Guitar Practice
Blues Turnaround Riffs
Let's take a look at a few blues turnaround riffs.
A common technique used in blues turnarounds is using a pedal tone - which is keeping one note the same, while the lower or higher notes ascend or descend.
The first 2 riffs below are an example of that.
In Riff 3, we have a descending chord riff. It starts on one voicing of A7, and ends on other voicing of A7.
In Riff 4, we use the note A on the 5th fret of the high E string as a pedal tone, while the notes on both the G and B string descend.
Riff 1:
Riff 2:
Riff 3:
Guitarist/Creator Spotlight
Kris Barocsi
Kris Barocsi is a guitarist and content creator known for blending great playing with a passion for sharing knowledge. Born and raised in Hungary, he was drawn to the guitar from an early age, encouraged by the instruments around his home. Although he studied piano as a child, it was the guitar that truly captured his attention. By the time he was a teenager, he was learning chords, experimenting with new sounds, and developing the skills that would lead him toward a life in music.
His first guitar teacher, Tibor Bartha, introduced him to techniques like hybrid picking and chicken picking, which gave Kris a strong technical foundation. With this guidance, he went on to study at music college in Hungary, where he spent four years immersed in blues, jazz, and fusion. During this time, he performed in college ensembles and bands, sharpening his ear and deepening his understanding of theory and improvisation. After graduating, Kris explored many styles with local groups, including power metal, folk, and pop rock, gaining experience across a wide musical spectrum.
In 2008, Kris moved to Germany to further his career. He spent several years performing in Top 40 cover bands, where he learned the ins and outs of live performance, tone shaping, and professional musicianship. This period of constant gigging helped him develop a versatile style and a practical approach to gear, which would later influence both his playing and his content. His ability to balance technical skill with musical feel made him a sought-after guitarist in different live settings.
By 2016, Kris began working with Thomann’s popular “Guitars & Basses” YouTube channel, producing demos and reviews that reached a wide audience. In 2019, he launched his own YouTube channel, where he showcases gear reviews, tutorials, and original music. His engaging and approachable style has earned him a dedicated following among players worldwide. In 2025, Kris released his debut solo album Ego Town, a collection of songs that highlight his artistry and personal voice on the instrument, marking an important step in his evolution as both a musician and content creator.
Gear Showcase
Kauer Guitars
Kauer Guitars is a boutique guitar company based near Sacramento, California, founded by Doug Kauer around 2007. What began as Doug building guitars in his garage grew into a small but respected shop producing about 90 to 110 instruments per year. With a background in woodworking, Doug combined his craft with his passion for music, creating a company known for its balance, playability, and attention to detail. Today, Kauer Guitars operates with a small team, keeping the focus on handmade quality rather than mass production.
The company is known for blending classic inspiration with modern design. Many of their models, such as the Daylighter, Banshee, Korona, and Starliner, take cues from vintage shapes but add updated playability, comfort, and versatility. Each guitar is built with high-quality woods, finishes, and hardware, making every instrument unique. The Korona, for example, is a modern reinterpretation of slab-style guitars that can cover everything from twang to jazz to rock, while the Starliner family — including the JR, Express, Deluxe, and Thinline — offers a slab-body, rock-focused design with options for different tones and body styles.
One of Kauer’s strengths is its close relationship with players. Doug often works directly with musicians to design custom builds, ensuring their guitars not only look unique but also feel and sound right for their style. Because of this hands-on approach, Kauer has built a loyal following of players who appreciate the rare and personal nature of each instrument.
Today, Kauer Guitars continues to grow while staying true to its handmade roots. By balancing tradition and innovation, the company has earned a reputation for artistry, individuality, and performance. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind custom instrument or a thoughtfully designed model from their lineup, Kauer Guitars delivers instruments built for musicians who value both style and sound.
Noteworthy 🗞️
- After 45 years, G&L Musical Instruments has ceased operations, with the factory being shut down and employees being laid off. The company was founded in 1980 by Leo Fender and George Fullterton, whose initials form the company's name. There is speculation that Fender may acquire G&L, potentially to obtain rights to use Leo Fender's name and image for advertising, or just buy the intellectual property, but we'll have to wait and see if anything comes to fruition.
- RIP Ken Parker. Parker guitars founder (and creator of the Parker Fly electric guitar) sadly passed away on October 5th after a battle with cancer.
- Iconic Guitars launched a new website and announced they are switching to a direct to consumer business model (opposed to selling through retailers).
- Fender introduced new Breakup Drive & Boost Hammertone™ guitar pedals.
- Epiphone released a new IGC 1963 Dove Reissue acoustic guitar model. It features all solid wood construction with maple back and sides, a thermally aged solid spruce top, a one-piece thermally-aged mahogany neck with a Rounded profile, a rosewood fretboard, and L.R. Baggs electronics.
- Martin Guitars released a OM Mikael Åkerfeldt signature model, which pairs torrefied spruce, guatemalan rosewood, and a low profile velocity neck. Limited to only 74 guitars.
- Fender added a new offset Telecaster body style to it's Mod Shop.
- Jens Larsen posted a great video discussing a better way to learn jazz chords, taking inspiration from Joe Pass.
Enjoy this newsletter? Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘
