How to Play Rhythm Blues Guitar

Learning to become a blues guitarist is the same as learning any other guitar style. First you must master the basics of your instrument. Once you master the basics, it's only a matter of time before you're laying down some cool base riffs with ease. Learn some basic techniques of becoming a Rhythm blues player.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a suitable guitar. Electric guitars are generally easier to play and offer more bells and whistles than their acoustic counterparts. However, try both types of guitar to see which feels more natural to you.

2. Learn the basic blues chords. Search online for "blues chords" and try your hand at learning several chord sequences. "My Guitar Solo" is a website where you'll find chord variations with downloadable music files to play along with.

3. Immerse yourself in the legends. Download some music by Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, T. Bone Walker or any blues guitarist of your liking. Study each legend's style and practice imitating their vibrato until it becomes second nature.

4. Pick a few simple blues songs to master. Find some favorite tunes and learn them inside and out. Be sure the songs are complex enough to challenge you, yet simple enough for your current skill level.

5. Get in front of a crowd. Once you feel comfortable, play for some friends or family showing off your newly found blues guitar skills. Being able to perform in front of others is a major hurdle to overcome if you are to become the next Robert Johnson.