Play an Upbeat Texas Blues
Introduction
The Texas Blues is an upbeat sub-genre that often makes use of fast, rock-oriented blues riffs.
The Classic Riff
This track is meant to accompany a classic riff used in Texas-style blues. You’ll hear many variants of this riff if you listen to artists like Stevie-Ray Vaughan who made this style famous.
The Chord Progression
Chords in E
| E7 |  |
|
|
| A7 | |
E7 | |
| B7 | A7 | E7 | E7 — (B7) |
Chord Function
| I | |
|
|
| IV | |
I | |
| V | IV | I | I — IV |
Materials to Use
- Beginners: E minor pentatonic or E “blues” scale
- Intermediate: Combine E minor pentatonic and E major pentatonic
Don't forget to learn the “Texas Blues riff” highlighted here.
E Pentatonic Minor
E Pentatonic Major
Backing Track
When you’re ready to put it all together, play along with the track below.
Exercises
- Play the chords E7, A7, and B7 along with the track.
- If you know any other versions of these chords, try those instead.
- Play the E pentatonic minor scale along with the track, in time.
- Play the E pentatonic major scale along with the track, in time.
- Develop 2-3 short melodies using the scales. Each melody should consist of 5-10 notes. Play the melodies with the track.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.