Learning how to play blues guitar is one of the most fulfilling things you can do with a guitar. With those skills, not only will you be able to play the blues, you'll be able to play in many other styles such as jazz, funk and rock. Pretty much every musical style on the planet has it's roots in blues music, so it makes sense to learn how to play it even if you're more of a rock or jazz player.
So, without further delay, let's get on with learning THE most important step in learning how to play blues guitar: The Blues Scale! This awesome sequence of notes is what makes the sound of the blues. What makes it even better is that it's actually really easy to play! To begin with, we'll learn how to play it in the key of A. This means you'll be able to use it over any backing track written in that key (You can download some below, if you keep reading). The letters below show you which string to play and the numbers tell you which fret to put your fingers on. Make sure you play each note one at a time.
How To Guitar
The Blues Scale in the Key of A
Low E: 5 & 8
- A: 5, 6 & 7
- D: 5 & 7
- G: 5, 7 & 8
- B: 5 & 8
- E: 5 & 8
Now that you know the pattern, the next step you should take is to learn some licks and phrases that use this scale shape. It's all well and good just walking up and down the blues scale, though that is the first step in learning the pattern, you won't make it sound like Clapton and BB King do without learning how to make it sound 'musical.' So your task is to learn as many blues licks as you can. Be sure to click the links below where you can download tabs and audio examples of 30 blues licks.
How to Play Blues Guitar - Essential Lessons You MUST Know!