How to play Blues Guitar; Delta, Chicago, Electric & Blues Rock! - Live Replay

In this live session, Andy takes a deep dive into all things blues guitar!

To keep things fun, we tackle this topic from a genre point of view. After looking at the foundations, we'll take a quick look at Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, Electric Blues and Blues Rock. We'll listen to song examples, look at what techniques are being employed and have fun jamming along as we go.

Even if you're a total beginner, if you're interested in blues you should absolutely watch this session. Even if you don't understand every point we cover, this session can act as your roadmap from beginner to advanced, and help you make the most of the blues videos and courses we do have on the Andy Guitar website.

This lesson plan covers the history, guitar techniques, and characteristics of Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, Electric Blues, and Blues Rock. It includes key songs, artists, common chord progressions, lead guitar scales, techniques, and additional playing tips.

Lesson Overview:

• Total Duration: 1 Hour

• Focus: Understanding different blues genres, key techniques, and historical context.

Lesson Breakdown

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Blues genres

[00:00:22] - Importance of understanding Blues for well-rounded guitar technique

[00:00:53] - Delta Blues: Acoustic, finger-picking, 12-bar blues progression

[00:01:35] - Importance of playing 12-bar blues in any key

[00:07:58] - Authenticity over technical perfection in Delta Blues

[00:09:43] - Differences between Delta Blues and other Blues styles

[00:14:39] - Transitioning from Delta Blues to Chicago Blues

[00:18:48] - Chicago Blues: Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and Buddy Guy

[00:24:25] - Techniques for effective Blues lead guitar playing

[00:27:07] - Experiences of seeing Buddy Guy live

[00:30:25] - Howling Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning" as a finger-style example

[00:31:18] - Importance of slides, vibrato, and phrasing in Blues guitar

[00:35:15] - Defining electric blues

[00:35:43] - Discussing the song "The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King

[00:36:35] - Analyzing the minor blues in B.B. King's solo

[00:37:41] - Discussing why B.B. King is considered the "King of Blues"

[00:39:21] - Analyzing the characteristics of B.B. King's playing

[00:40:42] - Discussing vibrato technique

[00:41:38] - Discussing the feel and timing in B.B. King's playing

[00:42:19] - Discussing the use of bends and note choices in electric blues

[00:43:43] - Introducing the "Three Kings" of electric blues

[00:45:10] - Analyzing the first note in B.B. King's solo

[00:46:08] - Discussing the importance of vibrato and bends

[00:46:50] - Discussing the connection between electric blues and Cream's music

[00:47:46] - Discussing the importance of tone and feel in electric blues

[00:48:30] - Discussing the benefits of learning electric blues as a beginner

Additional Resources

• Listening Recommendations:

  • Delta Blues: “Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson.

  • Chicago Blues: “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters.

  • Electric Blues: “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King.

  • Blues Rock: “Crossroads” by Cream

Website videos, courses and further learning

• Beginners course & 14 day course blues/ 12 bar blues lessons w/ Andy

• Acoustic blues & Texas Blues w/ Mike Bradley

• Blues songs search on the videos page

Connect with Andy and other AAA members between live sessions with the Andy Guitar AAA Discord community - the link is on the membership page here.

Join me here on the website for weekly live sessions where we can work directly on your playing & give the feedback needed for you to move forward and get inspired!

Every week we cover topics such as;

• How to make the most of your practice time

• Songs and exercises at your level and based on your music taste

• How you can stay motivated and maximise your progress

You can also request a tutorial for a song YOU want to learn and Andy will teach it during the session live! Each live stream is automatically available as a replay so you can catch up anytime and never miss a beat!