Why The Blues Is So Important

Some may ask why a lot of the guitar lessons focus on the Blues. Well, there are a few reasons for this. First, I am more versed in the Blues than most other styles of playing guitar, so it is natural that I would teach this way. Second, blues music is the foundation of rock n roll and nearly all forms of American music today. Without the blues, you would not have Hank Williams, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Maroon Five, Cee Lo, or even Metallica. That being said, I feel it is important to learn the fundamentals of American music. Third, blues music is relatively easy for beginners to grasp. It’s just 3 chords! It serves as a great vehicle to learn basic improvisational skills. If you can’t solo over blues changes, then its going to be hard to solo over other more complex chord progressions. Nearly all musicians, whether they jump right into jazz or country or heavy metal, feel the need to dig into where the particular genre got its roots.  And it will inevitably lead back to the Blues.