Return to article: How to Play the Blues on the Guitar
on 7/4/2008 Well, there are hundreds of sites for helping learn the blues. It's not easy, but you've got to start somewhere. Try http://how-to-play-blues-guitar.com/ or something similar.
on 4/29/2008 THIS GUY IS AN IDIOT!!!!! STEP 3, is a mockery to the blues. WTF kind of lyrics are "got a hole in my shoe,... Plus my baby just left me, it's the same old blues." This just pokes fun at what the blues really are!! It was a way of self expression, if a true blues singer says, "got a hole in my shoe,...my baby left me"... those are lyrics to him, it's his FREAKING LIFE that he's talking about. You have to FEEL the blues to express yourself with the blues. Play this pattern over the following song: (E)Woke up this morning, and got a latte at Starbucks, it was cold (E) (E); (A)Woke up this morning, and got a latte at Starbucks, it was cold (E) (E); (B7)Plus my parking spot at work was taken, that person needs to get scold, (A)it's the same old (E) wannabe man blues.
on 6/30/2006 Jam with other guitarists. Any riff I know that matters was shown to me by other people. Great memories and something new! They'll learn from you, too!
on 1/18/2006 The thing is to just go for it when improving. You can't be too worried about playing the right notes. Trust me, I've played quite a few clunkers while trying to get the groove right. For practice, if you don't have a buddy around, record a simple 12 bar blues (or just a riff, if you don't mind a little outside influence) in an easy key like A, and just play over that over, and over, and over again. You'll notice an increase in you playing, as long as you be adventurous, try a new lick, attempt a whammy dive, huge slide or bend, or whatever. Just enjoy, and don't get frustrated if it doesn't come out right the first or second time.
on 11/22/2005 Music theory is important. Whats more important, at least as far as the blues goes, is to feel the notes. Learn the Pentatonic scale and go from there. Know the basic 12 bar blues pattern and a few variations of it but don't go theory crazy. Half of the great blues guitarists didn't know a thing about theory and some did. My point is to only learn as much thoury as you think you need, if you need more learn more
on 11/22/2005 Stevie Ray Vaughn and Aerosmith's new release "Honkin' on Bobo" also have great blues riffs. I am learning to play these progressions on an acoustic before moving to electric. It builds up finger stamina.
on 11/22/2005 I know that this guy is known for being an influential rock guitarist, but he did some great blues and acoustic stuff, too. If you want real bluesy feeling, listen to "Red House" and "Hear my Train a Comin"!
on 11/22/2005 For good blues licks and riffs, try using the blues scale. It is quite similar to the minor pentatonic scale, except that it has two extra notes that give it a more bluesy sound. These are called the blue notes.
on 11/22/2005 Don't play the guitar right after you take a shower. Wait about 15 minutes or until your fingers are completely dry.
on 11/22/2005 Choose a glass or metal slide. Position the slide directly over the fret. Play in standard tuning or an open tuning. Pick one string and slide up or down and listen for the sound you like. You may have to raise the action of the strings. Good Luck.
on 11/22/2005 One of the most important keys to use when playing the Blues on your guitar is G Pentatonic Minor - G, B flat, C, C#, D, F and G. Try playing this scale up and down a few times and improvising: it should make a very good tune if you use a shuffle rhythm.
Copyright © 1999-2008 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Partner Sites
