Active Melody

Learn to play blues guitar.

  • Log In
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up

Solo Blues Guitar Lesson on Electric Guitar – EP194

Description

In this blues guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a solo composition on electric guitar in the key of B. Far too often the assumption is made that everything that you should learn on electric guitar is with the intention of playing in a band or with a group of musicians, so I created this stand-alone blues composition for electric guitar as a tool to help you improvise, but also as a composition to play for others when you plug into an amp. I’ve also intentionally not included any open strings so that you can easily transpose this to another key.

Part 1: Free Guitar Lesson

Part 2: For Premium Members

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Slow Walk-through

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access

Video Tablature Breakdown

Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Curious about the benefits of
Premium Membership?
Try it for FREE!
arrow_downYou need to be logged in as a premium member to access the tab, MP3 jam tracks, and other assets. Learn More

Add to "My Favorites"

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.

Comments

  1. Jon J says

    March 3, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Brian, Awesome 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Bjorn W says

      March 4, 2017 at 2:58 am

      Agree -very good and excellent explained

      Log in to Reply
    • Pierre D says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      Excellent lesson, as always, although I sense you’re speeding up your teaching. Were you trying to cram a long lesson into a specific time frame… or do I need to catch up?!?

      Log in to Reply
      • Brian says

        March 6, 2017 at 5:46 pm

        Hey Pierre, just trying to be concise. I get beat up on YouTube from people complaining that I ramble too much. After 7 years of it, I’m trying to lessen those comments 🙂

        Log in to Reply
        • Robert J says

          March 6, 2017 at 11:23 pm

          Well, I for one, like those rambles. I find them constructive and useful.

          Log in to Reply
          • Robert J says

            March 6, 2017 at 11:25 pm

            oh, and keep bring them Albert King licks. Boo Ya!

        • Jack W says

          March 7, 2017 at 10:56 am

          Teaching is strengthened by commentary . Brian, I personally benefit from your “ramble”. i am one of those guys that doesn`t get a message…I need a fax. 🙂

          Log in to Reply
          • Joe S says

            March 7, 2017 at 2:27 pm

            I agree – the “ramble” adds significant context around the rest of the process and provides other perspectives such as history and alternatives not otherwise discernible.

  2. JohnStrat says

    March 3, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Another very useful lesson with a tun of takeaways this will keep us busy Brian. The Idea is also great because I would love to have a good number of solo pieces up my sleeve.
    Thanks JohnStat

    Log in to Reply
  3. Maradonagol says

    March 3, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    Thank you Brian, I know this one is for me!!!! Can’t wait to get started….

    Be well!

    Roberto

    Log in to Reply
  4. sunburst says

    March 3, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    wow! nice clean tone Brian! awesome lesson too!

    Log in to Reply
    • sunburst says

      January 21, 2018 at 8:49 pm

      enjoyed reading description..,this is terrific ty

      Log in to Reply
  5. justin N says

    March 3, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    Awesome! So many great phrases and licks. Thanks for putting out another fantastic and informative lesson on Blues guitar. This one’s top shelf!

    Log in to Reply
  6. Strykerward says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    Brian, You have made Fridays my favourite day of the week. Great lesson, and anytime I get a chance to see that amazing guitar it is a bonus.
    Cheers

    Steve

    Log in to Reply
  7. Aussie Rick says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    Another gem of a lesson, thanks Brian. This, and variations of it, are definitely going into the repertoire that I play daily. Cheers,

    Rick

    Log in to Reply
  8. Mikeatmartel says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:39 pm

    Wonderful, so much cool stuff. Fun times playing with this lesson. Thank you, excellent work.

    Log in to Reply
  9. Manley says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    Thank you Brian! My kinda playing style..

    Log in to Reply
  10. kenford says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    Great one Brian, exactly what I was looking for, blues in B! Beard looks terrific by the way…

    Log in to Reply
  11. guitarmanny says

    March 3, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    I have no word’s, but Wow,what a great lesson and more,I’m sure glad I found your lesson’s on the Web. The blues and Jazz are the best,I hope to visted your home in the near future,so see you soon and thank’s again for your time.

    Log in to Reply
  12. madams says

    March 4, 2017 at 12:00 am

    Thank you, Brian. This is perfect!

    I’m traveling this weekend, but looking forward to working on this during the coming week.

    Best,
    Michael

    Log in to Reply
  13. Johan L says

    March 4, 2017 at 2:12 am

    Sounded really sweet! Especially some parts were awesome! It’s time for me to give the Les Paul some love and put down the acoustic, so this lesson had perfect timing for me.

    Log in to Reply
  14. Buster89 says

    March 4, 2017 at 2:16 am

    Love that soul searching blues in B ! And the finger plucking makes such a difference to those licks. Well done Brian. An epic masterpiece once again.

    Log in to Reply
  15. Jim M says

    March 4, 2017 at 8:04 am

    I’ll be playing these licks forever. Thanks Brian !!

    Log in to Reply
  16. Bill G says

    March 4, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Lotta meat on that bone. This will take awhile.

    Log in to Reply
  17. Michael Allen says

    March 4, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Love this one! Thanks Brian!
    Oh by the way, how is Arlo? I also had a dog named Arlo in the 70’s. Mine was a Samoyed. When you posted that you got him for Christmas it brought back fond memories.

    Log in to Reply
    • Brian says

      March 4, 2017 at 4:40 pm

      Thanks for asking Michael – Arlo is doing great – growing…. chilling out a bit which is nice

      Log in to Reply
      • Michael Allen says

        March 4, 2017 at 9:50 pm

        They grow up too fast. My Rottweiler Gus is my best friend and is having health issues that have been distracting me from everything else. This week’s lesson has help to distract me. Thanks for everything you do.

        Log in to Reply
  18. swane@sbcglobal.net says

    March 4, 2017 at 9:26 am

    Good Morning Brian, in Memphis for the weekend. Breakfast at Miss Polly’s. Then to Gibson store. Hope I don’t over spend. No that’s a lie.

    Log in to Reply
    • Brian says

      March 4, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Have fun in Memphis 🙂 You’d better determine your budget ahead of time before heading to Gibson

      Log in to Reply
  19. Jimmy James says

    March 4, 2017 at 9:38 am

    Awesome perfect song to practice on my new Epiphone 339 with P90 picups! Nice but not Clapton’s sweet guitar!

    Log in to Reply
  20. brian-belsey says

    March 4, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    A very cool lesson, and doesn’t the Byrdland sound great! It’s almost as if Gibson were making a special effort…

    Log in to Reply
  21. San Luis Rey says

    March 4, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Just got the internet working after 2 days and found this gem that is going straight into my favorites! Really nice variations to add to the vocabulary. Thanks Brian!
    Mike

    Log in to Reply
  22. Micky51.(Paul) says

    March 5, 2017 at 2:29 am

    This is going to take top spot in my favorites list. Just as i was beginning to catch up too!!! 😅. Cheers Brian.👍

    Log in to Reply
  23. Allan says

    March 5, 2017 at 10:17 am

    top sounding lesson great tune this will go down well cheers

    Log in to Reply
  24. sunjamr says

    March 5, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    This one is great! I’m going to practice it with a drum track.

    Log in to Reply
  25. blake d says

    March 6, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    this one was very enjoyable -i really liked learning things that sound like the guitarists I’ve been listening to for many years. I plan on going through this one over and over again. the more I do it the better it sounds!

    Log in to Reply
  26. drlknstein says

    March 7, 2017 at 10:09 am

    wow! Part one is crammed with great licks..I ve been thru it 2 and a half times…still working on it..you must have been inspired with that piece of art of a guitar.

    this will be a classic for me.

    don t let the you tubers hold you back…….and boy they really got their moneys worth with this one……..

    and I always appreciate your explanations- not long winded..it s called good teaching.

    “

    Log in to Reply
  27. Bill F says

    March 7, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Classic lesson, Brian, with a tremendous amount of material to work with, so as usual, many thanks for your time and
    effort in sharing this with us. I am also someone who appreciates your “ramblings ” as I find you have a knack for articulating in a simple way some things that are complex to me. There are a lot of people who do talk a lot, but say nothing- not the case here, so “ramble on”, so to speak. Finally, as a huge fan of Clapton, as you are, I want to tell you how blown away I was to see/hear your 2 minute compilation of how to apply those blues licks against your backing tracks right at the end of your Blues Lead Module. I don’t know how many AM members have heard it, but if you haven’t, check it out, particularly if you are a Clapton fan. There are times you can close your eyes and swear that was Eric himself. You’ve got the 335 tone dialed in perfectly, but your phrasing/ articulation of some of those licks was incredible, particularly the vibrato, bends, and trills. Really stunning performance and i can see how much you have studied him and are able to capture the essence of his genius. It was also great to just see you jamming outside of your normal lesson format. Would love to see more of that. Well done indeed!!

    Log in to Reply
  28. eames28 says

    March 7, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Love your lessons and explanations. It would be nice to have the notes of the pentatonic scale on your tab PDFs for those that have a poor memory but like to improvise.. Years ago my guitar teacher wrote it on each lesson paper and I found it extremely helpful. Yes, I realize that you already have enough extras for each lesson and I appreciate all the work you put into your lessons.
    Cheers, Rob

    Log in to Reply
  29. Steve M says

    March 8, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    Love it! So useful.

    Log in to Reply
  30. William S says

    March 8, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    Great lesson Brian. This will keep me busy for a while. Good job!

    Log in to Reply
  31. Simon G says

    March 9, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Hi Brian, Great lesson. Only problem I have is my tablet doesn’t do the live tab very well (if I stop it or rewind the sound goes which – obviously cans it). There were a couple of bits where your “ramble” would have really helped. So another vote for that. Chords are my weakness so a middle finger here and a ring finger there really help!

    Log in to Reply
  32. steph_70 says

    March 10, 2017 at 5:22 am

    This is excatly my type of music… but i get frustrated. I’ve playing for a pretty long time, and still have trouble learning licks. No matter our how much i practice, never sounds right, or get the speed and then i get discouraged and stop playing for a while. Is it possible i’m just not made for fast playing…. ! Any advice Brian or anyone.

    Log in to Reply
  33. Angelo I says

    March 12, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Another fun lesson… love learning the harmonized 3rds & 6ths too and how to quickly find it when playing a chord.

    Log in to Reply
  34. Sarah J says

    March 13, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    Brian that is what I always liked about your lessons. I don’t think you talk too much. I think you are teaching the whole time. You just got to listen a minute or two past after you do something because you explain it further than go back and show it again.

    Log in to Reply
  35. roy b says

    March 15, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    Hi Brian

    I loved the lesson its definately along the lines of what I want to hear and learn easier said than done.
    But its doable I feel.
    I think lesson shows not only your teaching skill but your accomplishment as a player lots of great nuances and tones.

    one personal goal is to eventually play a long slow blues about 3 mins long right thru so is it possible to do something like that maybe several lessons great in their own right but could link together?

    thanks

    roy

    Log in to Reply
    • Brian says

      March 15, 2017 at 11:52 pm

      Hey Roy, check out EP065 and EP066

      Log in to Reply
  36. Luc K says

    March 16, 2017 at 5:30 am

    hy Brian,
    I like this lesson very much

    I also like the ramble
    please don,t change

    Log in to Reply
  37. LA says

    March 17, 2017 at 9:19 am

    One of your best!!! How about a rock electric same key. That new guitar brings out the best of you!

    Log in to Reply
  38. Rick Z says

    March 23, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    Hi Brian:
    I am wondering if the second measure first note A played with count of 1 beat both in sheet music and on screen tab view play along and second 16th note. In your introduction solo seems that first A note is a 16th and second held one beat. Only comment on this as was wondering why could make my play match your first video introduction. Both work well. Otherwise agree with others very nice group of licks to add ones skill set.

    Log in to Reply
  39. Frodo Fender says

    April 16, 2017 at 7:23 am

    Even Norwegians have the Blues sometimes… and your lesson EP194 helps it coming out in a beautiful way 🙂 I just love this lesson with all the bluenotes and variations. I am bad at imitating other guitarists , and I instantly or unvoluntarely turn “How to play like…” lessons into my own interpretations. Therefore your lessons work perfect for me, because they lead into an open landscape.

    Almost like nature itself here where I live close to the Oslofjord 😉 And congratulatons with EP 200!!! And those new speedy lessons make you wake up – I will use them as a warm up for the regular EPs.

    Log in to Reply
  40. Geunyun P says

    April 21, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    Wow. What a great lesson l. I’m Korean and recently decide to become a premium member.
    There are so much usefull lessons that I have to catch up. Really approciated. And I would put a quiestion whenever I have. Thanks.

    Log in to Reply
  41. James C says

    April 26, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    Hi Brian, Have love the last 10 songs. I love them all, but they just seem to get better and better. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Music in General and teaching. You are really great and I recommend you and this site all the time.

    Log in to Reply
  42. John M says

    May 16, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    This is a really great lesson and an awesome track, you make it look so easy! The timing on this one is so important, which is one thing I’ve been struggling with & this is really given me a challenge & really helping me to improve! Thanks for all the great lessons

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Don’t have an ActiveMelody account? Sign Up.

Links

  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Sitemap

Recent Lessons

Improvise a Ragtime Blues lead PLUS a fingerstyle rhythm – Guitar Lesson – EP613

Classic Blues by yourself (on acoustic or electric guitar) – Full of Blues lick ideas – Guitar Lesson EP612

Funky Dorian Groove + Swing rhythm strum pattern for your right hand – Guitar Lesson – EP611

Contact

For all support questions email: support@activemelody.com
For all other inquires email: brian@activemelody.com
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Active Melody. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Free Weekly Guitar Lessons

Enter your email address below to have the weekly guitar lesson delivered to your email address. I take privacy very seriously and will not share your email address.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Active MelodyLogo Header Menu
  • Weekly Lessons
  • Take The Tour
  • Forum
  • Hear From Our Members
  • Membership Sign Up
  • Log In

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

    No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.