E Blues Licks, mixing Major and Minor pentatonics by Max Milligan.

Here are some blues licks you can try in the key of E. I'm mixing E major pentatonic with E blues scales. Mainly in one position but there a re a few other licks you may want to work out in different positions,Tabs are available send me an e mail via contact page at www.maxmilligan.co.uk and check out my Playseries DVD's for Acoustic Guitar www.amazon.com/...
Have fun :o) I used a Boss Loop Pedal to accompany myself. :o)

[@bildencarlia6924]

So many amzing blues licks in just one tutorial-this is stuff enough to last a lifetime...

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks, enjoy.

[@patfinnegan467]

Hardly a day goes by that I don't fall into an E blues shuffle during some stage of my practice routine. As I hear some of your licks come out of my guitar, it has become obvious that your lessons are rubbing off on me! Thanks again Max.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Many thanks, enjoy playing. Keep safe :)

[@SMETHNGANNMUS]

9 years and im only just seeing this. LEGEND!!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks. :)

[@patfinnegan467]

I keep coming back to this lesson and I pick up something new every time. Thanks Max!

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Pat enjoy. :)

[@70snuttodd95]

4 years later still great 🎉

[@RogerFriedensen]

Dude. I love you. I've been playing for some 42 years, and your approach helps open a door or two that had been closed off for way too long. Thanks muchly, sir!

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Roger, I have several instructional DVD's out there. Artsmagic or Amazon :)

[@ticianomedeiros]

I just discovered your channel, my friend. You are a great professional guitarist. I wish you and your channel success, my friend.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks I hope the lessons are of some help. :) Enjoy

[@steveapplegate322]

Thanks, I hear guys talk about mixing scales on here but most don’t explain it as well as u did. I also like how u keep playing and then explain a little. Most teachers on utube play a lead then explain for 30mins. As a matter of fact I study this video all the time.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Steve there are tabs on my website for E blues licks. Enjoy

[@Jessup81]

Thank you for giving up your time to share your knowledge. We are so lucky to have the internet combined with kind people like you who are willing to teach. There's no better age to learn guitar than now! I reckon if it wasn't for the internet I would be miles behind the level I am at now, and in such a short space of time. Thanks again

[@ron_ning7169]

This is place where I couldn’t play when there is transition of chord but now I know the basics behind it. Incredibly helpful to my guitar journey. 👍

[@stevedouglas7375]

I can hardly believe I've missed this lesson on You Tube for 7 years. There are no doubt some good lessons out there for acoustic blues in the key of E, but this one is down right excellent. Just when I think I've learned most things in the key of E, here comes some more to practice and consider. Again, excellent and thank you Max for posting this!

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Steve there should be some E blues free youtabs tabs on my website. Merry Christmas

[@stevedouglas7375]

Cool and yes, I'm most definitely going to check out your website. I appreciate you mentioning it. Merry Christmas to you and yours Max. We make no apologies for wishing folks --- "Merry Christmas."

[@whiterabbit4479]

Pure awesomeness.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks :)

[@davidkless9131]

You’ve convinced me to get a looper with this. Goodgawwwd this is sweet music.

[@Sascha_Franck]

Finally! Someone explaining that lots of bluesy stuff (even in very traditional blues) is not just the good old minor pentatonic (plus perhaps a flatted 5th) but actually a mixture between major and minor. Well done! Fwiw, I'm a long time guitar teacher and quite some of my students have been amazed at HOW much blues stuff could be "extended", once you bring something else to the table than just the good ol' "blues scale" - which, fwiw, I never exactly believed that it truly existed, simply because most of the great players are mixing stuff pretty much all the time (and even some very old traditional blues singers don't use it much, at least not in the way it's usually taught. Just in case someone's interested, for a nice little "country-ish" touch, I also like to treat blues "modally". I can already hear you folks say "wtf has blues got to do with modes?". Well, try this out: Treat each of the three chords as "mixolydian". Works nicely (on the dominant it'll be country more or less full stop). In a blues in E that'd resolve to: E7: E mixolydian (5th degree of A major). A7: A mixolydian (5th degree of D major). B7: B mixolydian (5th degree of E major). Now if you treat it like that, things may sound strange. I recommend to break all the scales down to a common root, namely E. The result would be: E7: E mixolydian. A7: E dorian. B7: E major (or ionian, to stick with the modal names). Same notes as when you always "think" mixolydian but the "feel" might become a little different (however, once you're familiar with that it shouldn't matter in which way you approach it). It's fun trying that out. Anyway, cheers again for this video, as said, finally someone shows this as I think of it as well!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Thanks for checking out the video. max :)

[@maxmilligan8734]

13 people didn't get it. :o/

[@Bobbo293]

Well done Max. This really takes playing to another level by mixing the scales. Great stuff!!

[@tunefultony]

Mate.......One of the best tutorials, I have seen. Well demonstrated & explained.

[@zealest2011]

Max you nailed it. I enjoyed your tutorial. Looking forward to more!

[@logicnotfeelings3835]

I've always switched between the minor and major pentatonic/blues scale, but it never occurred me that I could play within the B minor pentatonic/blues scale while on the B chord (5th chord) of the blues shuffle. Thank you very much for adding a whole new dimension to my playing. It's been almost ten years since you posted this so I hope you are well.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Yes very well now,many thanks. I also posted a video on using diminished scales as you approach the 4 chord. Enjoy :)

[@mmatth2194]

Thanks Max. I anxiously await each of your lessons.

[@woutdejong3522]

Great, great. Cn't thank you enough. Been locked within running down scales for years and these licks / switching between scales gave me the juice I've been searching for. Thanks a bunch brother

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks.Should be some tabs on my website, check out the dead thumb licks too. All the best, Max

[@bobankr]

Thanks so much for breaking things down to the essence, Max!

[@maxmilligan8734]

No problem, enjoy jamming :)

[@leeman692306]

Superb lesson Max. A real breakthrough for me. 'Nuff said. Cheers!

[@margier.7534]

Wow Max, I've been playing for 30+ years. By watching your instructional videos I have gained alot of insight by way of your style and flawless technique. I just want to say Thank You for that. Looking for more !!!

[@markstaggs7342]

L

[@judwatkins9478]

Blues licks like these sound best on a great acoustic like the one played here. Thanks, man!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks Jud. Max

[@sixstringsensei6673]

Great job Max! I just subscribed to your channel and look foward to watching the rest of your videos

[@p4ul1w4uli]

I really like your teaching style Max- easy to understand and not patronising. Subscribed

[@maxmilligan8734]

+p4ul1w4uli Many thanks enjoy the other lessons andDVD's

[@Carlwatkins1984]

Lovely, you have a real nice touch on the guitar. Very sweet sound indeed.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks Carl :)

[@fgdt43]

You show a good way to work! I like your lessons,many thanks for sharing! Best wishes from France.

[@bospro]

Hi Max, I realise this is quite an old video now but without question it’s the most clear, unambiguous and helpful tutorial on KZbin.....and I’ve been looking for guitar tutorials for years. Working my way through it, but a massive thank you from me for this excellent content. 👌

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks Bob. Max

[@Carlwatkins1984]

I am back again, awesome playing.

[@patgedeon]

What a fine tune right there! Great job thanks for this

[@maxmilligan8734]

Thanks Pat :)

[@jonski6969]

So cool. And the "backing track" is also very nice.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Jonas G Hedberg Thanks Jonas :)

[@wwatchdoc]

Awesome playing....Keep laying it down as smooth as you do with tremendous finesse....Making sound so good and look sooo easy!!!!

[@SnXScarius]

Seriously amazing, so mad im only finding this video now. Taught me so much in less than 10 minutes. Thank you so much.

[@TonySkinnerMusic]

A great guitar educator and outstanding player.

[@luismartins875]

Thank you Max. Im portuguese and im learning how to play blues in my guitar. You inspires me..... Still a long way ahead. Just two months of lessons.

[@jeffmurphy101]

Excellent playing ❤️🎸🎸

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks :)

[@tommycox9411]

Super clean playing, sounds nice!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks. Max

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

Very nice thank you for your time and effort to teach others.I really enjoy your playing and explanations....You are great.....

[@maxmilligan5672]

Many thanks, the tabs are on my website. Check out my music at cdbaby too. :)

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

+Max Milligan I will do that Max the minute I get home today. ..

[@rubenvera4839]

Martiros Hakopian

[@jc7636]

Hi Max Great lesson. Here I am 10 years on.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@alienw99]

great licks...I could listen this all day..over and over ... :)

[@johnrogers2253]

Max. Sounds really gr eat. Nice work... hope I can work some o that in the morning. Aussie over and out. And oh yes. God loves you more than you do..

[@Jamminmotorking]

Hey Max I bought your Clapton and Johnson dvds and they are great! Im forcing myself to learn everything on them cause it will bring me to the level I always wanted to be at. Thank you!

[@maxmilligan8734]

+larkyleroy hey that's great, you made my day.Glad I could help. Spread the word :)

[@oregongeo63]

A whole bunch of good licks in your lesson!Well done Max thank you☺

[@maxmilligan8734]

+George Mount Thanks George check out my Artsmagic DVD's Electric and Acoustic styles. :)

[@datoni_relaxed]

Thank's - exactly what I needed a lot of cool blues licks

[@withnail60]

Max Thank you mate, this is the video I've been looking for ! gives me everything I need. Cheers

[@maxmilligan8734]

+Anthony Ward Cheers Anthony check out my Artsmagagic play series DVD's too. :)

[@rodsimmons9337]

Amazing!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks :)

[@RM-gm7lu]

Such tasty licks indeed! Thanks and great channel.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Rich

[@blairbaillie5105]

Max :) I love these blues licks that you do on an acoustic. They are very clean sounding and as a beginner I'm learning them now. :)

[@maxmilligan8734]

+Blair Baillie Thanks Blair enjoy the other lessons and check out my Artsmagic play series Acoustic Guitar DVD's on Amazon

[@matwhite57]

I've just noticed a copy of John Martins solid air amongst your cd's. What an album! Great lesson by the way.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Yes I'm a big fan of John Martin. Thanks for checking out the lessons.

[@Linktw0]

Man, i gotta say. I really enjoyed this lesson. Very nice licks and i love the tone of that guitar. I like the way you break up the pattern and show us the notes while the backing track keeps going. For a beginner like me, that made it easy to pick up on it. I did have some trouble seeing what you're doing because of the camera angle, as others already mentioned. Ill be checking out your other video's! Thanks for this one, keep it up! Cheers

[@renieh1000]

Great blues lick almost a complete tune in itself. Thanks for this lesson. Not easy but I'll get there!

[@maxmilligan8734]

+renieh1000 Many thanks I hope you get something from my other lessons too. :)

[@jackiemurphy4295]

Awesome playing on a dream guitar !

[@maxmilligan8734]

+Jackie Murphy Thanks Jackie

[@shiningrain1]

Thank you very much Max - I love the way you teach.

[@billalvarez6699]

just the way i like it ..finally found you..excellent

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks Bill enjoy the lessons.Best Wishes Max

[@ckemekc77]

Beautiful playing!

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Man I love that ! 12 bar blues shuffle in E, but with great style ... 👍

[@maxmilligan5672]

Many thanks

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Amazing video, thank you so much!!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Thanks Peter. :)

[@PeterKertesz2013]

@@maxmilligan8734 I'm just a learner, could you please let me know where can I find this song? Or this is your piece? Thank you in advance!

[@bob_dod]

he makes it looks easy...and makes it easy to learn...Thank you !!!

[@maxmilligan8734]

hey thanks :)

[@acousticengineer]

Thankyou very much for a great lesson and some sweet playing. Got it - I hope! :)

[@syndesamtransformers-alia3664]

really good man lovet this and learnt alot

[@maxmilligan8734]

hey many thanks enjoy the other videos. :)

[@syndesamtransformers-alia3664]

i will :)

[@RobEbbens]

that was super helpful man! thanks so much!!!! i hate looking at tab, so this is really nice to see

[@acastano59]

very nice. Thanks for sharing :)

[@maxmilligan8734]

many thanks, enjoy. There are some tabs on my website under free youtube tabs. :)

[@DrTWG]

Like it. I've been playing a few years and it's nice to pick up some new ideas. Like the lick that starts with a bend up to the b7. Also none of that tedious - 'put your index finger on the 1st string at the 8th fret and then .........' .

[@kokadkokis]

I just love it!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks, enjoy. ;)

[@kokadkokis]

@@maxmilligan8734 THE more I listens to this, the more I like it. It reminds me of my own mediocre Guitarplaying starting at late 60's. The 'Shuffle' was and still is my favourite, still I don't even have a guitar no more!! pity Maybe I have to pick up one!! The Key of E was and still is # 1. (playing Harmonica to that is outstanding) Unfortunately I never got to learn the 'Solo's' All the tunes You use Blues/pentatonic-scale or whatsoever is very well known for me, still when Y play I got some 'goosebumps' inside my body. Some tunes even reminds me of Eric Clapton, Who has been a great inspiration. I must say; You and Your guitar seems to be 'married' in some way. Not two separated parts, just 'one'. The 'Shuffle' Y play is very good. In my Youth I found out several other ways to this as Y are aware of. Just follow the rules of A 12 Bar-Blues. Keep on playing Max, and enjoy ps. It seems that Y really love doing this video. Great. Greatings from Sweden

[@Interstellar85]

great playing Sir!!

[@maxmilligan8734]

+Norbert Kalman Thanks Norbert :)

[@user-jinjin36]

0:38 solo 5:44 b7 lick

[@1974xaviers]

Superb... just enjoyed it thoroughly 😊

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks

[@markstaggs7342]

Nice sounding guitar

[@maxmilligan8734]

Thanks,Maton's are my favourite for playing live.this is the 808TE

[@TheBghunt]

Hi Max just found your youtube sight Fantastic, Do you have anytype of downloadable lessons with tablature for sale? Thanks for the video's Cheers Brian

[@maxmilligan8734]

Hi many thanks glad you enjoyed it. You can e mail via my website contacts. I can send some pdf's of some of the licks. I did some tuition DVD's years ago might help. www.amazon.co.uk/Acoustic-Fingerstyle-Blues-Ragtime-Region/dp/B008NA3HWC

[@tomassailor1339]

It's EXACTLY where I am at in learning..5-7 is the third position in E minor blues,, on the 6541 strings , Can you substitute 2nd position G major (5th fret) which mirrors, same notes...in what you call Major E position.." Just making the G note the root...'I know all 5 positions in E minor pentatonic...Now its time to learn some licks....I take it that's what you mean by E major pentatonic...I also take it on B you are using 4th position E minor 7-10 … 7-9... 8-10 etc...You are a great guitar player...a real pro....you make it look easy....Thank you

[@maxmilligan8734]

Hi Tomas, yes I think you probably mean G major pentatonic at the 5th fret. This contains the same notes as E minor pentatonic, they are relatives. E minor pentatonic E G A B D E. E major pentatonic is usually played over the first 4 bars. E major pentatonic is E F# G# B C# E. I also played B major pentatonic over the 5 chord (B7) Enjoy

[@neilsthepoet]

Nice 1

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks :)

[@ronboy51]

Love that Maton, Max!!

[@TheRiboka]

5:42 one of the coolest licks ever

[@maxmilligan5672]

Yea B Mixolydian over B7 with passing notes. kinda Roy Buchanan. Thanks

[@bassbuddy6067]

@@maxmilligan5672 been practicing that lick, getting the timing right is really tough

[@cledsoneustaquio3730]

Olá, estou aprendendo a tocar violão, estou adorando o BLUE....

[@maxmilligan5672]

sorry i don't understand. have a good day

[@johnlowe4026]

Nice sounds

[@maxmilligan8734]

john lowe Many thanks enjoy the other videos :)

[@jeffmurphy101]

This was brilliant

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Jeff enjoy

[@maxmilligan8734]

Tabs are a available from my website. These are just free lessons I post when I get a break. Don't get many at the moment. Full on at the moment.

[@alexanderwes5204]

Nice playing and very helpful. Thank you !

[@alameda139]

His guitar is very beautiful and thank you for answering.

[@cbcid.7845]

Crazy blues 😍i like it

[@aomarbilloni]

@AcousticMax Thanks, I will try to pick up the licks, (like you said), by ears. Saludos desde Agrentina, I like blues and Tango, my favourite music. Nuevamente, Un gran saludo desde Cordoba Argentina y muchas gracias

[@maxmilligan8734]

@canihaveanid The E blues scale works over the whole E blues progression. The notes are E G A Bb B D E. many players also add the E major pentatonic notes to add sweet sounds to their licks :o) the notes are E F≠ G≠ B C≠ . You can also try B lues scale over he B7 chord.

[@maxmilligan8734]

Sorry been on tour.. Yep you can use E minor Pentatonic, same notes as G major pentatonic. To get the sweet vibe play E major pentatonic. Usually over first 4 bars. Check out the classic tune Hideaway by Freddie King for licks. :o)

[@Olivaemusic]

That's what i like!

[@maxmilligan8734]

+vasco oliveira Thanks Vasco enjoy the lessons :)

[@tomassailor1339]

I'm thrilled that I learned all I think 85 notes on your tabs I printed out... 27 I think sharps and flats... in three days knowing very little except the 5 positions in the pentatonic key of E....and being able to identify the notes...Knowing the positions was not of much help.....just learning one or two bars at a time.. from the tabs..it doesn't sound much like music,,,, YET...but I feel I''m finally getting somewhere.. It's rather easy on the fingers.. if that makes sense....For someone on my level...The sharps and flats sought of disguise ...the scales...quite a revelation.. The trials of a lower intermediate learning melody"...Have a tendency tp over think it.....I should know better about that...Experience and time is everything..PRACTICE

[@maxmilligan8734]

Great work keep it up. :)

[@dennisberry2342]

Great lesson***** show us how thats great. Sweet Blues lesson we can take it from here.

[@maxmilligan8734]

dennis berry Then Dennis :)

[@Notnecessarilyliberal]

Maybe tell people you’re using a looper as well. I found playing licks to a simple backing track works well for learning some licks. Sweet licks.👍

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks, yes I mention I'm using a "Loop Station" in the intro. It's the original Boss pedal. A bit basic by todays pedals but really handy when teaching. Enjoy. :)

[@MJ-iz6dc]

Thank you for this sir...greatly appreciated! Guess the 400 + plus who gave thumbs down are all vertuosos!

[@maxmilligan8734]

Hey thanks Mark, yes maybe I didn't shred enough for the Blues style. Still not bad for nearly a million views. Enjoy and check out the other free lessons. Keep well. Max

[@lorisadriu613]

Awesome brother. I love The 12 bar blues do you like have a tutoral for The 12 bar blues comp that you looped sir😊

[@maxmilligan5672]

Thanks Lori I have one on the shuffle groove and Walking Bass line groove plus other E blues licks in various styles. I also have Play series DVD's on Amazon or Artsmagic website.

[@TheOskar47111]

Great Job man !!!!! thumbs up !

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks I am glad you enjoyed it. Check out my other videos. Best wishes Max

[@patfinnegan467]

Max, I don't see the Clapton and Johnson DVDs mentioned below by Terminator X on your website? I see his post is from 5 years ago and got to wondering if these are still available? Thanks for all the tabs!

[@samhelton2513]

Great licks Max. Are you going to the 4 chord are bar 2? Please give us some more . Starving for tasty licks like this..

[@maxmilligan5672]

Sam Helton hi, yes it's called the quick change. I have other E blues lick videos. Tabs on my website

[@TheGlitterknight]

Superb. Many thanks for posting.

[@maxmilligan8734]

@AcousticMax Hi, many thanks, I'm going to record another solo today for one of my students as a back up lesson so you can join in. All the best. Max

[@ronboy51]

I still love that Guild DV4 that you recommended for me, but I WOULD perhaps trade it for one of those Matons............... at a pinch (LOL)

[@dewwqre]

Very good lesson. Enough content to inspire, but not too much to stiffle creativity. Now inspired to just play around with the scales. Any advice on how to convince my wife that I need a loop pedal?

Tell her it comes free with a new blender....

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

just the lesson I needed. Thanks

[@niamhmilligan8924]

Many thanks I hope you can get something from the other lessons too. :o)

[@maxmilligan8734]

Many thanks I hope you can get something from the other lessons too. :o)

[@tonnievandeheijde7347]

Great blues lick

[@maxmilligan8734]

+tonnie vande heijde Thankyou, check out the other lessons ;)

[@lorenzozanotto7041]

+Max Milligan hey max, could you please share the initial chord progression tabs (the one that is looped in the background), it would be awesome! 😄