Day 12 - Blues in A with the famous Blues shuffle riff

We look at a 12 bar blues in A, specifically using the blues shuffle riff. This has a different feel and quicker tempo to the previous days 12 bar blues lesson, this variation will have a new lead tomorrow too!

Chords for the A blues

The chords in each riff are A5, D5 and E5 with the variations too, like dominant 7th chords like A7, D7 & E7.

Riff 1 

These chords for the riff are played as power chords going between the first and third finger. 

• Place the thumb over the top of the neck for a better hand angle, especially if you want to stand up & play 

• Thumb on the back of the neck works too when it comes to particular riffs and lead playing but do what is best for you!

The rhythm is a straight feel rather than with that bluesy bounce we covered before.  

Riff 2 

Exactly the same principles of playing the riff as in riff 1 but here was have a new note played with the 3rd finger. 

In the A position this is:

• Fret 2, played with first finger

• Frets 4 & 5 with third finger (scooch over fret 4 & 5 with the third finger rather than using little finger)

• All with A note ringing out and similar for the D & E chords

Drop the thumb down, on the back & closer to the top of the guitar, rather than actually over the top like with the A & D for the blues riff in the E chord position.

Day 12 visual jam track - A blues jam