Episode 23

Summary: Starting From Scratch

In this episode we take a detailed look at a simple but super cool 12 bar blues. We strip it down to the absolute basics in order to understand the structure, the type of chords and the rhythm we need to play. It's a great episode for beginners looking to get into blues guitar.

Theory: The 1, 4, 5 concept

The first thing to get your head around is the 3 chords that you typically use in blues, and how you use them. The three chords are known as a "1, 4, 5", often written in roman numerals like this: I, IV, V. All this means is that you play the 1st chord of the key, the 4th chord of the key and the 5th chord of the key. If you want to know more about creating chords in a key, check this out: Creating A Key Theory Course. So, in the key of E, the 3 chords are E major, A major and B major. These can also become dominant 7th chords (and are typically defaulted to dominant 7th chords as you get more advanced), but for now, we'll work with a bit of both. Here are the chord shapes you may need:

Progression: The main 12 bar

Thomas and Andy talk abotu a couple of 12 bar sequences, but to keep things simple, lets work from the most basic. It looks like this: (NOTE: All the major chords can become 7th chords at any time)

E /// E /// E /// E /// A /// A /// E /// E /// B7 /// A /// E /// B7 ///

This is the sequence you need to learn and need to master before tackling anything more advanced. The boys jam it a few times in the show to really help you absorb the sound.

Tab: Adding shuffle and turnaround

As we develop we can add more and more to the blues, including a cool turnaround and the shuffle groove. We have put them all together for you in tab format below so you can master them.

Lead: The Minor pentatonic

If you are looking tot ry and play a little lead over the top, the E minor pentatonic is a great place to start! Have a bit of fun jamming around your 12 bar with this super cool scale.