The Minor 7th chord is a blues-rock staple as you’ll see in this video.

You might be familiar with it in a more traditional fingering, but for the blues-rock thing you need to break it apart and use it in 2 pieces. Plus we’ll have some fun with a vibe effect πŸ™‚

Download this video – MP4 | WMV


    63 replies to "Blues Rock Minor 7th Chord"

    • Jack Davis

      Great tips. Thanks.

    • Greg Evans

      Great stuff. Always targeted at the stuff I am working on at the time. Do you have my amp bugged or what? Ha Ha Ha. F.Y.I. I saw another video where it was discovered that Billy only tuned the A string to a G and the rest in std tuning on the song “Jesus just left Chicago”. Maybe that’s the trick on the rest of those licks and fills?

    • Charles

      Always love the Trower &Top sound thanks

    • Ian

      Great lesson. Thank you. Greatly appreciate learning more about rock integrated rhythms and riffs/licks.

    • Bill

      I hang my thumb on the Low E versus the index finger. Works better for my hand, less complicated and crowded. But, whatever works is what’s best.

    • Derro

      More Robin Trower lessons please he’s a legend just like yourself Griff.

    • Derro

      More Robin Trower pleeeease

    • Mike

      I will forever remember going to a Ted Nugent and ZZ TOP concert in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ted played first and then ZZ TOP comes on and plays for a while, later they break out the song Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers and the some of the Rednecks started fighting. I saw it take three cops to hold one crazy guy that wasn’t even that big, he looked spaced out. I thought if Billy would have seen all of the fighting he would never play that song again. Crazy world. I have been a fan of ZZ Top since the early 70’s and never saw a fight at any of their concerts until that day. I have seen them since and thank goodness no more fights.

    • ChrisGSP

      Hi Griff, good lesson.
      Just a comment about the “new” blog layout. This video is a “Lesson” as per the heading up in the banner. If we click on the “Lessons” button and scroll down we find other clips with additional headings – “Discussion”, “Practicing”, “Blues Artists” etc. But there’s no way to get from one category to another except by scrolling through and finding the category accidentally. Could you (or your Website gurus) add a button for each category to the banner at the top? That way it’s easier for the users to move around your fabulous collection of information.
      Cheers, Chris G.

    • Anthony Ingoglia

      I enjoy your idea but I like to make a suggestion. You emphasize counting while learning. I find it difficult because it is like requiring someone to sing while learning a new song. I would be helpful if you would emphasize with your voice when the strum or note took place. For example if you wanted us to play every other note in triplets in a bar instead of saying 1 and a 2 and a etc while playing every other note you could say ONE and A two AND a THREE and A four AND a ONE where the capitals you say loud and lower case, quiet. As a teacher I learned the more senses you can use in an explanation the better. No teacher I have could on the internet uses the technique I suggested. Thanks

    • tony

      Guess I missed this one when my computer puked out . Very cool stuff I am a Trower and ZZ top lover . That to rolling stone is a great tune . There are many others Robin did that were under rated .

    • Jack

      Awesome lesson Griff! Love those songs and the info on how it’s done is a real eye-opener.

    • w dick

      Great items from you, man. I have take into
      accout your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.
      I actually like what you’ve got right here, really like what you
      are stating and the way in which by which you are saying it.
      You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to keep it sensible.
      I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

    • Al Danino

      Brilliant Griff thanks

    • Scott

      Griff, β€œMan of the Year”, β€œTeacher of the Year” and the list could go on and on. Thank you for a wonderful musical ride!

    • Tom

      Love the minor 7ths!! Thanks Griff!

    • Gordon

      Great stuff. Thanks Griff. Always have a blast with these tips. Happy New Year. I’m in your neck of the woods in late January. Looking for a break from the cold.

    • MinorPentatonicAddict

      That Trower riff sounds a lot like Bad Company’s “Rock Steady”. Great lesson!

    • Brad

      I was born in 1960, my Uncle bought “Bridge of Sighs” and I fell in love with Trower. “Too Rolling Stoned” genetically modified my DNA. It’s a part of me!
      Thanks Griff.

    • DaveyJoe

      Very cool Griff…now we can make some really great stuff with that with just a little switching around here and there. Thanks!

    • bishop

      GREAT JOB THANKS AGAIN GRIFF

    • graham lashmar

      Thanks for your videos Griff Happy new year, hope it’s great one I purchased BGU course and I completely raised my game from nothing much, to getting there. in the last year. one of the best teachers out there and the course worth the out lay. and again your personal touch of friendliness is kind of nice. thanks again. Can’t yet show off my playing yet, but getting better.and am finding my way round the frets. with your help.

      regards Graham in the UK

    • Mark d.

      When I read your blog it was kind of cool that I recognize the 7th chord from being in your bgu course see I am learning Merry Christmas and happy New Years Griff you’re the best teacher out there πŸ™‚

    • Mr Griffin

      I wish you a fantastic NEW YEAR !

    • Midnight

      Use the right finger numbering dummy πŸ™‚

    • svenderik Nydahl

      Thanks Griff always welcome your videos,,,, Happy live to you and yours. Thanks great to know your work.

    • Larry Twain

      Griff what type of Les Paul and Amp used for the Trower / ZZ Top demo?

      • Griff

        The guitar is an R7 from the custom shop (’57 VOS) through a line 16 M13 for the overdrive and effects and my Avid Eleven Rack modeling a Super Reverb. It’s a simple and relatively inexpensive rig for recording.

    • willem jacobs

      Merry Chrismas and a Happy Newyear to GRIFF & Family.

      WILLY

    • Michael Chappell

      Hey Griff,
      Thanks so much for this lesson which is great. Tomorrow Boxing Day I will be anxious to give it a try..
      I would like to wish You & Laura and all your family and extended BGUers members worldwide a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017..have a safe and wonderful holiday to all.

      Michael-Sydney-Australia 25th December ( Christmas Day)2016.

    • mic foley

      Merry Xmas Griff love the riff Griff can’t wait to get riffing over the fest wishing you and family a great new year, Tanx for all you have done over the year all the best.

    • mic foley

      Merry Xmas Griff love the riff Griff can’t wait to get riffing over the fest wishing you and family a beat new year Tanx for all you have done over the year all the best.

    • David Staggs

      Merry Christmas Griff.,
      Love the combination. I like a little rock and the seventh sure puts a little crybaby to my rock. Thanks again. As usual you make playing a little more interesting and versitial.
      Sincerely,
      David.

    • John

      Thanks for the licks – I will steal them & Merry Christmas to you & yours.

    • Winston Harrison

      Griff, Thank you! I hope you and your have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your gift and love of music with us.

      Winston

    • Andy Tan

      Merry X’mas Griff. Thanks for this nice X’mas present.

    • alan

      Merry Christmas and thanks for a great year of blues. Almost finished BGU v2. Really good course.

    • James Signorile

      Thank for everything you shared with us, and a Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to you and yours! See you next year πŸ™‚
      Jim Signorile (jimsig)

    • Bill

      Griff,
      Thanks for the lesson. Keep them coming. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

      • Ken L

        Griff
        Thanks for your continued inspiration.
        🎼🎸Have a have a blues Christmas. 🎸
        Best to you and your family.
        Cheers πŸŽ„

    • Ed

      Merry Christmas

    • Steve

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Griff! Best of the holidays to you and your family. Thanks for all the wonderful gifts throughout the year(s).

    • Kevin O'Sullivan

      A very HAPPY CHRISTMAS to you & yours Griff

      A big thank you for all the lessons you’ve put out over the year.

      Kevin

    • jim

      Once again, great lesson! Thanks for pointing out that its a minor7…my ears assume that any “rock” chords like that must to be a major, power-like chord.
      I would have heard the Bm as a D major…and not had a clue where the B bass came from. Thanks and Merry Xmas!

      • Cartgate

        Another great lesson now to transfer between my brain and fingers.
        πŸŽ„πŸŽΈπŸŽΌπŸ˜€πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    • David Waterbury

      Thanks, Griff. I love the Robin Trower stuff. He uses a Fulltone phaser (at least now he does.) But I personally like the sound from a flanger better for his stuff.

      Merry Christmas to you and the familly as well as the entire BGU universe.

      DEW

    • Bubba Wortham

      Great lesson! Thanks again! πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ»

    • Sandie

      Merrry Christmas Griff and to Laura,
      You give us so many gifts throughout the year. Love this hard rock and hope I can get it down.
      Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all the BGU gang!

    • Bob Glass

      Merry Christmas to you and yor family. Thanks for the video. I learn something new everyday.

    • Leo Franz

      Merry Christmas Griff!

      Great stuff as always. As someone else said, thanks for your generosity in these institutions. The time and effort that goes into creating these videos is very much appreciated!

      One question though………what gauge strings do you use?

    • Sandra Cumella

      Merry Christmas Griff. Great lesson as always. Thank you for a great year of learning and inspiration. You are truly a blessing to guitar players everywhere. Hope you have a blessed holiday season.

      Sandy

    • Oscar Davalos

      Merry Christmas to you and your family always sir!

    • Dave

      Thanks for this Griff, you’re too much and I appreciate your generosity. All the best this Christmas and throughout 2017…..
      Joyeux Noel et bonne annΓ©e.

    • PatB

      That’s a lot of good stuff. unfortunately I cannot always see what you are doing. A little tab ??
      Merry Christmas .

    • DickM MoVal

      Merry Christmas, Griff. Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

    • Charles Snyder

      Merry Christmas Griff, to you and your family.

      Thank you for all you do for guitar lovers everywhere.

    • Ben

      Griff: Merry Christmas to you and your family an all the elves at BGU.

    • Harry Mackie

      Thanks for all the xceellebt instruction.

    • Steve

      Another excellent video – great sound from a simple idea very well explained.

      Many thanks and Merry Christmas to you and yours Griff.

    • Mark Wales uk

      Cheers Griff
      For the lesson I love the univibe effect and a merry Xmas to you and your family
      And I wish all the BGU members merry Xmas 😎🎢

    • Doug Evans

      Thanks again Griff..! I love the sound of that chord especially when using the octave… Also, I’m really digging that gold top..! Nice addition to the arsenal…
      Merry Christmas

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