Getting into Blues Violin

Getting Into Blues Violin is a comprehensive workshop that specifically addresses improvisation techniques through exercises and ear training studies that relate to the featured licks and scales.

The original tunes by the author, Marty Laster, address various technical challenges and old blues standards are also included to build an authentic blues repertoire. The book next touches on the influence of the blues on swing, bluegrass, Cajun and Gypsy styles while teaching improvisational techniques in each. It pays tribute to the great Blues violinists of the past and present with bios and some photos. Finally, ways to develop and vary breaks are explored. The text touches on many aspects of Violin techniques as it relates to the blues and has an easygoing tone that is sometimes humerous.

The book begins at a moderate level of difficulty but quickly moves to intermediate material; reaching fairly advanced territory by the end. Both violinists who have been playing a couple of years and serious classical players can benefit from Getting Into Blues Violin. Audio download available online.

Songlist:

• Adam And Eve
• Dickson County Blues
• Corinna, Corinna
• Traveling Railroad Man