(Andy Gurley)
4: Essential Blues Rhythm: The Blues Shuffle
To take the previous "straight versus swing" lessons into the area of the blues shuffle, the primary feel of the blues.
(Christopher Schlegel)
1: 12 Bar Blues Form
The First Law of the Blues is the 12 Bar Blues Form. By the end of this tutorial you should understand what the 12 Bar Blues Form is and be able to play a simple example of this important idea.
(Christopher Schlegel)
2: 12 Bar Blues in E for Beginners!
In this set of beginner blues lessons, I'll teach you how to play a simple blues in E. I'll start off with the riff and the triplet shuffle rhythm in E, then move it to A. Next I'll show you how to change those chords in time, then we'll learn the B7 chord. I'll go over the 12 bar form before I show you some fills you can play to spice things up. Then we'll put everything together, and finish up with a play along.
(Christopher Schlegel)
3: 12 Bar Blues in A
In this Tutorial Series we are going to learning how to play a 12 Bar Blues in A.
(Christopher Schlegel)
4: More 12 Bar Blues in A
In this Tutorial Series we are going to expand upon our 12 Bar Blues in the key of A.
(Christopher Schlegel)
5: 12 Bar Blues In All 12 Keys
In this tutorial I've created a 12 bar blues backing track in every key and at two tempos (80 BPM and 120 BPM). I play each blues with a different rhythm guitar and lead guitar approach to show how much variation is possible within the 12 bar blues form. This is a valuable way to get used to playing in every key and comfortable with playing anywhere on the fretboard.
(Christopher Schlegel)
1: Blues Orchestration Series 1
In this tutorial series of lessons we are going to learn to play a blues type arrangement for solo guitar. To orchestrate means to put many parts together. In this tutorial we'll combine a walking bass line with upper chord tones. The end result is two parts playing together at the same time.
(Christopher Schlegel)
2: Blues Orchestration Series 2
In this tutorial series of lessons we are going to learn a new way to play a Blues type arrangement involving orchestrating for solo guitar.
(Christopher Schlegel)
3: Blues Orchestration Series 3
In this tutorial series of lessons we are going to learn a new way to play a Blues type arrangement involving orchestrating for solo guitar. This involves combining a bassline with upper chord tones.
(Christopher Schlegel)
4: Blues Orchestration Series 4
One of the most wonderful things we can do with the guitar (awesome instrument that it is!) is orchestrate: play more than one note (or part) at a time. In this tutorial we are going to learn a new way to play our "blues" type arrangement!
(Christopher Schlegel)
5: Blues Orchestration Series 5
This tutorial helps you expand the sound of a simple blues pattern into a full orchestrated sound.
(Christopher Schlegel)
6: Blues Orchestration Series 6
In this tutorial we are going to learn a new way to play a Blues type arrangement involving orchestrating for solo guitar. This involves combining a bassline with middle chord tones as well as upper chord tones. In this way we get a very full sound and suggest three separate voices or things happening at once!
(Christopher Schlegel)
1: E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 1
In this tutorial we are going to learn how to alternate between playing a basic blues rhythm riff & lead fill.
(Christopher Schlegel)
2: E Blues Rhythm & Lead: Series 2
By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to play a basic 12 bar blues using simple open chords and combine it with simple lead fills by alternating between the rhythm chords and single note lead fills.
(Christopher Schlegel)
3: G Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 3
In this tutorial we will learn to play a basic 12 bar blues in G major in an early rock and roll style that combines and alternates between power chords and basic, beginner lead fills.
(Christopher Schlegel)
4: B Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 4
In this tutorial we will learn to play a basic 12 bar blues in B major in an early rock and roll style that combines and alternates between power chords and basic, beginner lead fills.
(Christopher Schlegel)
5: C Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 5
In this tutorial we will learn to play a lead fill that uses double stops in a basic 12 bar blues in C major. This is an important step in developing a style that combines and alternates between a blues rhythm riff and a beginner lead fill.
(Christopher Schlegel)
6: G Blues Rhythm & Lead Series 6
In this tutorial we will learn to play a basic 12 bar blues in G major in a style that combines and alternates between a blues rhythm riff and a lead fill. We'll learn two different turnarounds, use an applied dominant chord and add a bluesy ending lick!
(Christopher Schlegel)
7: Basic Blues Licks Series 1
Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.
(Christopher Schlegel)
8: Basic Blues Licks Series 2
Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.
(Christopher Schlegel)
9: Basic Blues Licks Series 3
Christopher will show you some basic blues licks that form the foundation of blues soloing vocabulary. This includes the following characteristics of blues lead playing: using the blues scale (minor pentatonic scale with flat 5th "blue note"), triplet swing phrasing, dynamics and articulations like sliding and bending. This is essentially a primer on playing single note melody lines in a blues style to start building a repertoire of blues licks.
(Christopher Schlegel)
10: Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 1
In this set of lessons, I'll teach you a "bread and butter" blues lick that you can use in almost any blues solo. I'll start with an introduction to the lick, then how to do the tricking picking and bending. The we'll play the lick using the IV and V chords, then we'll review the whole 12 bar form before we do two play alongs in different tempos. Next we'll look at straight 8th rhythm, and finish up with two more play alongs.
(Christopher Schlegel)
11: Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 2
In this next set of lessons on bread and butter blues licks, I'll teach you a major pentatonic lick. I'll introduce you to the concepts and lessons and show you the basis of the lick, then how to apply the picking and bending. We'll then play the lick over the IV and V chords, then add some variation. We'll do play alongs in two different tempos before we examine the lick in a straight 8th rhythm. We'll conclude with 2 more play alongs.
(Christopher Schlegel)
12: Bread and Butter Blues Licks Series 3
Bread & butter means the central or fundamental part of a thing. It also means how you earning a living; how you earn you bread to pay for your bread & butter! In this tutorial we'll learn another, more advanced major pentatonic lick that you've heard many times.
(Christopher Schlegel)
13: Spiced Up Blues Series 1
Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions, chord voicings and lead licks! First we'll look at a chord progression that's not the standard 12 bar form. Next we'll add some extended chord voicings. Next, we'll add some licks that are more chord tone based than standard pentatonic. Finally, we'll put them all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.
(Christopher Schlegel)
14: Spiced Up Blues Series 2
Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions, chord voicings and lead licks! This time we're going to use the 12 bar blues form as a standard, but add more chords to the progression. Next, we'll add some lead licks to play over our new chord progression. Finally, we'll put it all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.
(Christopher Schlegel)
15: Spiced Up Blues Series 3
Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues rhythm and lead playing with some interesting chord progressions and lead licks! We'll take a complex blues chord progression and learn some next level licks that build on the previous tutorial in this series. We'll put them all together in some play alongs to practice these new ideas.
(Christopher Schlegel)
16: Building A Blues Arrangement
Christopher will show you how to build a blues arrangement. We'll use various rhythm and lead guitar techniques and combine them in a dramatic way to build and release tension over the course of many repeated passes at a 12 bar blues form. We'll experiment with loud & quiet dynamic levels, various approaches to alternating rhythm and lead guitar parts.
(Christopher Schlegel)
17: 3 Whammy Bar Blues Tricks
In this tutorial we will learn 3 whammy bar tricks to spice up your blues playing technique.
(Christopher Schlegel)
18: 16 Bar Blues
Often, we hear of the 12 Bar Blues. But blues doesn't have to be 12 bars or measures! It can
be any number of bars or measures that you want. In this tutorial we will learn to play a jazzy 16 Bar Blues in C.
(Christopher Schlegel)
19: Advanced Blues Licks
Christopher will show you how to really spice up your blues lead playing with these advanced licks! First we'll look at the basic pentatonic minor box as scale degrees. Then we'll do the same for the mixolydian mode. Then we'll start building licks from combining those two scales and play them over the changes of a 12 bar blues in A.
(Christopher Schlegel)
20: Jingle Bell Blues
Christopher will show you how to turn the old Christmas standard tune "Jingle Bells" into a swinging blues tune with a harmonized diad melody, some fun bluesy licks for a solo and a rocking rhythm guitar.
(Christopher Schlegel)
1: Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 1
Christopher will show you how to spice up your blues licks by adding major scales notes to the minor pentatonic "box" blues shapes. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones.
(Christopher Schlegel)
2: Major Notes in Minor Pentatonic Series 2
In this tutorial we will learn to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scale. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorial "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor".
(Christopher Schlegel)
3: Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 3
In this third tutorial of the series we will focus only on targeting chord tones in order to learn more ways to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scales. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorials from the series on "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor". For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major.
(Christopher Schlegel)
4: Major Notes In Minor Pentatonic Series 4
In this tutorial we will learn to spice up the minor pentatonic "box" blues shape with notes from the major scale. For these example exercises we will use the A minor pentatonic scale and a 12 bar blues form in A major. The central idea is to use the pentatonic box as a visual reference while targeting chord tones. The lessons in this series are based on a lot of the ideas we already learned in the previous tutorials in the series "Major Notes in Pentatonic Minor".
(Christopher Schlegel)
1: Soulful R&B Series 1
In this tutorial, we will learn to play some soulful R&B (Rhytm & Blues) guitar style rhythm parts & lead licks in a major key. This style is rooted strongly in blues and jazz, with distinctly soulful melodies and bittersweet jazzy chords. You can also hear a bit of a funky approach in the use of syncopated, percussive and staccato rhythms.
(Christopher Schlegel)
2: Soulful R&B Series 2
In this tutorial, we will learn to play some soulful rhythm and blues guitar style rhythm parts & lead licks in a minor key. This style is rooted strongly in blues and jazz, with distinctly soulful melodies and bittersweet jazzy chords. You can also hear a bit of a funky approach in the use of syncopated, percussive and staccato rhythms. We'll put it all together in this tutorial.
(Doug Fearman)
1: Frugal Blues Soloing
Who says you can't play a tasty blues solo using only a few notes? In this tutorial you'll learn how to create a blues solo using only a few notes on one or two strings. We'll break down lots of very simple licks here, using on-screen graphics and played at half and quarter speeds so you can get them under your fingers.
(Doug Fearman)
2: Blues "In the Style of" Licks
In this tutorial of 15 lessons, Ill be teaching you numerous blues licks that are "in the style of" the players that have been my favorites and inspired me over the years. Each lesson contains one or more licks, often several, that are used in the context of a solo over the 12 bar blues form in the key of G. I'll use on-screen graphics to help you out, and also use slo-mo so you can really "get it".
(Doug Fearman)
3: Shufflin' Blues in E
The six lessons in this tutorial will tune you into some ways to play blues leads higher up the neck. In lesson one I'll show you how to emphasize the II note, F#, in the E minor pentatonic scale. Next I'll focus on the V note, B, and employ a bend in three short solos. Lesson 3 shows a simple blues riff that's made into a solo; following that I'll break down a relatively easy solo. Lessons 5 and 6 demonstrate the E minor pentatonic scale on the 12th to 15th frets and beyond.
(Doug Fearman)
4: Simple Funky Fills
This series of lessons demonstrates some funky fill notes that accompany a I-IV-V blues in the key of C. These fill notes are taken from the blues scale, and include the I, V, dominant 7, and octave. After demonstrating the chords used, I show you several variations with these notes that you can use to play fills over the chords.
(Doug Fearman)
5: Starting on the Four Chord
In this tutorial I'll show you how to take a different approach to a turnaround by moving to the IV chord. We're using a progression in the key of A that I'll show you in the first lesson. Then we'll look at how to use the A minor pentatonic scale in this context, followed by the A dorian scale. In the last lesson I'll show you some licks using both scales.
(Doug Fearman)
1: Funky Southern Rock
In this tutorial I'll show you some approaches to playing over southern rock style rhythms. First is the G minor pentatonic scale over a funky rhythm and a simple 2 note lick. In lesson two, I'll demo the chords in the key of G and play some funkified rhythms. Next up are some single-note fills, followed by a chordal fill. In lesson 5 we'll use the dorian scale in this context. Last, I'll show you another southern rock style lick.
(Doug Fearman)
2: Southern Rock Scales
In this tutorial we'll explore a wide variety of scales and licks that work with a 3 chord progression in the key of C. The 3 chords we'll be using are C (the I chord), F (the IV chord), and Bb ( the dominant VII chord). This chord progression has been used in many southern rock and blues rock songs.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
1: Drop D Slide Guitar
Here you'll learn many tricks so you can play great blues in the style of Ry Cooder with your bottle neck, using a drop D tuning. You'll start from the basics, go through several examples, and at the end you'll be able to create your own version.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
2: Mississippi Blues
In this set of lessons I'll give you some ideas for playing the blues with a drop D tuning and a bottleneck. I'll cover the drop D tuning, talk about the basic technique, then get into some chords. Then I'll teach some melodic ideas and groove examples, and give you a summary of ideas to create an entire tune.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
3: Bad Blues
"Bad Blues" will give you some ideas on how to play blues in a rubato style - without real timing. This gives you freedom to play blues with full expression and dynamics. I'll teach picking technique, then show you several licks to play. I also talk about sound settings, because they are also part of your dynamic expression.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
4: Bad Blues 2
In "Bad Blues 2", I'll teach you to play a theme I composed. I'll talk a bit about the theme, then show you a vibrato exercise. In lesson 3 I'll show you the first part, using the vibrato. In the next lessons I'll show you parts 2 and 3 and how you can create variations. To conclude I'll put it all together and play the theme for you.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
5: Arizona Blues
In this set of lessons I'll teach you a short simple original song, "Arizona Blues". I'll introduce the tune to you, then show you how to play the two main parts. Next I'll put the two parts together for you, then get into the hammer-on and bluesy licks. I'll play the song through for you, then finish by explaining a bit of my philosophy behind it.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
6: Slow Blues
In this tutorial you'll learn to play a minor blues with some rock elements, and you'll learn to play dynamically by using specific sound settings and playing techniques to create feeling. We'll talk about sound and tone, then look at the chords. The next four lessons will focus on licks you can play over the minor blues progression, and in the final lesson we'll put it all together and play through the whole song.
(Hanspeter Kruesi)
7: Slow Blues II
In these lessons you'll learn some ideas about how to play an orchestral slow blues and solo licks in the key of E. We'll work on some rhythm ideas, talk about timing, sound and feeling, and good combinations of solo licks. Last, we'll put these elements together as we play through this slow blues progression.
(Neal Walter)
1: GT Channel: Blues with Neal 1
In the weekly Guitar Tricks Channel, Neal Walter will show you in an fun, quick, engaging way how to play the blues. These episodes from 2009 to 2011 cover a variety of blues topics and even feature a special guest - Anders Mouridsen stops by to jam with Neal live in the studio.
(Neal Walter)
2: GT Channel: Blues with Neal 2
These Guitar Tricks Channel episodes from 2011-2012 sample great blues topics like two-note chords, vibrato, chromatics in the blues, Texas style blues, and coping the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
(Neal Walter)
3: GT Channel: Blues with Neal 3
These Guitar Tricks Channel episodes from 2013 will teach you more blues riffs and tricks, including turnarounds, call and response, Texas boogie, major blues, subtlety in lead playing, and a variety of bending techniques.
(Lisa McCormick)
Acoustic Fingerstyle Blues, Step-by-Step
Jorma Kaukonen started here. Taj Mahal, and Keb' Mo' too, plus dozens of other acoustic blues masters. Even if you're new to fingerpicking, this tutorial will walk you step-by-step through learning to play the fingerstyle blues, and load you up with an impressive collection of tricks and riffs you can toss in at any time. You'll even learn to write your own blues song!
(Anders Mouridsen)
Boogie Pattern and Rhythmic Variations
This tutorial shows how to play a basic shuffle boogie blues, plus some rhythmic variations using 2 and 3 note chord voicings.
(Tom Finch)
Buddy Guy Artist Study
Tome will show you essential aspects of Guy’s playing style and music across many decades has inspired players to learn about the blues of the past, bring those traditions to the present and expand on them into the future! Through his playing and showmanship, he directly influenced the early rock legends of the 60s. Clapton, Page, Beck & Hendrix all took a cue & a few licks from Buddy Guy!
(Andy Gurley)
Elements of Better Blues Musicianship 2
This tutorial has no hands-on examples, yet has some of the most practical advice offered on the site. This is how you should use the information we give you here. This is how you should learn to play in a band situation. This is how you make the most of what you have, even if it's just a few crafty licks. We spend a good deal of time working your vocabulary and chops. Now it's time to make you into a MUSICIAN.
(Anders Mouridsen)
GT Channel: Anders Mouridsen 2013
Alright guitar players, now we're going to take a look at the 2013 Guitar Tricks channel tips and tricks! Host Anders Mouridsen gives you fun and instructive insights into guitar topics.
(Ry Kihn)
Major and Minor Lead Within a Solo
In this set of lessons, Ry Kihn will teaching you how to play major and minor pentatonic scales in a solo. Ry will introduce you to the tutorial, then examine major pentatonic licks. In the next lesson, we'll be learning how to switch between these scales; then Ry will take a look at the extended major scale with the flat third, making things bluesy. To conclude, we'll put it all together and play with a custom backing track.
(Doug Fearman)
Modal Improvisation
This tutorial will introduce you to six modes that will improve your improvisational skills. We'll examine the ionian, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, and aeolian modes in G major, played over an A minor to D progression. I'll use on-screen graphics to give a visual aid.
(Andy Gurley)
Sequences and Practice Techniques
The use of sequences are a great way to better your technique and heighten your skill as a blues soloist. In this tutorial, we are going to show you a variety of different ways to approach the scales already used in blues to aid you in having better chops and technique. Make sure to develop these exercises even further as you move through this course; as all are great ways to warm up for your next lesson or gig. Let's get started.
(Ben Lindholm)
Spiced up Blues Turnarounds
In this tutorial, I will show you five ways of spicing up a standard blues turnaround. Learn them, adapt them and make them your own.
(Dave Celentano)
Stevie Ray Vaughan Artist Study
Dave breaks down Stevie Ray Vaughan’s style into several key factors, showing you what makes it special, and then teaching you to play some licks in his style!
