Blues Riff In A Song

Now it's time to try using our brand new blues riff in a simple song. We'll modify our basic blues riff to make it a little more catchy.

Instructor Anders Mouridsen
Tutorial:
Blues Riff #1
Styles:
Any Style
Difficulty:
Blues Riff In A Song song notation

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Questions & Answers

5 months ago
Hi, how we do call these chords that we strum right after the A5 and the E5 chords in this blues song? Best regards, Márton
Mike Olekshy 5 months ago

Hello - thanks for your question! Most of the time, you wouldn't even think twice about what to call these chords - as most guitarists recall this as a "blues boogie rhythm" and know exactly what you mean and how to play them. I don't think I've ever come across a transcription of this type of riffing that specifies what those chords are. However, it could be explained by thinking of those chords as "implied IV chords". You are only playing 2 notes, but you can think of those 2 notes as the 3rd and 5th from the IV chord. For example - going from A5 to the next chord - it would be a D (no root) - meaning you're playing the 3rd and 5th (F# and A) of a D major chord. Hope this helps!!

7 months ago
is there any way you can show us a close up to how you're holding the pick? I keep on hitting the E and A string, and it feels like is drowning or muffling the sound of the power chord. I think it has to do with how hard I am hitting those strings.
Mike Olekshy 7 months ago

Hello - thanks for your question! Yes you might be strumming too hard. Here's a tutorial on how to hold the pick: https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson/13957

10 months ago
hello, i am still somewhat confused as to where i should be and how i can find my way on your site. even tho i have been playing for almost 1.5 years, and took lessons in 2023, i started out at the beginning. i am doing beginner acoustic pathway. i leave the tab with my last lesson up on my desktop computer. i look at another tab with your site on it, and see other "paths" in the beginner course. so in short, HOW DO I FIND MY WAY? and, should i be where i am now? it is heavy on power chords, and i question their usefulness in acoustic. but i do see the value of the rhythm and even note naming in the lessons. so, do i find another lesson path more heavy into cowboy chords and strumming or stick with what i am on? (which is riffs and power chords) thanks dale
Mike Olekshy 10 months ago

Hello Dale - thanks so much for your questions. In the bottom right side of the lesson page, you should see the CONTENT and PROGRESS tabs that will show you where you are in the course. Continue to follow this path to make your way through the course at your own pace. As for the power chords, I would urge you to continue working on them. They do get used on acoustic guitar, and also, practicing them contributes to your muscle memory, loosening of your fingers, and overall skill and technique.