When you hear about the “blues” what is the first thing you think of? No, your girlfriend breaking up with you is not what I was referring to; although, that is pretty good motivation for writing about the blues. The blues is defined by repeated spiritual vocals, an often standard twelve-bar structure and soulful guitar. It’s slipping into a fascinated and almost hypnotic state of mind that takes the player on a musical journey. Now, are you interested in how to play blues guitar?
Memphis Minnie McCoy, and Muddy Waters are two oldies that have left some of the biggest imprints in the history of the blues; B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan are without a doubt, two of the most influential blues musicians in history; and young’un, John Mayer – who sounds like he’s been playing as long as these other guitar veterans – is leaving his mark right now, and helping to re-popularize playing blues guitar. All of these people are guitar greats and guides that have lit the path and continue to keep it lit for the many more guitarists that have yet to even strum a guitar.
Blues guitar playing almost requires that one has to have built-in “soul.” There are a lot of good guitar players in the world that can play extremely difficult solos and riffs, but could never play a lick of the blues. The blues kind of has to be a part of who you are. And just like many other genres of music, it takes absolute dedication; many hours of practice; and often, even, a little bit of research on the roots of the blues: the who, what, where, when and why of the blues.
The blues can be the simplest, yet most meaningful music you ever make and play; or it can be the most complex thing that you ever construct! With such a long and bright past, the blues guitar must be played be the most dedicated of dedicated. The blues guitar has a feel and a history to it and is not to be taken lightly. To be a part of something this magnificent is something to be grateful for.
Here are a number of other useful topical links related to guitars:
learn to play guitar
guitar chords
guitar tabs
guitar solos
play blues guitar
free guitar chords
free guitar lessons
guitar tablature or guitar tabs