How to Play Acoustic Blues Guitar for Beginners

Playing the blues on an acoustic guitar might just be one of the most satisfying experiences for any budding musician. The raw, soulful sound of blues coupled with the rich tone of an acoustic guitar creates an immersive musical journey. Today, we'll walk through the foundational steps to get you strumming your way into acoustic blues territory.

Getting Comfortable with the Acoustic Guitar

First things first—let's talk about getting cozy with your guitar. The acoustic guitar, with its wooden body and steel strings, can sometimes feel a bit daunting for beginners. But don’t worry! It’s all about finding your comfort zone. Start by ensuring your guitar is properly tuned. Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e) is where you'll want to begin. Use a tuner or an app if your ear isn’t quite attuned yet.

Next, consider your posture. Sit upright with the guitar resting on your thigh, the body of the guitar snug against your torso. Your strumming hand should hover naturally over the sound hole. If you’re standing, use a strap to get the guitar at a comfortable height. The idea is to keep everything relaxed—tension is the enemy of smooth playing.

Spend a little time just strumming open strings. Feel the vibrations and get used to the action of pressing down on the strings. This seemingly simple practice helps build a connection with your instrument. Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to dive into those bluesy sounds.

The Iconic 12-Bar Blues Progression

The 12-bar blues progression is the backbone of countless blues songs. It’s a simple yet powerful chord sequence that you’ll find in everything from Robert Johnson’s classics to modern blues hits. The basic structure involves three chords: the I, IV, and V chords. In the key of E, these are E7, A7, and B7, respectively.

Here’s how the 12-bar blues progression breaks down:

• Bars 1-4: E7
• Bars 5-6: A7
• Bars 7-8: E7
• Bar 9: B7
• Bar 10: A7
• Bar 11: E7
• Bar 12: B7

To play these chords, you’ll need to get your fingers used to some basic shapes:

• E7: Place your first finger on the first fret of the third string, and your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string.
• A7: First finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and second finger on the second fret of the second string.
• B7: First finger on the first fret of the fourth string, second finger on the second fret of the fifth string, third finger on the second fret of the third string, and pinky on the second fret of the first string.

Practice switching between these chords until you can do it smoothly. It might take some time, but patience and repetition are your best friends here.

Strumming Patterns for the Blues

Once you’ve got the chords down, it’s time to add some groove with your strumming hand. Blues strumming patterns often emphasize the backbeat, giving that distinct bluesy feel. Start with a simple down-up-down-up pattern, keeping your wrist loose and relaxed.

A popular blues rhythm is the shuffle. In a shuffle rhythm, you play pairs of eighth notes, but the first note is longer than the second. Think of it like saying “humpty dumpty,” where the first syllable is longer. For practice, try this simple pattern:

• Down (long) - up - down (short) - up

Keep your strumming hand moving like a pendulum. Even when you’re not hitting the strings, your hand should be in motion. This continuous movement helps maintain a steady rhythm.

If you’re looking for some extra guidance, Riffhard has a plethora of lessons from seasoned guitarists who can help refine your rhythm skills, even if their primary focus is metal. The principles of rhythm and timing are universal and can enhance your blues playing too.

Adding Flavor with Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Blues guitar isn't just about playing chords—it’s about expression. Techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs add that emotional touch to your playing. Let’s break these down:

Hammer-Ons:

A hammer-on involves playing a note and then tapping a higher note on the same string with another finger, without picking the string again. This creates a smoother, slurred sound. For example, play the second fret on the fourth string, then quickly press down on the fourth fret with another finger.

Pull-Offs:

A pull-off is the opposite. You start with a higher note already pressed, pluck it, and then release it to a lower note without picking again. So, if you’re on the fourth fret of the third string, pull your finger away to sound the open string.

Practice these slowly at first. They’re not just about finger strength but also timing and control. Incorporate them into your blues licks and watch your playing come to life.

Sliding into the Blues

Slides are another expressive technique that’s essential for blues guitar. They allow you to transition between notes with a smooth, gliding sound. To execute a slide, play a note and then slide your finger up or down the string to another fret without lifting it off the string.

For instance, start at the fifth fret of the second string and slide up to the seventh fret. This technique can be used within scales, chords, or even to shift between positions on the neck.

Sliding adds a vocal-like quality to your playing, enhancing the emotional depth of the blues. Experiment with different slides in your practice—both short and long slides can add unique textures to your playing.

Exploring Blues Scales

To spice up your improvisation, you’ll want to get familiar with the blues scale. This scale is a variation of the pentatonic scale, with an extra note—the blue note—that gives it its characteristic sound. In the key of E, the E blues scale is:

e|-------------------------0-3--  
B|---------------------0-3------  
G|-----------------0-2----------  
D|-------------0-2--------------  
A|---------0-1-2----------------  
E|---0-3------------------------

Practice this scale slowly, focusing on each note’s tone and clarity. As you become comfortable, try improvising by mixing the scale with the 12-bar blues progression. The blues scale opens up a world of creativity, allowing you to express your musical ideas freely.

Developing Your Blues Ear

Playing the blues isn’t just about techniques and scales; it’s about feel and emotion. To truly capture the essence of the blues, you need to listen. Dive into the music of blues legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Eric Clapton. Pay attention to their phrasing, their use of dynamics, and how they interact with the band.

Try playing along with recordings. Pick out simple licks and phrases by ear, and incorporate them into your practice. This not only improves your ear but also helps you internalize the blues language.

Listening actively enriches your understanding and helps your own playing become more intuitive and expressive.

Jamming with Others

One of the best ways to grow as a blues guitarist is to play with others. Jamming offers a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a dynamic setting. It pushes you to listen, react, and adapt on the fly.

If you have friends who play, gather for a jam session. You can start with the 12-bar blues progression and take turns improvising. If you don’t know any fellow musicians, there are online communities and platforms where you can connect with other guitarists.

Playing with others also introduces you to different styles and approaches, broadening your musical horizons. It’s not just about playing notes; it’s about sharing a musical conversation.

Finding Your Blues Voice

As you progress, you’ll start to develop your own style. Blues is a deeply personal genre, and every player adds their own touch. Experiment with different techniques, tempos, and dynamics to find what resonates with you.

Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas from other genres too. Elements from jazz, rock, and even metal can blend beautifully with blues, creating something unique. At Riffhard, we’ve found that exploring various styles can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in your playing.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to play the blues. It’s about expressing yourself and connecting with the music on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

Playing acoustic blues guitar is a journey of self-expression and musical discovery. With the foundational steps we’ve discussed, you’re well on your way to crafting your blues sound. And if you’re looking to expand your skills further, Riffhard provides lessons that can enrich your rhythm and technique, even if metal is our forte. Enjoy the journey, and let the blues be your guide!