Roadhouse Blues The Doors Guitar Lesson + Tutorial


Published on 21 March 2024
👉JAM THE BLUES ANYWHERE ON THE NECK! Discover the 5 easiest and fastest ways to play the blues scale with this FREE PDF GUIDE→ https://www.jonmaclennan.com/bluesscales How to Play "Roadhouse Blues" by The Doors on Guitar In this post, I want to share with you how to play in the style of “Roadhouse Blues” as recorded by the Doors on guitar. This song is a unique blend of fingerstyle guitar, blues, and rock n roll. You’ll discover how to play the main riff, blues patterns, rock rhythms, and even some soloing using the blues scale. So get tuned up and let’s dive in! Who wrote Roadhouse Blues: "Roadhouse Blues" was written by all the members of the American rock band The Doors: Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore. It was featured on their 1970 album Morrison Hotel. It was one of the band's most popular and enduring tracks, known for its energetic blues-rock sound and captivating lyrics. The origin of "Roadhouse Blues" can be traced back to the band's early days of performing live in small clubs and venues. The Doors often played in intimate settings where they experimented with various musical styles, including the blues. The song's title and lyrics reflect the gritty, down-to-earth atmosphere of roadhouse bars, known for their lively, late-night music and energetic crowds. The band's guitarist, Robby Krieger, took on the task of crafting the memorable guitar parts for the song. His blues-infused riffs and solos contribute to the track's distinct character and showcase his exceptional playing style. When The Doors recorded "Roadhouse Blues" for their Morrison Hotel album, the band aimed to capture the raw and spontaneous energy of their live performances. And they nailed it! Roadhouse Blues Chords “Roadhouse Blues” is in the key of E major. The chord progression borrows from a 12-bar blues but isn’t exactly 12 bars long. There are 4 main chords used in this song. Those chords are E7, A7, B, and C. The Solo "Roadhouse Blues" features a blistering guitar solo from Krieger. The one-chord blues is the backing and this allows for an open space for creative expression. You can start by learning the opening licks and scales used by Krieger. The solo is played primarily based on the E minor blues scale. Familiarize yourself with the scale pattern in the 12th position: 👉Read the full blog here: https://www.jonmaclennan.com/blog/roadhouse-blues-guitar-lesson