Episode #248 10 Tips For Acoustic Blues

In this episode I give you my top 10 tips for playing acoustic blues. 

1. Learn the 12-Bar Blues Form Inside Out

The 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 Rhythms

Blues 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 Patterns

A thumbed bass line (with your picking hand thumb) adds depth:

• Thumb alternates between root and fifth
• Fingers play melody on top
   This classic delta & country blues technique makes solo performances sound full.

4. Start Using the Minor Pentatonic Scale Early

It’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 Notes

Incorporate:

• ♭3
• ♭5
• ♭7
   These give blues its voice. Practice sliding into them for expression.

6. Work on String Bends & Vibrato

Bending on acoustic is harder than on electric, but doing it well makes your playing expressive. Start with:

• Quarter-step bends (very bluesy!)
• Slow, controlled vibrato
• Simple half-step bends on the B and G strings

7. Learn a Few Turnarounds

Turnarounds 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 strings
• Quick hammer-ons
• Snappy 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 Legends

Absorb phrasing, tone, and feel from players such as:

• Robert Johnson
• Mississippi John Hurt
• Big Bill Broonzy
• Lightnin’ Hopkins
• Eric Clapton (unplugged style)

Learning even a few of their licks will deepen your style dramatically.

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