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Acoustic Fingerstyle Blues - Free lesson

Basic blues arpeggio

Try this simple blues arpeggio using the open strings first and playing E,A
and B7.

Play audio

Now try it with the chords.

Note the numbers in circles indicate which finger you should use

Play audio

Thumb and Finger Independence

These exercises will help you develop a strong finger style. The thumb and finger do not play the normal arpeggio roll but work separately and begin to simulate the left and right hand independence found in piano playing - the thumb provides the strong backing rhythm and the fingers play the melody.

Play through each exercise slowly and then try building up speed.

Exercise 1 Start with a steady four beat pattern and begin to build.
Play audio

Exercise 2 The bass line still remains constant but now the top line introduces a simply melody.

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Exercise 3 Try increasing the rhythm of the top line, first with triplets and then with eighth note patterns.

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Exercise 4 This exercise starts with open bass and treble couplets, then uses a combination of both closed and open. This begins to introduce the feel of independence between thumb and fingers.

Play audio

Exercise 5 By using the above ideas you can now play a bluesy type pattern. This time the left hand holds down a two note Em chord as shown on the chord window. Keep repeating the line until you feel confident with the constant bass and changing top line.

Play audio
The two note Em chord is derived from the longer form of Em as shown below.

Exercise 6 By doubling the timing of the bass line you can produce an even more rhythmic effect, whilst playing a blues melody on the top line.

Play audio

Now you've completed the free lesson, why not carry on and do the whole course. You can access all Acoustic Guitar Resources for one subscription. Here's what you get:

• 5 in-depth acoustic fingerstyle courses, with full audio support online
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