Some of the best guitarists to ever live were playing the blues. The blues are not just a



genre of music, or some chords on a guitar.

The blues are a state of mind that must be

fully embraced before you can even think about playing the blues on the guitar. You

must try to gain inspiration from some of the greats that played before you: B.B. King,

Eric Clapton, and Jonny Lang.

The best way to learn how to play the blues guitar is to

listen and try to emulate the best that have played before you. If you can tap into the

energy that they brought to the stage while they were playing, then you will be well on

your way to playing the blues.

The actual playing of blues on the guitar is not terribly difficult.

However to make a wonderful piece of music is almost impossible.

The basic blues rhythm goes like this:

1andthe 2 andthe 3 andthe 4. This is also known as playing triplets. If you can play in that

rhythm, then you are on your way to learning to play the blues.

Another good tip is to

leave your guitar pick at home. You will need to use all of your fingers to play some

strings, and mute other strings. If you use a guitar pick you will take at least two of your

fingers out of action. You can get away with this when playing other types of music, but

you can not get away with that while playing the blues.

One of the most important aspects of playing the blues guitar is the ability to feel the

music come from your soul and pour out through the guitar. You will want to only play

with your guitar, an instrument cable, and an amp. Anything else will just get in your

way and can actually hinder your progress as a blues guitarist. If you try to use many

different effects while playing your guitar, then you will not be able to fully envelop

yourself in the blues experience.

On my DVD "The Ultimate Blues Primer" http://www.blues-answers.guitar5day.com

I take you from the basics up to the point where you can jam with your own band.

I even include a band of professional musicians you can play with right on

the TV screen. I also show you the chord changes so you never get lost.

I hope this article sparks your interest in the blues.