The blues is one of the most expressive and influential genres of music, and learning to play it on an acoustic guitar is both rewarding and fun.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist looking to deepen your blues playing, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals, including blues scales, chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and soloing techniques.
Understanding the Blues Structure
The blues is characterized by:
- A 12-bar chord progression (most common form)
- A shuffle rhythm or swing feel
- The use of blues scales and bends for solos
- Emotional expression through both chords and lead playing
Before you start playing, listen to blues legends like Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Eric Clapton to get a feel for the style.
Essential Blues Chords
Most blues songs use dominant 7th chords, which add a rich and slightly gritty sound. Here are some fundamental blues chords:
Open Position Blues Chords
E7 Chord
E|–0–|
B|–0–|
G|–1–|
D|–0–|
A|–2–|
E|–0–|
A7 Chord
E|–0–|
B|–2–|
G|–0–|
D|–2–|
A|–0–|
E|–X–|
B7 Chord
E|–0–|
B|–0–|
G|–2–|
D|–1–|
A|–2–|
E|–X–|
The 12-Bar Blues Progression
The 12-bar blues is the most popular blues chord progression. It follows this pattern:
Basic 12-Bar Blues in E:
| E7 | E7 | E7 | E7 | | A7 | A7 | E7 | E7 | | B7 | A7 | E7 | B7 |
Play each chord for four beats before switching.
Shuffle Rhythm Example
A shuffle rhythm gives the blues its signature swing feel:
Basic Shuffle in E:
E|—————-|—————-|
B|—————-|—————-|
G|—————-|—————-|
D|——2—4—2-|——2—4—2-|
A|–2-4—4—4—|–2-4—4—4—|
E|—————-|—————-|
Blues Strumming and Rhythm Techniques
1. Down-Up Strumming with Swing Feel
A standard blues strumming pattern looks like this:
↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑
Instead of even strumming, accentuate the downbeats to create a swing feel.
2. Walking Bass Line
You can add bass note runs between chords to make your rhythm playing more dynamic.
Blues Scales for Soloing
To improvise over the blues, you need to learn the blues scale.
E Blues Scale (Pentatonic + Blue Note)
E|——————–0-3–|
B|—————-0-3——|
G|————0-2———|
D|——–0-2————-|
A|—-0-1-2—————|
E|0-3———————|
This scale is the foundation for blues solos and licks.
Fingerpicking Blues
Many blues songs use fingerpicking patterns. A simple thumb and finger pattern is:
- Thumb (T) plays bass notes
- Index (I) and middle (M) fingers pluck higher strings
Example: Travis Picking in E
T I T M
E|——–0———|
B|—-0———0—|
G|——–1———|
D|————2—–|
A|–2—————|
E|——0———–|
Tips for Improving Your Blues Playing
- Listen to Blues Artists – Study the playing of legends like Robert Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.
- Practice Slow and Steady – Focus on playing cleanly rather than fast.
- Experiment with Vibrato and Bends – Blues is all about expression.
- Learn Turnarounds – A turnaround is a short riff that signals the end of a blues progression.
- Play with a Shuffle Feel – Avoid rigid, even strumming; let it groove.
FAQs about Playing Blues on Acoustic Guitar
What is the easiest blues song to play on acoustic guitar?
Some beginner-friendly blues songs include:
- Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson)
- Before You Accuse Me (Eric Clapton)
- The Thrill is Gone (B.B. King)
Can I play blues on an acoustic guitar?
Absolutely! Many early blues legends played on acoustic guitars, and it’s a great way to develop fingerpicking and slide techniques.
What are some essential techniques for blues guitar?
- Bending strings to create expressive notes
- Slides for a smooth transition between notes
- Hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid melodies
- Turnarounds to add a classic blues ending
How do I get a bluesy sound on an acoustic guitar?
- Use dominant 7th chords
- Add vibrato and bends to your lead playing
- Play with a swing feel
- Use fingerpicking for a richer tone
Final Thoughts
Playing blues on an acoustic guitar is a fantastic way to develop your musicality. Start with basic 12-bar blues, practice shuffle rhythms, and explore blues scales for soloing. With dedication and emotion, you’ll capture the true essence of the blues.
Keep playing, keep grooving, and most importantly—feel the blues! J