Midnight Blue (Kenny Burrell) – Melody & Solo (Guitar Tabs)

Kenny Burrell’s Midnight Blue is one of the most iconic soul-jazz guitar standards ever recorded. Released in 1963 on Blue Note Records, the track is the title cut of Burrell’s classic album Midnight Blue, featuring Stanley Turrentine (tenor sax), Major Holley (bass), Billy Gene English (drums), and Ray Barretto (congas). If you’re into a smooth and bluesy jazz guitar sound, Midnight Blue is a must-learn.

Midnight Blue was recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey. Burrell’s sound and playing on the track have influenced generations of jazz and blues guitarists. Artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Benson have cited Burrell as a key influence.

In this lesson, you will learn how to play the intro and melody of the tune, as well as an improvised solo.

Midnight Blue is a great study in how less can be more.

Midnight Blue – Video

Midnight Blue – Melody

The melody of Midnight Blue is fairly straightforward, although the B section can be tricky and harder to get under your fingers because of the chords.

Backing Track

Listen & Play-Along

Midnight Blue – Solo

This improvised solo is inspired by Kenny Burrell’s vocabulary, mixing blues phrasing, chromatic passing tones, scales, and arpeggios.

Backing Track

Listen & Play-Along

Midnight Blue Guitar Pro 8 File