How To Play Blues (in a few simple steps)

We start of simple, and gradually turn it into an amazing blues! This is a step by step guide of how we can play blues on the electric or acoustic guitar. A classic 12 bar blues in the key of E, with a surprise the end.
▶FOLLOW ME ◀
Instagram: / pauldavidsguitar
▶Beginner Guitar Course ◀
learnpracticeplay.com/
▶SUPPORT ME + TABS◀
Patreon: / pauldavids
▶GUITAR◀
B&G Little Sister Private Build
Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com or check out my guitar courses at: learnpracticeplay.com
Thank you for watching!
Paul
Below is the gear I use to make these videos. They redirect to Amazon and provide me with a small kickback should you purchase any of these things.
▶GEAR LIST◀
www.amazon.com/shop/pauldavids
▶MICS◀
Vocal mic - amzn.to/2BVNtbV
Neck mic - amzn.to/2qLjhMG
Bridge mic - amzn.to/2CEqFfq
▶SOUND◀
Portable recorder - amzn.to/2Cyt1wy
Studio Soundcard - amzn.to/2xk7pSM
My favorite DAW - amzn.to/2fhPZjz
▶CAMERAS◀
Camera 1 - amzn.to/2N4NyPX
Camera 2 - amzn.to/2DkDI4D
Camera 3 - amzn.to/2OyTy21
Lens 1 - amzn.to/2NYji7O
Lens 2 - amzn.to/2DF6ahR
Lens 3 - amzn.to/2EetpA5
Lens 4 - amzn.to/2FK5hqx

[@caioalp5106]

I hope it becomes a series like, how to play jazz, rock, fingerstyle, soul, etc. Great video

[@carlosmatos9848]

Easily one of the best guitar teachers on the web. I've been playing over 20 years and still learn something from him every time.

[@fadeskywards1245]

I second the fuck out of this ❤

[@ConnyYngve]

Yes Please!!

[@petterhouting7484]

How to play flamenco

[@nielskooloos5726]

That's a wonderful idea, he could share some basic ideas, basic techniques, basic theory and we can grow from there!

[@JoshTurnerGuitar]

Just want to give a shout out to how challenging it is to describe and execute ideas eloquently in real time to a backing track. Not sure if this was one complete take as it appears to be, but if not, then complements to the editing as well. You continue to outdo yourself, man.

[@Nickenthechiken]

triggering the band on the drumpad wtithout missing a beat in the bassline was pretty cool

[@gitsurfer27]

So whens the collab you guys? :)

[@poguie]

@@gitsurfer27 I totally agree, Josh and Paul... two amazingly tasteful guitarists. Be great to see what they can come up with!

[@firstandlastswagman269]

H

[@meetu_]

HOLY - -- JOSH TURNER AND PAUL DAVIDS INTERACTING-- I LOVE THIS TIMELINE

[@jamesjmn9624]

I love how he just starts and doesn’t introduce himself for 5 minutes

[@eylul4831]

cuz everybody already knows him

[@mmmmkkk]

introductions on YT meant to trick the audience to stay, 10s of him playing is enough to do that job without any BS and intros 😅

[@saidkarakoc2526]

eylül cobain Eylülcüm istersen biz de tanışabiliriz. Valla yakışıklıyım ;)

[@arnieXD]

@@saidkarakoc2526 yani, sen flört mı ediyorsun?

[@ranhaber1234]

and all the "don't foget to like and sub" shit..

[@benwise665]

Dear Paul. I just wanted to say thank you and thank you again. I've started playing again after nearly twenty years of not playing (I was never very good to start with) but rather than just 'teach' you actually inspire with your unpretentious and heart-warming presentation. With this 'How to Play Blues' you had me playing along in 30 minutes or so and thinking to myself "Wow! I can play blues". Your videos make me want to pick my guitar up and PLAY it every day for which I am very grateful.

[@MegaMr28]

i had to give up because of a nerve issue. if you have no physical proplems PLAY.. 10,20, 30mins a day. it dosent matter just keep playing

[@justinclayton1451]

This is hypnotizing. The look, the accent, the camera angles, the chops ... you’re a wizard sir.

[@ilyasskmira]

I'm a what

[@javipokero]

Definitly agree!! i've had that same sense several times already

[@martinstojanovic2123]

And you are a hairy wizzard

[@dellguistovitch8862]

@Mathew this IS so easy for him 😁

[@daanvanavermaet9452]

You're a wizard harry

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

So much fun!!

[@polo9204]

U r legend sir❤️

[@beyondreamtime420]

This guy !!!!

[@khemrajramdam8883]

Good to see Tomo sir comment here.

[@alexscott7226]

There are some great guitar players on KZbin, but there is something about this guy...

[@jensmller-christensen9803]

agree

[@neila484]

Yeah, he’s Dutch😂😂

[@A_Man_with_a_Dream]

Exactly

[@typodhitzemann6851]

possibly an ease and simple progression confidence in 'sometimes simple does the trick' kin to Billy Gibbons, but we'll wait and see, relatively speaking.

[@Outspoken.Humanist]

As a lifetime blues singer (I'm 62 now) I have heard the blues played by so many people so many times but never have I seen it explained to so clearly and entertainingly. Thank you.

[@cosmicowboy111]

totally agree man, quite well done ; )

[@punchtoy4546]

that was one of the funnest things to solo over

[@bryanvickers]

Yeah that's what blues is.

[@themoreyouknow5784]

Punch Toy post it

[@grayaj23]

@@bobby3eb I still haven't watched it all the way through. I had to get my guitar and have been pause-attempt-fail-rewind-listen-repeat for a half hour now. My fingers are very slow to learn things.

[@edsmithmusic951]

1. Wake up this morning 2. Lose all earthly possessions 3. Sing about it

[@edsmithmusic951]

@Kaptain Kid you're describing the blues to someone that plays the blues for a profession. I'm just about to release an album featuring collaborations with Slash, Peter Doherty and Alabama 3. It was just a joke. Thanks, though.

[@stechapo4009]

The dog tho......not the dog....

[@edsmithmusic951]

@@stechapo4009 'The dog up and died, the dog up and died, and after twenty five years he still grieves'. That's Mr..........

[@stechapo4009]

@@edsmithmusic951 : I think you should dedicate your album to the memory of Mr.... Or perhaps to Mr Harry Nilsson?? Or a favourite departed relative...?? (Sorry, I took it too far....)

[@edsmithmusic951]

@@stechapo4009 'Bojangles' was the answer I was looking for. Control of thr board now goes to your opponents.

[@robertlloyd9654]

I love these fast style tutorials for us intermediate players. They keep your attention and get straight to the point, great work!

[@demandt3482]

"But...don't we need some fuzz, and a band?" That made me smile all the way up to my ears. Amazing stuff! Love your work, Paul - keep it up!

[@760Piper]

Man...at first I thought you were using a looper for the bass notes! You never skipped a beat. Very nicely done.

[@jan_777]

Same here😂

[@itstomis]

I was just listening while working and not watching and I was surprised looking down at my phone to see he was actually playing the bass notes 😅

[@carlosmatos9848]

@@itstomis Paul never ceases to amaze :)

[@rgerber]

Oh you're right

[@carlosmatos9848]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIa4qnmofaqFprc

[@mikhailshalnov690]

Blues is easy to play but hard to feel. J.Hendrix

[@carlosmatos9848]

Ain't that the truth. I've been playing guitar since I was 14 years old, and some days I just don't feel it. Blues is all about playing how you feel AND hitting the right notes at the right time! It ain't as simple as shredding I will tell you that!

[@oneeyemonster3262]

@@carlosmatos9848 Me too....My HS GF died on easter a week before the prom. I walked her home on good friday. She smile and blew me a kiss. That was the last I saw of her. I kind of check out..The only thing that kept me sane was playing my guitar...i was all Fu4k up got into lots of one night stand and unhealthy relationships..Broke some hearts and got it stump on , Jaded...ect Finally settle down. Got sober.. then that GF died..I couldnt play my guitar even if I tried. The drinking and partying with more women got worst. None of it ever took away the pain... Im kind of like Forest Gump on the guitar. play , play OneEye.lmao it's all fu$ked up like that....sometimes it'll just hit me during a jam session.. ( that's why i wear shades when i play)...so the band cant tell the different between sweat, Tears or vomit.The guitar has a mind of it;s own..i check out into the zone.lol

[@2180storm]

@@oneeyemonster3262 man, im sorry for your loss

[@NickDrzr]

Mikhail Shalnov that’s how I feel

[@jarodandrews7425]

OneEye Monster aye bubby

[@samspade1841]

Paul I admire how easy you make it look. 62 trying to learn the guitar and love the blues. Thanks for helping us out.

[@scottswann2430]

I love all of your lessons, but this one especially. There's no fat, you just got right into it and gradually built up to the whole thing. I would love a series like this. Love the guitar, too

[@dan7509]

The man just showed us how to play every Black Keys song! God bless him

[@CompletelyChaotic]

I literally came here just to play like them lmao!

[@DoTheDishesOrElse..]

It's done, don't worry, it's done.

[@yasmiiineee]

i just spent the entire afternoon yesterday listening to blues and thinking "damn i really wanna start playing like this hmm" and you post this video today...Paul what kinda magical superpowers do you have? Thank you so much for the excellent content you always deliver!

[@almostnowhere915]

Yasmine R. Those are your own super powers my friend, you attracted this into your life :)

[@arno_ka]

It has a name : algorithms

[@nataliac2734]

The devil works hard but your FBI agent works harder

[@JJones_1]

Synchronicitys everywhere

[@enthra1728]

Yasmine R. Same thing for me lol

[@EmptyScale]

You the man! I have a whole playlist full of your videos that I watch pretty much on a daily basis. Your videos have helped me improve a lot and they keep me motivated. Thank you so much!

[@jayleecarlisle]

Well, I have had a lot of teachers over the years. Including classical and flamenco, as well as, rock/blues... no teachers have made such a difference in my understanding or playing. Best teacher ever!

[@glennwhitlock1272]

When I've mastered thinking and talking at the same time, I'll have a go at this.

[@MrPnew1]

Get back to us

[@tiqvahone]

You mean playing a complex tune and talking. :-)

[@glennwhitlock1272]

@@tiqvahone ha ha. No chance whatsoever.

[@glennwhitlock1272]

@@MrPnew1 you might be waiting a while. 😀

[@heisenbooger]

@@tiqvahone *laughs in James Hetfield*

[@2girls1coop]

I’ve been practicing my improv and theory on the fly for months now. I think this is a great video to help sew it all together, thanks a lot Paul.

[@timrowley3427]

That's great - I'm enjoying this one so much. It sounds magic when these simple components are put together. Thanks Paul.

[@raoulandgonzo]

Paul, you're class. The numbers are climbin. And you deserve the house on the hill from the skill. 30 years I've been fooling with a guitar. And only now, through your dedication and love to those strings, I'm starting to groove. Love it man.

[@iam_xrw]

You added distortion and I felt like I was in a Ford F-150 commercial

[@alegee79]

Have you ever tried the Ranger? :D

[@acidisprettygood205]

🤣 I don’t like fords but that’s funny as hell

[@jaredminton5967]

😂 “Ford. Built tough for tough people. Try our new 0 down 0% financing with select models”

[@sirstashalot7441]

Super accurate lmao

[@PikkaaaAttack]

HAHA

[@ferdykorpershoek]

Trots op het feit dat je een Nederlander bent! Ik hoorde gisteren over je op een verjaardag! Dit is het eerste filmpje dat ik van je zie. FANTASTISCH!!! Ga zo door!

[@heem8814]

german?

[@ethanviktor]

Dutch

[@ethanviktor]

In South Africa it is similar to Afrikaans which is a variant of Dutch

[@sasmitroy5480]

You're right

[@mmlv44633]

Beautifully executed, eloquently described, I think I might with a little practice be able to play blues. Brilliant! 😍

[@robmbaboy1]

I am your biggest fan in Argentina. You have taught me so much. I have played guitar for 20 years on and off, and never seem to progress. I needed a teacher! Anyone who didn't like this video, doesn't like the blues, and therefore their opinion is not valid

[@constantinz.7887]

That was one of your best and most fun to listen to videos! Even though you know the Blues already ;)

[@RC32Smiths01]

I see another Paul vid with Blues, I am all in. Love the blues and the simplicity associated with most blues, it's amazing for anyone to get into. Awesome work

[@DanielTorres404]

The nicest and yet the most accurate beginners tutorial I've ever attended. Thank you so much!

[@mattiadei8402]

You're great man, you're helping me so much learning the guitar. God bless you dude ❤️🎸

[@aljunspy21]

How to make a "the black keys" song.

[@Stewer1000]

thats what i was thinking haha good one

[@gregsengcorner23]

Because black keys is bluerock

[@travistotle]

Literally my first thought when he started playing the riff "this sounds almost exactly like Stack Shot Billy from the Black Keys"

[@TheAnata1]

@@travistotle "Stack Shot Billy" or "Everywhere I go" or the entire "Chulahoma" album. Those are all in that Junior Kimbrough blues style with the heavy drone notes that hypnotize you 😴

[@parham8279]

Black keys is epic 👌👌

[@y234ych6]

Thank you for giving us a demonstration of how music is made. such a great inspiration. and beautifully done

[@wuzza3471]

Paul Davis is the best guitar teacher I‘ve ever seen! Thanl you so much Paul! 🙏🏼❤️

[@brianjohnson217]

Hi Paul I've just recently started finger style blues and thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. Thank you so much for the way you talk us through the technique

[@felixarpa]

This is one of my favorite videos... Thanks, Paul, for sharing this amazing lesson

[@toddknaster9731]

That was amazing playing and amazing teaching! the first time I watched it I thought there was not way I would be able to play it but after a few hours I am starting to get it. Definitely do more videos like this. It was fun to watch and having you explain and play at the same time was great!

[@richard7410]

Love your lessons Paul they are to the point and fun to watch. I mainly the videos after a hard day of studying. I'm going to give this lesson a proper go somepoint this week. Thanks again bud!

[@MegaMr28]

this guy and his voice, warm comfy looking studio, camera work and smooth playing, reminds of the videos i watch/listen to when meditating.

[@gamerviciado237]

Such a fun and entertaining video, really liked this format, you could do a jazz version of this 👍

[@josephchicoine2354]

You sir, are the teacher I always wanted! 10/10 ! Thank you for your time

[@Mordred478]

Thank you for one of the best demonstrations of what the blues is--and specifically for guitar players--that I've seen.

[@gunlokman]

Brilliant stuff . . . loving it! Just what I needed . . the 'blues' simplified and explained simply. Much appreciated by this aged rocker!

[@crunxxyy3527]

I love how he wears a blue shirt in this vid

[@dolero]

that's the blues. #BluesChallenge

[@adriantyler6911]

@Roy Batty I'm no Royalist, however he did fly Sea-King Helicopters in the Falklands from HMS Invincible with 820 Squadron and came under fire....so 'Never worked a day in his life' I would say no.......but why would you tarnish such an heroic past? What a knob!

[@michaelgallagher3640]

@@adriantyler6911... You sir are as much of a "Douche" as any royal. They are just the most overpaid welfare recipients on the face of the earth. Don't care if ha defeated Godzilla, he's still a P.O.S., as are you.🥒

[@carlosmatos9848]

His clothing choices are as tasty as his licks!

[@powertuber3.047]

Just like the My Pillow guy.

[@patafanmarti2913]

That is a sick looking guitar

[@paulasanz3320]

I love this songs you make to teach, it's refreshing having "simple" things (this one is too much for me) to practice instead of only having songs that are already mixed and all and that is hard to equal that sound

[@tuna22lm]

Every time and I do mean EVERY time I hear the blues I get goose bumps. That was awesome. I would be so happy if could learn to play just that one blues solo you just played. I used to play guitar years ago not that good but quit due to circumstances and I am 70 now. Blues is my favorite it always wants to make me move, it makes me feel alive and want to keep on living, I regret not learning to play the blues . I gave away my 12 string acoustic ECHO guitar to some one I new, I just loved the sound of that guitar it really did sound like an echo I miss it, but it is at a good home though, the guy has a band called eagle eyes and believe me you would swear that they really the eagles they are that good, they are Canadian and do play in the States.

[@aranckjomraj1491]

I remember learning this last year in my music class,phenomenal!

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@memoriesofmercia3809 ..tabs are for posers! ..jk, I used to use tabs too when I was a kid

[@ronking2177]

Dude this was so fun to watch. You made it like a telling a story, enjoyed it.

[@yeyouhd8802]

Man this world is full of talents .... how the hell is offset more famous than a guy like this

[@paulkirby8903]

Terrific presentation. This short but simple way of explaining something is great. We need more of this type of thing.😃😃👍👍

[@TenThumbsProductions]

Fuzz and a band goes a long well.

[@frb5150]

This has to be the pinnacle of the Feynman Techinique. Bravo!

[@JackySchoonbaert]

Fantastisch Paul! De manier waarop je het toont lijkt zo simpel maar alles uitleggen en ondertussen zonder fout spelen... respect!

[@VincenzoMangiapanello]

Why all your videos are always so hypnotic? Every time I approach one of your video I stop to view how simple it seems everything are you doing! This one video is very cool and easy man! Go ahead Paul! You're the best

[@Shoz3344]

Simply amazing! The first part really reminded me of CCR's Susie Q!

[@rhugh02]

I'm inspired! Pulling my guitar off the wall, I need to learn this... Thanks ! SUBSCRIBED!

[@HectorSuxxx69]

Think this would be a great little bit for a live show. It is informative, includes the audience, and the tension that builds up to the actual pop of the full jam with the “band” is excellent..... sounds good too

[@licksnkicks1166]

This is such a blast to play. This is such a great lesson. i have to be extremely mindful of everything you explain. It usually takes me a couple of times but once i get it, I've got it. Some killer stuff to add to this lady's killer trick bag! CANADA

[@TriggerStuff]

"While the sun is setting"...we play this... You are awesome teacher! Glad we having you ;)

[@itsEpsilon]

Only if you can hear the solo that I'm playing in my head. Goosebumps.

[@sagekarlow4339]

I'm always fascinated by your videos. Your knowledge could be intimidating to those who compare their abilities to yours, yet your smooth and effortless delivery makes these tutorials feel more like a talented friend sharing tips instead of a superior musician blessing us common peasants. Thank you

[@sujithrao7974]

I could this add this 'practice' track to me playlist and listen to it for weeks. Beautiful stuff.

[@taterfight]

Brilliantly constructed video. Also, impressive that you can hold a normal conversation while playing like that haha.

[@korkenknopfus]

Nice. I don’t know what is better: video quality, image quality, edit skills, guitar quality. But definitely, here is a very good musician.

[@gearjammin_bluesman]

Great video! Wow! Definitely one of the best videos I've seen from start to finish! I can't stop watching and it is TRUE inspiration. Thank you!

[@007graeham]

This lesson is (add profanity or clean exclamation of your choice) unbelievably good. Thank you

[@disturbedcarrot]

It's a testament to how good he is that it's made to look so easy!

[@mateolucas8833]

i love how he makes it look so easy

[@nobbythenobster2k0]

I'm self taught and been doing my own rough and boring version of this but now I have a better version thanks to you! Thank you my friend

[@hokahey8051]

I have finally deciphered this and started to play at 50 bpm :) it's awesome! Thanks @Paul Davids!

[@hshp5944]

I love your channel. You have tought me so much! love for Norway:)

[@pdrgallo]

he is a GOOD guitarist, but he is also an AWESOME teacher and an GREAT video editor. good+awesome+great= subscribed !

[@nickbotica5098]

easiest way to learn so far after 30yrs finally starts to make sense thanks so much from here in good ole kiwi country NZ.

[@Sean-tp8lh]

I really like this teaching format of incremental demonstration + explanation in context. It's very effective for me.

[@jochem420]

I listened to this driving on my Pauley Davidson through the Texan desert

[@architt7309]

A very fine guitarist right there♥️💯

[@seanjones4680]

I love these style breakdown videos! such a performance!

[@jamesfoo8999]

Man you make it look so simple. I know what you are playing is just basic guitar ability then some time/pactice but you still make it look like a breeze. Amazing as always thanks :)

[@mattullo]

This could be part of the soundtrack to Peaky Blinders

[@ZenSilurushati]

You got it rite mate ! Been thinking for a while, i heard it somewhere..yeah peaky blinders !!

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

...”red right hand…”

[@jocuppa4564]

How the heck, he doesn't break a sweat, he's in a cool mood, and he's talking and playin and teaching..I can't even hold that bass without sweating on my next chord let alone talking.. chewing gum and all, and yet be so cool..

[@drnihaalsingh]

Tis called practice.

[@DeZomer35]

Not really strange if you remember Paul has played the guitar a LOT more over the years

[@trustmeimaphysiologist]

@@drnihaalsingh practice and being Dutch!

[@dondamon4669]

You sweat playing bass about the next chord?? I’m thinking there’s something medical going on?

[@TS-Music-57]

I think of this as, " Build a Blues Break"...cool 😎🎸Thanks for sharing Paul

[@naythan93]

Definitely make this into a series. Simple yet very educational

[@martystudioone]

I learned this shuffle a year ago and since this every time when I play guitar I play this thing. And it works good with looper like a backing track. Thank you Mr. Paul for great music and video. Due to your great videos my playing skills are better then before. By the way guitar in this video is really amazing B-)

[@johnnykos5262]

Like Hendrix said "Blues is easy to play but hard to feel" Nice looking guitar too! I liked also the p90s with that semihollowish vibe

[@leonirlenoir1419]

Probably the best blues lesson i've ever seen !

[@mrgee4030]

Wonderful presentation and I love your spirit and joy! Truly inspiring!!!

[@DGaskell_Music]

I feel Paul's dictionary defines the word "Simple" differently to mine!

[@glassncobalt]

Simple doesn't equal easy.

[@tylertaylor5490]

I'd love one of these on reggae, I'm struggling with just getting that offbeat strum

[@jnicorb]

Two things: 1. Metronome 2. Hit the 1, 2, 3, 4 whith ghost notes

[@OutdoorsSouthOz]

Absolutely love this!! have to learn to play this, Excellent Paul Davids!!

[@David-yp9ou]

You make it look so effortless! Great video, thank you!

[@p_mouse8676]

That guitar head-stock is so nice though!

[@georgetaylorrva]

Piet Muijs until you change strings

[@DanielS-iz8ql]

Probably the best Video i have ever seen

[@jeansimon326]

Yes - inspirational! Thank you for the demo and the encouragement.

[@musicfunandotherthings522]

So great! I am flashed. Absolutely inspiring. I work on this

[@waxonjitehurst]

Paul Davids is literally killing it with his content. No better KZbin musician in my opinion!

[@lucasmctavares]

Thats the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen!

[@ad.b9724]

B&G"s are divine for the blues...I have a step sister..♥️

[@danieljosephking8730]

This is the greatest lesson on KZbin. Thank you from the bottom of my heart man. Very 😎

[@keksomg]

thank you for existing, your approach is exactly perfect for my way of learning =) here, have my subscription!