Easy Blues Guitar Licks

The Essence of Blues Guitar Licks

As guitarists, we constantly seek note arrangements to captivate our audience. These sequences of notes are known by several names, including licks, phrases, riffs, or hooks. Each term signifies a group of notes with a distinct function. A lick is a fundamental element in a guitarist's toolkit, akin to spices in a kitchen—it can be used in numerous ways to achieve various effects.

The Role of Licks in Blues Music

Blues music often features straightforward melodies, but solos—whether performed by a guitarist, trumpeter, or keyboardist—can deviate from the main melody through the use of licks. One notable aspect of blues licks is their simplicity. What captivates listeners is how these licks are seamlessly strung together, much like pearls on a necklace.

Learning from the Masters

Blues guitarists traditionally learn their licks from other blues musicians. While you can still find a blues player to learn from, modern technology offers easy access to blues licks through websites featuring free guitar lessons or extensive guitar tab collections.

Example: Eric Clapton's "Crossroads"

One of the iconic blues guitar solos is Eric Clapton's rendition of "Crossroads" by Robert Johnson. The solo passages in "Crossroads" include many simple blues licks, starting with a basic passage from C down to A. Try it yourself: place your first finger on the third fret of the fifth string, play it, and then play the open fifth string. It's just two notes, but it qualifies as a lick.

Building Your Collection of Blues Licks

To amass a collection of easy blues guitar licks, you can start by searching for "Crossroads guitar tab" online and experimenting with the notes. Identify sequences that sound good as standalone riffs, play them in different orders, and try them out with other songs.

Avoiding Repetition

A common issue for blues guitarists is the tendency to play the same riffs repeatedly. To prevent this, you need to continuously learn new licks. Make it a regular part of your practice routine. Additionally, try playing the same licks with variations in note values, using notes from different positions on the fretboard, or incorporating any other creative twists you can think of.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Blues Influence: Blues music has significantly influenced many genres, including rock, jazz, and country. According to a study by the Library of Congress, blues music has roots dating back to the late 19th century.
• Eric Clapton's Impact: Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" solo is often cited as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Clapton second on its list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" (Rolling Stone).
• Learning Online: A survey by Fender found that 72% of new guitar players are learning through online resources (Fender).

Conclusion

Blues guitar licks are the building blocks of expressive solos. By learning from masters like Eric Clapton and utilizing online resources, you can expand your repertoire and avoid repetitive playing. Make learning new licks a continuous part of your practice, and experiment with variations to keep your playing fresh and engaging.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your blues guitar skills and captivate your audience with a diverse array of licks. Happy playing!