How to Play Blues Guitar

Blues guitar has a unique place in the world of music. It's raw, emotive, and can express a range of emotions with just a few notes. Whether you're a beginner picking up a guitar for the first time or a seasoned player looking to add some bluesy flair to your repertoire, learning to play blues guitar can be a rewarding journey. Let's break down the world of blues guitar, from the essential techniques and scales to the iconic licks and riffs that define this genre.

The Heart of Blues: Understanding 12-Bar Blues

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of playing blues guitar, it's essential to understand the structure that underpins much of the genre: the 12-bar blues. This is the backbone for countless songs and is something every aspiring blues guitarist should know. The 12-bar blues is a simple chord progression that typically uses three chords: the I, IV, and V chords in a given key.

For example, in the key of E, the chords are:

• I chord: E7
• IV chord: A7
• V chord: B7

The progression usually follows this pattern:

E7 | E7 | E7 | E7
A7 | A7 | E7 | E7
B7 | A7 | E7 | B7

The beauty of the 12-bar blues lies in its simplicity and the room it provides for improvisation. Once you're comfortable with this structure, you can start to weave in your personal touch.

Getting the Feel: Blues Rhythm and Timing

Playing blues isn't just about hitting the right notes—it's about feeling the music. The rhythm is often laid-back, with a swing or shuffle feel that gives blues its distinct groove. This is where you might need to loosen up a bit if you're used to the precision of metal or other genres.

To get started with a blues shuffle, try this simple exercise:

• Count in a 4/4 time signature.
• Play eighth-note triplets, but only play the first and third notes of each triplet.

It might feel a little strange at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. This shuffle feel is crucial for capturing the authentic sound of blues.

Blues Scales: Your Toolbox for Solos

When it comes to soloing in blues, the minor pentatonic scale is your best friend. It's a five-note scale that's simple yet incredibly versatile. In the key of A, it looks like this:

e|---------------------------5--8-|
B|-----------------------5--8-----|
G|-----------------5--7-----------|
D|-------------5--7---------------|
A|-------5--7---------------------|
E|-5--8---------------------------|

The minor pentatonic scale is great for creating those soulful, expressive solos that blues is known for. Once you're comfortable with it, you can add the "blue note" to create the blues scale, which adds a bit of tension and character to your solos.

Iconic Blues Licks and How to Use Them

Blues licks are short, memorable phrases that you can incorporate into your solos. They often use techniques like bends, slides, and hammer-ons to add emotion and intensity. Here's a simple blues lick in A to get you started:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|-------5h7---5----------|
A|-------------7b8r7--5---|
E|------------------------|

Try playing this lick over the 12-bar blues progression we discussed earlier. Notice how it fits naturally and adds a sense of storytelling to your playing. As you become more familiar with blues licks, you'll start to develop your style and find ways to make them your own.

Express Yourself: Bending and Vibrato

One of the key elements of blues guitar is its expressiveness, and two techniques that contribute to this are bending and vibrato. Bending allows you to reach notes that aren't naturally accessible on the fretboard, while vibrato adds a vocal-like quality to your playing.

• Bending: Push or pull the string across the fretboard to raise the pitch. Start with a half-step bend and work your way up to whole-step bends as you gain confidence.
• Vibrato: Once you've bent a note, you can add vibrato by shaking the string back and forth. This creates a wavering effect that many legendary blues guitarists use to add emotion to their playing.

These techniques may take time to perfect, but they're worth the effort. They bring out the human voice within your guitar, which is the essence of blues.

The Art of Improvisation

Improvisation is a hallmark of blues music. It's about feeling the music and letting your fingers do the talking. Once you have a grasp of the 12-bar blues, minor pentatonic scale, and some basic licks, you can start improvising over a blues backing track or with a band.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Listen and React: Pay attention to the rhythm section and other instruments. Respond to what they're playing.
• Focus on Phrasing: Think of your solo as a conversation. Use pauses and dynamics to create interest.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes the best licks come from mistakes or happy accidents.

Improvisation is an art form that develops with practice. The more you play, the more you'll discover your voice as a blues guitarist.

Riffhard: Taking Your Blues Skills Further

While we've talked a lot about blues, if you're interested in expanding your guitar skills, particularly in heavier genres, Riffhard can be a valuable resource. We offer lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists, focusing on rhythm techniques that can enhance your blues playing by improving your precision and timing.

Our platform includes a wide range of lessons, from rhythm guitar to advanced soloing techniques. Whether you're into metal, blues, or a fusion of both, you can find something to challenge and inspire you.

Paying Homage: Learning from the Blues Legends

To truly understand blues guitar, it's vital to listen to and learn from the legends who shaped the genre. Players like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have left an indelible mark on music, and their influence can be heard in countless modern guitarists' work.

Spend time listening to their recordings and pay attention to their phrasing, tone, and technique. Try to replicate their solos and understand the emotion behind each note. This will not only improve your playing but also deepen your appreciation for the genre.

Putting It All Together: Creating Your Blues Sound

Now that you've got a grasp of the basics, it's time to put them all together and find your blues sound. This is where you can experiment with different techniques, scales, and influences to create something uniquely yours.

• Mash Up Genres: Don't be afraid to blend elements from other genres you enjoy. Whether it's metal, jazz, or rock, mixing styles can lead to exciting new sounds.
• Play with Tone: Experiment with your guitar's tone settings, pedals, and amp settings to find the sound that resonates with you.
• Record and Review: Record your playing sessions and listen back. This can help you identify areas for improvement and capture those moments of inspiration.

Finding your blues voice takes time and experimentation. Embrace the process, and enjoy the journey of musical discovery.

Final Thoughts

Playing blues guitar is a journey of expression and emotion. From mastering the 12-bar blues to developing your unique sound, there's always something new to learn and explore. If you're interested in branching out into other genres or enhancing your rhythm skills, consider checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons from top metal guitarists that can broaden your skills and inspire your playing. Whatever path you choose, keep playing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun!