Top 5 Beginner Blues Licks You Can Learn Today
There’s something magical about the blues. It’s raw, expressive, and deeply connected to the roots of modern music. Learning a few simple blues licks for beginner guitarists can be a gateway to improvisation, better phrasing, and a deeper appreciation of music. Today, we’ll explore five beginner-friendly blues licks that will get your fingers grooving and your soul singing.
1. The Classic E Minor Pentatonic Bend
This blues lick is a staple of blues playing, and it works perfectly in the 12-bar blues format.
How to Play:
- Use the E Minor Pentatonic Scale (position 1) at the 12th fret.
- Start on the 15th fret of the B string and perform a full bend, letting it sustain.
- Follow up by playing the 12th fret of the high E string, then the 15th fret of the B string, and finish with the 12th fret of the B string.
Tab:
Why It’s Cool:
This blues licks introduces bending—a hallmark of blues expression. Focus on hitting that bend accurately to stay in tune.
2. The Box Shape Walkdown
This blues licks uses the box shape of the Minor Pentatonic scale and is perfect for a call-and-response style.
How to Play:
- Start on the 7th fret of the G string.
- Play 7th fret on G, then move to the 9th fret on D, and finish with a quick slide to the 7th fret of D.
- Add some vibrato on the last note for extra flavor.
Tab:
Why It’s Cool:
This blues lick introduces sliding and vibrato, two techniques that can make simple notes sound emotional and dynamic.
3. The Chuck Berry Double Stop
Channel the energy of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry with this iconic double-stop lick.
How to Play:
- Place your finger across the 8th fret of the B and high E strings.
- Hammer on the 10th fret of the B string while keeping the high E string ringing.
- Alternate between the hammered-on note and the double-stop at the 8th fret.
Tab:
Why It’s Cool:
This blues lick teaches you double stops and the rhythmic feel of the blues. It’s also fun and a crowd-pleaser when done with confidence.
4. The Sliding Turnaround
This blues lick fits perfectly at the end of a 12-bar blues progression to signal the turnaround.
How to Play:
- Start on the 2nd fret of the G string and slide up to the 4th fret.
- Play the open B string and follow with the open E string.
- Repeat the sequence for a descending turnaround feel.
Tab:
Why It’s Cool:
The sliding motion introduces movement, and the open strings give it that unmistakable bluesy vibe.
5. The Minor Pentatonic Box Riff
This riff highlights the first position of the Minor Pentatonic scale in a catchy, looping lick.
How to Play:
- Start on the 3rd fret of the high E string.
- Play 3rd fret on high E, move to the 3rd fret on B, then back to the high E.
- Add a pull-off on the 3rd fret to open on the B string.
Tab:
Why It’s Cool:
It’s repetitive and groovy, making it a perfect foundation for practicing timing and flow.
Tips for Practicing These Blues Licks
- Use a Metronome or Backing Track: Practicing with a steady beat will help you develop timing and rhythm.
- Add Dynamics: Experiment with how hard or soft you pick the strings to bring emotion to your licks.
- Play Slowly at First: Focus on accuracy and clean playing before speeding up.
- Improvise Around the Licks: Use these as starting points and try adding your own variations.
Final Thoughts
Blues licks are more than just notes—they’re the voice of the guitar, telling stories and expressing emotions. These five beginner-friendly licks are the perfect introduction to the world of blues, offering a mix of techniques and styles. With regular practice and a touch of soul, you’ll be jamming along with your favorite blues tracks in no time.
Grab your guitar, start bending those strings, and let the blues licks journey begin!
Interested in taking your guitar skills to the next level? Click the below and book a free lesson with us! We’re committed to helping you express yourself freely on the guitar without endless scales and theory. Happy playing!
Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He’s also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities. Follow Real Brave on all the socials:
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