Blues Licks Explained: How To (Really) Use And Practice Blues Licks

[@jeffwilcox6329]

Justin -I'm a fairly new player and an old guy (65). Having watched hundreds of videos on blues, scales, etc., I've found yours to be the most helpful. Your analogy of music being a language really makes it clear. Please keep putting your music videos out there. Thanks so much.

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Wow that was a stream of consciousness, music is the langwidge beyond words.

[@Turpentinefab]

I have dreams that start with "Hey how you doin? Justin here!"

[@rory9983]

lol

[@emberphoenix3039]

I ugly wheezed at this. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣😂

[@tashamcmanus]

Jordan HAHAHAHA

[@williamb4652]

Jordan Happy dreams

[@Leandruzo]

This is the best teacher in the world ! =)

[@adamswitlak1242]

Justin, you are the best guitar teacher in the web. Everytime I watch your lessons I've got a feeling your are taking care about us, while many other "teachers" are telling long and boring stories about themselves. Thanks for that mate. Regards from Poland

[@davidefusco7747]

You’re very clear when you explain! Respect from Italy 🇮🇹🤟🤟🤟🎸

[@northof50now]

Blues is more about feeling than proficiency. It is an incredible example of the human spirit unwilling to give up, born through the most oppressive and tragic life experience. It is one of the easiest to imitate and most difficult to produce with authenticity...which is why we have so little new blues written and why the classics still resonate with people. Excellent lesson Justin.

[@justinguitar]

+northof50now feel > technique - every time. But with the state of the world at the moment I'm surprised there ain't more folk with the Blues!

[@northof50now]

+JustinGuitar - Touche

[@mrhyde2484]

Your vids have been the most helpful to me. Learning the 5 pentatonic patterns and then a few licks in each position, I'm starting to feel like a guitar player. When I get them down, I look to add a lick or 2 in which ever pattern I feel like I'm ready for more and my vocabulary grows. My friends think I'm actually good, though I still feel like a beginner.

[@DXFilmsChannel]

I tried (really quite hard) and failed to learn to play guitar a few times until I stumbled on the Justinguitar KZbin site a few years ago. Since then I haven’t looked back. The non-judgemental approach to beginners and total lack of ego was really encouraging in the early stages. The Justinguitar books set the standard, from great tutoring, structure and song choices, right down to having a proper wire book-spine that makes it easy to stick on a music stand. It’s little stuff like that, and stuff like this thoughtful KZbin tutorial, that set you apart. Really brilliant. I should point out that I’m still not exactly Jimmy Page just yet, but I can hold down a few tunes and will continue till I drop, and that’s largely down to you. Thanks so much :0)

[@marcusmcloughlin1030]

This guy has made my day many many times over the last 6 years or so of learning. The dudes enthusiasm is infectious, and all his tips are born of earned wisdom. Found myself pondering, what the hell else would this guy do, if it wasn't this heh. I hope it's profitable and growing.

[@JerodimusPrime]

Justin is probably the best guitar teacher on KZbin for beginner to intermediates. Clear concise teaching and he makes it fun too.

[@troyancheta3803]

Just got back on learning the guitar again after years of not playing.. I'm into blues nowadays so I tried to learn it.. So many video lessons on KZbin, yes I learned, I know the concept, I know the scales, etc. But I still dont sound good. I was frustrated until I saw Justin's lessons. I regret that I never paid attention to this channel because after months of blues lessons, I learned more in days just by watching Justin's video.. Perfaps the best guitar teacher here on youtube. Thank u Justin!!

[@saedt]

I started guitar around 8 years ago now, no lessons, just your vids and some theory out of interest. Watching your lessons is always inspiring, reminding me that most of the time it's about the feel, in a world where everyone is trying to play faster cleaner and more complex, it's nice to remember why you started playing. Thanks Justin!

[@TheAkash7190]

This man is awesome. Can't believe how many other people's lives he could be moving so deeply with this. Thanks a tonne, Justin!

[@TiagoFrancomusic]

hi Justin! You didn't have to play guitar for this to be one of the best guitar lessons on youtube! I can relate a lot with your ideas. Thanks

[@MaskSwabe]

agreed

[@justinguitar]

+Tiago Franco Thanks Tiago!

[@Honasek]

Thank you. The last one really opened up my mind. It was the *click* I havent had in a while. Thanks again

[@Cring0r]

Thank you for everything you do justin, you really are an incredible educator mate.

[@ronlight7013]

Thank you, Justin. I think your teaching approach has improved considerably since your earlier lessons I watched a year or so back. Back then I found your attitude overly dogmatic and constraining to me as a novice. Now, you somehow seem more relaxed and easier about making suggestions and providing guidance without all the must-do's I heard before. I appreciate your instruction and your generosity in posting. Keep up the great stuff!

[@TheDanzilla7]

Great advice Justin as always. 'Maggot Brain' by Funkadelic is a perfect example of emotion being used to create feeling in a solo - apparently the guitarist was told to play as if he had just found out his mother was dead, then realising it was not true. Amazing solo.

[@justinguitar]

+TheDanzilla7 never heard that story - but it's a classic solo!

[@jeremygottwals6704]

Thanks for this Justin!!!! It is the perfect lesson for where I am right now! Perfect timing on the lesson and really spot on in addressing some of the frustrating bits of being a new internediate player and wanting my playing to sound increasingly musical and less mechanical! Spot on, once again, thanks again!! Your lessons are truly well thought out and delivered. I am/will be a lifetime subscriber and supporter of your stuff!!

[@justinguitar]

+Jeremy Gottwals Cheers Jeremy, happy to help :)

[@larrybowie2283]

I have a Lifetime Guitarjamz membership....but I get soooo much more out of Justin's lessons! I have bought DVD"s and will continue to support him. Thank You Justin....

[@SebastiaanSchaghen]

Justin, I've got to say, I love this course! It's really helpfull for a lot of different level guitarplayers. Ive been watching your video's for over three or four years now, and man, what an improvement you've made of being teacher. You started of as a regular 'explain some song' dude, but you developed into so much more. You're só passionate about this stuff! Many, many thanks for all these years you brought me this lessons, they've been very helpfull. Keep doing what you do mate, cheers.

[@bradleypemberton6920]

Your a great teacher man I will always watch your videos as I get a lot of information from you! Thanks for this man I appreciate these lessons VERY much!

[@sohamgiri4654]

This course feels like a musical bliss, excited to learn more

[@MrPhish21]

with the spacing thing, the way i learned, and the way i like to think about it, i pretend the guitar is a singer. a singer needs to take breaths, and they usually dont sing when inhaling. so match it up with your own breathing, and hold a note, or stop playing when you inhale. its a good timer and i find it makes the playing more personal almost. and justin, great video, youve helped me loads.

[@hachewie]

+MrPhish21 Great Advice.

[@justinguitar]

+MrPhish21 nice idea, and one I use quite often in workshops. There was a guitar Allan holdsworth had that you had to blow in to get a note!! maybe we need more of them in the world ;) Glad ur diggin the series Phish!

[@buzonperiodista]

Spot on

[@Minecraftnerd2000]

+MrPhish21 Sometimes I sing the licks as I'm playing them. Whenever I have to stop to inhale, I take a pause in my playing as well.

[@InoSense85]

Never thought of it like that! Good shit brother!

[@hckyogine]

dude man without you i could be lost so thank you for all the vidéos that you put and thoses great lesseons

[@jonaskazakevicius1001]

Another great lesson from Mr. Justin Sandercoe.

[@craigjackson5470]

Thanks a lot you go into depth where as other teachers I’ve watched don’t appreciate it

[@EvgeniyNeutralMusician]

Great recommendations! Totally agree. My gratitude, Justin.

[@justinguitar]

+Evgeniy NeutralMusician ur welcome :)

[@Lennartguitar]

Great video! Another common mistake is to stick to certain notes or a certain position because you feel confident there, you are afraid that it doesn't sound good when you play something/somewhere else or that you feel like your new lick has to sound similar to the previous lick for recognition. So when a section is done, start a new one! Thanks Justin!

[@thomasraven]

Amazing food for thought, Justin. Thank you!

[@MaeKiiT]

Great lesson, as always! Thanks Justin!

[@rodrich1644]

Being discerning or honest with one's self is not negative. It is prudent.

[@i_live_pain8420]

Another way to think about this is when I play, I try to consciously play without really thinking. But then I think about what it would sound like in another persons ear. Because I have found that while your actually playing it really does sound different, maybe to the point where one is wanking or not using space efficiently. This is why it is a great tool to record yourself and see what you playing actually sounds like. It can get you in tune with the visual self and develop "guitar character". Like Justin has said countless times before, LISTEN to what you are playing. It is all inside of us. Thanks Justin. I recently made the decision to quit playing for a while due to my broken neck, it causes too much pain afterward no matter how high I try to stay in that zone or element of creativity. So that goes without saying to all you guys out there, play with the correct posture!! Your spine is the conduit between our brains and our bodies. I wish this horrible pain on no one, especially one who loves to play the guitar. So play a song for me today guys because although I cannot play, I will never stop listening!! (Or unsubscribed for that matter!) ✌

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Excellent point about the space. It's got to breathe.

[@charlesnichols4733]

Thanks justin..for all ur help..ur awesome..

[@leofreitasmusica]

some great insights in this video! thanks again, justin, keep up the great work you do, man!

[@justinguitar]

+Finwens Cheers dude!

[@dachitavartkiladze8636]

Love the last tip about emotion

[@japroducties]

Hey Justin, I'm having guitar lessons now for about 4 months. It was realy great to learn the basics from the guy but in my opinion he was missing something.. When I watch your videos I see the part my teacher is missing.. He just doesn't have the blues or something. Anyway I just wanted to tell you that you are awesome and realy inspiring for my guitar playing. :) Greetings from the Netherlands

[@shloppins5880]

Ba ba dippa doo, diggity diggity daa. Loved it, thanks for another cool lesson Justin.

[@AgnieRF]

Great tips!

[@jx14aby]

Thanks for the lesson Justin. Twenty bucks coming your way.

[@javichino6371]

Best lesson ever thanks.

[@justinguitar]

+Javi chino ur welcome!

[@Domestic_Kitten]

Amazing lesson, really helpful) Just like all the rest. Thanks!

[@opiateofthemasses]

Anyone want a good example of the minor pentatonic kicking ass? Money solo- Pink Floyd. Never knew thats what that was lol. Thanks mate!

[@rubguitar9362]

very nice! thanks

[@LKabilyo]

We saw Quinn Sullivan last year and he is an amazing guitarist. But, the one thing I said to my friends was that he was lacking those moments of silence that help to accentuate the feel of the blues.

[@ashishghimire02]

The most emotional solo I've ever heard is from the song Drive home by Steven Wilson. Guthrie Govan's outro solo in that song is so powerful, I almost burst into tears when I heard it for the first time. He must've been thinking about that one time when someone kicked his nuts while recording it :D. Anyway thanks for the lesson Justin. Informative and enjoyable as always.

[@fredi1505]

Ong, same

[@davidbrown2806]

That would make for a great video lesson. You suggested using a DAW to import a backing track and record an improvisation. Sounds simple but some of us need some help on how to do that.

[@nachoguitar9612]

as always. good advice

[@charliecoplestone9694]

SRV is a god. Also, Justin keep it up buddy. Great stuff.

[@chrispalacios_18]

Thank you

[@АпостолАпостолов-в6ж]

Justin, here in Bulgaria, they call you "the most beloved person in the Net".

[@ffederel]

Now there, I'm gonna infuse existential dread into my improv. A Kierkegaardian blues.

[@friendlessharold330]

Hey great video, reckon you could do a slide lesson? open D, open g or open e tuning or something, seems like it would be good fun.

[@cammygray63]

One of my favourite quotes. Why don't you leave some holes when you play, then maybe some music will fall out. 😎

[@notebender4]

. There's a lot of really sensible things put forth here for beginners and advanced players alike. For 60$ US you can get Reaper which is a great DAW for recording...It's helped immensely...I highly suggest it...or if you're tight on cash Audacity is free...Hearing your shortfalls and your little victories I believe is a necessity

[@ramona.vargas7298]

great video

[@triken900]

This guy is always smiling

[@alansimpson8962]

David Gilmour is a master of phrasing and breathing i mean damn he flat out is great

[@graemebagg6909]

All great but what happened to the link for ‘garageband’ thingy for free..? Pointer to safe download would be so cool.. Cheers.

[@downhill240]

I hope I'm not using these words too often, but you're great man!

[@satchfan2010]

The listener hears the whole experience. We often forget that as guitar players that the listener is hearing the sound operating as one whole unit.

[@jnotheman]

Fucking love Justin. Ever since he taught me Stairway to Heaven 7 years ago

[@i_live_pain8420]

And by the way Justin have you heard Joe Satriani's new album Shockwave Supernova yet? It is a great return to that great melody and theme based writing that he is the master of.😀

[@thatpeterboy]

Brilliant! I think I’m going to download the course...thanks Justin

[@MrBrixon10]

sound advice my friend.

[@kirtankapadia542]

how to have "time feel" when playing licks. when I improvise it doesn't feel melodic at all. What should I do to make them melodic or at least interesting? I know some licks but how to incorporate into my improvisations.

[@RaviShankar-ok1kh]

Something that helped me was trying to set a "home base" or a "home lick", something which sets the groove for the song. You can keep coming back here on the main chord/ sort of repetition. Stopping between phrases and half tone bends on the notes just before the right ones with vibrato gave my playing a lot of emotion. Soloing around the chord shapes might give you a better time feel.

[@RaviShankar-ok1kh]

Also this is normal. Even I'm finding my way around the guitar and have come across this situation many times. But I've seen myself improving.

[@theodorvirtopeanu8301]

hey Justin you make really great vids , you helped me a lot and I have a question: what kind of guitar do you have? thank you and keep going

[@billyclub56]

Such a nice guy. He could tell you that you Suck & I'll bet he would do it in a way that you'd thank him after!

[@cianofranc]

there's a little bug in the title. The lesson number is BL-406 and not 506. Thank you for your interesting words!

[@justinguitar]

+Luciano Franchini Thank you!

[@WhaleRFail]

good video bud, what guitar is that?

[@lorenzob976]

i dont understand how to actually use the licks do i just build a solo by putting a bunch of licks together or do they have to be all in the same scale/key or do i put them in between rythm blues and play them in the same key

[@dinkopetrov5154]

7:24

[@seadawg93]

I apologize if this is stupid; but I’m learning licks now but I’m confused about how and when to use them. When you say to use them during improvisation …does it count as improvisation if your using licks that you’ve already learned and practiced? Do you use them as the basis of improvisation?

[@justinguitar]

No question is a stupid question if you are unsure. Check the entire series of lessons and context for this video on the main site here: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/using-blues-licks-effectively-bl-406 Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@justinguitar]

Also, check this forum thread giving advice on taking your first steps in improvisation: justinguitarcommunity.com/index.php?topic=46455.0 Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@kobeybaxter5479]

Could you please do a cold chisel song in the future such as "Khe Sanh" or "forever now" if you could I would appreciate that so so much I watch a lot of your tutorials on how to play different songs and they have helped me out a lot, Thank you

[@justinguitar]

+Glen Baxter one day for sure!

[@kobeybaxter5479]

thanks, that means a lot :)

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Does anyone else think you need to be a bit of an obsessive weirdo to be a decent guitarist? I've been practicing for like 10hrs today!

[@ervinwee7063]

Been trying to practice the licks with an acoustic guitar, is it wise to do so?

[@stevenpetranyi2902]

Carl Perkins matchbox

[@Sandy.Squirrel]

If I recorded myself playing at this point and titled it "I'm as good as Eric Clapton", I think he would be really insulted 😂😂😁😂😂

[@PDBO]

Audacity is free for PC, Mac, Linux.

[@nerenahd]

It took me a while to understand that he was saying SPACE and not SPICE. @;-) Great lesson, though.

[@DocAXIS]

SRV is so aggressive...when i try and jam to the Texas flood track and then listen back to SRV's original recording, I fell like a wuss!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Tirtharaj Banerjee little too aggressive for me these days , great player but I gotta be in the right mood

[@xaviondo7]

@@mrtambourineman6107 Try listening to his songs Riviera Paradise and Tin Pan Alley then

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Xavi F cheers I'll check them out

[@nerenahd]

I took me a while to understand he was saying space, not spicy. 😆

[@mads1454]

One of these nights by The Eagles lesson please!! :D

[@ASMinor]

Hi! I wanted to reach out and see if you'd like to do a collaboration between us. I am a poet, and I was looking for some opportunities to do a poem over music. I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what you think!

[@williamb4652]

How did you know about my bunny. You’ve set me off now.

[@poems089]

radada.. 1 2 3 4 .. badadada 1 2 3 4

[@poems089]

:) so nice thx

[@TheKageX]

I can’t play blues with my emotion being anger. I wanna play nothing but metal.

[@maxpain45678]

You can very much play the blues with anger.

[@dwdrumz1]

You should practice breathing normally, disconnect it from your playing, play relaxed, be smooth.

[@stevenpetranyi2902]

Patrani

[@MetalHeadHippie]

Dead Bunnies Cool.

[@boblues7507]

crest lol I mean creat

[@stevenpetranyi2902]

Yeah Muhammad Ali I've been smacked by M5 x 5 zip

[@1966curt]

A bit more spiritual :-)

[@stsgabe]

audacity is a free software

[@PiyushYankee]

666 likes and 6 dislikes!! half life 3 confirmed

[@NiiickBrandon]

is it weird I feel comfortable taking advice from him because he looks like norm macdonald

[@Neil-qf6df]

Another lesson filled with mindless waffle.....less chat and more practical tuition please Justin.

[@AC-he8ln]

I woke up this morning... my bunny died... got the blues again...