Ready to dive into the soulful world of blues guitar? Learning some killer blues licks is the perfect way to start. This guide will walk you through some easy-to-learn licks that will have you sounding like a blues pro in no time. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Why Learn Blues Licks?

Before we jump into the licks themselves, let's talk about why learning blues licks is so beneficial for beginner guitarists.

• Develop Your Ear: Blues licks are often based on simple, repetitive patterns. This makes it easier to internalize the sounds and start recognizing them in other blues songs. Over time, your ear will become more attuned to the nuances of blues music.
• Improve Technique: Many blues licks involve techniques like bending, sliding, and vibrato. Practicing these licks will help you develop these essential guitar skills, improving your overall playing ability.
• Learn Music Theory: While you don't need to be a music theory expert to play blues, learning licks will naturally introduce you to concepts like scales, chords, and intervals. You'll start to understand how these elements fit together to create the blues sound.
• Build a Repertoire: Knowing a variety of licks gives you a toolbox of musical ideas to draw from when improvising or jamming with others. You'll be able to create your own blues solos and express yourself more freely on the guitar.
• Have Fun! Let's be honest, playing the blues is just plain fun! There's something incredibly satisfying about bending a string and hitting that perfect blues note. Learning licks will keep you motivated and inspired to continue your guitar journey.

Essential Blues Techniques

Before we dive into specific licks, let's quickly cover some essential blues techniques that you'll need to master:

• String Bending: Bending a string involves pushing or pulling it across the fretboard to raise the pitch. This is a fundamental blues technique used to create expressive, vocal-like melodies. Start by practicing small bends and gradually increase the amount you bend the string.
• Sliding: Sliding involves moving your finger smoothly from one fret to another while holding down the string. This creates a glissando effect that is commonly used in blues guitar. Experiment with sliding up and down the neck to different target notes.
• Vibrato: Vibrato is a subtle, rapid oscillation in pitch that adds warmth and emotion to your notes. There are several ways to create vibrato on the guitar, including using your finger, wrist, or arm. Find a technique that feels comfortable for you and practice applying it to your notes.
• Palm Muting: Palm muting involves resting the edge of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge to dampen the sound. This creates a percussive, staccato effect that is often used in blues rhythm playing. Adjust the pressure of your palm to control the amount of muting.

Mastering these techniques will not only help you play the licks in this guide but will also give you a solid foundation for exploring other blues guitar styles.

Easy Blues Licks for Beginners

Okay, guys, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some easy blues licks that you can start learning today:

Lick 1: The Classic Blues Scale Lick

This lick is based on the minor blues scale, which is a staple of blues guitar. It's a simple, yet effective lick that you can use in a variety of contexts.

• Scale: A minor blues scale
• Tab:

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

• How to Play It: Start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 7th fret. Play these two notes, then move to the E string and play the 5th fret with your index finger, the 7th fret with your ring finger, and then back to the 5th fret. Finish the lick by playing the 7th fret of the E string with your ring finger.
• Tips: Practice this lick slowly at first to get the fingerings down. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the speed. Try experimenting with different rhythms and articulations to add your own personal touch.

Lick 2: The Pentatonic Bend Lick

This lick uses a string bend to create a classic blues sound. It's based on the A minor pentatonic scale, which is another essential scale for blues guitar.

• Scale: A minor pentatonic scale
• Tab:

e|--------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------|
D|-------5-7b9-5------------------------------------|
A|-5-7----------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------|

• How to Play It: Start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 7th fret. Then, play the 5th fret of the D string with your index finger and bend the 7th fret of the D string up a whole step (two frets). Finish the lick by playing the 5th fret of the D string again.
• Tips: Make sure to bend the string smoothly and in tune. Use your ear to guide you and adjust the bend as needed. You can also add vibrato to the bent note to make it sound more expressive.

Lick 3: The Double Stop Slide Lick

This lick uses a double stop (playing two notes at the same time) and a slide to create a unique blues sound. It's a bit more challenging than the previous licks, but it's well worth the effort.

• Scale: A minor blues scale
• Tab:

e|--------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------|
G|-------5/7-5--------------------------------------|
D|-5-7----------------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------|

• How to Play It: Start by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the D string and your ring finger on the 7th fret. Play these two notes together as a double stop. Then, slide your ring finger up to the 7th fret of the G string while keeping your index finger on the 5th fret of the D string. Finish the lick by playing the 5th fret of the G string with your index finger.
• Tips: Make sure to keep both notes of the double stop ringing clearly. Use a smooth, controlled slide to connect the notes. You can also add vibrato to the final note to make it sound more expressive.

Practicing Your Licks

Now that you've learned a few licks, it's important to practice them regularly to improve your playing. Here are some tips for practicing your licks effectively:

• Start Slowly: Don't try to play the licks too fast at first. Focus on playing them accurately and in time. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the speed.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome is a great tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Start by practicing the licks with a metronome at a slow tempo and gradually increase the tempo as you improve.
• Practice in Different Keys: Once you've mastered the licks in one key, try transposing them to other keys. This will help you develop your understanding of the fretboard and improve your improvisational skills.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and pay attention to your timing, accuracy, and tone.
• Jam with Others: Playing with other musicians is a great way to put your licks into practice and develop your improvisational skills. Find some friends to jam with or join a local blues jam session.

Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary

Learning these licks is a great starting point, but it's important to continue expanding your blues vocabulary. Here are some ways to do that:

• Listen to Blues Music: The best way to learn the blues is to listen to as much blues music as possible. Pay attention to the guitar players and try to identify the licks and techniques they are using.
• Learn More Scales and Chords: The more you know about scales and chords, the better you'll be able to understand and create blues licks. Study the minor blues scale, the pentatonic scale, and common blues chord progressions.
• Take Lessons: A good guitar teacher can provide you with personalized instruction and help you develop your blues playing skills. Look for a teacher who specializes in blues guitar.
• Transcribe Solos: Transcribing solos involves listening to a guitar solo and writing down the notes that are being played. This is a great way to learn new licks and techniques.
• Experiment and Improvise: Don't be afraid to experiment and improvise on the guitar. Try combining different licks and techniques to create your own unique blues sound.

Conclusion

Learning easy guitar blues licks is a fantastic way for beginners to get into the genre and start sounding like a pro. By mastering the techniques, practicing regularly, and expanding your blues vocabulary, you'll be well on your way to becoming a blues guitar master. So, keep practicing, keep listening, and most importantly, keep having fun! Now go on and play some blues!