This is a very common position and contains some real classic licks (as you will hear in the next lesson).

Alternatives
Sometimes all the notes on the 2nd and 1st strings are played with fingers 1 and 3. It all depends on what you are playing. The fingering shown here is good for playing the scale up and down but I find myself using fingers 1 and 3 on the second string most of the time.

In the key of A
In this blues course we are playing all our licks and scales in the key of A - so the root note (on the 5th string) will go on the 12th fret.

Start and end on the lowest root note
Please don't forget to start and end on the lowest root note and get the correct sound of the scale in your head as you practice.

Make sure you memorise where the blue notes are found. You can work out how to play it as a scale if you like, but be aware that the blue note on the 2nd and 1st strings are the same note - so don't play it twice!

In the key of A
In this blues course we are playing all our licks and scales in the key of A - so the root note (on the 5th string) will go on the 12th fret.

Lessons 1-10 are available on Blues Lead Guitar 1 DVD. Yes the videos are free here on the site, but the DVD gives you FAR better quality and the ability to watch them step by step. And you don't have to worry about a slow interweb connection. And buying products supports the site. It is bargain priced too... not the full exclusive DVD price. Check it out now blues dudes... Also available as a double dvd and audio cd of jam tracks box set!

PR-031 • Blues Lead Guitar 1 (DVD)

Lessons 11-20, including the lesson shown above is available on Blues Lead Guitar 2 DVD. Yes the videos are free here on the site, but the DVD gives you FAR better quality and the ability to watch them step by step, pause and slow motion. And you don't have to worry about a slow interweb connection. And buying products supports the site. It is bargain priced too... not the full exclusive DVD price. Check it out now blues dudes... Also available as a double dvd and audio cd of jam tracks box set!

PR-032 • Blues Lead Guitar 2 (DVD)

You may have seen it before, but after checking out this course and my approach to the blues, you might like to re-visit my product, Really Useful Blues Solos. I have collected the best licks in five styles and put them into solos for YOU TO TRANSCRIBE! But I do provide a transcription so you can check your work. It's not easy but it will teach you well. It's the real way to learn them, by ear! Read more about it here...

PR-021 • Really Useful Blues Solos

If you need to ask a question about this lesson - there is a topic set up specifically to help you with this lesson. To help you find it easily you can click the following link and it will take you right the topic. You'll be able to see questions that other people had and ask your own questions! Hopefully one of the very helpful members of our community will be there to help you soon, I do go there and answer stuff too - but there are just too many questions for me to answer alone!

So click this link to get help with this lesson!