How to Play Blues Riffs on an Acoustic Guitar

Blues riffs on an acoustic guitar have a special kind of charm. They’re raw, emotive, and can transform a simple chord progression into something that speaks directly to the soul. If you've ever found yourself tapping your foot to a groovy blues tune and wondered how to play those catchy riffs yourself, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to break down the art of playing blues riffs on your acoustic guitar, with tips and tricks to get you sounding like a seasoned blues musician.

The Foundation: Understanding the 12-Bar Blues

At the heart of many blues riffs lies the 12-bar blues progression. This classic structure is the backbone of countless blues songs and provides a solid foundation for improvisation and riff creation. The 12-bar blues is typically built around three chords, often referred to as the I, IV, and V chords of a key. In the key of E, for example, these would be E7, A7, and B7.

Here’s a basic 12-bar blues progression in E:

E7 | E7 | E7 | E7
A7 | A7 | E7 | E7
B7 | A7 | E7 | B7

This structure repeats throughout the song, allowing you to layer riffs and solos over it. Understanding this progression is crucial, as it’s the canvas on which you’ll paint your blues riffs.

The Blues Scale: Your Secret Weapon

The blues scale is your best friend when it comes to crafting those soulful riffs. It’s a minor pentatonic scale with an added flattened fifth, known as the "blue note." This note gives the scale its distinctive bluesy feel.

In the key of E, the blues scale looks like this:

E - G - A - Bb - B - D - E

Practice this scale up and down your fretboard. Get comfortable with its shape and sound. Once you’ve got it under your fingers, you can start experimenting with different note combinations to create your own riffs.

Simple Riffs to Get You Started

Let’s start with some simple riffs that you can play over the 12-bar blues progression. These riffs rely heavily on the blues scale and are a great way to get familiar with its sound.

Riff 1: The Classic Blues Riff

This riff is a staple in blues guitar and is often used in the turnaround section of the 12-bar progression:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|-----2-----4-----2---------|
E|-0-3---3-0---0-3---3-0-----|

Play this riff at the end of your 12-bar progression to add a classic blues touch.

Riff 2: The Walking Bassline

This riff mimics the sound of a walking bassline and can be used throughout the progression:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|-0-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-0---------|
E|---------------------3-0---|

Try playing this over the E7 chord to add a bit of movement to your blues playing.

Adding Emotion with Bends and Slides

Bends and slides are essential techniques for adding emotion and expression to your blues riffs. They can make your playing feel more vocal and human, which is what blues is all about.

Mastering the Bend

Bending a note involves pushing or pulling the string to raise its pitch. In the blues, bends are often used to reach the "blue note" or to add emphasis to a particular note.

• Start with a simple bend on the third string at the 7th fret (D note). Bend it up a half step to reach the Eb note.
• Use your index and middle fingers to support the bend, providing more strength and control.
• Listen carefully to ensure you’re hitting the desired pitch.

Sliding into Notes

Slides are another way to add flavor to your riffs. They create a smooth transition between notes and can make your playing sound more fluid.

• Try sliding from the 5th fret to the 7th fret on the second string (from E to F#).
• Use a quick motion, and let the slide be as seamless as possible.
• Incorporate slides into your riffs to add a touch of elegance and flair.

Syncopation and Rhythm: Feeling the Groove

Blues music is as much about rhythm as it is about melody. Syncopation—the placement of rhythmic accents where they wouldn’t normally occur—is a hallmark of blues music. It adds a sense of swing and groove that’s impossible to resist.

Playing with Syncopation

To get a feel for syncopation, try playing a simple riff but emphasize different beats:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|-0---2-0---2-0---2-0-------|
E|---3-----3-----3-----------|

• Play this riff with a metronome, emphasizing different beats each time.
• Notice how the feel of the riff changes with each variation.

Creating Your Own Riffs

Once you’re comfortable with some basic riffs and techniques, it’s time to start crafting your own. This is where your creativity can truly shine.

Experimenting with Note Choices

Using the blues scale as your guide, experiment with different note combinations. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—some of the best riffs come from happy accidents.

• Play around with the order of the notes in the blues scale.
• Try starting your riff on a different note each time.
• Incorporate bends, slides, and syncopation for added complexity.

If you're looking for more inspiration, Riffhard has lessons from some of the world's best guitarists that can spark new ideas and approaches.

Incorporating Chords for a Richer Sound

Mixing riffs with chords can add depth and texture to your playing. This technique allows you to fill out the sound, especially when playing solo or without a band.

Chord and Riff Combinations

Try combining a simple riff with a basic chord progression:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|-----0-----0-----0---------|
D|-----2-----0-----2---------|
A|-----2-----2-----2---------|
E|-0-3---3-0---0-3---3-0-----|

• Play the E7 chord in between your riff to create a fuller sound.
• Experiment with different chords and riffs to see what works best for your style.

Listening and Learning from the Blues Masters

One of the best ways to improve your blues playing is by listening to the masters. Artists like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson have paved the way for blues guitarists, and there’s much to learn from their recordings.

Active Listening

When you listen to blues music, don’t just hear the notes—pay attention to the nuances, the phrasing, and the emotion behind each riff.

• Notice how different artists use syncopation and rhythm.
• Pay attention to their use of bends, slides, and vibrato.
• Try to emulate their style and then put your own spin on it.

For those looking to dive deeper into the nuances of blues and metal guitar, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of lessons that break down these elements in detail.

Practice Makes Perfect: Building a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to mastering blues riffs. Regular practice will help solidify your skills and allow you to develop your unique style.

Setting a Practice Schedule

• Set aside a specific time each day for practice. Even 15-30 minutes can make a significant difference over time.
• Focus on different aspects of your playing each day—one day might be dedicated to scales, another to rhythm, and so on.
• Use a metronome to improve your timing and rhythm.

Remember, practice is not just about repetition—it's about mindful repetition. If you're looking for structured guidance, Riffhard's lessons can help you build an effective practice routine tailored to your goals.

Final Thoughts

Playing blues riffs on an acoustic guitar is a journey filled with emotion and expression. With the right techniques and consistent practice, you can bring your blues playing to life. For those wanting to take their skills further, Riffhard offers a range of lessons from top musicians, providing invaluable insights into the world of guitar playing. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and most importantly, enjoy the music.