Blues soloing isn’t just about throwing licks at the wall and seeing what sticks — it’s about knowing your way around the fretboard like it’s your own backyard. That’s where soloing boxes come in — they’re the go-to shapes that guitar legends use to deliver soul-stirring solos up and down the neck.
In this quick lesson, Rob Swift breaks down five essential blues rock soloing boxes you need to know if you want to elevate your lead playing and unlock new phrasing possibilities — no matter where you are on the fretboard.
Let’s take a look at the roadmap:
🎸 1. The Open Position (E-Shape) Minor Blues Scale
This familiar zone is your launching pad in the key of E. It’s the classic E minor blues scale that lays the groundwork for killer phrasing right from the open strings:
Want some extra sauce? Sprinkle in a G# for a hint of major flavor and instantly blues up your tone.
🎸 2. The Upper Extension (Major & Minor Blend)
Climb up the neck from the open position and unlock a sweet spot between minor grit and major smoothness. This box is all about expanding the language of your solos:
Add in that major 3rd and you’ve got the makings of a melodic masterpiece.
🎸 3. The B.B. King Box (aka “The Sweet Spot”)
Find your root note on the B string, and you’ve got the secret weapon of every blues master. This box oozes feel and is perfect for phrasing with intention.
This is where the singing happens.
🎸 4. The A-Shape Minor Blues Scale
Now we’re getting into full-on fretboard coverage. This shape stretches across six strings and gives you rhythmic and melodic flexibility galore:
Need to evoke that old-school blues whistle like Skip James? This is the shape to do it.
🎸 5. The G-Shape Major Blues Scale (Key of E)
Move up to the 12th fret and mirror the feel of that open E position — just now with a whole new voice:
Move this shape up a minor third, and you’re back to the minor blues in the E-shape position — but now at the 12th fret.
Ready to Go Deeper?
This breakdown is just the beginning. If you’re serious about soloing with soul, swagger, and clarity, Rob Swift’s brand-new TrueFire course, Blues Soloing Unlocked, is your next step.
🟢 Unlock Early Access and Get Premium Extras:
When you purchase during the Early Access phase, you’ll get:
– Instant access to the full course before it hits the All Access library
– An invitation to a Launch Party Live Zoom with Rob Swift
– Access to four exclusive Office Hours Zoom sessions with Rob (plus on-demand replays)
– A series of study guides and bonus materials not available anywhere else
– Entry to a members-only community of fellow players
This isn’t just another course drop — it’s a guided learning experience with one of the most insightful blues rock educators in the game.
👉 Grab Early Access to Blues Soloing Unlocked with Rob Swift now!
And if you’re hungry for more bluesy goodness from Rob and other TrueFire educators, you can always dive deeper with an All Access Plan — unlimited lessons, downloadable content, and inspiration for every level and style.