5 Chords (2 Days)

Watch the roots only video as a class and play along to a blues in A together.
Write out a blues in a student or teacher selected key on the board (I like to have students complete this). Give students time to find the notes on the E and A string and play the blues using only roots.
Watch the power chords video together and have students play a blues in A using power chords. You can use the multitrack Soundtrap file in the Solo tab and mute the chords to make the students sound like they are the only ones playing chords in the band.
CHORD BASELINE ASSESSMENT: Instruct students to play power chords along to the blues backing track in A. Make sure they are playing either on beat one of everything measure, that the chords ring clearly, and that the correct chord is being played to follow the blues form.
DIFFERENTIATION: Once students have done the baseline assessments for chords, bass, and soloing, come back to these elements in timed chunks. Give students time to work independently with the videos to further their confidence using power chords and to learn how to add the shuffle rhythm, the sixth scale degree, and other voicings while playing over the blues form.

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