Looking for Blues Guitar Songs For Beginners? Look No Further!

Loads of options to play with the 12-bar blues progressions. :)

Some blues are more played in a particular key. But - it doesn't matter! Have a listen and see if you can move it to a key that you'd like to practice. You can play any of the blues in any key - if it sounds good, it is good!

There is plenty of stuff to explore here - the most crucial thing is improvising and memorizing the 12-bar blues form. These skills will allow you to access all these fantastic songs - and loads more.

💡 Make sure to give a listen to the great blues masters. Watching live sessions, and spending a bit of time studying their style is a fantastic way of expanding your musical knowledge. :)

Blues Guitar Songs For Your Guitar Practice

Some of these amazing Blues songs are available on the JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs app. If you like the idea of learning songs guitar-oke style and would like to optimize your learning - the app is definitely something you'll want to check out!

Standard 12 Bar Blues Songs

Tore Down - Freddie King (Key of D)

Pride And Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan (Key of Eb, SRV tunes down a half step!)

The Thrill Is Gone - B. B. King (Key of Bm)

Crosscut Saw - Albert King (Key of Ab)

All Your Love - John Mayall & The Blues Breakers (Eric Clapton!) (Key of A)

Hey Hey - Big Bill Bronzy (but no V in bar 12!) (Key of E)

Quick Change Blues Songs

Crossroads - Eric Clapton (note that the original by Robert Johnson is not a regular 12 Bar Progression) (Key of A)

See See Baby - Freddie King (Key of Bb)

Sweet Home Chicago - The Blues Brothers (Key of A)

The Sky Is Crying - Elmore James (Key of D)

Slow Change Blues Songs

Johnny B Goode - Chuck Berry (Key of Bb)

Scuttle Buttin - Stevie Ray Vaughan (Key of Eb - he's tuned down a half step)

Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker (Key of F)

One Chord Songs!

Mannish Boy - Muddy Waters (amazing groove on this one!)

I'm A Man - Bo Diddley

Practice Tips

I suggest finding a tune or two that you dig and working on them in whatever key you like. Try a few and explore them on your guitar! Find a key that feels good for your singing range if you want to sing along!

Listen to the original blues records before trying them out - you'll want to understand the feel & groove of the song. And you'll learn faster by going for it - making mistakes and learning on the way. This is how you'll develop your skills and sense of blues.

We haven't talked much about transcribing yet, but it might be worth starting to look at! Especially if you're really diggin' the blues. :)

Spotify Playlist Module 13

Want to listen to these tracks? Check out this Spotify Playlist & listen to some of the tracks below you dig! Most of them use the Blues progression. But you can always switch it up and play them the way you'd like!

If you dig the Blues guitar, I hope these songs will inspire your next guitar practice. Give a listen to the legendary original recordings and see what you can do with the 12-bar blues progression. :)

I hope you're feeling inspired to try out some of these awesome songs. See you soon to set up your Module 13 practice schedule. :) Cheers!