Blues Riff #3

blues riff is a short, repeated musical phrase that forms the backbone of a blues song or performance. It often has a rhythmic, catchy pattern that is played on instruments like guitar, bass, or piano. Blues riffs are typically built around the 12-bar blues progression, which is a common chord structure in blues music.

Key characteristics of a blues riff:

  1. Repetitive: It’s often played over and over throughout a song.
  2. Simple yet expressive: It usually consists of just a few notes, but these notes can be bent, slid, or accented to add emotion.
  3. Call-and-response style: Many riffs mimic the vocal “call” of the singer and create a musical “response.”

For example, the opening guitar lines in songs like “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters or “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson are classic blues riffs.

Visit the Blues Riffs playlist on YouTube

The YouTube channel GuitarLessonsByBrian, run by Brian Turner, offers a wealth of guitar tutorials for players at all levels. With over 800 videos and more than a million views, the channel provides clear, in-depth lessons on various aspects of guitar playing, including blues, rock, and classical techniques. Brian, a seasoned music teacher with decades of experience, covers topics like scales, chords, and improvisation, and also offers insights into other string instruments like the bass, ukulele, and banjo (

The channel is a valuable resource for those looking to improve their guitar skills or explore new musical styles.

Visit ‘Guitar Lessons By Brian’ YouTube channel

The “Guitar Goodies” section on Brian Turner’s website offers a range of guitar learning resources, including downloadable study materials, exercises, and tutorials. These resources cover scales, chords, and techniques aimed at improving guitar playing for beginners and advanced students alike. The page serves as a repository for helpful guitar tools and instructional content to enhance one’s playing skills.

Visit Guitar Goodies

Visit ‘Guitar Lessons By Brian’ web site

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