blues lesson | Guitar World

Buddy Guy, live onstage with his Stratocaster in 2023

Learn the greatest licks from over 100 years of trailblazing blues guitarists, from Robert Johnson to B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Gales and more

By Richard Barrett published 10 April 24

These 15 must-learn licks take you from blues guitar's acoustic beginnings to its electric present day

The blues jam session is a rite of passage for every guitarist – here are 5 ways to improve your blues guitar solos

By Chris Bird published 11 October 23

Hone your phrasing and learn how to express your musical self

Learn Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram's fiery blues rhythm and lead styles

By Phil Short published 17 March 22

Dynamics, expression and a pentatonic second sight, the Clarksdale, Mississippi phenom has made the blues his own

How to play psychedelic Mixolydian blues

By Richard Barrett published 4 March 22

This lesson demonstrates how modal approach to blues can open up your musical options, adding some Mixolydian folk spice in the style of Robby Krieger, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix

How to play blues scale riffs

By Total Guitar editors published 24 May 21

Beginner guitar: add one note to the minor pentatonic scale and unlock the formula for countless classic-rock riffs

Man playing Gibson ES-335 electric guitar

How to get the most out of four-note blues solos

By Richard Barrett published 17 September 20

Because the best blues players know that less is more...

How to spell out chords and harmony when soloing

By Richard Barrett published 4 August 20

This essential blues lesson is fundamental for keeping the song's rhythm and melody going during your solos

5 guitar tricks you can learn from Warren Haynes

By Jon Bishop published 9 June 20

Dig out your Les Paul - it's time to learn the secrets behind the explosive style of blues guitar guru Warren Haynes

Guitar player with a PRS Brent Mason Signature electric guitar

Upgrade your leads by learning to solo over non-diatonic blues chord changes

By Richard Barrett published 7 May 20

Richard Barrett is on a mission to make you a better blues player - with full audio examples and backing tracks

Funk up your blues with these 4 slick licks

Funk up your blues with these rhythmic solo ideas

By Richard Barrett published 1 May 20

A little rhythmic variety in your phrasing will take your blues playing to the next level

20 of the best modern blues riffs

By Total Guitar editors published 29 April 20

The hottest riffs from today's masters of the blues - complete with video lessons