Playing guitar can be an ordinary feat to most people. Any person, with the right ear for music, can learn any instrument in a matter of hours. On the other hand, learning how to play blues guitar is almost a form of dexterity that not everyone can master. Blues music has been the foundation of many other genres of music such as Jazz, R&B and even Rock and Roll. The style of music is so captivating that it almost sounds complicated as well. Here are a few facts in order for you to learn how to play blues guitar:

The Technique

The technique in order to play blues guitar comes from the skill in picking. Although essentially, the scales make the music when playing the instrument, it is imperative to construct the picking technique before scales can be played. The guitar can then be played as a Rhythm Blues Guitar or a Lead Blues Guitar. There has to be suppleness in the fingers of the player in order to get the rhythm right.

Knowing the Difference

For the Rhythm Blues Guitar, the chord progression is founded on the twelve bar blues structure. When you play blues guitar, more often than not, the interval cords that are in progression are the I, IV and V, but other cords may also be played so long as the tonality is present in the rhythm. The Lead Blues Guitar, conversely, is more popular in terms of the measure of its expressiveness. It primarily focuses on the technical skills of vibrato and bending. The pick's basic motion is up and down, alternating in every turn.

In an example by James Ham, if there is a basic riff with the notes A,C,D,A,E one after another, the A would be played with a downward picking motion while the C would be played directly after the A with an upward motion. This is playing two notes in one motion. You can also try playing a 12-bar chord progression in different keys, in the same way as when you play a rhythm blues guitar in pentatonic scale. Try practicing this rhythm pattern continuously until you get the hang of the beat.

Getting Props

There are also several audio samples of blues records available online. Most of which can be downloaded for free. These samples may be played in both slow and full speed, helping you learn to pace your rhythm during mastering your picking technique. Although agility is integral when you play blues guitar, you must also concentrate on the accuracy of each note that you play and focus on your scales. Fluid rhythm and chord progression are fundamental in making blues music. You can also get a book that offers superb guitar licks that can help you practice.

Expression

As you play blues guitar, or any instrument at that, it is always important to practice. It is in practicing that we master our art and our passion. You can also sing along as you strum the guitar, after all, the blues music is all about expression.