Beginner Guitar Academy

245 - Major vs. Minor Blues: What’s the Difference?


Listen Later

In this week’s episode, Paul tackles a common question from Beginner Guitar Academy members: What exactly does it mean when someone says “a blues”—is it a minor blues, and is there such a thing as a major blues?

Paul breaks down the differences between major and minor blues progressions, walks you through classic chord sequences, offers examples of famous songs you can listen to and learn, and shares practical tips for practicing both styles.

Key Topics Covered:

Community Updates:

  • Recap of the recent live Q&A (available in the Academy and member-only podcast)
  • Announcement of a new, easier capo version of “Every Breath You Take” (now available in the riff section)

Main Topic: Blues Explained

  • What guitarists mean by "a blues in A"
  • Almost always refers to a 12-bar blues progression in A using dominant 7th chords (A7, D7, E7)
  • Concept of the “major blues”:
  • Based on dominant 7th chords—these have both major and minor elements due to the flattened seventh
  • The most common form you’ll encounter
  • Guitarists often solo over these chords using the minor pentatonic or blues scale, creating a signature, gritty sound

Examples of Major Blues Songs:

  • “Pride and Joy” — Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • “Hoochie Coochie Man” — Muddy Waters
  • “Johnny B. Goode” — Chuck Berry

What is a Minor Blues?

  • Structured identically (12-bar format) but uses minor chords (e.g., Am, Dm, E7)
  • Creates a darker, moodier, and more soulful sound
  • Suitable scales: natural minor, Dorian mode for colour, and minor pentatonics for soloing

Examples of Minor Blues Songs:

  • “The Thrill Is Gone” — B.B. King
  • “Tin Pan Alley” — Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • “Ain’t No Sunshine” — Bill Withers

Major vs. Minor Blues at a Glance:

  • Major blues: dominant 7 chords, upbeat and gritty
  • Minor blues: minor chords, soulful and emotional

Why This Matters for Beginners:

  • Understanding the difference helps when searching for backing tracks or improvising
  • Knowledge of these forms is crucial for jamming, songwriting, and selecting suitable scales while soloing

Practice Tips:

  • Try out both progressions with open and dominant 7 chords
  • Jam over loops you record yourself for both major and minor blues
  • Learn one song in each style, such as “Before You Accuse Me” (major) or “Ain’t No Sunshine” (minor)
  • Record your playing to compare the feel between major and minor blues

Extensions/Chord Choices:

  • Use dominant 7 chords for major blues (not just major triads or major 7 chords)
  • For minor blues, try minor 7 extensions for a richer sound

Links & Resources:

  • Watch the video podcast: BGAPodcast.com/245
  • Learn more and start your two-week trial for just $1: beginnerguitaracademy.com
  • Member Q&A and riff lessons are accessible in the Academy dashboard

Enjoying the Show?

If you’ve been finding these episodes valuable, please rate and review the podcast on your listening app or at bgapodcast.com.

Thanks for tuning in to the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Beginner Guitar AcademyBy Beginner Guitar Academy

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

74 ratings


More shows like Beginner Guitar Academy

View all
Guitar Music Theory by Desi Serna

Guitar Music Theory

819 Listeners

Guitar Nerds by Guitar Nerds

Guitar Nerds

155 Listeners

Retirement Starts Today by Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®

Retirement Starts Today

517 Listeners

Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders by Pushkin Industries

Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders

59,175 Listeners

Chasing Tone - Guitar Podcast About Gear, Effects, Amps and Tone by Wampler Pedals

Chasing Tone - Guitar Podcast About Gear, Effects, Amps and Tone

483 Listeners

The SBL Podcast by Scott's Bass Lessons

The SBL Podcast

421 Listeners

Music Student 101 by Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips

Music Student 101

250 Listeners

Know Your Gear Podcast by Phillip Mcknight

Know Your Gear Podcast

309 Listeners

Play Guitar Podcast by Lee Anderson

Play Guitar Podcast

213 Listeners

The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

The Peter Attia Drive

8,189 Listeners

The Daily Stoic by Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures

The Daily Stoic

4,833 Listeners

The Steve Stine Podcast by Steve Stine

The Steve Stine Podcast

77 Listeners

Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch by Greg Koch

Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

226 Listeners

Dipped In Tone by Dipped in Tone

Dipped In Tone

214 Listeners

The Economics of Everyday Things by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

The Economics of Everyday Things

1,651 Listeners