This Allman Brothers inspired blues rock guitar lesson is perfect for guitarists looking to capture that Southern blues-rock sound. The Allman Brothers defined a generation with their dual-guitar harmonies, expressive solos, and deep blues roots.
In this lesson, Marty Schwartz breaks down the essential scales, phrasing techniques, and soloing approaches that give you that classic Allman Brothers vibe.
The Foundation: Blues Scale and Pentatonic
The Allman Brothers sound is built on the blues scale and the minor pentatonic scale. These are your foundation for every solo, lick, and riff.
The A minor pentatonic scale: 5th, 7th, 8th frets on low E string; 5th, 7th frets on A string; 5th, 7th frets on D string; 5th, 7th frets on G string; 5th, 8th frets on B string; 5th, 8th frets on high E string.
This is your home base. Every Allman Brothers-style solo will touch on these notes repeatedly.
The blues scale: Take the minor pentatonic and add the “blue note”—the flatted 5th. For A minor pentatonic, that’s the Eb note (6th fret on A string, 6th fret on D string, etc.).
This blue note is what gives the solos that extra edge—that bittersweet, bluesy tension.
Essential Phrasing Techniques
The Allman Brothers didn’t just play scales—they made the guitar sing. Here are the essential techniques:
Bends: Bending is crucial to the Allman Brothers sound. You’re not just bending up a half step—you’re bending up a full step, sometimes more. The key is control. Bend smoothly, hit the target note perfectly, and hold it with vibrato.
Vibrato: After you bend a note, add vibrato by subtly shaking your fret hand back and forth. This keeps the note alive and adds emotion.
Slides: Duane Allman and Dickey Betts loved slides. Slide into notes from a fret or two below, or slide out of notes to create a smooth, vocal-like quality.
Double stops: Play two notes at once—often the root and the 5th, or the root and the 3rd. This creates a thicker, more harmonized sound.
The Allman Brothers Soloing Approach
Allman Brothers solos aren’t about speed or shredding—they’re about storytelling. Every solo has a beginning, middle, and end. It builds, peaks, and resolves.
Start slow and melodic: Begin your solo with simple, melodic phrases. Don’t rush to the high notes. Let the tension build gradually.
Use space: Don’t fill every moment with notes. Let notes breathe. Silence is part of the phrasing.
Build to a climax: As the solo progresses, add intensity. Play higher on the neck, bend more aggressively, and increase your picking speed.
Resolve back down: After the climax, bring the solo back down. End on a strong, sustained note—often the root note of the key.
Incorporating Slide Guitar
Duane Allman was famous for his slide work. While this lesson focuses on standard guitar playing, incorporating slide techniques can add authenticity.
If you have a slide (glass or metal), use it on your ring or pinky finger. Play notes on the frets themselves (not between them like normal playing). Let the slide glide smoothly from note to note.
Key slide techniques:
Vibrato with the slide: Rock the slide back and forth slightly to add vibrato to sustained notes.
Legato slides: Slide from one note to another without picking. This creates a smooth, vocal-like transition.
Backing Track Practice
To truly capture the Allman Brothers vibe, practice soloing over a backing track in a major or minor key. Start with a 12-bar blues progression in A minor or E minor.
As you solo, focus on phrasing, not speed. Ask yourself: “Am I telling a story? Am I making the guitar sing?”
Record yourself and listen back. Does your solo have emotion? Does it build and resolve? If not, adjust your phrasing.
Tips for Playing Allman Brothers Style
- Master your bends. Allman Brothers solos are full of expressive bends. Practice bending in tune and holding the bend with vibrato.
- Use space and silence. Don’t fill every moment with notes. Let phrases breathe.
- Focus on emotion, not speed. Allman Brothers solos are about feel. Play with intention and emotion.
- Experiment with double stops. Playing two notes at once creates that harmonized, dual-guitar sound.
- Listen to the masters. Study Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. Pay attention to their phrasing, not just their notes.
Why the Allman Brothers Sound Works
The Allman Brothers understood that guitar solos should be expressive, not just technical exercises. Their solos told stories. They had dynamics, emotion, and phrasing that mimicked the human voice.
This approach is timeless. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or Southern rock, these principles apply: bend with intention, use space, build your solos, and play with emotion.
Common Mistakes
Rushing the solo: Allman Brothers solos are patient. Don’t rush to the climax. Let it build naturally.
Over-playing: More notes doesn’t mean better. Use space and let phrases breathe.
Weak bends: Bends need to be in tune and controlled. Practice with a tuner if necessary.
Ignoring dynamics: Play some notes soft, some loud. Dynamics create emotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scales did the Allman Brothers use?
The Allman Brothers primarily used the minor pentatonic scale and the blues scale. They also incorporated major pentatonic and mixolydian modes for certain sounds.
Is Allman Brothers guitar hard to play?
The Allman Brothers style is intermediate to advanced. The scales are simple, but the phrasing techniques (bending, vibrato, slides) require practice and control. It’s a great style for developing expressive playing.
What tuning did Duane Allman use?
Duane Allman often used open E tuning for slide guitar (E-B-E-G#-B-E), but for standard playing, he used standard tuning (EADGBE).
How do I get the Allman Brothers tone?
The Allman Brothers used Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters through Marshall and Fender amps with moderate gain. The tone is warm, with plenty of midrange and just enough distortion to sustain notes without being overly heavy.
What is the Allman Brothers guitar style called?
The Allman Brothers style is Southern blues-rock. It combines blues scales, expressive phrasing, slide guitar, and dual-guitar harmonies.
Can beginners learn Allman Brothers style?
Beginners can start learning the scales and basic techniques, but mastering the expressive phrasing takes time. It’s a great goal to work toward as you develop your skills.
The Allman Brothers style is all about making the guitar sing. Focus on phrasing, emotion, and storytelling, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing that legendary sound.
Rock on!