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Blues music is a staple of the guitar world and learning to play blues guitar licks is an essential part of any intermediate player’s journey. These licks are fun to play and help build your technique, increase your musical vocabulary, and give you a deeper understanding of the blues. This blog post will discuss five essential blues licks that every intermediate guitar player should know.

1. 12-Bar Blues Lick

This is a classic blues lick that is played over the 12-bar blues progression. The lick starts on the fifth fret of the sixth string and follows a simple pattern of two notes played on the same string, followed by a slide up to the next string. This lick is a great way to get familiar with the 12-bar blues progression and is a great starting point for any intermediate guitar player.

Free 12-Bar Blues Lick Video Lesson: 12 Bar Blues Riff from Corey Congilio’s Play Blues Guitar 2

2. Minor Pentatonic Blues Lick

This lick is played using the minor pentatonic scale and is a staple of blues guitar playing. It starts on the fifth fret of the sixth string and uses a combination of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create a smooth and flowing sound. This lick is a great way to improve your minor pentatonic skills and a must-know for any intermediate guitar player.

Free Minor Pentatonic Blues Lick Video Lesson: Minor Pentatonic Blues Lick from Corey Congilio’s Play Blues Guitar 2

3. Blues Bend Lick

This lick is all about bending and is a staple of blues guitar playing. It starts on the seventh fret of the sixth string and uses a combination of bends, vibrato, and slides to create a powerful and expressive sound. This lick is a great way to build your blues bending and a must-know for any intermediate guitar player.

Free Blues Bend Lick Video Lesson: Freddie Bender from Kid Andersen’s 30 Refined Blues Licks You MUST Know

4. Blues Turnaround Lick

This lick is played over the turnaround of a 12-bar blues progression and is a great way to add some spice to your blues playing. It starts on the fifth fret of the sixth string and uses a combination of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create a smooth and flowing sound. This lick is a great way to improve your turnarounds and a must-know for any intermediate guitar player.

Free Blues Turnaround Video Lesson: Introduction from Robbie Calvo’s 25 Blues Turnarounds

5. Blues Slide Lick

This lick is all about the slide and is a staple of blues guitar playing. It starts on the fifth fret of the sixth string and uses a combination of slides, vibrato, and pull-offs to create a powerful and expressive sound. This lick is a great way to build your slide technique and a must-know for any intermediate guitar player.

Free Blues Slide Lick Video Lesson: Slide Simple Too from Andy Aledort’s 30 Slide Blues Licks You MUST Know

It’s important to note that these licks are just a starting point. As you progress and develop your skills, you should experiment with different variations and incorporate them into your playing. Practice these licks in different keys and different tempos, and try to incorporate them into your own solos. Also, don’t forget to listen to a lot of blues music and try to emulate the great blues guitar players.

In conclusion, learning these five essential blues licks is an important step for any intermediate guitar player. These licks will improve your technique, increase your musical vocabulary, and give you a deeper understanding of the blues. Practice these licks regularly, and experiment with different variations and incorporate them into your own solos. With time and dedication, you’ll be able to add a touch of the blues to your playing and become a skilled blues guitar player.

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