Learn 5 Blues Guitar Licks
You've Never Heard

Blues Lick 1  

This blues lick combines notes from both the A major and A minor pentatonic scales, starting with an ascending major line and resolving with descending minor phrasing. Moving between these scales, creates a sense of tension and release. The incorporates key notes like the root, b3rd, and 5th, essential in blues phrasing. 

Blues Lick 2

This blues guitar lick focuses primarily on a single position. And like the first lick, it blends major and minor pentatonic sounds to create a rich, expressive tone. Micro-bends on key notes, like the b3rd, add vocal-like nuances that help bring the phrase to life. Notably, the lick is also built around the “Albert King Box,” a compact, player-friendly scale shape that acts as a foundation for crafting killer original licks.  

Blues Lick 3

With this blues lick, rooted in the A major pentatonic scale, Rachael mixes classic blues and country, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a flowing, rhythmic feel. It focuses on melodic movement with clean, articulation. The 4th and b7th intervals add a bit of that country twang without overpowering the blues influence at the core.  

Blues Lick 4

This blues guitar lick uses hybrid picking for clear and precise articulation. It starts with a double-stop in the major pentatonic scale and works its way down through intervals like the 4th and b3rd. The “chicken-pickin’” technique gives it a sharp, rhythmic feel, while the descending patterns highlight major pentatonic shapes with a touch of mixolydian influence. 

Blues Lick 5

Rachael kicks off this tasty blues lick with a slide into the A major pentatonic scale, followed by some alternations between the b3rd and 3rd, to transition smoothly between minor and major tonalities. Throw in some subtle micro-bends for added character and nuance. These work up and down the neck, making this lick useful in various positions.