Jim Sutton Institute of Guitar Logo

Blues Guitar Grooves Studies


The Jim Sutton Blues Guitar Grooves Study Series is an examination of common blues grooves in a 12 bar format. Each groove is charted in several keys. As the study series progresses, how to write intros and fills is explained. The Blues Guitar Grooves Study Series is a prep course for the Blues Lead Guitar Series.


Blues Guitar Grooves Study 1 looks at 9 single note grooves applied to several keys. Each groove is played in several keys so that the variation of each groove pattern, as it begins from different starting points, can be fully appreciated. The level of difficulty of Blues Guitar Grooves Study 1 is consistent with that of Stage 1 of the Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course. This is an introductory level. The study is written in tablature.

This is a Supplementary Lesson, level 1-2. It includes 16 pages and CD/cassette. ($17.50)

Blues Guitar Grooves Study 2. The 12 bar blues progression is probably the most played and easily recognizable. The pattern is called the "12 bar blues progression" because it takes up 12 bars. The progression, although called a "blues" progression, is well established in many styles of music...(Country, rock, jazz, blues, etc..) It is sometimes called a "I, IV, V" progression.

Blues Guitar Grooves Study 2 looks at 20 grooves applied to several keys. Each groove is played in several keys so that the variation of each groove pattern, as it begins from different starting points, can be fully appreciated. The level of difficulty of Blues Guitar Grooves Study 2 is consistent with that of Stage 2 of the Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course. The study is written in tablature.

This is a Supplementary Lesson, level 2-3. It includes 23 pages and CD/cassette. ($17.50)

Blues Guitar Grooves Study 3 looks at 19 classic blues guitar grooves. Each groove is illustrated and demonstrated in 2 keys. Understanding the fundamentals and variations of a 12 bar blues pattern is essential to good guitar playing in many different styles.

This is a Supplementary Lesson, level 3-4. It includes 28 pages and CD/cassette. ($17.50)

Blues Guitar Grooves Study 4 looks at 8 grooves. Each groove is charted in at least 2 keys so that the variation of each pattern, as it begins from different starting points, can be fully appreciated. The latter part of the study is devoted to the study of fills. The level of difficulty of Blues Guitar Grooves Study 4 is consistent with that of Stage 6 level of the Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course. The study is written in tablature and rhythm symbolism.

This is a Supplementary Lesson, level 5-6. It includes 19 pages and CD/cassette. ($17.50)

Return to Supplementary Glossary

Go to next study description

Course Outlines |  Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course |   Music Theory Course for Guitar |
Free Book! |  How To Contact Us Modal and Solo Composition Course for Guitar Players |
Supplementary Lessons |   Supplementary Glossary |  More About the SchoolStudent Comments |
Which Course? Questionnaire |  How to Get Started |  What's New! |  Resource Links |
Home |  Enrollment/Order Form for Printing |  Secure Online Enrollment/Ordering/Browse Catalog |
Home School |  Email Questions or Comments |  Student Profile Form |