It isn’t that tough to learn blues guitar, but you do need the right instruction. there are lots of different styles such as the 12 bar blues and a few chords you need to learn but once you’ve got the basics you’ll be playing the blues.
Below I’ll introduce you to the first five blues guitar chords you should learn. These take the form of most blues chords which are 7th chords. I’ll first show you the chord with some simple tab and then go over the proper fingering for the chord.
A7
e————-
B—–2——–
G————–
D—–2——–
A————–
E————-
The A seventh chord is a six string chord, meaning you play all six strings. As per the tab you play both the 2nd fret on the D string and the B string. The right fingering for the A7th chord is to use your second finger on the D string and your third finger on the B string.
E Seventh Chord
e————-
B————–
G—–1——–
D————–
A—–2——–
E————–
The E seventh chord is also a six string chord. The seventh version of the E chord is actually a piece of the E major chord with the E note taken away on the D string. USe your third finger on the A string and your first finger on the G string to play the E7 chord.
C7
e————-
B—–1——–
G—–3——–
D—–2——–
A—–3——–
E—–X——-
This is the first seventh chord that is only a five string chord. Note the X on the E string, that denotes you should not strum it while playing this chord. This chord will also be the first to use more then just two fingers. The correct fingering for the C seventh chord is your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, 2nd fingers on the the 2nd fret of the D string, 4th finger on the 4rd fret of the G string and lastly your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the B string. This shape may feel a bit awkward at first so be sure to take your time.
F Seventh Chord
e——1——
B—–1——–
G—–2——–
D—–1——–
A—–3——–
E—–1——-
While there are two different versions of this chord for beginners this barre version (shown here) is the easier of the two. Note how the basic shape is like the E7 chord except you’ve barred the first fret. So your barring the entire first fret with your first finger then using your third finger on the third fret of the A string and your second finger on the second fret of the G string.
D Seventh Chord
e——2——
B—–1——–
G—–2——–
D————–
A————–
E—–X——-
The D7 chord is another 5 string chord so you do not strum the low E. Some beginners look at this chord and think it looks like a backwards D major. Use your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the B string, then your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your third finger on the the second fret of the G string and finally you third finger on the first fret of the E string.
To learn more blues chords along with more advanced techniques like lead, scales and such why not try a blues guitar dvd. With the right instruction and a bit of consistent practice you’ll be playing great blues guitar in no time.
Tags: blues guitar, guitar chords, guitar tutorial, learn guitar