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. ironknee

    Griff: You are a champ for putting this stuff in front of us. Thank you!
    I have practiced the A minor exercise 10 times a day and it is slow going.
    Maybe, since I just turned 79, I need to change strings. Last time was in ’02!

    Go, Griff!


  2. Marty

    Hey Griff,
    We all at the guitar factory here have enjoyed your news letter. Even though most of us are pros there is good material and tips to remember for all.We all want to be better even after 30 years of playing other guitarists have technics you can use and trade with others.there might only be one thing but it is nice to learn a new lick.
    Carry on the cool news letter,
    Thanks,
    Marty-Master Luthier


  3. Cesar

    Hi Giff, I’ve played sense I was 15 years old, i’m 67 now and I like to jam, I’ve always learned to play by hear off a record, never soloed unless it was in the song we learned. I like the way you play blues and that’s what I want to learn to do on my own not from LP’s or 45’s I’ve never gone off on my own leads because don’t know when the lead is to take me to the next cord, if you know what I mean. I’ve always played rythem and sang. But my friends are jamming and I bought me an amp & guitar and want to play blue’s in the jam’s with them and we do rock&roll too, with help I think you can take me there. So what do I do to start learning the easy way.
    Can you help me Giff??
    Cesar


  4. Joel

    thanks Griff, I appreceate the lessons, I have been with out work for a while and this is a great help.


  5. Robert

    Hi there.
    Just joined this outfit, waiting for my video’s and instruction packet.
    Liked the stuff your guys put out there so bought “the deal” as the free stuff was awesome.
    Live and work in China, where they should now be ready for the blues as I am coming, hahaha
    Maybe a little slow at 56, but definitely ready, as I hope that in a short time this course can put all my bits and pieces of practicing and music theory together, something I have been unable to do on my own.
    Look forward jamming with your lot,
    Bye,
    Robbie.


  6. Romo

    STOKED!


  7. derek

    Hi Thanks,really good im 60 and i know im slowing up in the finger movements,but i will practice the scale if i can get up to your speed i will be happy.Excellent thanks once again.


  8. Curtm

    Griff, you make this very easy to grasp thanks! At 56 this is a great way to keep the gray matter alert and fingers nimble.
    Curt


  9. Mark

    Hi Griff. This is a great lesson. It’s fundamental, but so very important. As usual, you deliver it in a manner where it’s easily followed. There are quite a few instructors who can’t pull that off. Thanks for putting it online.


  10. rensch

    its great to revisit even the simpelest of lessons


  11. Tony

    Thanks for all the good lessons and tips.


  12. dwayne oxner

    Hey Griff, thanks alot. ive been waiting on this lesson. i know the penatonic scale this is real similar .thanks ill practice it everyday.


  13. Terry E Sheldon

    Hi Griff
    Realy found Blues scale video informative. Keep up the great work
    Cheers Terry


  14. larry sidelinger

    great stuff, i’m almost 60 and always wanted to learn guitar, and i’m tone deaf too!! But me and my Les Paul are really starting to sound like something besides noise, so they tell me. And thanks to your lessons it is becoming MUSIC!! Thank you so much!
    larry


  15. vera

    thanks for the tips and i hope to improve on my skills after following them


  16. Larry Gilliam

    Excellent. I am learning a lot from you. My background is saxophone but guitar has been a passion of mine since I heard great players like; Joe Pass, Jimmy Page, Larry Carlton, Segovia, Clapton, Albert King and on and on. I am not name dropping just pointing out that my guitar tastes are all over the board.
    Other than your CD’s, are there any books that you would recommend?


  17. John

    Just wanted to say “thanks” for making something that always appeared difficult to me, really simple and understandable. You have a talent for teaching. I’ve been playing guitar for over 30 years now, and have gotten quite good if I must say so myself. But I never had the confidence to attempt playing lead. I just didn’t know where to start. Now you’ve given me the keys to the kingdom, so to speak. I’ve never owned an electric guitar, but I think I’ll be acquiring one in the near future. Thanks again. I love your straight forward teaching style. I’ve never taken a guitar lesson. I taught myself how to play, beginning with a chord book and watching what other guitar players were doing. Watching your video turned on a light in my head…the proverbial “aha” moment.


  18. larry no hair

    Griff.Just got your Blue Unleashed in the mail yesterday.Looked over it briefly.Going through my e-mail I came across
    your lesson on A minor blues scale.Been practicing it for months now.My friend larry long hair is a Berkley graduate (boston)
    and a very accomplished player.He told me to practice it.He says that will be step 1 to playing blues guitar.How cool it was to see you
    give that lesson.
    Thanks man that was truely inspirational…..Larry “No Hair”


  19. Otis

    Loved your lesson on the A minor box. You are doing guitar players a great service. Thanks. I have practiced this scale many times before, but your lesson provided the encouragement I needed.


  20. Gary Stonley

    You know…you’ve got my attention! I’m having a great time. This one I liked and I’m looking at more. You may sell me yet, or should I say these little bits and pieces you’ve placed within my reach may just sell themselves!


  21. Ed Mayday

    Haven’t picked up a guitar in 40 years. Now retired and have the time, this is real eye
    opening stuff for me. Have subscribed to your course and love it. Give me more, more,
    more………….


  22. Todd Bretherick

    Hey Griff: In the process of getting older,fatter and uglier, I have forgotten alot of essential things to my playing. Your emails are the perfect kick in the backside I need to keep myself viable as a guitarist. As my life has become busier and busier, it is harder to find the time to really think things through. Your videos have become a great help to me already even after only viewing a few. I cannot thank you enough.- Todd Bretherick, guitar player, Bass Akwards, Harrisburg, Pa


  23. Skyler

    Thank you so much do you sell a vido of blues stuff im wanting more. You are awsum!


  24. George Charouhas

    I think your lessons are great! Thanks for the free tidbits… very helpful. Your simple and straightforward approach to teaching is easy to follow and your camera shots are exactly what’s needed. Good job! Keep going.


  25. Derek M Howarth

    Hi Griff.
    Good stuff for a beginner like me. Thanks. I am 64 and the fingers are losening up nicely. Keep em coming.


  26. bob

    very helpful. thanks.


  27. jeff

    Griff, really appreciate all your help. Just starting out and everything you are passing along is great!!!! Love music, and now having a great time. Thanks for tips and all your encouraging support!!! Peace Jeff


  28. Debbie

    Great lesson! Thanks Debbie


  29. robert

    Great lesson and now it’s time to master it. Thanks


  30. David

    Griff,

    Awesome, I can do this! You made a light go off in my head. I’ve already got Blues Guitar Unleashed but these beginner lessons are a refresher. The jam track was cool and helped greatly. Can’t wait to dig into “Unleashed”.

    Thanks


  31. Adrian

    Excellent lesson.

    I’m a fan of your teaching style; keep it simple, explain everything as you go along, and demystify the whole process. I’ve used other on-line video lessons occasionally but yours is way better. Great stuff!


  32. jac

    Hi Griff – am practicing this scale every day, many times, and is a lot easier now my fingers don’t get so sore (female, so soft fingers!). I have played a few blues riffs using this scale and it’s beginning to sound like snatches of music instead of random noise and the repeated playing has led to a ‘cleaner’ sound. Now I just have to speed it up a little.

    Thanks Griff


  33. bob

    Griff thanks so much i bought both your beginner and blues unleashed lessons,and i,m practicing every day i.m 64 and and learning the right easy way for the first time thanks again


  34. Jvolsfan1

    Hello Griff,
    Just started watching your free tidbits and i am getting hooked by your teaching methods.
    I have actually joined other guitar site only to be disappointed in the ” here ya go, good luck” approach.
    Your lessons are very easy to follow and i know they will all end up with a gigantic light bulb going off in my head for the first time.
    I am struggling with how i know what to play when…such as if in Am song is there a pattern that everyone in song follows?
    Like start with G go to A go to D etc. I realize music is a lot of free style but also there is patterns or methods to the madness..
    John


  35. Patrick Karnos

    Griff….Really enjoying this…been playing for 40 years but never learned how to solo way up on the neck. Will probably get your Blues course one of these days and really learn it right. Thanks for all the tips, riffs and vids. Pat


  36. Ruben

    thanks so much man really i need to learn the scales and you helping alot thanks


  37. Glynis

    Hi Griff: I am enjoying your lessons and thank you for your patient explaining:This is rather important, I think.
    May I make a suggestion on the scale you presented here. As you well know the majority of students do not know the notes on the fretboard. If you suggest to them to call out loud the note they are playing as they play the scale, they will learn the name of the note at that particular spot. This will in turn provide a road-map to the fretboard as well as skill in the scale.
    Thank you again.


  38. Austin Landis

    man i love your lessons they are great you have a great attitude for teaching ((( THANKS GRIFF )))


  39. Hank B

    Hi Griff, Just found your site recently, and have been downloading your lessons for beginners. I recently injured my back and neck, and have been partially paralized in my arms and hands. I have been using your lessons to try to regain dexterity in my hands and fingers. Just wanted to voice my appreciation for your lessons. Thanks, Hank


  40. Jon U,K,

    Nice work, I now feel inspired again… And am seriously considering your lessons now. Thanx


  41. Jim Blake

    Excellent lesson Griff. I have been trying to de-mystify this blues scale for the past 40 years and it finally makes sense – thank you !

    You are an excellent teacher. I must admit that I have been practicing guitar and theory 8 hours a day for the past 6 weeks and was ready to “get it” but your lesson put it all in a very clear nutshell.

    Whew ! at long last.

    cheers! Jim


  42. Janeen E. Seymour

    hmmmm, really interesting


  43. David Clarkson

    Hey Griff. Thanks for all the awesome videos. I have seen in a few that you own a couple of nice looking blue Les Pauls and I imagine that they predate the Gibson Custom Shop but wondered if you had any opinions on the Gibson Les Pauls vs. the Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls vs. put that Custom Les Paul Shop money into a real vintage Les Paul (pre 1985 maybe). Got any thoughts, opinions or experience with these to be able to compare? My old guitar teacher says that the guys that are playing them 40+ hrs. a week for a living will tell you that there is a difference in Gibson LP vs. Gibson Custom Shop LP. His job now is performing in a jazz trio and his go to axe is a Gibson 335. Thanks for all that you do for the blues community.


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  45. William Major

    thank u for the tips ..


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