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Here’s a Quick Way to Get Started with Delta Blues

Lesson ID: TB130

In this lesson from Blues Guitar Institute, we’ll get deep into a 12 bar Delta Blues tune.

When you think of acoustic blues, chances are pretty good that sounds of Delta Blues come to mind. Players like Robert Johnson, Skip James and Son House helped shape what we commonly call Delta Blues. Some argue that Delta Blues is a region (they’re correct) and others tout that the sound rather than the place define the genre (they’re correct, too).

Any way you look at it, Delta Blues is influential on Blues music and let’s be honest, it’s a ton of fun to play.

In this lesson, we’ll look at a slow-paced Delta Blues style number complete with call-and-response licks, heavy use of 7th chords and a driving, steady beat.

You’ll learn:

  • How to play basic licks while keeping the bass going with the thumb
  • Why sometimes a single note says more than a hundred
  • How to add a little something special to the tried and true turnaround

Other Related Lessons

When you are ready, there are two ways I can help you:

Back Porch Blues Course:  A proven system to fingerpicking the blues.  This step-by-step course guides you through building fundamental fingerpicking skills.  Plus, you’ll learn three levels of a delta blues style performance study to put your new skills into action.

Become a myBGI Member: Get a proven plan to playing better blues with one of BGI’s structured roadmaps:  The Fretboard Roadmap, Fingerstyle Roadmap and Slide Guitar Roadmap.

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