How to Play Blues Licks on an Acoustic Guitar

Blues licks on an acoustic guitar—sounds like a good time, doesn’t it? That sweet, soulful sound that makes you feel every note is what we’re diving into today. We’ll break down everything from basic techniques to some sneaky tips you might not have considered. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add some spice to your playing, you’ll find something here to get those blues resonating from your strings.

Feeling the Blues: Start with the Basics

Before you can run, you’ve got to walk. And before you can play a killer blues lick, you need to get a handle on the basics. Let’s talk about the blues scale. It’s the backbone of most blues licks and the starting point for any aspiring blues guitarist.

The blues scale is essentially a pentatonic minor scale with an added flat fifth—often referred to as the “blues note.” Here’s the A minor blues scale to get you started:

A - C - D - Eb - E - G - A

Practice this scale up and down the fretboard. Get comfortable with the finger positions and the sound of each note. The more familiar you are, the more naturally you’ll be able to integrate these notes into your licks.

But don’t just stick to one position. Move it around the neck. Try it in different keys. This will help you understand how the notes relate to each other and how you can use them to create different sounds.

Bending Strings: Adding Emotion

One thing that sets blues apart is the emotion behind every note. A huge part of that emotion comes from bending strings. Bending gives your playing that vocal quality, making it sing.

Start by practicing bends on the high E and B strings. Use your third finger for the bend and your first and second fingers to support and stabilize the string. Aim for a half or full-step bend to begin with. You’ll know you’re getting it right when the note you bend to matches the pitch of the note one or two frets up.

It's important to listen carefully. Bending is all about ear training. You want to hit the note perfectly, not too sharp or flat, which means you need to trust your ears as much as your fingers.

For a bit of variety, try using pre-bends. Bend the string before you pick it and then release it. This creates a crying effect that’s deeply expressive. The trick is to keep it smooth and controlled.

Sliding into Blues Licks

Slides are another way to add expression to your blues licks. They can be used to connect notes smoothly or to add a slurred, vocal quality to your playing.

For a simple slide, start on any note of the blues scale, pick it, and then slide up to the next note without picking again. This works particularly well between the third and the fifth or the fifth and the flat seventh in the scale.

Slides can also be used in reverse. Start on a higher note, pick it, and slide down to a lower note. This descending slide can create a sense of resolution or a return to the root note.

Experiment with sliding into and out of different notes. You’ll find that some combinations have a more subtle sound, while others make a statement. It’s all about finding what works for you and the mood you’re trying to create.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Building Speed and Fluidity

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential for fast, fluid playing. They allow you to play multiple notes with a single pick stroke, which is great for adding speed and fluidity to your licks.

Start with a simple hammer-on. Pick a note, and then press down on the next note with a quick, firm motion. You should hear the second note clearly without needing to pick it.

For pull-offs, do the reverse. Pick a note, and then pull your finger off the string to sound the previous note. Make sure to pull down slightly with your finger to keep the volume consistent with picked notes.

Combine hammer-ons and pull-offs to create trills and other embellishments. These can add a lot of character to your playing, especially when used sparingly to highlight specific parts of a lick.

Syncopation and Rhythm: Feel the Groove

Blues isn’t just about the notes you play—it’s also about the rhythm. Syncopation and groove play a huge role in giving blues its distinctive feel.

Try playing a simple lick with a straight rhythm. Then, try playing it with a swing feel. In swing, the beat is subdivided into a triplet feel, which gives the music a bouncy, laid-back quality.

Experiment with syncopation by playing off the beat. Instead of starting every phrase on the downbeat, try starting on the upbeat or in between beats. This can create tension and interest, drawing the listener in.

Practice different rhythms and feels with a metronome. This will help you internalize the groove and ensure that your timing is spot on.

Using Double Stops for Richer Sounds

Double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—can add richness and depth to your blues licks. They’re great for creating harmony and adding a bit of grit to your sound.

Start by playing two adjacent strings, such as the B and high E strings, together. Try using notes from the blues scale on each string. For example, play the D and G notes on the B and E strings, respectively, for a classic blues sound.

You can also use double stops to create slides, bends, or hammer-ons. This can create a fuller sound and add more complexity to your playing.

Experiment with different intervals and combinations. Some will sound smooth and consonant, while others might sound more dissonant and edgy. Use these sounds to your advantage to create different moods and textures.

Incorporating Open Strings

Open strings can be a powerful tool in your blues arsenal. They add a resonant, ringing quality to your playing and can be used to great effect in licks and riffs.

Try incorporating open strings into your licks. For example, play a lick in the key of E and use the open E string as a pedal tone. This creates a droning effect that’s very characteristic of blues music.

You can also use open strings for quick pull-offs and hammer-ons. This can add speed and fluidity to your playing, as well as a unique sound.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of fretted and open strings. This can lead to some interesting and unexpected sounds.

Breaking the Rules: Improvisation and Personal Style

Now that you’ve got some tools under your belt, it’s time to break the rules. Blues is all about improvisation and personal expression. It’s about finding your voice and telling your story through the music.

Start by taking a simple lick and modifying it. Change a note or two, add a bend or a slide, or syncopate the rhythm. See how these changes affect the sound and feel of the lick.

Listen to different blues players and notice how they use these techniques. Each player has their unique style and voice. Use these influences to inspire your playing, but remember to make it your own.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks. Some of the best blues licks come from happy accidents and spontaneous moments of creativity.

Connecting with the Blues Community

One of the best ways to grow as a blues guitarist is to connect with the blues community. Attend local blues jams, join online forums, or listen to blues records and learn from the greats.

Playing with other musicians can be incredibly inspiring and educational. You’ll learn how to communicate musically, respond to other players, and find your place within a group.

At Riffhard, we’re all about community. Our lessons and resources help guitarists connect with one another and learn from some of the best in the business. Check out our lessons and join the community of like-minded musicians.

Final Thoughts

Playing blues licks on an acoustic guitar is all about expression and finding your voice. With these techniques and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating soulful, expressive music. And remember, at Riffhard, we’re here to support you on your journey with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. Let’s keep those strings singing!