If you can master the blues shuffle in E, you are on your way to being able to play hundreds, actually thousands of songs. We will use a basic twelve bar blues chord progression. The key of E is nice because two of the chords use open strings. Listen to songs like Before You Accuse Me or Sweet Home Chicago to see how this progression can be used.
Chances you’ll have one of two reactions: “wow this is hard” or “wow, this is really easy!” Hopefully, after you practice this a few times, you will come to the latter conclusion.
Tips to Master This Twelve Bar Blues Shuffle
- Take it Slow
If this is new for you, just take it slow. The B chord will probably be the most difficult.
- Change the Tempo
Try it slow, think of “Red House” by Jimi Hendrix. Then try it fast like “Johnny B. Goode.” Don’t try playing along, neither of them are in the same key.
- Change the Key
After you master this in E, try it in the key of A using A, D and E chords. From there, try it in every key up the neck. If you are a new player, you may want to skip the keys of F and F# but try G.
