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Want to know the secret to vastly improving your playing as a guitarist? Well, it’s more simple than you think. The secret is jamming with other musicians! When you are comping while another player solos, you get to work on your rhythm skills and pick up licks from the other player. Then, when you take a solo, it’s your turn to exercise your own ideas and licks.

In his course, Trading Solos: Texas Blues, Corey Congilio gives you the opportunity to share the soloing stage with him as you jam over a variety of Texas blues rhythms in different keys.

Here are 4 free Texas blues soloing guitar lessons from the course. For the full course, check out Corey Congilio’s Trading Solos: Texas Blues on TrueFire!

Tones & Techniques

I get asked often about the gear I use to achieve a “Texas blues” sound. Generally, folks are looking to get a sound that’s similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s tone. Unfortunately, no one figured out how to bottle up his amazing tone! That being said, there are some great companies offering fantastic tools to get us close to that massive guitar sound!

I generally start with a single coil guitar. Stratocaster type instruments are obviously the standard, however, I’m using a tele and I generally get great results with this type of neck pickup. A Fender style amp (preferably blackface style) is the next step. I’ve also had luck with Marshall plexi style amps as well. These amps have a great natural breakup that handle pedals well.

When it comes to pedals, there are hundreds of options out there these days: SRV used Ibanez tube screamers and occasionally a fuzz. Do some research on light overdrive pedals or drop me an email and I can give you some of my favorite options. Ok, have fun on your tone quest!

Shuffle in A: Licks


Download the tab & notation for this Texas blues soloing guitar lesson

We have to start with a classic Texas shuffle feel. We’re in the key of A here, and I’ll start by showing you some licks and ideas I’d play over a groove like this.

Shuffle in A: Comping


Download the tab & notation for this Texas blues soloing guitar lesson

I start with a classic shuffle comping approach here. I’ll briefly talk about how to make the rhythm sound “tight”. Also, really try to lock in with the drums and bass here. The upbeat rhythm I’ll show you is something I do often – it offers nice a counter rhythm and is a lot of fun!

Shuffle in A: Let’s Trade Solos


Download the tab & notation for this Texas blues soloing guitar lesson

Okay, let’s trade some solos. I’ll throw in some of those ideas I demonstrated for you. Don’t forget to play rhythm for me when I solo. Alright, let’s have some fun!

Digging these free Texas blues soloing guitar lessons from Corey Congilio? Check out his course, Trading Solos: Texas Blues.