Ready to learn to play blues guitar? This lesson from guitar teacher James W. is the perfect place to start…
What is a shuffle, anyway? A shuffle is a rhythm of 8th notes played in triplets, essentially playing 3/4 time over a 4/4 beat to make the music swing.
Blues, pop, jazz, and rock musicians all use the shuffle. The blues shuffle is a fun pattern that is simple to absorb into your playing across many genres of music. Think of pop, rock, big band, and blues as being a part of the same family. They all have one thing in common: rhythm.
Ready to learn to play a blues shuffle? Let’s get started!
Step 1
The blues shuffle is made up of eighth notes alternating between a long and short note. The long note falls on the beat. The shorter note is in between and comes in on the upbeat. You are playing an eighth note triplet but leaving out the middle note. Simple as that. The easiest way to get a feel for the rhythm is to play along to a recording or with your guitar teacher. Mute your strings at first so you’re not worried about playing specific notes while you get the rhythm down.
Listening is important. After a few attempts at playing it slowly by yourself you can speed it up and play with confidence. Then you have it locked in. Like riding a bicycle, over time the rhythm will become automatic for you.
Step 2
Most Blues songs are 12 bars long. Try playing through this example in A Major using the IV chord, V chord, and the I chord which are: D, E, and A respectively.
Step 3
Now that you’ve got the rhythm, you will start to notice it and identify it in songs you have heard for years in jazz, blues, and rock. Blues guitar inspired songs to check out include: “ Texas Flood” by Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble, “Rockin’ Me” by The Steve Miller Band, “You Shook Me” by Led Zeppelin, and “Something To Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt. Now that you know how to play a blues shuffle, you’ll be able to learn these tunes in a snap!
If you want to take it to the next level and solo over a blues shuffle, it’s easiest to work off the pentatonic scale for the key you are playing in. You can’t hit any wrong notes with pentatonic scale shapes. You can also use your ear to throw in blue notes using a blues guitar scale shape. To find the key of the song look for the key signature on the sheet music or use your ear. While sight-reading music is a handy skill to have, I prefer to use my ears, as it is quicker for me. Find what works best for you and enjoy playing the guitar!
For more tips on mastering the guitar, why not sign up for lessons with a private guitar instructor? Your guitar instructor will be able to give you the personal attention you need to reach your musical goals. Search for a guitar teacher now!
James W. teaches guitar, singing, and acting lessons in Jacksonville, FL. He specializes in teaching pop, rock, and modern country styles. James has been teaching for 10 years and joined the TakeLessons Team in 2010. Learn more about James here!
Photo by Kristina Servant
Megan L.