Alright, let’s break down these killer Chuck Berry blues licks, shall we?
First up, we’ve got a classic double-stop lick in the key of A. We’re focusing on those signature Chuck Berry double-stops, targeting the root, fourth, and fifth of the scale. The cool thing here is the rhythmic emphasis. We’re not just playing the notes, we’re making them groove with a bit of swing. It’s all about that 12-bar blues feel, so make sure we are bending those notes just a hair to get that vocal quality.
Next, we move onto a more extended, melodic idea, also in A. This one blends single notes with our trusty double-stops. We start with some simple double stops that lead into a quick run up the neck incorporating the minor pentatonic scale to add some bluesy grit. We emphasize the importance of bending these notes to make this lick sound more interesting. We can add some quick vibrato with our fretting hand to add some flare.
Finally, we have a bluesy lick that uses a chromatic run into a double stop. We use a slide into the double stop from one fret below to add a unique sound to the lick. We use some string bending to emphasize the bluesy sound. Make sure to slide into the lick on the final bar to add some blues spice.
So, there we have it – three killer Chuck Berry-inspired blues licks to add to your repertoire. Practice them slowly at first, focusing on the accuracy and feel. Once we’re comfortable, speed them up and try incorporating them into your own playing. Experiment with different keys and see where they take you!
