Episode #218 The GENUIS of Hill Country Blues

In this episode I give you my top 10 tips for playing acoustic blues. 1. Learn the 12-Bar Blues Form Inside OutThe 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 RhythmsBlues 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 PatternsA thumbed bass line (with your picking hand thumb) adds depth:Thumb alternates between root and fifthFingers play melody on top This classic delta & country blues technique makes solo performances sound full.4. Start Using the Minor Pentatonic Scale EarlyIt’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 NotesIncorporate:♭3♭5♭7 These give blues its voice. Practice sliding into them for expression.6. Work on String Bends & VibratoBending on acoustic is harder than on electric, but doing it well makes your playing expressive. Start with:Quarter-step bends (very bluesy!)Slow, controlled vibratoSimple half-step bends on the B and G strings7. Learn a Few TurnaroundsTurnarounds 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 stringsQuick hammer-onsSnappy 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 LegendsAbsorb phrasing, tone, and feel from players such as:Robert JohnsonMississippi John HurtBig Bill BroonzyLightnin’ HopkinsEric Clapton (unplugged style)Learning even a few of their licks will deepen your style dramatically. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Today I'm catching up with one of the best modern slide guitarists - Johan Borgh from Sweden. In this episode we talk about Johan playing with Gary Clark Jr, his tips for learning slide, his gear and his awesome new record - Island Blues.  Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this lesson we tackle the most important mode for playing blues the Mixolydian! Video & Tabs:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqilQLURjxXIgJqm4j92A4v6Cj_byp58?usp=drive_linkTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this lesson I'm taking you through the second most important mode - the Aeolian (natural minor scale shape) We look at the shape in the key of G and discuss how to use it to create cool sounding leads. Video & Tabs:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqilQLURjxXIgJqm4j92A4v6Cj_byp58?usp=drive_linkTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this lesson we are talking through the major scale modes. One of the most misunderstood things in all of guitar playing, I'll be breaking it down in useable, guitar-freindly chunks starting with the Ionian Mode. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqilQLURjxXIgJqm4j92A4v6Cj_byp58?usp=drive_linkTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Dive deep into the raw, hypnotic world of R. L. Burnside, the legendary North Mississippi hill country bluesman. From his early life on Mississippi farms to decades of regional performances, groundbreaking 1990s recordings with Fat Possum Records, collaborations with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and his experimental Come On In album, we explore his guitar style, gear, live performances, and enduring influence on modern blues, rock, and electronic music. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Another acoustic blues lesson for ya. This time we're looking at finger picking triplets over a 12 bar sequence in A. Make sure to head to the folder for the TABS and Lesson Video. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqilQLURjxXIgJqm4j92A4v6Cj_byp58?usp=drive_linkTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

This week we are trialing video lessons! This is just a one shot video so will be the same as your regular audio podcast but if you want to SEE the lessons you can find the video and TABS Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYz?usp=drive_linkClick on the folder 'Lesson 28' and they'll both be inside. To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In todays lesson we are looking at some hill country blues grooves for fingerpicking. This is such a great percussive style to play and we talk through the main techniques and a great-sounding riff in E. Get the TAB: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYzTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this lesson we look at a 12 bar fingerpicking sequence in E. This piece uses a mixture of single-note basslines, pull offs and triplets. Get the TAB: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYzTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe