Essential Blues Guitar Licks: Unveiling Classic Riffs and Their Impact

Are you a blues guitarist looking to add some soul and grit to your repertoire? If so, then you are in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the heart of blues playing by exploring some of the most essential licks and riffs that have become synonymous with the genre. From the well-known Elmore James riff to lesser-known but equally potent licks, we'll guide you through the nuances and applications of these iconic phrases. This article is not just a collection of licks; it's a journey into the rich tapestry of blues music, designed to help you enhance your playing and delve deeper into the genre.

Blues Licks in the Blues Rock Genre

If you're a passionate blues guitarist, you might be familiar with a phrase: "there are as many licks as pickers." This truism underscores the breadth and depth of the blues vocabulary. However, some licks stand out not just for their technical complexity but for their ability to convey emotion and tell a story. We’re on month two of our series, where each lesson focuses on key licks from the blues/riff genre. Our goal is to uncover these essential licks, both familiar and new, so that you can integrate them into your solos and develop a more expressive and powerful playing style.

Understanding the Elmore James Riff

Elmore James, a legendary blues guitarist, left an indelible mark on the genre with his unforgettable riffs. The Elmore James Riff is one such iconic lick that has been favored by bluesmen and rock guitarists alike for decades. It is a staple in the blues guitar world, often heard in covers and inspired covers by contemporary artists.

The riff itself is a blend of bluesy inflections and a relentless beat that encapsulates the raw power and emotional depth of the blues. Many have heard this lick in countless songs and never knew its roots. Understanding and mastering this lick can take your playing to new heights. Here’s a short breakdown of the notes and structure:

Lick: E, G#, F#, G#, D, G#, D, E | E, G#, A, G#, E, G#, E, F#
Position: Fret 7 on the B string, 12 on the E string (up  back rhythm)

The name "Elmore James Riff" can be misleading as it does not mean it is his original creation. Elmore James popularized it, and it has since become an essential phrase in the blues guitar vocabulary. This lick is not only musically impressive but also a veritable primer on the connection between technique and emotional expression.

Exploring Blues Guitar Licks

Beyond the Elmore James Riff, there are countless other licks that are equally essential to mastering the art of the blues guitar. These licks, often referred to as "blues licks," are specific patterns or phrases that guitarists use to punctuate their solos and add variety and texture to their playing. Each lick is unique in terms of its rhythm, scale, and emotional impact.

One of the keys to mastering blues licks is understanding their context. Every lick has a story and a purpose, whether it serves to highlight a particular note, create tension before a resolution, or express a particular mood. The challenge lies in learning to blend these licks with your own playing style and to apply them in a way that is authentic to the moment. Here are a few types of licks that are particularly noteworthy:

Repetitive Rhythmic Patterns

These licks are built around a simple, repetitive rhythm that creates a compelling groove. They are perfect for establishing a strong foundation for solos and can serve as a starting point for more complex improvisations. A classic example is the use of the "boogie" rhythm, which is characterized by an alternating eighth-note pattern. This creates a rhythmic syncopation that is characteristic of many blues and boogie-woogie riffs.

Streamlined Scale Runs

Scale runs that are both efficient and expressive are crucial in blues guitar. These licks focus on ascending and descending through a scale, often using slides and bends to add emotion and color. The A minor pentatonic scale is a favorite among blues guitarists, and mastering licks that run through it can significantly enhance your musical vocabulary.

Bending Notes for Emotional Impact

Bending notes is a technique that can turn a simple lick into a powerful emotional statement. By bending a string, you can create a sense of tension and release, adding depth and soul to your playing. This technique is particularly effective when used in combination with slides and vibrato to convey a wide range of moods. Understanding how and where to bend effectively is key to making your solos more expressive.

Putting It All Together

While learning individual licks is essential, the true power of the blues comes from understanding how these licks fit together in a solo. Each lick has its place, and when you know how to use them in combination, you can create truly remarkable solos. In our ongoing series, "Daily Blues Licks," we’ve been working through various licks, grouping them together to show you how they work in context.

For example, in the upcoming solo section, we will combine a few licks that feature rhythmic patterns, scale runs, and bending notes to create a cohesive and expressive solo. By doing this, you’ll see how each lick supports and enhances the others, ultimately creating a solo that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

Conclusion

Welcome to the world of essential blues guitar licks. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your journey, there’s always something new to discover and master. The Elmore James Riff is but one example of the countless licks that have shaped and continue to shape the blues guitar landscape. Whether you're learning this classic lick or exploring other essential blues licks, keep in mind that the true value lies not just in the techniques themselves, but in how you apply them and infuse your playing with emotion and personal expression.

So, pick up your guitar, dive into the licks, and let the blues run through your fingers. The journey is as rewarding as the results.