, this track is fantastic for jamming. In my band, we thrive on creating a balanced blend of structure and a relaxed ambiance on stage. This allows us ample space to let our creativity flow freely. The band comprises a bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and myself on guitar.
For me, rhythm is where I find true bliss.
Big Love To You: Lead
Alright, everyone. The first song we're introducing is affectionately titled "Big Love to You." It's loosely inspired by the words of "Make Love to You," that classic blues standard, although it's quite a departure from the original. What I genuinely appreciate about this song is its open-ended jam quality. It's incredibly useful in a guitar solo context, especially when you're repeating a powerful, attention-grabbing lick. There might not be many changes, but it's the sort of lick that truly resonates and allows you to soar in your performance.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
We'll be discussing how to play in a more minor tone because the song possesses minor tonalities. Furthermore, it embodies a sharp, intense groove, which aligns more with the rock genre. Playing this song is an exciting opportunity to flaunt your fiery, passionate licks. I will be explaining the rhythm I use, as well as the leads. Just dive in, let loose, and enjoy expressing yourself through the music.
Big Love To You: Lead
Now, let's delve into the lead playing in "Big Love for You." Since we've already discussed the rhythm aspect, let's focus on achieving that big, captivating tone that you love. Personally, I prefer using any type of overdrive or distortion pedal to add that desired edge. This allows me to maintain a clean amp sound, which is my preferred choice for rhythm, while utilizing the pedal of my choice for the overdriven tones.
Some individuals enjoy cranking up their amps, but in many situations, it's not feasible to have a wall of roaring Marshall stacks turned up to 10. I tend to play at a relatively low volume and let the pedals assist me in shaping my sound. This approach works well, whether I'm performing in a small or large venue. It becomes an integral part of your overall tone because when you're playing lead, it's crucial to have sustained notes that don't fade away quickly. This allows you to react and interact with the rest of the band, which is what playing lead is all about.
Some individuals enjoy cranking up their amps, but in many situations, it's not feasible to have a wall of roaring Marshall stacks turned up to 10. I tend to play at a relatively low volume and let the pedals assist me in shaping my sound. This approach works well, whether I'm performing in a small or large venue. It becomes an integral part of your overall tone because when you're playing lead, it's crucial to have sustained notes that don't fade away quickly. This allows you to react and interact with the rest of the band, which is what playing lead is all about.
+ 51 more lessons
Reviews
7 results
Juergen1964
Verified buyer
01/14/25
Very good lesson
If you like the style of Joanna, this is a very good lesson series. It can be clearly recognized that she has a lot of experience from playing long sessions - she is sharing details and know-how for both rhythm and solo playing.
Osokin
Verified buyer
11/15/23
Blues Inspiration!
Joanna Connor is a tremendous blues player, and in this course she demonstrates and explains her approaches to both rhythm playing and soloing (including some awesome slide playing!) on a variety of grooves. Plenty to learn, and very inspiring!
Stephen B.
09/27/23
Groovin' and Shakin'...
I am working my way through this course, and while I am more of a classical/fingerstyle guitarist and tend to be a bit of a theory-head, I actually find that a great deal of the charm of this particular offering comes not so much from what it covers in terms of theory and technique as it does from Joanna Conner's unabashedly practical, gutsy, furnace-in-the-belly love of playing something that is groovin' and shakin'. Although it's a departure for me, I really like this lady's style and her approach to the guitar. Her music is absolutely a result of her sincerity, passion, and practical experience (and her quite impressive rhythmic chops in particular). She does a great job of putting her approach to all those things across in these lessons. I think I would describe this as an 'artist insight' type of course, where you mostly come away with an understanding and appreciation of a given performer's approaches and thinking - if you enjoy Joanna's playing, you will likely enjoy this course, as it is largely focused on her approach and she digs right in with no nonsense or filler.
bearfacedcow
Verified buyer
09/06/23
Can’t put this course down
I will admit that I never heard of Joanna Connor before she was announced on Truefire. When I saw the trailer, I was intrigued because her playing seemed on fire to me. I had to see what the course was about. I am not disappointed. Right from the first lesson, Joanna Connor is on fire. Her enthusiasm for blues rock shows not only in her playing, but in the way she presents the lessons. From the start, she had me grabbing my guitar and playing along. This is an exception for me, as I normally like to watch the course first. I couldn’t wait to jump into these lessons. Joanna Connor keeps no secrets as she delves into her technique, covering the whys along with the hows. Everything from her upstrokes to her slide playing, she goes into the reasoning of what makes her, her. It’s enough to make me evaluate my own style, seeing how I can add that kind of fire in my playing along with the techniques. Her examples cover the breadth of blues rock. There is plenty to take in. I have a few TF courses that I can’t put down. This is one of them. I may not have known who Joanna Connor was before, but I sure do now.
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