Lessons: Blues

Did Robben Ford Invent a Scale?

May 18, 2019

Nick Granville

Of course not. But he sure makes it sound good.

Joe Gore’s The Subversive Guitarist: The Bruise Scale

March 23, 2019

Joe Gore

If you whip out these licks at the ol’ Tuesday night blues jam, they’ll probably move it to Wednesday and not tell you.

Beyond Blues: Nail Those Changes!

May 19, 2018

Doug Munro

Fishing around for some new ideas to enhance your blues licks? Check out this step-by-step approach that covers everything from guide tones to scales.

Dr. Molly’s Guitar Lab: The Badass Riffs of Sister Rosetta Tharpe

May 12, 2018

Dr. Molly Miller

One of rock guitar’s pioneers could tear through double-stops, chromatic riffs, and fiery triplets with grace and attitude.

Workin’ Man Blues: Moving into the Country

April 14, 2018

Corey Congilio

The path from ripping electric blues to snappy twang is shorter than you might think. An in-demand Nashville player dishes out a few hands-on tips for getting your country chops together.

What Bohlinger Plays: The Best Turnaround Ever

March 20, 2018

John Bohlinger

How to play a deceptively simple—and impressive—turnaround that uses hybrid picking.

The Tao of Jeff Beck

March 17, 2018

Arthur Rotfeld

Here's a crash course in how one of the most eclectic and influential guitarists of all time developed a unique vocabulary through speedy rockabilly licks, fuzzed-out melodies, and an otherworldly use of the vibrato bar.

Rhythm Rules: 8 Ways to Navigate a 12-Bar Blues

February 17, 2018

Dan Smith

These inventive riffs might make your next blues jam a bit more exciting.

10 Sneaky Slide Licks

December 23, 2017

Ariel Posen

Coax extra mileage from a familiar lick by slipping in some sly slide moves.

Gary Clark Jr.’s Modern Mojo

December 16, 2017

Dan Smith

Get inside the techniques of a modern blues master and add some fire to your solos.

What Bohlinger Plays: Behind-the-Slide Blues

December 5, 2017

John Bohlinger

The Review Demo maestro walks you through a descending lick that's a cinch to transpose to any key.

Blue Horizons: The Lyric Form

October 28, 2017

David Hamburger

Phrasing feeling stale? Learn how to break down the more vocal side of melody and rhythm.

Blue Horizons: Hit It and Quit It!

August 12, 2017

David Hamburger

Understand how masters of beatnik-blues such as Grant Green and Kenny Burrell effortlessly weaved chord hits within their solos.

Blue Horizons: How to Mix Major and Minor Pentatonics

July 8, 2017

David Hamburger

B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Freddie King all had an innate ability to move between major and minor sounds within a 12-bar blues. Here’s how they did it.

Beyond Blues: How to Play “Bird” Blues

June 17, 2017

Levi Clay

Saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker’s challenging version of a 12-bar blues is one of his most enduring contributions. Learn how to navigate these tricky changes by combining bebop and blues.

Deep Blues: Double-Stoppin’ Jive

April 22, 2017

Dan Smith

Learn how to turn your riffs and solos from blasé to burning with a few well-placed double-stop licks.

Beyond Blues: The Allman Brothers Band

March 4, 2017

Levi Clay

One of the most revered Southern rock bands of all time combined grit and soul with blazing blues guitar. Learn how Duane Allman and Dickey Betts forged an unforgettable sound.

Beyond Blues: Working the Slow Burn

February 4, 2017

Levi Clay

Not all blues progressions are created equal. You need to have touch, time, and taste in order to survive when the tempo slows down.

Beyond Blues: Connecting the Dots

November 26, 2016

Levi Clay

When learning guitar, the biggest challenge isn’t mastering fingerings, but rather how to put them together in a musical way. Here are some cool tricks for moving from one shape to another.