Cigar Box Guitar Blues Overload Companion
Companion resource for Cigar Box Guitar – Blues Overload by Brent C. Robitaille. Download audio files, stream SoundCloud, and find book sections by page number.
Get the Audio & Resources
↓ Download Blues Tunes (pp. 14–51)
Blues tunes and patterns audio tracks as a .zip file. Save to your computer, phone, or music player. No signup required.
↓ Download Blues Riffs (pp. 194–313)
40 blues riffs audio in key of G as a .zip file. Save and use offline. The book shows all keys for tab/notation; audio examples in G. No signup needed.
♪ Backing Tracks for Practice
Stream and practice with backing tracks embedded below on this page. Also available on SoundCloud for those who prefer their own streaming account.
Video Demonstrations
Watch video examples with scrolling tabs and the same book audio. Perfect for seeing techniques and hearing the sound in real time.
Stream All Tunes & Riffs
Listen to all audio tracks in the embedded player below. Use the playlist controls to navigate between tunes (pp. 14–51) and riffs (pp. 194–313).
Backing Tracks for Practice
Practice with the backing tracks embedded below. No signup required—stream directly on this page. Also available on SoundCloud if you prefer your own streaming account.
Book Contents at a Glance
Use this reference to find what’s covered in each section of the book. Click section titles to expand.
- Introduction (pp. 5–6) — Overview and how to use the book
- How to Read Tablature (p. 7) — Tab notation guide
- How to Play Slide (pp. 8–13) — Slide positioning and technique
Named blues pieces and patterns for practice and performance. Download all tunes or stream individually.
+ 15 more tunes. See full list in .zip download or SoundCloud playlist above.
1. Basic 12-Bar Blues (A)
Power chords (5ths). Raw, distorted foundation sound.
2. 12-Bar Blues with 7ths (A7-D7-E7)
Dominant 7ths add classic blues flavor. Most common blues sound. All 12 keys included.
3. 8-Bar Blues (Multiple Variations)
Condensed form. Faster songs, quicker changes. Multiple variations emphasize different chord movements. All 12 keys included.
4. 16-Bar Blues (Multiple Variations)
Extended form. Longer phrases, more space for improvisation. Common in jazz and slower blues. All 12 keys included.
5. Jazz Blues
ii-V substitutions and altered chords. Sophisticated harmonic movement. All 12 keys included.
6. Minor Blues
Built on i-iv-v in minor. Darker, melancholic tone. Same 12-bar structure, different emotional character. All 12 keys included.
7. Shuffle Blues (6th Chords)
6th chords with rhythmic swing variations. Bouncy, bright feel. All 12 keys included.
Walking Bass
12-bar blues walking bass patterns in all 12 keys (pp. 136–147). Examples show combinations of walking bass lines WITH chords to fill out the harmony. Learn the bass movement, then add chord hits for full accompaniment.
50's Rock Bass Groove
Classic rock bass pattern in all 12 keys (pp. 148–159). Chord followed by the standard 50's rock bass groove—that iconic pattern you've heard countless times. Essential for rock blues and classic rhythm.
20 Blues Strumming & Comping Patterns (pp. 160–163)
20 Blues Fingerstyle Patterns (pp. 164–168)
The blues scale in all 12 keys, shown in 4 fretboard positions with tablature, notes, maps, and diagrams. Master the scale patterns and you unlock soloing across the entire fingerboard. Learn the scale in all keys to become a well-rounded blues player.
40 Blues Riffs (All Keys)
40 clichés and useful licks organized by key (pp. 194–313). Each riff is shown in every key to help you master the fingerboard and develop solo playing vocabulary. The best players learn the blues in every key—this is your roadmap for soloing mastery.
Slide Riffs & Exercises (pp. 314–317)
Riff vocabulary using slide technique for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. Essential for authentic blues soloing.
Chord diagrams and fretboard maps for all keys. Essential reference for blues progressions and accompaniment.
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Continue Learning Cigar Box Guitar
After working through Blues Overload, continue with the Cigar Box Guitar Learning Path for more structured lessons, tabs, riffs, audio, videos, and related books.
Cigar Box Guitar Learning Path
A complete roadmap through fundamentals, open tunings, blues progressions, slide technique, fingerstyle, riffs, tabs, audio, and videos.
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Get the Blues Overload Book
Use the companion page with the full Cigar Box Guitar – Blues Overload book for tabs, notation, chord diagrams, blues progressions, scales, riffs, and slide exercises.