Blues Rock for Beginners

Genre and Style Guitar Course from Will Ripley

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Get started, sound great, and have fun playing blues rock guitar.

50 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

92% Appoval

470 of 489 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

Download tabs, helpers, JamTracks and docs included with lessons.

Included

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Full Course Breakdown

This course is perfect for the beginning guitar player who knows a few chords and wants to get into Blues Rock. It’s all here: 12-bar blues form, easy rhythms, shuffles, pentatonic scales, how to begin soloing, riffs, getting a great tone from your guitar and amp, and more! Will Ripley takes you through the lessons step-by-step so you can progress to success quickly.

Begin the Course
1

Series Introduction

Learn all about Will Ripley's new Blues course, Building the Blues.

4:45 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

2

Soloing Over Blues for Beginners

Jump into the world of the Blues by learning some easy solo techniques. Get started with a bang!

16:39 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

3

Understanding the 12 Bar Blues

The 12 bar blues is one of the cornerstones of the Blues genre. Will dissects it in this lesson so you will never feel confused again!

11:36 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

4

How to Read Chord Charts

Learn how to read and use chords charts. This will help you learn songs even faster!

7:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

5

12 Bars Blues Riffs Part 1

Learn essential riffs that can be used with the 12 bar blues. You'll be surprised how good you sound after learning these.

8:21 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

6

12 Bars Blues Riffs Part 2

We introduce more riffs to be played over the 12 bar blues. Learning these simple riffs will up your Blues game.

12:43 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

7

Open String Blues Techniques

One of the best ways to get a big, raw sound is to make use of open strings. Learn how to use this technique with the 12 bar blues, as well as some amazing variations.

14:09 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

8

Applying the Open Strings

Now that you've learned how to use open strings in your playing, Will will go over how to apply and use them in real music. You'll also learn how to apply shuffles and a straight rhythm.

16:23 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

9

Riffing Up

It's time to learn the rest of the riffs from the track we've been working on. We will cover the shuffle riffs with and without the quick 4 and a straight rhythm riff. It's fun and sounds amazing!

12:30 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

10

Chuck Berry Chops Builder

Ready for a challenging yet fun blues workout? Enter the Chuck Berry Chops Builder. This routine will help you improve not only your Blues playing, but also help with your all-around guitar skills.

9:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

11

John Be Nice - Chuck Berry Style Track

It's time to incorporate everything we've learned so far into a fun, fast paced song. This time it's in the style of legend Chuck Berry.

12:30 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

12

The Open E Blues

Will rips into the key of E by teaching this open E riff. It's fun, sounds cool, makes use of open strings and introduces a classic-style turnaround.

9:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

13

Best Blues Turnarounds

Will Ripley shows off a few of his all-time favorite blues turnaround. Discover not only how to play them, but also how and when to use them.

9:07 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson
14

Open String Shuffle

It's time to introduce a new song. It's soulful and fun, and includes open string riffs, a turnaround, the A7 and B7 chords and much more.

5:37 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

15

The Texas Shuffle

Will Ripley introduces "The Texas Shuffle," a common blues technique which Steve Ray Vaughan used in songs such as "Pride and Joy."

8:43 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

16

12 Bar Blues Expansion

It's time to use some of the most powerful Blues chords. In this lesson Will teaches an exercises that uses some of his favorite blues chords and fingerings.

13:52 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

17

Chords to Unlock the Blues Sound

Will introduces some of the most powerful blues chords, as well as introduces a really fun Blues tune which uses them.

13:31 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

18

How to End a Blues Song

Will Ripley talks about his philosophy and personal tricks for successfully ending a Blues song.

8:34 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

19

Spineless Blues

Will Ripley introduces a brand-new idea he calls a "spineless blues" progression. He is referring to a song that floats around between the major and minor key which gives it a unique, soulful sound.

14:22 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

20

Applying New Blues Chords 1

Will introduces an entirely new JamTrack and guides you through playing chords over it. Enhance your knowledge of chords and chord technique.

7:47 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

21

Thirds and Flat 7's

Have you ever wondered how to play two notes at the same time? Learn the technique and understand Thirds and Flat 7's in this lesson.

17:22 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

22

Sunny Monday

Discover a new Jam Track Will calls "Sunny Monday" which goes through the peaks and valleys of playing the Blues.

22:05 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

23

Applying New Blues Chords 2

What's the 1-6-2-5-1 ? Find out as Will shows you a mix and different styles, lead licks, chugging, melody and soloing.

10:47 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

24

Chug Rhythm

Learn one of the best strength building exercises that Will demonstrates and explains in detail.

7:49 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

25

Simple Blues Soloing

Bridge similarities between chording and soloing as Will teaches you some essential techniques for simple blues soloing.

10:44 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

26

Minor Blues

Will dissects "The thrill is gone", in the style of BB King and teaches us how integrate new chords, riffs, and other elements for the Minor Blues

13:18 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

27

Reggae Style Off Beat Rhythm

Learn to break down the Rhythm of blues guitar to transition another rhythm sequence and understand how related Blues, Reggae, and Funk are.

6:03 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

28

The Secret to Feeling the Blues

"The blues is easy to play, but it's hard to feel" - Jimi Hendrix - Will explains his secrets to feeling the blues in this indepth lesson.

8:52 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

29

Pentatonic and Blues Scales Part 1

Understand why scales are essential to playing awesome blues solo guitar and why it's important to learn all the scales in one key.

24:13 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

30

Pentatonic and Blues Scales Part 2

Learn how to play over a major or dominant based blues and to focus on 3 keys "E Minor, A Minor, B Minor".

14:51 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

31

Connecting the Pentatonic Scales

Solidify original concepts by navigating the fretboard in patterns to connect different Pentatonic Scales.

11:49 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

32

Applying and Memorizing the Scales

Will demonstrates a fun way to start practicing the Penatonic Scales and how to approach it from a different angle.

12:19 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

33

The Money Notes

What are the money notes? Will continues the theme of uncovering the best parts of performing pentatonic scales and how to make it sound rich.

11:35 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

34

Sweet Blues Vibrato

Understand the spectrum and importance of performing sweet blues vibrato. You will learn how to sustain, be consistent with the bending motion and tempo, and become very rhythmic with shaking the note

7:59 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

35

How to Bend Strings Properly

Will shows and tells us the key secret to performing bends by using more muscle, adding vibrato, and using your own creativity.

12:15 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

36

Easy Blues Solo for Beginners

Learn the essential techniques for blues soloing such as, bending the change pitch of the note, following the chord changes, making sure you don't over play and much more!

10:50 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

37

The B.B. and Albert Box

Discover the BB Box/ Albert Box technique that uncovers a zone on the fretboard for you to utilize for maximum effect.

10:09 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

38

Smoke and Grease Licks

Will introduces us to the "Smoke and Grease" lick that emcompasses combinations of major, minor and blues note, and navigating through the fretboard.

9:19 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

39

Smoke and Grease

Tackle and resolve the "Smoke and Grease" blues riff that focuses on the 1-4-5 pattern while adding intensity to your down and up strokes.

16:32 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

40

Licks Over Jump Blues

Learn to create a blues melody and how to expand on it over a Rockabilly style track.

14:19 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

41

The Starter Lick

Will teaches a universal and common blues lick that has been played by all the legends. It's a great launching pad for other blues licks as well.

5:45 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

42

Blues Pentatonic Workout

Challenge your right and left hand with this epic riff to practice your blues Pentatonic abilities.

8:32 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

43

Guitar Pick vs. Fingers

What's the difference between using the guitar pick, versus using your fingers? Find out the secrets in this lesson by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both.

6:38 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

44

How to Strike the Notes for Blues Fury

Learn to strike strings with speed, power, and control to get the intensity necessary for the fury of the Blues.

5:04 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

45

Call and Response

Will explains and shows us the importance of using space, playing tastefully, and understanding the history of an important technique, "Call and Response."

5:17 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

46

How Modes Fit Into the Blues

Learn the essential building blocks to know how modes fit into Blues style guitar playing.

7:52 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

47

Intro to Blues Slide Guitar

Develop your internal pitch with Will while he explains the beginning steps for the Blues Slide Guitar.

12:41 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

48

Open D Slide Guitar Song

Unlock the secrets to Open D Slide Guitar with Will as he shows you how powerful of a tool slide guitar can be.

8:39 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

49

How to Craft a Great Blues Solo

Every Blues solo tells a story. Ripley demonstrates how to approach a blues solo by using different themes, feelings, and techniques.

8:30 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

50

Blues Gear, Blues Tone

Need Blues Gear recommendations? Look no further! Will goes over different picks, strings, guitars, amps and other pieces of equipment you might need for getting the best Blues Tone.

9:27 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

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Will Ripley

470
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Playing since 1995
  • 222 lessons at JamPlay
Begin Course
Will Ripley is a passionate guitarist who performs, teaches, and manages a successful music business. His wild stage presence and undeniable guitar skills transcend vibe and waveforms of the highest levels of energy.. His talents however, are directly related to years of staying “on the grind” and “paying his dues”. He has played with many bands, produced, composed and collaborated both solo and with top level musicians. He is a sought-after studio musician and works creatively with other musicians.

Coming from a blues and classic rock background, Ripley discovered 90?s rock in his late teens. Ripley’s style is unique. He’s been described as combining the blues guitar playing of Albert King and Jimi Hendrix with big riffs that are reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and Rage Against the Machine with the booty shaking rhythms of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and N.E.R.D. Ripley also has a soft place in his heart for pop music ranging from The Beatles to Stone Temple Pilots to Kelly Clarkson. In addition to creation and production of music, Ripley teaches guitar using a method he developed through his education and over countless sessions with learners of all ages and levels. This led to the development of a successful series of recorded lessons called Guitar Goals available from his website. As the founder of the Will Ripley Guitar School he has begun expanding as a franchise into other cities which has 1 location currently – the Vancouver Guitar School. Students the world over can learn guitar using this effective, rewarding, and enjoyable style at their own pace – with epic results! Ripley seeks participation in authentic, professional-level music, with like-minded, enthusiastic, high-achieving musicians. With dreams of creating legendary songs, Ripley is open to new band mates, songwriting partners, and recording opportunities.
Reviews & Feedback 92/100 with 489 ratings
Jimirb01

Great lesson..Thank you!!!

trikev1

I am a long time intermediate player who needs an instructor to get to the next level. Hoping to do it with Will.

gibsonhp

great teacher,great player

SwirlingTempest

He conveyed so much in such a short time and gave us what we always need... a way to find the key!

Sewilliams

Simple breakdown with enough to build on alone

Mackmcka

GREAT TEACHER

CurtCarlton

Will is awesome. Great teacher.

Nathaniscool

Great simple teaching good riffs! Thanks man

BartLec

This song is a nice reward for study efforts!

SirJeffry

Dude delivers so much good info; I can't type fast enough! Would be very helpful to have a click button to back up tape 10 seconds or say 30 seconds for note taking

dlucier

Will is easy to follow and seems to be very relatable... Enjoy his lessons.

Tesla77

Will is a great teacher

Medinadesigns

great lesson

nick.russo

Will Ripley is a wonderful teacher! Will is clear and presents content that's "do-able" for the beginning blues guitarist.

Hopfrogg

Valuable trick for finding the key

elodian

Loved Will's rock series and this blues series looks and sounds great!

Randallpinkfloyd

This whole series is excellent, for beginner to advanced players.

PetePuck

Simple and makes sense. The message gets across in a clear and uncomplicated way. Having been a teacher myself for over 25 years, not music though lol, the connection between teacher and student makes a huge difference. I will stick with this

PabloPlanella

The best blues course for beginners!!Congrats Will!!

Flyfish1

Well presented.

pepelke

This is just amazing!

Gordon3344

well explained throughout the whole course

AndreFontijn

Mr Ripley makes it a tasty affair. Thanx

MrTucky

Excellent!

BGeorge

All the above

Ciscodog

One of the most useful things I have learned

GvanVlack

I love jazz styled comping!

lynch2000

Will is a great teacher because he explains the theory in a way that's easy to understand.

Brock79

Great lesson!! Having alot of fun here, always wanted to learn the blues rock basics...lesson 2 truly gave me one of those light bulb moments , on finding the keys , and using minor pentatonic scales like that. Makes sense because d string is

finnicle8

Will is great teacher

FrankPalpieris

I´ll be learning from now on