Easy Beginner Blues Guitar Lesson: How To Use A Simple Chord Shape To Play Soulful Blues Guitar

Get Started with Blues Guitar: Rhythm and Lead Made Simple

Why Blues Guitar Is Perfect for Beginners

Blues guitar is an excellent starting point for beginners because it combines simplicity with soulful expression. Learning to play blues guitar allows you to focus on basic patterns while learning to play with emotion and personality. You don’t need a lot of chords or complex techniques to sound great—just a few well-placed notes can convey depth and feeling, and learning to play the blues can help boost your confidence and propel you to that next step on guitar!

If you’re someone who feels intimidated by guitar theory or overwhelmed by the fretboard, blues guitar gives you the perfect foundation. With just one chord shape and a simple scale, you can start playing the blues and make it sound professional and dynamic.

 

Breaking Out of the “Cowboy Blues” Box

Many beginner guitarists start with the same open-position chords and repetitive patterns, which can feel limiting over time. This lesson helps you break free from those basic “cowboy blues” habits. Instead, you’ll learn to use movable chord shapes and create sophisticated-sounding rhythms and leads that make your playing stand out.

 

The Rhythm Section: Mastering the A9 Chord

How to Form the A9 Chord

The A9 chord is the backbone of this lesson. Its shape is straightforward, but the sound is rich and full of character. Here’s how to form it:
Index finger: 4th fret, A string
Middle finger: 4th fret, G string
Ring finger: 5th fret, D string
Pinky finger: 5th fret, B string

This four-note shape is derived from the D chord shape most guitarists are familiar with, but it’s adapted for a bluesy sound. The pinky adds an extra layer of sophistication to the chord.

 

Why the Root Note Isn’t Always Needed

You might be wondering: “Where’s the low A note in this A9 chord?” While traditional chord shapes often include the root note, this version implies the A9 sound without it. The chord contains all the essential notes needed to create the A9 harmony, even if the root isn’t directly played.

This technique frees up space in your playing and works especially well when jamming with others. For example, if your jam partner is covering the bassline or rhythm, you can layer your A9 chord on top for a sophisticated, polished sound.

 

Adding Style with Chord Stabs

What Are Chord Stabs?

Chord stabs are quick, rhythmic strums of a chord that add punch and energy to your playing. Instead of holding the chord for an extended time, you strum it briefly, letting it ring out for just a moment before muting the strings. This creates a staccato, percussive effect that’s a hallmark of blues and jazz.

 

Creating Space in Your Blues Rhythm

One of the secrets to great blues playing is leaving space in your rhythm. Chord stabs help you achieve this by punctuating the groove while leaving room for other instruments or your own lead lines. Think of it as playing in conversation with the music—adding your voice without overwhelming the mix.

For example, in a 12-bar blues progression, chord stabs mimic the punchy accents of a horn section, filling the space between the steady rhythm of the bass or drums.

 

Expanding the Blues: Moving to the IV and V Chords

Transposing the A9 Shape

The beauty of the A9 shape is its mobility—you can slide it up and down the fretboard to create new chords. To play the IV chord (D9) and V chord (E9), simply shift the entire shape:
D9: Start with the root note on the 10th fret (low E string).
E9: Move the shape up two more frets to the 12th fret.
This versatility means you can play through an entire 12-bar blues progression without learning new shapes, making it ideal for beginners.

 

Using Root Notes as a Guide

If you’re unsure where to position your chord shapes, use the root note as a reference point. For example, the A9’s root is on the 5th fret of the low E string. To find D9, locate the D note on the 10th fret of the low E string, and place your chord shape there.

This approach not only helps you play confidently but also builds your understanding of the fretboard over time.

 

Adding Lead Lines with a Simple Scale Shape

Introducing the Five-Note Blues Box

The lead section focuses on a fragment of the A major pentatonic scale, emphasizing chord tones that blend seamlessly with your rhythm playing. The notes are:
G string: 6th fret
B string: 5th and 7th frets
High E string: 5th and 7th frets
This “blues box” is compact, easy to remember, and perfect for creating melodic, expressive solos.

 

Why This Scale Shape Works

The notes in this box correspond to key tones in the A9 chord, such as the third, fifth, and ninth. These tones naturally complement the chord, making your solos sound intentional and cohesive.
By focusing on this small area of the fretboard, you can create solos that sound polished without needing to master the entire scale.

 

Combining Chords and Leads: The Secret to Soulful Blues

Alternating Between Chord Stabs and Lead Licks

A great way to elevate your blues playing is to combine rhythm and lead elements. After playing a few chord stabs, transition into a short lick from the blues box. This interplay keeps your playing dynamic and engaging.

For instance, after stabbing the A9 chord, you might slide into the 6th fret on the G string, then transition to the 7th fret on the B string. This approach lets you build momentum and add personality to your playing.

 

Famous Blues Licks in the Scale Box

Classic blues licks often reside in this scale box. A simple yet effective example is sliding from the 5th to the 6th fret on the G string, followed by notes on the B and high E strings. These familiar sounds resonate with audiences and anchor your improvisations.

 

Playing Through the 12-Bar Blues Progression

The Structure of 12-Bar Blues

A standard 12-bar blues progression is built on three chords: I (A9), IV (D9), and V (E9). Here’s how the progression unfolds:
Bars 1–4: A9 chord
Bars 5–8: D9 chord
Bars 9–12: E9 chord, resolving back to A9

 

Adding Variations and Tension

Experiment with chromatic slides into each chord shape. For example, slide into the A9 chord from the 4th fret, or move one fret higher than the target chord before resolving. These subtle touches add sophistication to your blues playing.

 

Ready to Jam? Take Your Blues Guitar Skills to the Next Level

Practice With Backing Tracks

Use a looped 12-bar blues backing track to practice switching between rhythm and lead seamlessly. This helps you internalize the progression and develop your timing.