The Blues Riffs
"Riffs", or "licks", are sequences of notes that are commonly used, and are memorized by players for easy access. The following Riffs 1 through 6 are not too difficult, but the Bending Riffs 7 through 17 are quite advanced. They are provided to give an indication of how bends can be used by advanced players, rather than as material that can be mastered right away. If not otherwise noted, they are second position or cross licks. When two versions are presented on the recording, the second will use more bending and throat vibrato effects.
You may wish to begin practicing this easy four bar riff, loosely based on the Blues Scale, without the swing beat.
By ending Riff 1 on 1i instead of 2i, a useful turnaround is formed.
This is a commonly used stop time riff in Blues. A two beat vocal line is often inserted in between each riff. Begin it with a three beat countoff.
This simple Blues Scale based riff goes down, then up, with a subtle variation.
This four bar riff can be used in a twelve bar context, or stands quite well on its own. You may wish to make up your own variations based on this rhythm.
This four bar riff uses some notes that are not in the Blues Scale, for a "jazz style" approach to a blues lick.
