Guitar Tricks Online Guitar Lessons

Basic Blues Riff #1

 
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First let's break down the simplest version of our classic blues riff.

First we'll play the 2nd fret of the A-string with our index finger. Then we'll play the 4th fret with our ring finger. Now we'll alternate between those two, It makes it easier for the right hand if you can mute the D-string with your index finger.

Next up we're going to include the open E-string in our right hand for every note we pick. Let's leave it at this for now, and then we'll build on it in the next lessons.

Now let's practice our new riff together a couple of times really slowly.

Instructor Anders Mouridsen
Tutorial:
Blues Riff #1
Styles:
Any Style
Difficulty:
print notation download lesson open guitar tuner
Basic Blues Riff #1 song notation

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Questions & Answers

8 months ago
Question about the open-E string. As I play the open-E along with the A string, the open-E rings out. It's hard to hear if it rings out the same in the video. Is this correct, no problem for the open-E to ring out? Thanks, Bob
Mike Olekshy 8 months ago

Hey Bob - thanks so much for your question! Yes - the low open E string is meant to ring out with the notes on the A string.

1 year ago
how do I just get the a and d strings in my strumming because I keep hitting g
Mike Olekshy 1 year ago

Hello - thanks so much for your question! It is a bit of a challenge at first to strum only certain strings! Be sure to practice your strum slowly so that you can focus on strumming only the A and D strings. Another idea is to curl your fingers so that a bit of flesh is resting on the G string. This will mute the G string so that it doesn't ring out even if you strum it. Keep at it - you'll get it!

2 years ago
Why is this so hard but it doesnt appear to be?
Mike Olekshy 2 years ago

Hello and thanks so much for your question! Yes, any new material can be much more difficult to play than it looks. Go slow with it, and keep at it!