In today's lesson we're looking at one little blues guitar riff that you can literally use anywhere you want to. It's a short lick, so you can fit it in between vocal lines if you want, or you could use it as part of your solos - anything you want.
The trickiest part of this guitar lick is the very first note. We're bending the string up, but then abandoning it. Making that transition from the bend to the other two strings will probably be the hardest part for you. It really helps if you walk through it slowly though, paying attention to your various muting techniques. I like to use my right thumb to help mute that string, and I also use my left index finger to catch it as it comes back down. That finger really only just butts up against the string, it doesn't depress it or anything like that, but it serves to deaden any further vibration and end the note.
Hopefully you recognized right away that we're in the A Pentatonic Minor scale. If you're not familiar with that scale pattern, I really recommend you start working there, first, then come back later on to learn some riffs that come from the scale.
If you're looking for ways to take your soloing to the next level, checkout my course, Box 1 Blues Soloing. We'll not only dig into many more great riffs, but through the entire process you'll be discovering how to make riffs fit the music, and discover the principles of how you can improvise amazing, progression-fitting solos on the spot.
Over a decade ago (2006), I got back into music. And I really needed to better learn and apply scale theory, and Jonathan’s basic approach helped me start out again. His theory covers scale theory, and with acoustic and electric and bass guitars, and a mixture of playing styles. If your starting off or an intermediate player, or need a basic approach to scale theory, give Jonathan a chance.
Thanks Darren!!! 🙂
What if i created a blog with the same name as other blog accidentally? is that legal?
Nice riff! Use it a lot. A little Chuck Berry.
Nice little riff Jonathan. Groovy guitar too, pickups look unusual but sound great! Beautiful colour, must go down well on Saint Patrick's Day.
Best regards,
Timbo.
Wish it would open so I can watch.
Goes nicely when followed by double stops on string 1 & 2, 5th and 8th frets.