Mastering a Gorgeous Blues Guitar Lick
August 2, 2023 by Klaus Crow
Picture yourself in a dimly lit blues club, the air heavy with anticipation. The spotlight falls on a lone guitarist, fingers dancing effortlessly over the strings. With each note, a wave of emotion washes over the audience, leaving them spellbound. This is the magic of blues guitar improvisation, creating a story through the guitar that speaks to the soul like no other.
In this blog post, I’ll teach you a gorgeous blues guitar lick that you can use for your blues soloing. The lick comes with the enigmatic b5 (blue note) and the velvety 6th note. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical adventure, this lick is a great way to spice up your blues chops.
Analyzing the Blues Lick
Let’s zoom in on this cool blues lick that’s packed with colorful notes. It’s got two special notes that give it that classic bluesy touch: the “blue note” b5 (colored blue in the tabs below) and the 6th note (colored orange in the tabs below). These notes are like the secret ingredients that make this lick sound so emotional and captivating.
The “blue note” (b5) adds a bit of tension and a hint of sadness to the lick. It’s like the spicy kick in your favorite dish that keeps you coming back for more. On the other hand, the 6th note is like a warm, comforting hug. Together, these notes create a blend of emotions that are the heart and soul of the blues.
Practice tips
Ready to make this lick your own? Here are some easy tips to practice and improve:
- Take it Slow: Start by playing the lick slowly. Focus on hitting each note clearly. As you get comfortable, gradually pick up the pace.
- Feel the “6th note”: Pay special attention to the “6th note”. It’s what gives the lick that jazzy soulful flavor. You can even try some vibrato on the 6th note for a little while playing it to add extra emotion.
- Mix it Up: Once you’ve got the basic lick down, have some fun with it! Change up the rhythm, slide between notes, or give the strings a gentle bend. Experimenting is part of the blues magic.
- Jam Along: Find some blues backing tracks online and play the lick along with them. It’s like having a mini band to jam with! This helps you get a feel for the groove and timing.
- Play with Friends: Grab a friend who plays an instrument or join a jam session. Playing with others can spark new ideas and make your blues lick sound even cooler.
- Record Yourself: Hit that record button while you practice. It’s a great way to track your progress and see where you can improve.
So there you have it, now grab your guitar, have some fun, and let those bluesy vibes flow.
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