I’ll Play The Blues For You (Albert King Guitar Lesson)

👉Discover the 5 easiest and fastest ways to play the blues scale anywhere on the neck with this FREE PDF GUIDE→ www.jonmaclenn...
If you're down and out, and you feel real hurt, here’s an epic blues groove to pick you right back up.
And that’s something special about the blues. It often comes out of sad circumstances. But ironically when you listen to it or play it on your guitar. You feel better.
So grab your axe, that’s what we’re going to do in the post.
I’m going to break down a classic from none other than the Velvet Bulldozer himself, in this “I’ll Play The Blues For You” Albert King guitar lesson.
Who wrote I’ll Play The Blues For You?
"I'll Play the Blues for You" is a classic blues song written by Jerry Beach. It was made popular by Albert King though, one of the most influential blues guitarists and singers of all time. King’s recording of it was released in 1972 as the title track from his iconic album "I'll Play the Blues for You."
The song’s lyrics talk about a musician promising to play the blues for someone who's feeling down or going through a tough time. The track was recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, known for its rich history in producing soul and blues music. Stax was an important recording studio in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the creation of many iconic soul and blues tracks.
"I'll Play the Blues for You" received great reviews when released and has since become a blues standard. Albert King's soulful vocals and electrifying guitar work, combined with the song's heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Gary Moore had a great slow blues version as well as others.
While it may not have received any specific big awards, Albert King's rendition of "I'll Play the Blues for You" contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his place in music history. Additionally, the song has been featured in various compilations and lists celebrating the best blues songs ever recorded.
What key is I’ll Play The Blues For You in?
Albert King’s original recording of “I’ll Play The Blues For You” is in the key of Gm. It’s a slow minor blues form that alternates between a 14-bar progression and a 16-bar progression at different times during the song. It uses the chords Gm, Cm, Bb, and D7 which all fit under the umbrella of a Gm scale.
I’ll Play The Blues For You Chords
To play “I’ll Play The Blues For You” you’ll need to know how to play 4 chords Gm, Cm, Bb, and D7. As mentioned above the song is in the key of Gm. Let’s next take a look at some ways of playing these chords on the fretboard.
👉Follow along with the FULL lesson here: www.jonmaclenn...

[@jonmaclennan]

👉Discover the 5 easiest and fastest ways to play the blues scale anywhere on the neck with this FREE PDF GUIDE→ www.jonmaclennan.com/bluesscales

[@chucklutter7399]

Fantastic job explaining and showing how to play the individual parts then assemble them into a song. Thank you for sharing your experience knowledge and passion with those of us trying to make music. BEST AND PEACE

[@djb3545]

Nice video. Love these where we can use a looper pedal.

[@bryangiasson683]

I wish you would play it through once before breaking it down… holy cow man so much unneeded talking I just want to watch you play the parts together

[@stacysdad5071]

Thanks John. Thats a beauty!

[@jeffrowlette]

A musician's job is to say those things that a person can hardly tell themselves...so they know they're not alone in feeling that way.

[@dandylion6]

Jon mentioned it, but you should never get in the bass players way. If you ever see a blues man with an eye patch, you’ll know why.

[@BerlindaAnderson]

Lovely, learning the Blues, and this helps a lot, thanks Mr. ❤😂🎉

[@michaelluby5029]

Great video! Thanks John

[@waynespiller]

What model Tele are you using?

[@dukestinnett8382]

What is the thumb pick you’re using? Been using thumb picks for years and have trouble finding good ones anymore. My favorite was a small, but firm one made by Gibson and of course no longer made.

[@jeffjohnson7381]

Love your lessons and your right on with all the great blues…would love to see one on Derek and the Dominoes Let it Rain with E.C🎸👍

[@toddbonsang5802]

I really like this one. I just wish I understood when you say D7 or other chords that a person who reads music would understand. I play by ear and can't read music.

[@danielwoods2531]

I've been getting back to guitar playing after 20 years away and your lessons make it so easy to jog my memory. Thank you.

[@MLFranklin]

Love these sounds.

[@KevinKraushaar]

Just found your channel Jon - Love it!!!

[@m444ss]

very cool

[@johndooley7812]

Excellent lesson, great song. 🙏

[@douglaschristine8387]

Great jam and hooks John.

[@gergemall]

Bravo ❤

[@philip9878]

why use one word when 100 will do! Zzzzzzzzzz..................

[@gianclaudiocitarda2608]

Grazieeee