Play Blues On Guitar In Any Key (with this riff)

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Whether you’ve been stuck in a practice rut or you want to learn to play the blues better, understanding and practicing some basic blues riffs will help you on your acoustic guitar learning journey. If today's video is helpful, you'll love Tony's Acoustic Challenge...
Learning blues riffs on guitar will help you learn the fretboard, gain greater dexterity in your fingers, and solo better. While you can’t apply the same riff over and over to the same song, you can use riffs to help you learn how to solo on the guitar.
In this blues guitar lesson, I will show you one blues lick that is incredibly useful because after you learn it, you will be able to play the 12 bar blues in ANY key. That’s right - you can use this riff in any blues.
Beginner guitar players and experienced veterans alike will gain valuable insight into the blues and the guitar as a whole.
Using this blues riff as a springboard, you can launch your guitar improvisation practice. Even if you weren’t sure you could solo, using this blues riff will give you the confidence to keep improvising on the guitar; just remember for a 12 bar blues, your pentatonic scales are your friends!
★ Request your invite to Tony's Acoustic Challenge today: tonypolecastro.com/

[@tacguitar]

Wow guys! I love that this has been so helpful. If you dig this format (quick lesson, but always musical) I release one every day on Tonys Acoustic Challenge. Type it into Google and check it out :) Cheers!

[@liufox1292]

Cheers for this, I have been researching "blues guitar lessons free" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Wanichael Corylexander Equalizer - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my work buddy got cool results with it.

[@LyubomirLalovMulti]

Winner of a video, I've been looking for "play blues guitar" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Wanichael Corylexander Equalizer - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got cool results with it.

[@kickinincrediblydopesh9936]

Could you do a lesson on how to play Logan Halstead-far from home???

[@LeonEno]

Been hacking for years, love the blues and damn, it's still a "3" chord progression.

[@g.banderas1242]

Yes absolutely enjoyed this lick. Clarified some issues that I was having. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙏. Will try to keep this in my practice very simple but extremely useful. 😎

[@xnavynuc]

I played guitar in my teens (late ‘60s early ‘70s), but then life happened and I put the guitar away until a few years ago when I got cancer. I pulled it out to have something to do during my recovery after treatment, but my short-term memory had been devastated by the chemo, making it hard to learn anything new. Videos like this are a blessing to me because they’re simple enough for me to follow and I can even expand on them. I’ll never be able to play great, but at least I’m having fun again! (BTW, I’m now 3-1/2 years cancer free)

[@thunderthestorm1]

God bless

[@lindarlarson6267]

👏👏👏👏

[@ryankleinert-marquez1901]

Never stop playing guitar bro. I’m not that good but I like to hear myself play I don’t wanna play for anybody I just want to play for myself as long as you enjoy what you do and you think you sound good then you’re doing the right thing

[@ryankleinert-marquez1901]

You’re a strong person too by the way having to go through that.

[@stevenanders7878]

This fellow has a skill set for teaching....nothing about folks' heads. Clear, concise, nothing extra, nothing to be overwhelmed or confused by. ENcouraging, not DIScouraging. A huge plus. You're a good human, Guitar Man.

[@michaelwilliams9280]

I liked the way he presented

[@foesfly3047]

Wish I could put a ❤ for this comment.

[@rickfoster1078]

Yep, light bulb. Stevie Ray jammed over this... Cool lick.

[@imonehellofaretardohandals523]

Plus he played the riff slowly making it much easier to play along.

[@MrSwaga1]

I agree it took a few attempts but once it clicked it just stayed my frustration really was just trying to see where his hand placement was but other than that it was awesome.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

Great lesson! I’m 61 years old and literally just picked up a guitar a couple weeks ago. I’ve really only been doing finger exercises for dexterity. This is the first thing I’ve really tried to play. I was able to understand and do it. Thank you for the great lesson!

[@randymurrell754]

I’m in the same boat.

[@joeyvaughn5643]

Funny. We have the same story. I played some years ago and put it down. I got into an accident with Neurological hand muscle and nerve issues. Being unwillingly retired. I'm comming back to one of my loves in hopes it will help me strengthen the muscles in my hands, possibly connect some nerves and give me some dexterity in my hands. I have plenty of time now! I'm 64yrs. Old. Good jams to you my friend.

[@miguelblanco1718]

You should give up..

[@sleevelessace]

hey man rather late then never im in the same boat bur a bit younger i played from 8-13, then stopped playing during highschool n after, then i picked it back up last year when i was 25 and man im so happy i rediscovered my true love for guitar and music,Keep at it! its such a rewarding hobby, helps with alot mentally

[@Architect222]

Put it down. Find something better to do with your time.

[@adrianbruce9429]

First time I’ve *ever* played something on the guitar that isn’t a chord. A brilliant lesson, thank you!

[@diegosol25]

Same here

[@jaminlibert5051]

Check the app songsterr or the lite mode on internet, amazing site that's where i learnd all my songs ;)

[@Maltese280zx]

The first chunk reminded me of Last Train to Clarksville.

[@metalheadweeb7132]

OMG yes man most other people are like this chord and this chord

[@ikkarezlet1922]

This is exactly me!

[@jeannettehellen214]

I like the way you talk to us....respectful and helpful....thank you...

[@papoumkl7118]

Looks like Jesus playing guitar 😄

[@donaldtiger9519]

Good stuff..learned something new.thank you maestro.

[@seamusdoran9851]

No show off fancy guitar work to prove how good you are, just a straight forward lesson that is easy to follow. Thank you. By the way, I’m eighty and just learning to play guitar. 👍👍👍

[@CarlTheInnovator]

Concise and to the point. Not trying to show how great he is. I’ll be returning for more more.

[@maryalferez4204]

Normally I dont mind blues....but i stayed on just give myself a moment to listen to a blue riff that can be played in any key.......but later.... I am enjoying this new discovery of blues.....via this riff....try it, guys!....thank you,Sir,......from the Philippines.

[@joesan3597]

Great video! For the impatient like me, the riff starts at 5:14

[@grant50]

I just had to laugh - "So, without further ado, let's get started. But, _before_ we do..." Insert further ado.

[@rahuimosby8244]

grant50 Hyjkm

[@Charlietwice]

😂😂😂

[@toppertruthio]

So without further ado,switches off camera,rolls a big fat one,and finks of his next move

[@ranhold1]

🎶😂

[@BradCarlMusic]

I thought the same thing! LOL

[@washywashie]

Dude, this was fantastic. I just joined a band and I’m really taking guitar super seriously now and a professional jazz musician told me every pro guitarist must have a concept of the blues. Thank you for giving me my start!

[@PeterClement-mm6qk]

Ha, playing since 12yrs old, I'm now 71, this is my first lesson.😅 Great to learn something new arthritis and all. Thx

[@dennismcwhertersr.1768]

I enjoy Tony lessons, 4 a person like me with so many issues he has made me a guitar geek. I have been with his program 10 months and thanks to him I have PTSD somewhat controlled. I thank God for his teaching methods and encouragement to play. I am a 100% disabled veteran after 33 years of service. I was truly lost before I started playing!! He is one of the best and I subscribe to others as I never want to stop learning this beautiful instrument, but Tony started my journey and I will never forget. Yes I am a life member before the 1st month was over!

[@roberthart4160]

Thanks for this simple, but effective breakdown. I appreciate how after explaining it you played it slowly, instead of 150 bpm like so many do. Made it easy to grasp

[@SundarBJJ]

FANTASTIC TEACHER. If every teacher had this simple, calm, straightforward, educational, encouraging, principle-based approach, the world would be teeming with axe shredders in no time flat.

[@paulgordon6949]

This was one of the first things I learned on guitar that actually sounded somewhat like music. Essential lesson for all beginners I reckon.

[@dannymccoy1783]

Played rhythm guitar all my life.Now i want to play lead guitar...DEFINITELY THIS HELPS BIG TIME TO START OUT...EXCELLENT...THANK YOU...

[@AF-gg8lw]

This lesson was awesome. I’ve had my guitar for 10 years and have never been able to pickup anything as quickly as this! Thank you!

[@Dtrain-kq8kd]

very helpful, four notes in each chord to get you going. I can hear a lot of great sounds in there.

[@joeglazewskicmtlmt6476]

I have to say, played this on my Squier Strat and it sounded awesome! At the age of 66, I'm relatively new to playing guitar, making decent progress. But this simple routine is a great addition and building block for more! Great job, teacher!!!!

[@iandodd7828]

Joe, I'm 61 and just bought a Squier Strat to start out on. Can't wait to try this lick!

[@Joemommuh69]

You old guys still play?

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Since you FREELY POST the tabs On screen...I subscribed. How I wish all YT guitar/bass tutors are like you. You are NOT selfish. Thank you.

[@johnwirtes6835]

Thank you so much for eye opening lesson on a Blues riff! I haven't been playing for years and picked up the guitar again decided not to give up, and practice practice! I am just a beginner and you inspired me to keep at it. your teaching is awesome. I can't wait to learn this riff, thank you for putting your knowledge and time into this lesson!

[@damageinc3089]

Dude, that "light bulb" def went off, amazing how simple and useful that is

[@laurene0503]

I'm just starting to learn blues and this was an excellent lesson. Thank you

[@chrisplayz253]

How's it going

[@gailss5860]

yeah share your progress

[@Bussjaeger]

Whoah. 24 years & now just expanding my path. No more Alaskan Guitar Singer Jewel songs. I’m going after the blues. Love your style of teaching !

[@GnomehollowatDHF]

I started playing guitar when I was 6. I played up until I joined the Army in 1992. I’ve wanted to play again but never took the time to start up again. I want to learn to play the blues and I have to say that you are the first person I’ve ever heard that, even though you used some technical jargon, broke it down to simple fretting and finger work. I’m a disabled veteran and my big chunky 1988 Oscar Schmidt is so thick that it hurts my back to lean over it. I need to buy a thin model. Thanks for being a true teacher!

[@TradesWithJ1K]

ty for your service ❤️

[@robindixon4502]

So encouraging for someone new to playing. Brought my confidence back… thanks

[@daytoneman]

Great teacher, without trying to be too clever. I’ve learned a lot from this man.

[@tonyb4259]

Loved it. I can hear that " doo, da, da , da, da, doo, da da ......in my head. Just got to make my fingers move in time, in place. Practice *******

[@guitarlex4981]

I could listen to you teaching all the day long bro! Thank you!

[@gargemil1]

Simple and straight forward. I had already stumbled across this lick on my own, but I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have out there. Your teaching style is easy to follow.

[@wambonin8139]

thank you so much this is my first blues it helped a lot c mon who is with me this man is great

[@tessapaul5184]

Tony many thanks have been struggling for months and after seeing this great video it allcame clear

[@theroadking547]

Thanks for taking the time and sharing your knowledge.

[@adambullen594]

I've been playing fingerstyle acoustic for a long time and used this structure kind of, but your presentation and encouragement has me now using this as my warm up, thank you so much!

[@used2haveanikon1]

Thank you so much for this. I’ve been playing for a few months now and this makes so much sense. Plus it will be FUN to learn and get it down well!! 😊

[@ImMoonMan]

This video really brought me as close to the style I want as I’ve ever been and thank you

[@therealgamewarrior]

The progression is as follows: first chord 4 times, fourth chord 2 times, first chord 2 times, the fifth chord once, fourth chord once, two more of the first chord.

[@johnnycake020]

The Weaponist mate you’re a WEAPON

[@danorion369]

the last 2 chords should be the 1st then the 5th. the last two people i watched got this wrong.. funny

[@CBooze176]

Nice. I've been playing 12 bar blue for years and never realized the pattern is always 1, 4, 5 chords. I did learn something. Thanks Tony. Love the content. Keep up the good work.

[@checkyourself-ish]

Instant FUN! The beauty is everybody recognizes the riff! Im re-entering learning guitar and all I can say is this is an outstanding jumpstarter and string skipping exercise. It also opens up fretboard for immediate exploration. THUMBS!

[@berniarmstrong]

Works just fine on a bass too!

[@Deennissee]

Tony, I appreciate the lesson and thank you for making it so easy to see what you are doing and follow it. I have a real hard time with learning when the Instructor says something like, "this one here and third string there... You get the idea. Thank you again, Tony

[@vettemaniac2237]

Thank you for this simple and concise lesson. No showing off, just straight forward teaching.

[@RockWilliams]

LOVE the way you teach!!! This is beyond awesome. Very grateful for your instruction Sir.

[@jamesroskilly6651]

Thanks so much, couldn't have passed music class without this!

[@willrock7618]

Great fast way for a beginner to get moving around the neck ... Thanks for the lesson truly helpful

[@redmed10]

Great to be able to play music within minutes by learning a simple pattern and by moving it around. And it's good practise for moving from string to string and moving along strings. And it fosters good coordination between the left and right hand actions.

[@crazyhonky6751]

I've been playing guitar for a pretty good bit now! And I've never learned the 12 bar blues, thank you for teaching that to me. You teaching is very fluent and the simplicity of how you break everything down is wonderful! If you start an on line class I would love for my kids to start!

[@zachfree6126]

First time playing the 12 bars blues, was a lot of fun, I can already see how to get creative with it. Thank you ❤

[@vernonthompson423]

This was great just starting playing 2moths ago and this is the best lesson I have found yet and I mean I'm looking like a crazy man love it thank you

[@vernonnicholas178]

Started practicing a year ago after not playing for 50 years this is a great exercise for blues!

[@toddmurphy390]

I really liked the idea of this little riff as something to build off of and helping me see that scales are the foundation. Build a strong foundation and anything is possible. Thank you 🙏

[@paulh7589]

I went at it in a completely different manner 45 years ago, but I like that you are teaching beginners to play guitar with reference points.

[@precisionbrown6829]

I’m fairly accomplished and I remember this being a challenge. It’s going to be be very useful for beginners so don’t make fun, play it! Thanks

[@shoney61]

Brilliant.Thank you so much.Opened my eyes.

[@danobrien8407]

Excellent lesson, thanks man. I’ve been playing for over 30 years but I’ve never had any real structure and it shows. I’m finally starting to put stuff together and this is exactly the type of lessons I need. 🙏🇨🇦

[@Chavee496tee]

I was about to hang up my guitar after listening to all these 9-year old playing like Bonamassa. Now I'm forming a band calling ourselves 'The Chunk Recipe 12 Blues Band'. Thanks!

[@Chavee496tee]

@Capt Fathom 2 of the 3 piece band members got chunkified, quit and hangout in Bars now. Last count... 12 Bars!

[@papajoeknows8355]

Well done sir… I’ve been playing for over 40 years, and still found this to be helpful. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jorgemiro7056]

This lesson does make it clear and allows you to move it around. Thank you 😊

[@crazyade9556]

People have commented many times about this type of stuff, but it never sank in, but started learning some blues licks and came across this, it's helped a lot thanks

[@19boro76]

Excellent, clear, and easy explanation! Thumbs up, well-done man :)

[@edwardsimmonds521]

This was the first time I've ever learned anything from a guitar video. Good work.

[@goldenultra]

Same here, even once spent a whole day watching how to play smells like teen spirit still could not do it.

[@MrFlanners]

just happened to find this and found it easy to play along with rather than try to emulate someone showing off his professional playing. Thanks

[@robw95]

What a great simple, productive lesson! Hope you are doing great, Tony!

[@1821712]

Basic blues taught with clarity. Well done Tony. Robyn W, from Sydney

[@ChiTownJerry]

You just taught us a bass blues progression.. that I learned 50 years ago! But I guess someone who did not grow up on these progressions will find them very useful! Well done!

[@musicguitar]

ChiTownJerry I agree. The content was extremely rudimentary but I believe it was done intentionally for a specific audience. Kudos

[@avtandil1971]

I’m 50 now and just starting to learn guitar. Second week now. How I envy you guys who learned it in your young years. Really enjoying it

[@christopherbeatty7217]

I LOVED IT THANK YOU FOR THE SIMPLICITY, BREAKDOWN OF THE PLACEMENT OF THE FINGERS.

[@garydelcourt2791]

Thank you for keeping it simple. A lot of players on here complicate the heck out of everything on the guitar.

[@copperaudio9664]

Great intro blues riff with lots of possibility - thanks.

[@sheldonkattacheril5402]

thank you so much......helped a lot

[@network323]

Thank you! This riff was so fun to learn and VERY useful. I started moving up and down the feet board and had so much fun. Thanks again. 🔥

[@jontommomoa7846]

I would say that your learning platform is the best I've ever seen/heard hear, hearing play by ear ppl would appreciate. Stay blessed friend.

[@rosco1pug]

great litttle blues hook, but was left hanging for you to take us into a simple turnaround

[@FromTheHipp]

was also waiting for the turnaround lol

[@Tyndaal604]

First simple blues turn around I learned was: 3rd fret low E, open low E, open A, 1st fret A, second fret A If you can understand it play it and you’ll know how it sounds!

[@shaneeubanks6396]

This helped me break off from just being able to play the scale...got a little practicing to do

[@g.banderas1242]

You got that right 🎙😎🎸

[@Corsocon]

So simple and so helpful not to mention and get your fingers stretching and going where they should be. I’ve been exercising with this so much lately. It’s unreal. I love it.

[@jamessimon3060]

I really like your style of teaching theory..... I've been playing for 15 years and you just to sight me something I wish I knew 10 years ago! I've never thought about the 12 bar blues quite like that but definitely will be applying it to my music now. Thank you very much bro. I love how you never stop learning on guitar. No matter how long you have been playing there is always something new to master!

[@suziofftheplanet977]

wow thanks Tony. just found this while looking for something else and love it. just got a new Strat and this sounds cool! Double pick sounds good too 😁

[@countryproud3718]

Cool lesson I enjoyed it keep up the good work.

[@robertpersall98]

You were so right. A flood light just lit up! Thank you so much!

[@MinReyLin]

Excellent lesson! Thank you, Tony!

[@shadowark26]

Its so simple and fun! Never gets old playing power chords in drop d ;)

[@fondriestfountain1233]

Thank you, I can play this thing! This was the shot in the arm, I needed to continue playing.

[@g.banderas1242]

Totally agree with you bro. 🙏🎸

[@allenmckinney-vk6ib]

Thank you soo much, I am 63 and played a lot when i was younger. i forgot most of the things i used to play. i had a left hand injury and it was too painfull to play. i just started playing again and your lesson opened up the world for me, i can take off from this and climb up the fret board into some great things in just a few days of practicing your lesson. cant thank you enough.

[@joevokey1340]

Dude, you're AWESOME!! Thanks for getting me going with the blues. Will be following you for much more...! This is exciting!!!!

[@frankmerion9558]

You're an awesome teacher. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregp.8107]

Hey Tony, I would like to thank you for your work. I been on the one hour interlude to The Challenge and I have to say that it is really mind changing, I can recommend it to anyone who want to understand the instrument! What a shame that I didn't had the chance know and understand that those ideas when I began my journy. Bless You!

[@donaldsmith411]

Good practice piexe

[@robertread4000]

Just starting after 45 yrs of drumming. You make it makes sense if that does!

[@pennywells4820]

You should have played the riff first before teaching it, I don't know what I am trying to learn, until it's too late.

[@andrewwazagow9120]

@Penn Wells he simply caught you to watch the video by dirty little trick of promising a lot, then giving a very least . How american.

[@MrMrfreedom1]

@@andrewwazagow9120 What country do you live in?

[@andrewwazagow9120]

@@MrMrfreedom1 Earthly one.

[@smokingsection3358]

Watch video twice

[@jcdenton4534]

@@andrewwazagow9120 Rather derogatory and stereotypical, don't you think?

[@kencoultard5049]

sounds alot like the basic riff in LedZeppelin's "How many more times" I love it!!!

[@FromTheHipp]

which is attributed to the mississippi blues.

[@arklife6531]

CHUNKY FUNKY I remember doing these chunks when I was 12 years old.....and the blues has never failed me yet.

[@davybentley6124]

Just what I needed. I'm a beginner with out a teacher. This has given me great insight. My sounds make sense now that you've shown me how to put them together, I'll never forget this lesson and i will teach it to others. Thanks again, I've subscribed...

[@davidlalremruata]

Star every lesson with the riffs, licks, chops or whatever progession you are going to share with us. Like a pictuteof the destination we are headed towards. A very quick taste of the coming banquet if you will😁

[@razjoee]

My thoughts exactly start off with a quick demonstration of the end result.

[@hendro2060]

Your guitar is so beautiful

[@georgetilton8804]

Awesome teaching technique. I actually learn right out of the gate when you teach. Thank you! Love it!

[@richardfinney3179]

Oh thank you I'm 67and I'm a collector of instraments I've got a few very nice guitars so it's about time I learned to play your a good teacher for me I like how slow and clear you teach God Bless ya

[@rodneysmart9774]

That tutorial and two shots of bourbon and I'm God of the campfire for an hour.

[@roberthicks2562]

it was confusing at first then the more i did the more it sounded like music now i do know it and can move it.

[@danclarke6377]

Dude! I've been playing off and on for 10 years. I just started getting interested in playing blues style to broaden my spectrum, and this video is awesome! I've been playing with this riff for a solid five minutes straight! Fantastic teacher, great video! I'll definitely be back

[@Sam_Bolini]

Straight to the point and helpful with no bs, much appreciated.

[@carmencruse8680]

I’ve been playing random stuff on the guitar for years and came across this video and it’s great! Thank you so much, it has actually helped with my theory a little bit

[@geraldwest3428]

yes sir, thank you.....pretty cut and dry, repeat. Thanks for a solid upload...thumbs way up!