Play Delta Blues by yourself! Sound Vintage & Complete even on your own! Guitar Lesson with Tabs!

Access all lesson materials by becoming a Patreon at the link below for just a small monthly fee!..
/ alexfarranguitar
If Patreon isn’t your bag, you can purchase the materials for this lesson alone, directly at the link below;
smogfalls.gumroad.com/l/dfvrh
Book in for a private Zoom lesson to level up your playing, or find new inspiration!.. just choose a slot at the link below;
tidycal.com/alexfarranguitar/...
Blues by yourself.. no need for backing tracks or loopers on this one. Guitar playing rarely gets more rewarding than being able to sit down and improvise entire pieces of music by yourself.. and blues is the perfect form for learning how to do just that!
As always, we cover a ton of important, fundamental concepts needed to play authentically in this vintage blues style so don’t skip through the lesson in case you miss something profoundly important.
Also, stick around til the end to hear how I dialled in my tone for this one. Featuring my 53’ Gibson es125 and my 1957’ Fender Tweed Champ.
⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
00:00 - Performance
01:28 - Introduction
02:07 - Lesson materials
02:36 - Separating the bassline from the melody
03:07 - Breakdown of the First 12 Bars
12:46 - Breakdown of Bars 13 to 25 (full of little tricks!)
24:38 - Technique - important stuff!
26:20 - Time Feel & Proper Practice!
26:48 - Slow playthrough w/metronome
28:26 - Tone Talk
29:40 - You do NOT need long nails to play finger style!
30:13 - Recommended listening
Videos referenced in this lesson;
Gear used in this video;
1953’ Gibson es125
Thomastik 12 gauge flats
1957’ Fender Tweed Champ
Open Plan Recording “the grill” mic
Neumann KM184 mic
Universal Audio OX - amp top box
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
Logic Pro
Universal Audio plugins
Sony ZVE-10 camera
Neewer Desktop Tripod
Final Cut Pro
Thanks for watching!
Instagram: / alexfarranguitar
Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/alexfarran
#blues #deltablues #bluesbyyourself #unaccompaniedblues #fingerstyle #fingerpicking #bluesguitar #mississippiblues #sonhouse #skipjames #robertjohnson #ericclapton #clapton #unplugged #es125 #jimihendrix #rhythmguitar #leadguitar #electricguitar #country #blues #guitarsolo #guitar #guitarist #music #musician #gibsonguitar #roots #vintageguitar #vintage #1950s #fender #vintageamp #alexfarran #guitarlesson #lesson #inspiration #motivation #swampy #jukejoint #chicagoblues #rockabilly #bluessolo #marcribot #bluegrass #fenderchamp #blindblake #ragtime

[@rojthepoj]

The hat being an essential part of the pentatonic

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You mean the Stetson Pentatonic?.. absolutely 👌🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

An easy fix at least! 😮‍💨

[@andrejlz]

How could it be a Delta Blues without a hat?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

@@andrejlz a wise man 😎😂

[@FlatlandMando]

Always...

[@gregcross6560]

I've watched literally hundreds of YT guitar tutorials and this is one of the best. Your approach to Delta Blues is really unique and your instructional style is excellent. And I love that beautiful es125!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thankyou Greg, that really means a lot. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video my friend! :)

[@ArnfinnRian]

I'm only half way through my first viewing of this vid, but this is pure gold! It's not a shopping list of what to do, but a direction for players to explore in order to improvise better. Impressive and luvly, all in one! Thanx for this!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Really glad you’re enjoying the lesson buddy 🙏🏻

[@jonnysee2948]

Dude! You’re amazing! Thank you for this! Much love! ❤️🤘🥰

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

No worries mate, thanks for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@jimc6687]

I would vote this one as Alex's finest lesson to date........and that's saying something!! Jim C.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Aw shucks!.. thank you Jim C, I appreciate that! 🙏🏻

[@jimc6687]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Actually Alex......if one gets this Delta Blues lesson down along with your equally great electric Chicago Blues course.......one definitely moves up a notch on the 'well-rounded' guitar player scale!! These are wonderful times to be a thirsty for more knowledge and technique guitar player!! Jim C.

[@nunuswordful]

Agree..great lesson..blues theory made cool

[@onionkeeper]

This is packed with superb material. Thank you for the excellent break down and beautiful playing. I attempted my own transcription to practice hearing and capturing some of the nuances. There's a lot going on!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the comment mate, really glad you enjoyed it! Yes, definitely a lot of concepts thrown into this one. I'm working on a Part 2 at the moment too. 🍻

[@onionkeeper]

@@AlexFarranGuitar That's fantastic! Will take a good while for me to digest the concepts from this first video but looking forward to part 2 already. When it comes to solo guitar music, I feel this style of blues is as rich as anything. Will check out the recommended listening, thanks for including that part in your video.

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

Hi Alex, this imho is one of your best lessons if not the best . Very tasty and inspirational. Brilliant ....

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I’m really glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙏🏻

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

@@AlexFarranGuitar It will take me a while . Thank God I am retired and have time.Made a challenge for me to master it. May God Bless you my friend. My grandkids would love it.

[@billderraugh6815]

Some genres of music will live forever…….delta blues will be one of

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

For sure mate, for sure 🍻

[@markfisher1215]

Jam packed lesson with golden information and tips as usual. I just hit print for the PDF and I’m going to give it a go! Interesting I am actually playing tunes in their entirety and building a nice repertoire of songs instead of just noodling endlessly so I owe that to following Alex Farran’s lessons highly recommend

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That is amazing to hear Mark, and exactly my hope for these lessons! Thanks for you comment and your enthusiasm mate 🙏🏻🍻

[@philipcampion386]

Alex, you’ve just found a new fan. Unbelievable lesson. Will head over to website to download some material. KZbin is amazing, it allows us to discover incredible talent like yourself. Many thanks for allowing us to discover the underworld of Delta blues. Philip Campion, Irish, living in Brittany, France.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Philip, I really appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻 I’m so glad you found the lesson useful, and yes, please do check out my other videos and lesson materials. I cover a lot of different “roots” styles from jazz and blues to country and folk. Glad to have you here mate 🍻

[@rGuY]

Just tuned in a little while ago. Great lesson as always. I save all your stuff that I want to circle back to. Started doing this stuff 60 or so years ago, but always more to know. Thanks Alex

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That's great to hear my friend, glad you like my videos! Indeed.. never stop learning! 👌🏻

[@losthighway84]

That minor pentatonic with major 3rd blend (4:10) makes me think of Skip James. That's the sound. Can't beat the devil's music.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, glad you could hear that in there!

[@joshscott3271]

That is lovely man, so much peple think this is basic music, but to play that requires a lot of refinement and skill. Love it man.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers Josh, I appreciate the comment my friend :)

[@cali3168]

:20 in and I'm already hittin that Like button.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate! 🙏🏻

[@Someone-lc6dc]

Fantastic stuff. More lessons like that would be great.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

More to come for sure! Working on part 2 as we speak ;)

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Alex also i will always be your friend no matter what ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I’m really glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for the kind words my friend! 🙏🏻🧡🍻

[@rafa_guitar]

Alex every of your videos/lesson are so full of many details to dig and learn, we need to invest a lot of time and effort to take advantage of your awesome compositions. So for sure, I can imagine how long time and care you put in these lessons. Your channel is a source of good taste music arrangements, theory, rhythm, licks of many styles. I wish you the best, you really deserve it and thanks so much for sharing!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah mate, thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻 I’m so glad you enjoy the lessons and variety of styles I’m covering. Much more to come!

[@johnrhodes1898]

Looking forward to this

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers John! Me too! ;)

[@congamike1]

This sounds is fantastic! This is WAY beyond my skill level.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you liked it Mike! I’m sure you could learn it with some dedicated practice! 👍🏻

[@angusmacdonald9484]

Just what I'm working on Alex ....perfect timing and great lesson,Thanks 👍

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Awesome! Really glad to hear you found the lesson useful! 🙏🏻

[@jjadriottt9073]

Excellent video lesson! Thank you very much! 👍👏👏👏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, thanks for commenting!

[@15320HA]

Beautifully executed and as usual thoroughly explained Alex. Your breadth of knowledge and consistent top tier playing regardless of musical style is very inspiring and shows what hard work can achieve. Always a professional presentation in addition to an entertaining video. Many thanks and much respect to you.

[@Ray_Wall]

Nice and useful lesson, thank you, and this Gibson sounds fabulous

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Another great lesson Alex, really love delta blues!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I'm glad you enjoyed it mate, I love the delta blues too! 🙏🏻

[@RoseCityMusicClub]

Amen you are very blessedBrother You are my favorite guitar player. I know we’ve all got 1000 favorite players, but you are really blessed. I love your touch and your sound.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Oh man, thank you so much! That’s very kind 🙏🏻🧡

[@sukienukie551]

Best part of the week!! Cannot wait!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Sukie! Hope you enjoy this one! 🙏🏻😎

[@allanploth6031]

Great demonstration, well explained, and a really lovely tone and smooth performance. 👏🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy 🙏🏻

[@Alon-Kuperberg]

dude that was an insane intro. never saw you before but now I know for sure you are the real deal.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man, that’s very kind! 🙏🏻🍻

[@richdunn9799]

What style do you NOT play well!?!? Really impressive on many levels. Thank you!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha thanks buddy, I appreciate the comment! 🙏🏻

[@loontil]

terrible at SEA SHANTIES

[@clintonorman2859]

Play delta blues by yourself? Sounds like twenty years of my life, my twenties and thirties! Another great video with lots of great tips. Cheers!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha thanks man, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ksharpe10]

Your in the Cool Zone for sure, Alex!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy .. so are you! 😎🍻

[@johnolenski]

Alex. Learning so much from you. Much appreciated. 🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure mate, glad you’re enjoying the lessons 🙏🏻

[@johnbsouth1]

Thanks for sharing this great music. Always been a rocker but man does this just grab ya!!! Always wanna get better and learn new stuff. Thanks!!! Keep up the great work and continued success!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure mate, thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm with you dude, grew up as a rocker! As you're proving, the sign of any good musician is the desire to explore every style and take something of value away from it! 🍻

[@user-qe1qt7pk8m]

Been looking for something like this! Love it!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, glad you dig it 👍🏻

[@stefanvanwaardenburg2451]

So good! Thanks for the lesson 😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure mate, thanks for the comment! 🙏🏻

[@sockenfrank]

Great lesson, must learn it.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, have fun! 🙏🏻

[@patrickoconnell2570]

great content as usual! such a nice style Alex!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, glad you like this style! 🍻

[@sleeve8651]

My, " Hat " is off to you Sir ! Tremendous ! Nicely done ! 🍻 Cheers & Beers from the U.S. !

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, cheers and beers always welcome! 🙏🏻🍻

[@roterfuchs8201]

Righteous playing & beautiful guitar. reminds me of Scott H Biram. Most of all you have lit this video superbly, really nice lighting love it.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, so glad you like it!

[@Movealongtherebuddy]

Dont know if i can pull any of that off, but i sure am gonna try. As always, thank you for the lessons and giving me motivation to grab my guitar. I had just sat it down too darnit...hahee.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You can definitely do it buddy!.. just get a solid, proper practice routine going and it’s inevitable! Glad you’re finding the videos inspiring 🙏🏻

[@mandolin-george-uk]

Very nicely played. What a great tone .

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy!

[@martinlegarra6693]

Thanks a lot Alex!! I really love Delta blues 💙

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I’m glad you do Martin! Thanks for the comment my friend 🙏🏻

[@michaelmangini9983]

I absolutely loved that sound my man!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Michael, really glad you liked it! 🙏🏻

[@jean-louisboveil2978]

lots of good info and tricks on that vid thx for sharing

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, glad you liked it 🙏🏻

[@crimfan]

Sweet playing.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy!

[@hugowasalreadytaken]

i am stunned by the depth and effort going into these videos, they are truely keeping me going. Thanks ever so much

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Really glad you enjoy the lessons and the various styles I’m covering on this here channel! 🙏🏻

[@davidgerrard8661]

Love this, thanks

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@frankvaleron]

Very cool indeed

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Frank! 🙏🏻

[@vincejunior280]

oh man....love it. Thanks!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it buddy! Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@TheHarmonicaBarge]

Great lesson. Tasteful playing. Many thanks :)

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy, glad you liked it!

[@theuserthatishere]

nice, thank you for this treat

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! Thanks for commenting 🙏🏻

[@danielcoughlan2622]

Very enjoyable and informative

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Really glad you enjoyed it mate!

[@Javi_Peyote]

Thank you very very much. Greetings from Spain.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure!.. thanks for the comment. P.S: I LOVE Spain and have family ancestry there! 🧡

[@stuarttaylor4990]

Love it. Just subbed.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Awesome! Thank you Stuart, I really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@alansouthall8221]

that was beautiful

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate! 🙏🏻

[@velvitjonze]

I. WANT. THIS. thanks man, this is what I've been searching for.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

So glad you enjoyed the lesson buddy, thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@lamgefyoutoob]

Class act.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy! 🙏🏻🍻

[@karllongbottomguitars9192]

Just wonderful 🔥👌

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Karl! 🙌

[@ludovisian5063]

Wonderful.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you think so buddy! Thanks for commenting :)

[@caymandiver680]

Superb !

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@TrippingTheTube]

Love this.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Beautiful brother.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate! 🙏🏻

[@benjaminniedermayr2353]

I don't understand anything of that theory stuff you talk about, but i Love this❤😂

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha that's fine buddy, no harm in just enjoying the sounds! 🧡

[@circlemover]

Best yet!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man! Working on a follow up lesson as we speak!

[@darnick54]

Brilliant

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate!

[@mandolin-george-uk]

I have been playing this chord progression for a while but there is so much in here that takes it up many levels . Thanks. ( I like the triplets, b7 arpeggio and the steady bass )

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you George! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@mandolin-george-uk]

@@AlexFarranGuitar I sure did - thanks - excellent

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Another Great Job Man ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers mate! 🙏🏻🧡

[@brandonkew9122]

Uberfantastic. Just subscribed.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for being here with us! 🙏🏻🍻

[@BL55]

great stuff --- I REALLY need the metronome on this one, especially when it goes into a lot of successive triplets in the 2nd chorus... i purchased your gumroad materials for this lesson --- the accuracy in the sheet music is A+

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy, glad you appreciate the thoroughness of my sheet music! 🙏🏻 Yes indeed.. metronome practice is so important with these things 👌🏻

[@marinolorrai855]

Fantastico!!❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@loontil]

Ears say yes.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you liked it buddy 🍻

[@Banjer]

Bellissimo!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy! 🙏🏻

[@ronb9700]

still struggling with the gypsy blues in A from a year ago... but also looking forward to this 😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You'll get it buddy, just keep up the practice! Thanks for tuning in 🙏🏻

[@jeff1872t]

Boy does that amp sound sweet.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man, it’s a little gem! 💎

[@jeff1872t]

@@AlexFarranGuitar How much of the depth of that tone is owed to the Oxbox?

[@rogeradkins6025]

This is a great instructional video. I subbed to your channel because of it. However, I feel you were more than a little remiss for not at least mentioning Brownie McGhee, whose entire style you've encapsulated here. His slow blues numbers used so many of these tricks and he originated many of the guitar sounds associated with this style. If you mentioned him and I missed it, I apologize.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words! Well, to be fair, I can only speak from my own experience and influences and he’s not someone I’ve checked out at all so I’d have been lying if I’d have mentioned his name. But, that doesn’t mean I won’t check him out.. thanks for the recommendation 🍻🧡

[@josephdato2606]

Great

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Joseph 🙏🏻

[@Docsjeff]

That is Bad Ass!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man!

[@Beachbumartist]

Great video as learned a lot. Thank you. What kind of guitar are you playing and the year. Thanks so much.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the comment buddy, make sure to check out the "Tone Talk" portion of the video for full details on the guitar and gear :)

[@user-xu1bn1pg7f]

Holy shit. Way above my pay grade lmao 😂. But I’m watching and learning 🤘🏽. One little piece at a time 🤘🏽🇺🇸🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Like you say, one piece at a time.. that is the way! 👌🏻🍻

[@wilbertmurry6570]

Good sound and grove. I am learning the delta blues style. I guess it’s not necessary to rest the picking hand pinky finger on the body of the guitar?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, glad you dig it. No, definitely not necessary to rest the picking hand on the body of the guitar.. only needed if you’re not fully comfortable with your right hand accuracy 👍🏻

[@mandolin-george-uk]

The last parts on tone were very helpful and comprehensive. What simple things could be done to improve tone in a live acoustic session ? Is it strings , guitar type or some light amplification . ( my realistic choices ) The simpler the better for space reasons . Was about to order flatwounds until I heard you last comments

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you! For live use I take the same kind of approach as in this video.. blending the amp signal with a close mic (usually an SM57). Strings no doubt make a small impact on tone also. I favour roundwound nickel 12 gauge on this guitar, although I was using flatwounds 12s in this video.

[@mandolin-george-uk]

@@AlexFarranGuitar thanks im going to orde ran sm57 - have sm58 and condenser - but for some strange reason lacking an sm57 -

[@TikiCrewTeam]

Top draw mate.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers buddy! 🙏🏻🍻

[@brummms2862]

The cars his by my window, like the waves down on the beach

[@DeGroove]

Oh man, you just know this is going to be so good…those three words in the thumbnail look very promising.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you Gert! Hope you enjoy it! 🙏🏻😎

[@GrayT1]

Just got around to finishing this great lesson. Lots of great technique there as always. Quick question, which archtop would you recommend for someone who doesn't have GIbson ES125 money ? Been looking at Eastman or Guild as possible alternatives.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the comment buddy, I appreciate that. Afraid I can’t give you any first hand information in that regard as I haven’t tried any es125-a-likes. I will say that I’ve played a few Eastmans in the past and not been taken by them.

[@GrayT1]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Appreciate the reply, guess I'll have to keep saving my pocket money for that Gibson !

[@fredericmora5252]

That's a nice blues piece, very much to the root of it. Will give it a try, would it sound nice on an electric guitar?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Go for it buddy! It'll sound equally cool on electric or acoustic, no issues there! ;)

[@mikecharlytango330]

This is easy! (When you do it)

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

🤪 you’ll get it too with some practice! 👌🏻

[@zenmonkey9]

Well, just.........DAMN.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you liked it buddy! 🙏🏻

[@andreaverlato1430]

Sei veramente bravo ! ti seguo sempre ....Alex volevo dirti che ho acquistato questo pezzo delta blues pero' purtroppo ho Guitar Pro 7 , non si può fare niente ?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend! 🙏🏻 If you don’t have Guitar Pro, just use the PDF files that I include in the lesson materials.. no fancy software needed to open those at all 👍🏻

[@andreaverlato1430]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Grazie Alex sei grande !

[@jemarnitrading6635]

This is goddamn sublime. I watched this with my eyes closed and spilt my whiskey everywhere...

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, really glad you enjoyed it! Sorry about the whiskey!

[@venusstefan918]

😂Hey dude You're very ❤cool.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Hey, thanks!.. so are you! 😎🍻

[@dariomaiello393]

❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

🙏🏻🧡

[@user-bp6kp6ty2m]

¡This is the Devil’s true blues!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, glad you dig it 😈🤠🙏🏻

[@RobertMiller-sr9iq]

John lee hooker the blues man from the delta

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

One of the true blues legends 🍻

[@user-cs2dz3rx8b]

Гитарист красава , гитара огонь !!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@quisutdeus911]

Shovel blues d' you know?😂

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Never played a shovel guitar if that’s what you’re on about? 🤷🏻‍♂️😂