Apart from using the moveable scale forms, many Blues licks make use of the open position Blues scale and its extension, particularly in the key of E as shown below.
The following solo makes use of this scale. It is based on ideas from the playing of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Howlin’ Wolf. If you haven’t listened to much Blues, it is worth investigating because the first electric guitar players were Blues players and almost all the techniques used by lead guitarists (e.g. string bending and distortion) were invented by them. You will also pick up a tremendous amount about feel, timing and phrasing by listening to traditional blues players like the ones mentioned here. Some other important lead guitar innovators include T-Bone Walker, BB King, Otis Rush, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Freddy King, Magic Sam, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Albert Collins.
Open Position E Blues Scale (With Extension)
A full length version of this track featuring the voice of Howlin’ Wolf can be found on the author’s album Bluestime, which is available on the Bent Notes label: www.bentnotes.com