Listen to the masters of the blues. They tell a story when they play. The tenants of a good story are establishing the plot and then sticking to it. A good way to get started is to learn a few blues licks, or riffs. You need to 'own' each riff. That is, not only be able to physically execute it, but have the SOUND of the riff in your brain---or in your soul. Then, you can mix these blues licks with other ones you know, on the spur of the moment, thus creating great solos!
All these riffs work for a blues in E.
1. This is the hardest riff because it has the most notes. Notice the pattern it makes: 3rd fret to open, open to 3rd fret. For added effect, bend the first note a little so its just slightly out of tune. Use your 3rd finger on your left hand to finger the notes on the 3rd fret---that will give you good power for bending.
--3--0--------0--------------------------
--------0--3-----------------------------
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2. This riff starts with a slide on the 2nd string. Try sliding from the 3rd fret up to the 5th. Then, while sustaining that note, strike the first string open. This is a class riff that has been around for since the blues began.
----0----0----0----0---------------------
-/5----5----5----5-----------------------
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3. This riff oftens follows riff 2., shown above. Listen to the beginning of Stevie Ray Vaughn's Pride and Joy: it goes riff 2, riff 3, riff 2 and a variation on riff 4. The note on the 2nd string, 8th fret is bent sharp and sustained while the note on the 1st string 7th fret is struck. You should be able to hear both notes. Vibrato on the 2nd string, or both strings, adds to the effect.
-----7----7----7----7--------------------
--8^---8^---8^---8^----------------------
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4. This is an intricate riff involving a slide and pull-off. Play the whole riff w/ only your 2nd finger on the left hand. Slide from the 3rd fret down to the 2nd, then pull off to the open 3rd string. Then fret and pick the 4th string at the 2nd fret. Do not try to play too fast. This riff sounds great at any tempo, so experiment playing it slow, medium and at fast tempos.
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--3-/2--(p)0-----------------------------
---------------2-------------------------
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5. Use your 1st and 2nd fingers to finger this riff. Start with your 2nd finger on the 3rd string at the second fret. Prepare the note on the 2nd string by placing your 1st finger on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret. Start by playing the note on the 3rd string, then sliding it up to the 4th fret. Your finger on the 2nd string should slide up also --- move them together. Then, simply play the note on the second string. Both notes should sustain. Add vibrato to flavor.
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--------3--------------------------------
--3-/4-----------------------------------
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6. This is not a new riff. Rather, it is demonstrating how to expand on an idea. It simply repeats riff 5 over and over. Repetition is an important part of the blues. Repetition is an important part of the blues.
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--------3--------3--------3--------3-----
--3-/4-----3-/4-----3-/4-----3-/4--------
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