Easy Guitar Blues Licks For Beginners

Hey guys! Learning the blues on guitar can be super rewarding, and one of the coolest things about it is diving into licks. These little phrases can add so much flavor to your playing and help you express yourself. If you're just starting, don't worry! We're going to break down some easy blues licks that you can start using right away. Let's get started!

What are Blues Licks?

Before we dive into specific licks, let's talk about what they are. Blues licks are short, recognizable phrases that guitarists use in their solos and improvisations. Think of them as building blocks – you can string them together, modify them, and use them as a foundation for your own unique playing. Blues licks are typically based on the blues scale and often incorporate techniques like bending, sliding, and vibrato.

Blues licks are important because they offer a vocabulary for expressing blues feelings on the guitar. They provide a framework for improvisation, giving you go-to phrases that sound authentic and soulful. By learning various licks, you develop an understanding of blues phrasing, timing, and expression. Licks also serve as a starting point for creating your own unique style. You can modify existing licks, combine them, or use them as inspiration to develop new ideas.

Think of learning blues licks as similar to learning words and phrases in a new language. The more you learn, the better you can communicate. Start with the basics and gradually expand your vocabulary. Don't be afraid to experiment and personalize the licks to fit your own style. Remember, the goal is not to just copy licks but to understand them and use them as a foundation for your own playing. As you master these easy licks, you'll begin to hear them in the music of blues legends and develop a deeper appreciation for the blues tradition. So grab your guitar, warm up those fingers, and let's get started on this exciting journey of learning blues licks.

Essential Blues Scale

Before you start learning licks, it's essential to know the blues scale. This is the foundation of most blues licks, and understanding it will help you see how the licks are constructed. The most common blues scale is the minor pentatonic scale with an added blue note (a flat 5th). Here's the formula:

Root - b3 - 4 - b5 - 5 - b7

For example, in the key of E, the E blues scale is:

E - G - A - Bb - B - D

The blues scale isn't just a sequence of notes; it's a palette of sounds that evoke the unique emotional character of blues music. Each note in the scale carries its own weight and potential for expression. The root note provides a sense of grounding and stability, while the minor third (b3) introduces a touch of melancholy. The perfect fourth adds a sense of resolution, and the flat fifth, or "blue note," injects a distinctive bluesy flavor. The perfect fifth offers a feeling of strength and confidence, and the minor seventh (b7) contributes to the overall harmonic tension of the scale.

The power of the blues scale lies in its versatility. It can be used to create both simple and complex melodies, and it can be adapted to fit a wide range of blues styles. The scale can be played in a variety of positions on the guitar neck, allowing you to explore different sounds and textures. Experiment with bending, sliding, and vibrato to further enhance the expressiveness of the scale. As you become more familiar with the blues scale, you'll begin to recognize it in the music of blues legends and develop a deeper understanding of its role in shaping the blues sound. So take the time to master the blues scale, and you'll be well on your way to unlocking the secrets of blues guitar.

Easy Blues Licks to Learn

Okay, let's get to the fun part! Here are a few easy blues licks that are perfect for beginners. We'll use the E blues scale as our example, but you can move these licks to other keys once you get comfortable.

Lick 1: The Classic Bend

This lick uses a simple bend to create a classic blues sound.

e|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------| G|---------------------------------| D|---------------------------------| A|-------2-4b(6)-2-----------------| E|-0-2-4---------------------------|

This lick starts on the open E string, moves to the 2nd and 4th frets, then features a bend on the 4th fret of the A string. This bend is what gives it that signature bluesy feel. Make sure to bend the note up a whole step (two frets).

The classic bend lick is a cornerstone of blues guitar playing, and it's essential for beginners to master. The technique involves bending a string up to a higher pitch, creating a distinctive wailing sound that is characteristic of the blues. This lick typically starts on the lower strings and moves up to the higher strings, allowing you to explore different registers and tonal qualities. The bend is usually performed on the higher frets of the guitar, where the strings are more flexible and easier to manipulate.

To execute the classic bend lick effectively, it's important to use your fingers and wrist in coordination. Place your fingers firmly behind the fret you're bending, and use your wrist to smoothly push the string upwards. Pay attention to the amount of pressure you're applying, and aim for a consistent and controlled bend. Practice bending the string to the correct pitch, and listen carefully to ensure that it matches the target note. With practice, you'll develop the muscle memory and control needed to execute this lick with precision and confidence. The classic bend lick is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of blues contexts, so it's well worth the effort to master.

Lick 2: The Simple Slide

Slides are another essential blues technique. This lick uses a simple slide up to a note.

e|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------| G|---------------------------------| D|---------------------------------| A|-2/4-----------------------------| E|---------------------------------|

Here, you slide from the 2nd fret to the 4th fret on the A string. Make sure the slide is smooth and the note rings out clearly at the end.

Simple slide licks are an accessible way for beginners to add a bluesy touch to their playing. The slide technique involves gliding your finger along the string from one fret to another, creating a smooth and seamless transition between notes. This lick is typically performed on the lower strings, where the strings are thicker and produce a warmer tone. The slide can be used to move up or down the fretboard, and it can be combined with other techniques like bending and vibrato to create more complex and expressive phrases.

To execute the simple slide lick effectively, it's important to maintain a light and consistent pressure on the string. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can cause the note to sound muffled or choked. Instead, focus on gliding your finger smoothly along the string, and listen carefully to ensure that the note rings out clearly at the end of the slide. The slide can be performed with any finger, but many guitarists prefer to use their index or middle finger for greater control. Experiment with different finger positions to find what works best for you. With practice, you'll develop the finesse and control needed to execute this lick with confidence and precision. The simple slide lick is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of blues contexts, so it's well worth the effort to master.

Lick 3: The Pentatonic Run

This lick is a simple run up the E minor pentatonic scale.

e|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------| G|---------------------------------| D|---------------------------------| A|-2-4-5-7-------------------------| E|---------------------------------|

This lick is played on the A string, starting at the 2nd fret and moving up to the 7th. It's a straightforward way to use the pentatonic scale in your playing.

Pentatonic run licks are a great way for beginners to get comfortable with the blues scale and incorporate it into their playing. The pentatonic scale is a five-note scale that is commonly used in blues music, and it provides a solid foundation for creating melodies and improvisations. This lick typically starts on the lower strings and moves up to the higher strings, allowing you to explore different registers and tonal qualities. The run can be played in ascending or descending order, and it can be combined with other techniques like bending and vibrato to create more complex and expressive phrases.

To execute the pentatonic run lick effectively, it's important to maintain a smooth and consistent rhythm. Practice playing the notes evenly and with a clear articulation. Pay attention to the spacing between the notes, and aim for a consistent and flowing feel. The run can be performed with any finger combination, but many guitarists prefer to use a combination of their index, middle, and ring fingers for greater control. Experiment with different fingerings to find what works best for you. With practice, you'll develop the speed and accuracy needed to execute this lick with confidence and precision. The pentatonic run lick is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of blues contexts, so it's well worth the effort to master.

Tips for Practicing

• Start Slow: Don't try to play these licks at full speed right away. Start slow and focus on accuracy.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you keep time and develop your rhythm.
• Listen to the Blues: The best way to learn the blues is to listen to blues music. Pay attention to how guitarists use licks in their solos.
• Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Adding Your Own Style

Once you're comfortable with these basic licks, start experimenting with them! Try changing the rhythm, adding bends, or combining them in different ways. The goal is to make these licks your own and use them as a starting point for your own improvisations. Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – that's how you learn!

Learning guitar blues licks can be a lot of fun, and it's a great way to add some blues flavor to your playing. Start with these easy licks, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment. With a little bit of effort, you'll be playing the blues in no time. Keep practicing and have fun!