Rhythm and Blues Guitar Chords: Unlocking the Sound of the Blues

Hey, blues lover! Ever found yourself entranced by the way a blues guitarist can make a simple chord progression feel so full of emotion and depth? There’s something magical about rhythm and blues guitar chords that captures feelings in ways few other styles can. Today, we’re diving into the world of blues chords, with tips on how to use them, how legends have wielded them, and how you can incorporate them into your own playing.

Grab your guitar, and let’s explore the rhythms and chords that define blues guitar!

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What Are Rhythm and Blues Guitar Chords?

At its core, blues rhythm guitar is about simplicity and groove. The most classic blues chord progression is based around three chords: the I (one), IV (four), and V (five) chords. In the key of E, that would mean E7, A7, and B7. But blues chords go beyond just playing major chords; they’re often played as dominant 7th chords, which add a unique “bluesy” tension with that slightly unresolved, soulful sound.

In blues, the magic isn’t always in the complexity of the chords themselves but in the way they’re played. A great blues rhythm guitarist can take these basic chords and transform them with subtle finger placements, different rhythms, and embellishments, all contributing to the emotional weight of the music.

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Essential Rhythm and Blues Guitar Chords

Before we dive into stories of blues greats, let’s look at some of the key chord types you’ll need for blues:

1. Dominant 7th Chords
   • These are the bread and butter of blues. Dominant 7th chords like E7, A7, and B7 add a gritty, unresolved tension.
2. 9th Chords
   • Chords like E9 and A9 add a jazzy color and are popular in more polished or soulful blues styles.
3. 13th Chords
   • These extended chords like E13 bring a smoothness to blues that’s perfect for more R&B or jazz-influenced blues styles.

Using these three types, you can create a huge range of sounds within just a few chords.

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Stories of Legendary Blues Guitarists and Their Use of Chords

Let’s look at how some of the most famous blues players have used these chords to shape their sound.

1. B.B. King: The Master of the “Less is More” Approach

B.B. King, known as the “King of the Blues,” was a master at squeezing every ounce of emotion out of each note and chord. He rarely overplayed or used complex chord voicings. Instead, he’d lay down a simple rhythm with dominant 7th and 9th chords that left plenty of room for his solos to breathe.

One famous example of King’s use of chords can be heard in “The Thrill is Gone.” The song’s main rhythm involves a simple yet impactful sequence of minor chords paired with King’s vocal-like soloing. B.B. would often use a basic E minor or E7 chord but subtly add vibrato or tweak a finger to create his signature sound. He understood the power of restraint, and his rhythm playing was just as powerful as his solos.

2. Muddy Waters: Groove and Feel in Every Chord

Muddy Waters, often called the father of modern Chicago blues, brought blues to electric guitar in a way that changed the world. His rhythm guitar was gritty, raw, and full of groove. Muddy used a lot of 7th chords, especially when he was playing the classic 12-bar blues in songs like “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

In this song, Muddy would hammer on the 7th of an A7 or E7 chord, creating a steady, driving rhythm that gave the band space to lock into a groove. He knew that keeping his rhythm simple allowed his other band members to layer their own parts on top. So next time you play an A7 chord, try hitting the chord hard, releasing, and then hitting it again to recreate that Muddy Waters feel.

3. Albert Collins: The “Iceman” and His Signature Funky Blues Chords

Albert Collins, also known as the “Iceman,” brought an entirely new attitude to rhythm and blues guitar chords with a funky twist. He loved using 9th and 13th chords, often incorporating finger slides and percussive strumming that gave his playing a danceable groove. You can hear this in songs like “Frosty.” His rhythm playing was tight and percussive, almost like he was strumming a drum kit.

Collins’ approach to chords was often staccato—he’d chop down on an E9 or A9 chord and mute it right away, creating a syncopated rhythm that’s infectious. This style of playing is fantastic to add a funk edge to your blues rhythm guitar.

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Blues Chord Progressions You Need to Know

Most blues songs are built around the 12-bar blues progression, which goes like this in the key of E:

• E7 – E7 – E7 – E7
• A7 – A7 – E7 – E7
• B7 – A7 – E7 – B7

Try substituting the E7, A7, and B7 with their 9th or 13th counterparts, like E9 or A13, to add a jazzy, sophisticated sound.

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Adding Embellishments: Make These Chords Your Own

One of the things that makes blues guitar so expressive is that you’re never limited to playing chords in one way. Here are some ways to add extra flavor to your rhythm and blues guitar chords:

1. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
   • When playing an E7 or A7 chord, hammer on or pull off one finger to create a bit of movement. Try hammering on the 3rd or 7th notes to add that bluesy “flavor.”
2. Sliding into Chords
   • Blues players often slide into 9th or 13th chords from a half-step below, giving a more dramatic, tension-building entrance.
3. Adding Fingerpicking and Muting
   • Players like Albert Collins often muted their strings or used fingerpicking to create different textures within the same chord. Experiment with adding muted strums or picking out individual notes.
4. Double-Stops and Rakes
   • Instead of playing full chords, try using double-stops, where you play just two strings, often on the 3rd and 2nd strings. Or add a rake, where you mute strings as you move toward a chord, for a more dynamic sound.

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Exercises: Practice Rhythm and Blues Guitar Chords

To get the hang of these chords, try these exercises in a 12-bar blues context:

1. Simple 7th Chords with Swing Rhythm
   • Play E7, A7, and B7 with a swung rhythm, focusing on keeping your hand relaxed. This will help with building feel and timing.
2. Chord Substitutions with 9ths and 13ths
   • Replace the E7 and A7 with E9 and A13, and try a slow 12-bar blues to get used to these more advanced chords.
3. Adding Embellishments
   • Start with a basic E7, and practice hammering on different notes within the chord, or slide into the A9 and B7 to create that classic blues feeling.

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Wrapping Up: Bringing Rhythm and Blues Guitar Chords into Your Playing

Now that you know some of the key rhythm and blues guitar chords and a bit about how the greats used them, it’s time to take these ideas and make them your own. Try playing along to some classic blues tunes, like B.B. King’s “Sweet Little Angel” or Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Working.” Pay attention to how these players stay in the groove, leaving room for the other instruments while keeping that rhythmic pulse.

And if you’re looking to connect with other blues guitarists, learn more techniques, or just jam, come join us in the Guitar Freaks Hangout on Discord! It’s a great place to connect, share your progress, and dive deeper into the art of blues guitar with a supportive community.