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The Blues Guitar ShowAuthor: Ben Martin
Welcome to The Blues Guitar Show! Your free audio guitar teacher, focusing on all things blues guitar, records, rocking music theory and gear.Covering all the genres in the Blues world from Delta to Rockabilly.Each Monday I release an episode packed with information, exercises, songs, licks and interviews with some of the best players around to give you Passion, Practice and Perseverance for your guitar playing journey! I'm a born and raised blues guitarist, studio musician and teacher on a mission to help you master the music you love.Through this chart-topping podcast and interviews with some of the worlds best, our mission is to help dazed and confused blues pickers like you grasp the skills you need to go from campfire to on fire.Instagram @bluesguitarshowpodcastWebsite: www.thebluesguitarshow.com Language: en-us Genres: Music, Music Commentary, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode #248 10 Tips For Acoustic Blues
Sunday, 30 November, 2025
In this episode I give you my top 10 tips for playing acoustic blues. 1. Learn the 12-Bar Blues Form Inside OutThe 12-bar blues is the foundation. Practice it in different keys (E, A, G) until you can play it without thinking. This will make learning songs and improvising far easier.2. Master Shuffle and Swing RhythmsBlues rhythm isn’t straight—it's felt. Work on:Shuffle feel (“da-DA, da-DA”)Light swing These grooves make even simple chords sound authentic.3. Use Alternating Bass PatternsA thumbed bass line (with your picking hand thumb) adds depth:Thumb alternates between root and fifthFingers play melody on top This classic delta & country blues technique makes solo performances sound full.4. Start Using the Minor Pentatonic Scale EarlyIt’s the essential blues scale. Begin in A minor pentatonic and E minor pentatonic—both fit comfortably on acoustic and match common blues keys.5. Add Blue NotesIncorporate:♭3♭5♭7 These give blues its voice. Practice sliding into them for expression.6. Work on String Bends & VibratoBending on acoustic is harder than on electric, but doing it well makes your playing expressive. Start with:Quarter-step bends (very bluesy!)Slow, controlled vibratoSimple half-step bends on the B and G strings7. Learn a Few TurnaroundsTurnarounds signal the end of the 12-bar form and make your playing sound “finished.” Classic turnarounds in E and A are essential vocabulary for blues players.8. Use Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs for Acoustic “Snap”Blues on acoustic thrives on percussive articulation. Practice short licks that combine:Open stringsQuick hammer-onsSnappy pull-offs They create that raw delta feel.9. Study “Call and Response”Think like a singer:Play a short melodic “call”Answer with a rhythmic or melodic “response” This makes improvisation sound intentional instead of random.10. Listen and Imitate Blues LegendsAbsorb phrasing, tone, and feel from players such as:Robert JohnsonMississippi John HurtBig Bill BroonzyLightnin’ HopkinsEric Clapton (unplugged style)Learning even a few of their licks will deepen your style dramatically. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe
