The Guitar Magazine – July 2019

fourth (D) string on the “a 4 + a”. In bar 5,
we play the IV chord shuffle over the D
chord as normal. In the sixth bar, we start to
go up the pentatonic scale from the fourth
beat, playing the 8th fret of the second (B)
string and the 5th fret of the second (B)
string on the “4 a” beats.
In bars 7 and 8, we can see the end
phrases start to form into some patterns
which we might then recognise as being
typical of playing lead guitar. Both phrases
follow the timing of “a 4 + a”, but both use
the pentatonic notes in a different order.
In the ninth bar, we move up to the V
chord (this is E in the key of A minor)
and this phrase ends with a four-note
descending run on the “a 4 + a”. This starts
on the 9th fret and runs back to the 7th and
5th frets. This position shift may be a little
tricky at first. Take your time to make sure
you’re hitting the notes cleanly.
Then we go back to the IV chord over
the 10th bar, but now ending with another

descending run from the 8th fret of the

second (B) string also over the “a 4 + a”

beats of the bar. You will want to reach

up to the 8th fret with your little finger, if

possible to make the jump up from the 5th

fret of the third (G) string a little easier.

The final two bars are back on the

I chord, as expected with a standard

12-bar cycle. The 11th bar is just the

straight shuffle rhythm and the final bar

ends with a longer, ascending run up the

scale. This final run encompasses two full

beats and rhythmically fits into “3 + a 4 +

a”. This is a tricky run to get started with,

as you want the rhythm of the 12-bar to be

undisrupted. Immediately after ending on

the 8th fret of the second (B) string, you

would be back on your ‘1’ beat of the first

bar and the cycle repeats.

TRY IT YOURSELF

If you’ve followed the series so far and

you’ve tried out some of the shuffle

rhythms in other keys, you will find this

lesson is also transposable around the guitar.

The added notes here are not a ‘set in stone’

method for learning lead guitar, but I think

they will certainly help your fingers start

to move and it will also allow you to see

how important rhythmic aspects of lead

guitar can be when playing blues. If you feel

particularly adventurous, try to substitute

the added notes for notes of your own

choice from the pentatonic scale.

If you have enjoyed this lesson and

you’re looking for a guitar tutor in your

local area, check out our guitar lessons page

at Guitar.com and speak to one of our

highly recommended teachers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Fuge is a guitar teacher and professional

musician from Swansea in the UK. He’s taught

hundreds of students face-to-face and via the

MGR Music platform. To find a qualified guitar

tutor in your area, visit mgrmusic.com

EXAMPLE 2

EXAMPLE 3

EXAMPLE 4

ESSENTIAL BLUES LESSONS

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