The A Minor Blues Scale – “Box 1”

Just like the baby learning to talk analogy, this is your first real sound when it comes to blues lead playing.

You have to learn how to make this sound easily before you’ll be able to say anything useful.

First off, watch this introduction video, the tab is below.


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The blues scale is the primary sound used in blues music. In fact, it might even be said that it’s the main sound used in rock music and country music as well. The blues scale is identical to the common pentatonic scale, but it has one additional note.

The A Minor Blues Scale look like this in TAB:

And here is a fretboard diagram of the scale. I call this fingering of the scale Box 1. There are other fingerings we will cover later on.

Learn this scale and practice it every day. No, wait, practice it ten times a day. No, wait, practice it 100 times a day! Practice it slowly and evenly at first. Don’t try to speed up until you can play it without making any mistakes, and remember to use your metronome. This scale is the sound of the blues. The better you know it, the more confident you will be the first time you step up to solo.

After you have mastered the A minor blues scale, you can play the minor blues scale starting on any note of the sixth string. For example, I started the minor blues scale on an A note in the example above. Starting on A makes it an A minor blues scale. If you were to start the scale on C, it would be a C minor blues scale. Below, is the C minor blues scale in TAB:

THIS IS IMPORTANT! Do you realize that you can now play the minor blues scale in ANY key on your guitar? Whatever note you start on, that’s what key you are in.. it’s that simple.

You may find that you already know this scale, or at least you’ve probably seen it, and maybe even played it a few times.

And yet, you still can’t play anything cool with it (or at least nothing to show your buddies yet) and I want to tell you one simple thing … are you ready….

IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT.

At least 90% of all of the stuff out there that I’ve gone through preaches the same stuff – practice this scale up and down every day. Go to google, type in “blues scale” and see how many websites come up with that same mantra.. it’s bogus.

You know what happens when you do that? Your solos sound like playing the scale up and down! That’s not what you want.

You have to go out on a limb and “noodle” with the scale. Once you know the fingering and can play it by heart (try it with your eyes closed, if you can do that you’ve got it) put on a tune and just start making stuff up.

Don’t worry if it sounds good, just go for it. In fact, here‘s a little jam track you can play over. It’s a simple blues in the key of A (in fact, you’ll learn the rhythm part later.)

Just start noodling, play whatever comes to mind – good or bad it’s all the same. We have to start getting the improvisational juices flowing. Try skipping strings, try limiting yourself to 3 or 4 notes, try playing the scale only forwards or only backwards. Anything to get yourself playing the notes out of order.

Do that for at least 5 minutes per day, it’ll do wonders.

And when you’re ready to take it to the next level, I hope you’ll check out my Blues Guitar Unleashed course. It’s worked for over 11,076 blues guitar players just like (and counting), and I guarantee it will work for you. In fact, if you’re not completely satisfied within a full 365 days of your purchase, I’ll give you a full refund. Do you think your local guitar teacher would give you that kind of guarantee?

Cool, now go practice and have some fun 🙂

Griff

Downloads For This Lesson

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The Video (WMV)
The Video (MP4)

Leave A Reply (99 comments so far)


  1. tom

    i guess im your typical. in 64 i had to learn guitar,like all beatle fans.i took some lessons and became pretty good at rythm.got a jag and played all the time in bands for about 10 years.sold the jag [dummy] and quit for 35 years.now i have a gibson and with your help its coming back.the lead seems much easier now with your methods and help.that 4note solo is cool . thanks tom


  2. Gary Paul Peacock

    This A Blues Scale is very helpful. Thank you Griff!


  3. Bluesrock

    Well done. Thank you very much for showing us how to play the blues.


  4. Musikgirl

    That was the most fun i’ve had with my clothed on!


  5. Steve Simon

    Thanks for the great job you do. Once I get a little more comfortable with the basics I’m definitley getting your blues course. I’ve always wanted to be able to play the blues.

    I haven’t played my guitar in 30 years, but I’m getting into it again. I used to learn scales but never knew what to do with them. One thing I never understood about scales: say there’s a G-C-D rhythm chord background. Do any notes or note pattern of the scale shown in this lesson work no matter which chord is being played (G, C or D)? Or do I need to adjust or use only parts of the scale when the rhythm player is on the C or D chord?

    Again, thanks for the great lessons.


  6. Rob

    Thanks Griff for the fantastic lessons they really come in very handy.Keep up the good work.

    Rob.


  7. Richie B

    great lesson. just start back into guitar. i’m 59 havn’t played since collage. keep the lessons coming.
    thanks again


  8. john cooper

    Hi
    dont get my guitar till next week, but out of all the information available your way looks the best! played banjo badly 30 years ago and drifted in and out mainly through lack of direction but hey i am ready tto start again in my dotage!!


  9. david

    I really like your use of analogy to teach the “feeling” of learning to play the blues. It helps me to understand what and how to practice. Thanks, david


  10. JohnD

    Top stuff! A picky question or 2:

    I notice that in the pentatonic demo you pick down – up – down – up… all the way in both directions… in the blues scale you add an extra downpick for the blues notes rsing, but not falling. Why do you use these different picking patterns? Is this something you would recommend or is it preferable for us learners to use a consistent pattern in both directions, at least until we know enough to not do that?

    Can’t wait for the full course to drop through the mail slot…


  11. George Salmon

    I found you by accident and glad I did. You have been more help to me than anyone so far except Jack Todd.
    Thanks
    George


  12. jimmie johnson

    Thank you thank you thank you. Great lessons. I will be ordering your lessons. I only wisk you could be my instructor in person!


  13. jhah52

    love the way you explain your program gonna order this soon its hard to find a blues player now days that will tell you how they can show you just cant tell you you get what i mean so keep up the great work


  14. jhah52

    everybody loves the blues thanks for makein it easy


  15. Duarte

    Hi griff. Great lessons só far. In the blues scale exercise is it better to pick each note, or start with the hammer ons and so on? Thanks


  16. Duarte

    Do we pick each individual note on the blues scale exercise? Or start with hammer ons and Stuff like that? Thanks!


  17. musicman

    very good lessons, i’m 61 playing 30 yrs-.your Great thank u 4 the lesson


  18. David Price

    Hello

    I’m following your stuff here in England but I’m playing plectrum banjo with a different tuning. It would help if you put your music on the staff in addition to tab. I followed your blues scale instruction and had to work out the notes you were playing. It would be super if I could just read your notes and find my own pattens.

    Well done.

    David


  19. Phil Robinson

    Hey why wont the videos load .Nothing wrong with broadband or computer ? By the way your instruction is clearer than anyone I have read > actually understand the scale for the first time !


  20. Deborah

    meow


  21. Andrew F Lamb

    Great tool to follow up with practicing the blues scale. I am now inspired to learn to play the blues.
    Thanks a million!! and blessings.
    Andy.


  22. Kaye

    it has been so good to have your stuff, kind of like tom and steve, I haven’t played any years (20+) but this is making really easy to get back into it. tytytyty


  23. DAVE CAFALONE

    GREAT JOB!!!! I especially liked the zoom on the finger positions and playing.


  24. ronnie rat

    hey griff just wanted to say thanks for all leasen that you sent me im pickin up a good bite of tunes your a good teacher thank you. rat


  25. Gloria Ashton

    Hello,

    I like what I’ve learned so far. I am a novice at playing. Teaching myself. Looking forward to learning more.

    Thank you for your time and dedication to this effort.

    Gloria


  26. jonn faux

    why does the video not come on; do I have to pay??


  27. ralph hammond

    Hey Griff, I just ordered Blues Guitar Unleashed and can’t wait to get started….Ralph


  28. Bruce Patras

    Hello Griff,

    I’ve had the very good fortune of getting excited about playing again after putting the guitar down for basically 25 years. Your teaching style is excellent, providing the principals and methods, rules etc. that I never could relate to or understand as well. Congrat’s to you on your playing abilities and abilities to teach them. Sincerely, Bruce P


  29. Rich Ruh

    HI Griff Which pentatonic do you prefer,or do you select the scales for the person singing? Thanks Rich,


  30. William Stewart

    Griff, thanks for your free lessons. I really appreciate them and I intend to take your full Guitar Course as soon as I can gather the funds. I am 87 years old and pay $2,500.00 every month to keep my wife in a nursing home, so it may take me another month before I can afford to pay for the lessons, but I will get there. This current free lesson is a doozy and gives me something to get on with until I can get into the main course.Thanks again.
    William (Bill) Stewart


  31. HUBERT SHERMAN

    Great , the blues scale is now plain. I know from watching the e-mails you have sent that I will order your leasons.
    Sherman


  32. Doug Warren

    Really like the lessons so far. Will buy the set as soon as I can afford it. Thx Griff


  33. scott

    Good Lesson, they are really helpful!


  34. tony heath aka BigTone

    just a quick comment; i wish i would have babbled years ago; much of the tuition i have received has been as in your dialogue; bogus;
    for far too long i have ripped aound repetitive scales that have produced a performance from me that has led to a lack of feel and a lack of sensitivity in my approach to my efforts;
    Thankfully those days are now passed and I can look forward to deriving greater energy and pleasure from my musical efforts;

    let me also add that your route is the best way to help me become a complete guitarist.


  35. Kimo G.

    hy bro thanks for the lesson . I am in the proess of bying your lessons CD’s little lite no da cash rent time you know how that goes. But keep me up 2 date on your lessons [ mahalo island boy lost in Idaho ]


  36. Mark

    Am learning more and more everyday. Griff explains thing in a way that is easy to understand and pick up. I’ve surprised even myself at the sounds I am now producing on the guitar…..and I just started playing a month ago!!


  37. Tootz Concepcion

    Interesting another cool lesson, and thanks for your time.


  38. Dave Jarratt

    Griff, I really can say without fear of contradiction that your lessons are the best: straight to the point,clear and concise.

    I must have missed a bit somewhere cos I’m a bit confuses. I get the Am Pentatonic and Blues scales and can handle then quite well.What I dont yet grasp is where I should be on the fretboard when the backing moves to the IV and V chords. I’m kind of doing the whole scale on all the six strings on (say) the A chord,but as the backing shifts to the D and E,things dont sound right when I’m playing the same notes as I was on the A. Can you shed a little light on my dilemma- please ?

    P.S. this nearly 70 year old has posted his letter to Santa that I need funds to buy into your Blues Course. Fingers Crossed!!


  39. kev

    Hi Griff, great lessons, out of work so cant afford to get any full courses at mo but your free stuff is god send for me to keep my mind busy and help me get better on guitar, would of liked to see you play backing track to see how it all fits in though,, many thx , Kev


  40. michael

    i was taught the “opposite” of this as the traditional movable blues scale,
    fingering: 1–4, 123-, 1-3-, 1-34, 1–4, 1–4
    should i assume its major to your above minor?


  41. Griff

    @micheal – it sounds like we’re talking about the same thing. That fingering is the blues scale. If the first finger on the 6th string is your root, it’s minor. If the pinky on the 6th string is your root, it’s major. But that comes later 🙂


  42. Dennis

    Good tips, I was playing the scale without 2 notes you showed that really gave the bluesy sound, The way I have been playing it was more of a rocker sound. And even though it sounded ok, it wasnt a blues sound I had wanted. Thanks Griff


  43. carmine accordino

    Excellent lesson, very helpful


  44. jack raczka

    I started playing guitar in high school,in65 i started playing with the strangeloves.Played all through the 60s and 70s.Then gave it up sold my 335 and tele.Now im back at age 68 .Your lessons are great your methods keep me into it thanks griff.


  45. Al McCausland

    Wow Griff! Finally one I can do! Thanks!


  46. Blues Mando Pena

    This demystifies the whole process, love it!


  47. Dave B

    Nice set of easy to follow stepping stones to start playing the blues, enjoyed going throught them and
    found the backing tracks veru useful.
    thanks


  48. Jane

    Hi Griff, I always love your lessons!!!! Thanks heaps! Jane


  49. George

    like the website xtremely helpful!


  50. Lefty

    I am an OLD musician…however I have NEVER learned to play the guitar, and would like to learn. My breathing will not support my
    Saxophone anymore so I’ve bought myself a new guitar…I’m finding that my fingers no longer will do all that I ask of them…and my Left hand
    surely gets sore on my fingertips…any suggestions….Man, I can dig practicing…but damn this hurts…also I am in need of a book that I can refer to from time to time (memory ain’t what it used to be either)….any help you ciuld be would certainly be appreciated…I really appreciate
    your time and you have been a big help this far…