Blues Guitar Lessons - The Sub-Genres of the Blues
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The number one thing that online guitar lessons fail to teach with blues guitar lessons is the different genres of the blues. Many young guitarists are unaware of the fact that there are actually many different types of the blues. Most of these sub-genres are named after the city or town that they were created in. For example, there is Mississippi Blues and Delta Blues.
On the other hand, there are also styles that are named after the techniques in which they are played. One example of this is the slow hand blues. No matter what the sub-genre is, almost all blues players when learning to how to play lead guitar will learn the 12-bar progression.
For the most part, all types of the blues are played pretty much the same, however, it is important to note that the subtle differences between the sub-genres of the blues can make the music sound really unique.
The following tutorial will show you exactly how a few playing techniques help some of the more popular sub-genres of blues to distinguish themselves from the rest. With the help of these great tips you should be well on your way to mastering the blues.
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See results without votingDelta Blues
In order to play the Delta Blues, there are a few techniques you must learn that you probably won't learn from most online guitar lessons and blues guitar lessons. Perhaps one of the more notable characteristics of Delta Blues is the raw acoustic sound that it usually employs.
This sound is created in many different ways. One way of achieving this is muting. Some other players will tune their guitar a little flat to make the sound more rugged, while others play without a pick to try and stay away from a really cookie-cutter, refined sound. This technique is a must learn when learning how to play the Delta blues and especially when learning how to play lead guitar.
Another one and probably the most notable techniques for Delta Blues is slide playing. This is done by utilizing a tool that is simply known as a slide. A slide is basically a plastic tube that is only large enough to slide on your finger.
It is used by placing it on the middle finger of your fingering hand and sliding it across the strings to make a sound effect while sliding from one note or chord to the next. This is probably the most noted sound that is associated with the Delta blues.
Texas Blues
In order to play Texas Blues you need to be able to play with small bends and intense vibrato. Although there are many different ways of achieving this, perhaps one of the most widely used techniques is bending. Bending is simply when you pull a string down or push a string up in order to change the pitch or the note of the string being played.
You can experiment with this by adding bends to the root notes of scales you are practicing while taking blues guitar lessons. This will give you a good feel for how they are commonly incorporated into the blues. These tips and techniques are ones that you most likely won't find when trying to learn how to play lead guitar using online guitar lessons.
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Comments
I have just started learning to play guitar having been given a guitar for Christmas, so found your lens very interesting, many thanks.
Absolutley love the blues. I went to Memphis when I was 15 and spent an evening hopping around all the blues bars of Beale Street. After that, I was hooked. As soon as I got home I started saving money for my first guitar and took a few lessons. Turns out, playing the blues isn't as hard as one might think. Once you learn a few basic principles and scales, you're well on your way.
Hey James,
Love the site. I'm a blues guitarist and it's definitely my favourite genre. I'm a delta blues person myself - i just love the feeling you get playing a tune. Keep up the good work.
Nice hub. Great information.
I have always wondered about Blues guitar lessons as opposed to other types of guitar playing. Online guitar lessons are such a great idea, too.
Great information. There are many different styles of music out there and it is best to know the differences before you start down a musical path.














BlueSkyBright says:
11 months ago
I love the blues. Went to chicago and saw some great blues bands recently. I was blown away.