Blues Style Guitar Course: Level 1
All modern guitar styles were built on the same language of the Blues. It all comes down to getting a ton of music out of just a few notes. In Blues Style Course 1 we will cover everything to get you started playing authentic blues guitar from 12-bar form, the blues scale, how to get an authentic feel, playing licks with bending and blues-y timing as well as blues specific gear and tone to make you sound like the real deal. Let's start learning how to play guitar Blues style!
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Chapter: 1: First Law in Blues: Intro to the 12 Bar Form
In this chapter you will learn the 12 bar blues progression which is the foundation of the style. You'll learn to play this simple form with basic dominant 7th chords, a diad riff and move it to several keys.
Chapter: 2: Blues With Power and Barre Chords
In this chapter you will expand your knowledge and skills by playing the 12 bar blues form using power chords. You'll also add crucial basic strumming, muting and techniques.
Chapter: 3: Minor and Dominant Blues
In this chapter we'll show you the blues progression in minor keys. You'll learn to add new turnarounds particular to minor keys, moving the progression to different key signatures and voicing blues guitar chords in new ways!
Chapter: 4: Blues Rhythm and Feel
Expand you knowledge and skill by learning new strumming patterns in the Blues style. Most importantly, the distinction between straight and swing feel. You'll also get an introduction to various regional blues styles.
Chapter: 5: Start Your Own Blues Lead Playing
Now for the best part. In this chapter you will learn the basics of blues style lead playing! You'll start with the Blues scale, learn how to keep it simple and make music right away. You'll also get an introduction to the licks, tricks and secrets of the Three Kings of Blues.
Chapter: 6: Blues Tone and Equipment
Finally, learn the basic gear and tones used across blues guitar. You'll learn all about the guitars, amps and effects used to get a legendary blues tone!
Frequently Asked Questions
A blues guitar is all about creating that soulful, expressive sound that defines the blues genre. It’s less about the type of guitar and more about the style of playing, with techniques like bending strings, sliding, and using the blues scale.
Blues can be played on pretty much any guitar, but hollow or semi-hollow electric guitars are classics for their warm tone. Acoustic guitars also work beautifully for blues, especially in Delta or folk styles.
Not really! Blues is beginner-friendly since it often uses simple chord progressions and scales. However, mastering the emotion and feel takes practice and heart.
The classic blues chords are the I, IV, and V chords in a 12-bar blues progression. For example, in the key of E, you'd play E, A, and B7.
The dominant 7th chord (like E7 or A7) is the king of blues. It gives that unmistakable, slightly gritty bluesy vibe.
Tons of songs only use three chords! A famous one is “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It sticks with G, C, and D (or similar shapes).
The three-chord trick is about using just the I, IV, and V chords to play loads of songs. It’s a simple formula that works for blues, country, and rock tunes.
Some might say the barre chords are tough at first, but in terms of complexity, jazz chords like the G13b9 or anything with lots of extensions and alterations can really twist your fingers.
The magic 4 chords are I, V, vi, and IV. In the key of C, that’s C, G, Am, and F—they’re behind hits like “Let It Be” and “Someone Like You”.
