Someone asked me for a “required listening” list for blues guitar… and I was, at first, a little surprised.

But then I realized that it’s easy for those of us who “live” with blues music to find a lot of great examples of the blues… and if you’re new to the blues, then it’s not always so obvious.

So I thought I’d throw a couple out there, and let you help me help the newcomers with the rest in the comments. (And keep in mind that I might also grab some of these for some new lessons πŸ™‚

So here are some of my top blues song (in no particular order, I’m just typing them as they come to me)

  1. Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood
  2. BB King –Β The Thrill Is Gone
  3. Eric Clapton – I’m Tore Down (from “From The Cradle.”)
  4. Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign
  5. The Blues Brothers – Sweet Home Chicago (also the Clapton version)
  6. Derek And The Dominoes – Key To The Highway
  7. Robert Johnson – Crossroads
  8. Elmore James – Dust My Broom
  9. Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues
  10. The Allman Brothers – Stormy Monday (live at Fillmore recording.)

Alright… your turn… GO!


    358 replies to "Required Listening And Playing"

    • Sam

      Joe Bonamassa’s version of “Midnight Blues” and Gary Moore’s “Still in Love with You”

    • Christopher

      Holy blue smoke, what a list! For me, right now it is:

      FREDDIE KING! (RIP, he left us way too soon)

      Hideaway
      San-Ho-Say
      Have You Ever Loved a Woman
      Palace of the King
      Going Down
      I’m Tore Down
      Lonesome Whistle Blues
      And many more!!

      By the way, his brother, Benny Turner lays down an awesome bass line.

    • blind Lame Bob

      Luther Allison
      Luther Allison – Live in Chicago

      Mike Bloomfield
      Roy Buchanan
      KoKo Taylor
      Walter Trout
      John Lee Hooker
      From across the Pond
      Ten Years After – any of their live recordings
      Savoy Brown – Street Corner Talking, Hell Bound Train, Lions Share

      and finally a long disbanded
      Chicago band – with a harmonica player and acoustic guitar – The Siegel Schwall Blues Band.

      • Steve Smith

        Yeah. I concur. The SS Band goes back the 60s.

    • Tj

      HUGE lists but I didn’t see:
      Room Full a Blues- “From You” and “Smack dab in the Middle” (they’ve done dozens of rockin blues CDs)
      or “More storms commin” from Mark Selby – perfect CD with some awsome tunes like “blind since Birth” and “what Am I Doin”

    • Rich

      WOW..talk about opening the Flood Gates

    • Warren Hummel

      This goes back to a blog that griff just did recently Alvin Lee , and some of the Clapton stuff , do think I saw a post for chess records , willie Dixon. Chess records has alot sets avaible Chuck berry , muddy waters ,willie dixon, The Dixon set is not just Dixon but a lot of the stuff that he wrote or played on , great stuff , in fact it was chess records that got me hooked on the blues.

    • Eric

      Did anyone mention Henry Saint Clair Fredericks (Taj Mahal)?

    • Dan Prescher

      I Hate Everybody — Johnny Winter, Second Winter

    • Louie

      ABB Statesboro Blues ( and every blues song in live at Fillmore)

    • David Sagar

      Haven’t managed to read all these, but I thought I’d mention..

      Need Your Love So Bad – Fleetwood Mac
      I Would Rather Go Blind – Chicken Shack
      I Can’t Quit You Babe – Led Zeppelin

    • David Ginnelly

      I recently found a young guitarist playing swamp blues on a three string shovel, check out Justin Johnson. He plays other guitars as well…

    • Rz

      Son Thomas
      Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    • Buzzy

      I’m partial to acoustic blues like Eric Clapton’s “Drifting Blues”, but I liked The Mutt Brothers and their album “When a Bulldog Hugs a Hound” (I doubt you can find that album, now).

    • Tim Moran

      When I was a callow 12-year-old, listening to Ventures records, my older brother brought home an album called “The Blues Project”, which was essentially a bunch of young white guys doing country blues – and making some great music. It introduced me to the genre and I never turned back. A highlight was the late Dave Ray, an incredible 12-string guitarist and vocalist, along with Tony Glover on harp. Dave Van Ronk was another standout on the album, and Eric Von Schmidt. That was over 50 years ago, and led me to explore all the roots, Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Lonnie Johnson, Muddy and Wolf, the list is endless and amazing. Still exploring, and trying to figure out how they did that….

    • BluesDragon

      How can you dare, reducing a Music Style with at least twenty subdivisions, thousands of individual Artists and Millions of Songs down to only a hand full of Songs!!!
      To a Newbie one needs first to show how blues evolved out of 1900s Folk Songs with New Orleans Big Band Music and Gospel influences into Texas Blues with Blind Lemon Jefferson f.e. and Mississippi Delta Blues with Huddie Ledbetter a.k.a. Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy and Charley Patton as well as hundreds of other Artists of whom most had their own unique style of how to play the Delta Blues..
      Then what happend to these styles when the resonator guitar was invented or some years ago when the Bottleneck became used more and more like Bukka White f.e. …
      Then the various Styles that showed up with electronic amplification, be it amplified Bottleneck Blues as Fred Mc Dowell started to play, Delta Blues like Big John Williams, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, or Texas Blues like Lightnin’ Hopkins and how Acoustic Blues Guitar developed on into Ragtime Blues like Blind Blake or like Rev. Garry Davis, Delta Blues like Mississippi John Hurt or Blues Bands like the Mississippi Sheiks, or Chicago Blues like Elmore James. and Last but not least not to forget all the Hundreds of Possible Styles Artists in the Fifties and Sixties started playing with complete Electric Guitar Equipments developed out of those Roots and mixed them up with Rock (mainly) but also with influences out of country, Jazz and other Music Styles.. a development that’s still goin’ on..

      So he’s gonna need at least three CDs with about 30 Songs each, be it only to make up his mind what kind of a Blues he does want learn to play whereas You Griff will have to tell him which Root-Styles he first needs to learn just to be able to understand what’s goin’ on in the music he’s aiming for.. πŸ˜‰

      OK, I guess that newbies showing up at Your place do so because they’ve seen You play somewhere or at least know the Style You usualy play and teach so that’s what they usualy expect.
      For some few others, like me for example, You may need to expand your diversity, possibly by joinin’ up with other artists, specialised in Fingerstyle, Ragtime, Bottleneck, Boogie Guitar or harder Blues Rock Music. When You manage to find the right partners Your BGU Site might become the Best overall worldwide.. cheerio

      • David

        No wonder you’re known as BluesDragon.
        Dude, you just gave us the most compact essential history of the blues that I’ve ever seen.
        Well done!!!

      • Mark Walters

        And where did Griff say he was making a complete list of all Blues history and significant songs? So in your opinion, someone can’t START to appreciate Blues music without a 100 song list and simultaneous historical research?
        The premise of the blog is suggested songs to introduce someone to the Blues, not an education in all of Blues history.
        Your post, like several others, seems pretentious. Trying to outdo other players by listing obscure artists isn’t really the point here.

    • Denis

      How about Australian slide guitarist DAVE HOLE. First white blues guitarist to be signed by Alligator. Unique style and sound!!!!!

      • Derek Johson

        Your on the money there cobber I used see Dave Hole and Matt Taylor in Perth at the White Sands Hotel in Scarborough in the 80’s you’d get stoned just breathing

    • Speedy

      If you like β€˜over-playing’ as much as I doβ€”you can’t go wrong with Walter Troutβ€”-maniacπŸ˜€πŸ€™

    • Wal Callaby

      In no particular order:-

      Red House- Jimi Hendrix
      Down at the Landing- John Lee Hooker
      Coulda Had Religion- Rory Gallagher
      All Round Man- Rory Gallagher
      Smokestack Lightning- Howlin’ Wolf
      I Asked Her for Water…- Howlin’ Wolf
      Bird Without Feather- R L Burnside
      Kind Hearted Woman- George Thorogood
      Shake β€˜em on Down- Samantha Fish
      Definitely Maybe- Jeff Beck

      …and just a few others!

    • Lawrence Knox

      Great List Griff! What else? Duane Allman’s Goin Down Slow, Luther Allison’s versions of It Hurts Me Too, you included Matt Murphy on Blues Bros but don’t forget him on Memphis Slims 1959 album, Buddy Guy /Junior Wells β€œ Messin w The Kid” from Play the Blues, PBBs Born in Chicago w Bloomfield, BB Kings how blue can you get from Cook County Prison, BB Kings original 1950s version of Three Oclock morning Blues w Ike Turner. Earl Hooker On Junior Wells, β€œcalling all blues” , The Stumble Freddie King, Running out of steam Albert king, Red House by Jimi , Lonnie Brooks Sweet Home Chicago

    • Jay

      Tommy Tucker – High Heel Sneakers
      for a different turn on things try Blue Cheer
      and
      MC5

      • Joe

        I haven’t heard anyone mention Blue Cheer in a very long time. Digging deep. Well done.

    • William Elliott

      My first experience with blues was when my sister gave me the β€œSouthside Blue” album with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Otis Spann. Also, John Mayall’s β€œBack to the Roots” with Eric Clapton.

    • Pat S

      Mike Bloomfield, Amos Garrett, Jeff Heally,

    • Dan T

      On the acoustic side, almost anything by Warner Williams and Jay Summerour for a little bit different blend

    • Pat S

      Mike Bloomfield, Amos Garrett, Jeff Heally,

    • greg

      Johnny Winter of course and his pal Muddy Waters. Albert Cummings Working Man Blues & I’m Free, Walter Trout , Guitarist extraordinaire Andy Timmons On Your Way Sweet Soul , some bijou blues by Tab Benoit

    • Don W

      Robert Cray: Smokin Gun
      ZZ Top: Jesus Left Chicago

    • David

      You can’t have a list of Blues best without Howlin Wolf! Spoonful, Smokestack Lightning, etc

    • Jim Kuzo

      All the Artists above are great …!!!
      C’mon Guys and Gals how can you consider yourself a fan of the Blues
      without a place on your lists for the great Acoustic Blues Guitarist… JOHN PRIMER.
      His Blues on Solid Ground Album…is excellent
      The Blues on Solid Ground (track 3) and When I get Lonely (track 4) are AWESOME…!!!
      CHECK HIM OUT…!!!

    • David

      No blues list is complete without Howlin’ Wolf! Spoonful, Smokestack Lightning, etc. gotta have the wolf on any Blues list

    • Louis Ogden

      Peter Green of original Fleetwood Mac, Mick Abrahams solo and Blodwyn Pig, Kim Simmonds od Savoy Brown

    • Ady

      Srv
      Clapton
      Rory Gallager
      Little known outside of UK are
      Davy Knowles/Backdoor slam, more rock blues and Aynsley Lister worth a listen.

    • Pat

      Freddie King – Help me through the day (and everything else he does). Joe Bonamassa – No good place do the lonely, the sole at the end is absolutely mind blowing.

      • Pat

        “No good place FOR the lonely” and “Solo at the end” sorry for the typo’s

    • Al Danino

      If he has not been mentioned then Walter Trout gets my vote for sheer passion and aggression

    • Bob S.

      Laurie Morvan Band: No Workin’ During Drinking Hours, Beat Up From The Feet Up, Where Are The Girls With Guitars

      Dennis Jones Band: Super Deluse (Super Deluxe), Passion For The Blues, Automatic Love

      Will Ray: 219 Orange Avenue, Santa Cruisin’, Wait A Minute, I Hate My Day Job, Oh Me Oh My, The Chicken Song

      • Bob S.

        I forgot three other Will Ray songs: Holy Smokes, Wait A Minute & Bad Bad Day

      • Dan M.

        Laurie Morvan Band – WOW don’t know how I missed her all these years. Thanks man, she’s right up there with Rory Block and all the other great women artists. Thanks again – I got some serious listenin’ to do.

    • Randall

      I recently became a “senior citizen” and clearly recall being introduced (and subsequently obsessed with) the blues sound via the British Invasion lads, most notably the Rolling Stones and to a lesser degree the more blues-oriented songs of the Beatles. As a 10-year-old kid in rural Canada, I was naive enough to think these guys had invented the sound, as I had never heard it before, but was struck by that particular sound and feel. Then came Janis Joplin’s b-side, Turtle Blues, which I wore out through repeated listenings of the 45. It was only through reading interviews by these people when they named their influences that I began to learn about the history of the music and thus began listening as much as I could to the “originals”. All these decades later, the love and fascination for this music form holds strong. Best holiday wishes to all you bluesers out there!

    • Wib McMullen

      Etta James Don Joe Baker Matt Anderson Ko Ko Montoya Jimmy Reed Keb Mo

    • DaveyJoe

      OOPS! That was suppose to be Tab Benoir, not Tan.

    • DaveyJoe

      Oh yea…and BB King’s “Don’t answer the door”, Joe Bonamasa’s “Blues Deluxe”, Clapton’s “Reconsider Baby”, “5 Long Years”, “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”…and we can throw in Tan Benoir’s “Too Many Dirty Dishes In The Sink”.
      P.S. I’ll be back with more later.

    • David Fairful

      Lots of great music listed here. One of my all time favourites is from a couple of guys that were (they have both passed on) incredible to listen to. The first thing I think of when I think of them is called “Bring Out the Boogie In Me” by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. They put out so much great music, but when I mention them most people give that weird look that says they have never heard of them.

      • Larsen

        My first blues concert ever, back in the early ’70s, when I was in my teens, was Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – absolutely amazing. Sad if they were forgotten.

    • Findlay

      Anything on Chess Records, buy Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf especially
      Mississippi John Hurt
      Son House
      Rory Gallagher
      Elmore James
      Sam ‘Lightin’ Hopkins – because he is the blues
      And from left field, Scrapper Blackwell

    • Johnny

      My intro to the blues was John Lee Hooker, ( still my favorite) then Johnny Winter, Lightning Hopkins,
      Roy Buchanan, Rory Gallagher, Freddie King, B.B. King and Albert King, Mike Bloomfield, Fred McDowell
      John Mayall Jimi Hendrix, Early Fleetwood Mac, Elvin Bishop,

    • Larsen

      I see a lot of great music listed, some are originals, some are cover versions. One thing I would advise, is always , when possible, give the original versions a listen. Music is “work in progress” and there is a lot to gain from exploring various ways of playing.
      To add to the list:
      Robben Fords version of “Birds Nest Bound” an old Charley Patton song.
      Albert Collins – anything from his hand will do
      Eric Gales, in my opinion one of the greatest guitarists right now. Very traditional and original at the same time. Check out his “Red house” with Joe Bonamassa

    • john

      ‘Its my life’ and Hoodoo man blues by Buddy Guy and Junior wells must be tow of the greatest Records. Its my life tires ato capture that late night club atmosphere and I can only recommend it as essential listening. SRV I am certain was heavily influenced by theses two albums ‘Mary Had a little Lamb’ being one obvious example of Stevei playing tribute to Buddy. I love the Buddy version for sure.
      A name missed on the list so far as I noticed would be Bonnie Raitt, also Hubert Sumlin.

      • john

        Savoy Brown Kim Simmonds I should have added

    • Knut

      As a young high schooler, the first band I really fell in love with was the Allman Brothers Band. They were labeled as a Southern Rock band, which was a great label for them and all those similar bands. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was actually falling in love with the blues. While there are many examples, probably the two most prominent were Statesboro Blues and Trouble No More. These are absolutely infectious blues tunes masquerading as Southern Rock. I was duped! Ha ha!

      Once I figured it out, I was hooked on the blues for the rest of my life.

    • Bill

      Box Scaggs & Duane Allman – Loan Me a Dime.

    • Larry

      My Brain Just Turned Blue!!! What an astonishing List! The band that schooled me in the blues in the 60’s was The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and to a lesser extent, The Blues Project. Of course that was before I started reading the liner notes on the first few Rolling Stones albums

    • Larry

      My Brain just turned Blue!! What an astonishing list. I want to mention the band that schooled me in the blues back in the 60’s; The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and to a little lesser extent, The Blues Project.

    • CR Greeley

      My esoteric list (didn’t want to repeat the same suggestions already givenβ€”-all goodβ€”- but these are worth digging up too πŸ‘

      Roll and Tumble by Hambone Willie Newborn

      Milk Cow Blues by Kokomo Arnold

      Crow Jane by Skip James

      Cypress Grove by Skip James

      Graveyard Digger’s Blues by Sam Collins

      Big Road Blues by Tommy Johnson

      Little Rain by Jimmy Reed

    • George Voss

      While I didn’t read them all, “How Blue Can You Get” BB King and the “Louisianan Gator Boys.” there are so many great Blues musicians in that version it’s nearly unbelievable!

    • Interstate slim

      The first song of the blues I heard that did it for me was, Led Zeppelin’s version of since I’ve been loving you. Page’s guitar work on that song got me into the blues sound and actually sent me on a love for the old school blues, that I still carry after 40+ years. I like old and new style blues, but lean a little more towards delta, that stuff just has so much feeling behind it. Enjoy your day

    • George Brock

      in this discussion so much of what I am seeing are archival references to the History of times passed. in the mid 60″s I discovered the blues while going to school in Chicago in the mid 60’s. I just happened to stumble into Muddy Waters at a divey club on the south side. and today I still hear echos of those times when I check out the latest phenom. you tube or collector albums ares the quick and easy but you actually need to be there in the club, dive or wherever the music is being featured to fully appreciate the creative possibilities. record or reference what you like: you will not need to be told. it will hit like a lightening bolt and you will just stand there like a deer in the headlights. we have only a few of these epiphanies so pay attention and honor that revelation when it happens.

    • Jeff McCleery

      If I had possession over judgement day.
      Robert Johnson song.
      Played by Clapton

    • Stephan Cotton

      The two I see missing are Rory Block (definitely the best female blues player today and probably the best overall) and John Mayall, the British bluesman (and from whom we got Eric Clapton!).

    • Steven

      Black Queen by Stephen Stills
      Five Long Years by Eric Clapton
      Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix
      These Days by Gregg Allman / Jackson Brown

    • Richard Whiting Jr

      Griff introduced me to BB Chung King and the Buddaheads. I’m surprised they are not on his list.

    • Eddie Lee

      I learned of the blues from live music at first… Luther Allison, Magic Slim, Little Jimmy Valentine & the Heart Murmurs, Dr. John Walker… seeing/hearing some of the Chicago Bluesmen was an incredible eye-opener! The British rockers lead me to discover Robert Johnson. Anyway, I’d suggest searching for a local Blues Society and check out their live shows… you will not be sorry! Remember: I don’t have the blues, but they surely do have me!
      -Cheers!

    • Mike

      I would like to add a couple of slow blues numbers worth checking out.
      Gods problem child, Willie Nelson
      Little bluebird, Mark Knopfler
      Listen and enjoy.

    • Robert

      A lot of Rolling Stones Early Stuff, to wit
      Carol
      Good Times Bad Times,
      Little Red Rooster
      Don’t Play with Fire
      As Tears Go By
      Bringing It All Back Home
      And of course Jumpin’ Jack Flash
      And by Them (VAN Morrison’s Group
      Mystic Eyes
      Gloria
      Believe it or not, Paul Stookey,-Whatshername
      Willie Nelson-Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down
      Anything by the late great JEFF Healy

    • Steve

      Let’s give some love to slide guitar. How about Sonny Landreth and Walking Blues!

    • JD

      Love in Vain (cover) – Rolling Stones on their Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out album
      Blue Jean Blues – ZZ Top on their Fandango album

    • Colin M. Lowery

      Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac Any album or song

      Rory Gallagher again any album or song

      Any Rural blues albums for acoustic playing

    • Bryan Laidlaw

      Jimi Hendrix – Red House

      • Iain

        Agreed on Red House. The finest blues I know. And Need You Love So Bad as a Maj blues.

    • Ross

      How about Beth Hart & Jeff Beck covering the Buddy Guy song “I’d rather go Blind….

      • Bruce

        Yes!!

      • Larsen

        It’s actually an Etta James song

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    • Big Dan

      How about Alvin Lee and Ten Years After – Slow Blues in C & The Bluest Blues. Van Morrison – Going Down Geneva, or Freddie King – Going Down. Griff I’m surprised Freddie King didn’t make your list. I know you are a big fan of his music. I guess that tells you how much good blues is out there.

      • Ray Schwanenberger

        How about Alvin Lee’s – Motel blues

      • Gordon

        The Bluest Blues after Griff turned me on to Alvin Lee. It’s up there with Gary Moore’s Still Got The Blues imho πŸ™‚

    • Jean

      I would not mind a compilation of one full cd. I’d be a buyer

    • Louis Ogden

      Something Inside of Me – Fleetwood Mac
      I Woke up this Morning – Ten Years After
      Street Corner Talking – Savoy Brown
      Third Degree – Johnny Winter
      I’m Tired – Savoy Brown
      Dust My Blues – John Mayall
      Ramblin’ on my Mind – Mayall
      Stormy Monday – Allman Bros.
      Meet the Blues Head On – Savoy Brown
      The Blues Overtook Me- Charlie Musselwhite

    • Johnny B.

      Soulshine – Warren Hayes

    • Richard

      Saw this email a little late, Griff. Great selection. As are most of the others folks are sending in. Here are mine:

      1. Stephen Stills — Blues Man

      2. Lynyrd Skynyrd — Call Me the Breeze

      3/4. ZZ Top — Waitin’ for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago

      5. Allman Brothers — Whipping Post

      6. Allman Brothers — One Way Out

      7. Led Zeppellin — When the Levee Breaks

      8. The Doors — Roadhouse Blues

      9. Arlo Guthrie — St. James Infirmary (Live)

      10. Magic Slim & The Teardrops — Champagne and Reefer

      • Eddie Lee

        Magic Slim! Saw him several times at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE… excellent choice!

    • DaveyJoe

      How about Jimi’s “Red House”? (studio cut)…great listening & inspiring!

    • Nick Vacio

      Robert Johnson & Michael Bloomfield

    • Michael Chappell

      Hey Griff,
      You certainly opened the Blues Songs Can here.. some great songs above the only other one that seems to be missed is Little Walter who was also one of the favourite Blues star of Keith Richards in his book Life..also the Animals “I will Put a Spell On You”..

      But I think your list is pretty succinct to get someone wanting to purchase a BGU lesson around the songs you know well..with ready made jam tracks and accurate TAB sheets..

      All Good

      Michael- Sydney- Australia-11th August 2017.

    • Ed Rodriguez

      I went through the responses pretty quick and everybody makes great choices, but I did not notice anybody listing anything from Gary Clark jr. like Bright lights or Black and Blue

    • Rodney Deschenes

      Johnny Winter Be Careful with a Fool 2 EC Further on up the Road live on EC was here 3 Harvey Mandel Hank the ripper from Baby Batter.Keef Hartley Band Born to die Spit James on guitar Half-breed album Mike Bloomfield Supersession record Albert’s Shuffle

      • J.D.Strough

        Looked through and didn’t see Bluest Blues by Alvin Lee. Give a listen.

        • Gordon

          Agreed, I just posted that and then saw your post πŸ™‚

    • Brad Carrier

      What a great idea, Griff! This compilation from your forum guests is a treasure. I might plug the recurring ones into a Pandora-type station for listening. I have many favorites, but Buddy Guy comes to mind for both his guitar and singing. Of course, the Master, Jimi. My local (Ashland, Oregon) favorite is Jeff Pevar, who was with Crosby and Nash, has backed Ray Charles, Bonnie Rait, etc. His riffs make me cry they’re so good. He plays locally lately with LOVEBITE, a funk band, with his wife Inger Jorgensen

    • Glenn Lego

      How about Roy Clark? On YouTube there is a video of him playing “12th Street Rag..” (Awesome). Also Buddy Merrill or Neil Levang from the old Lawrence Welk Show

      • Doug Dause

        I am right there with you Glenn. Years ago I bought an album in a closeout bin for a dollar. It’s Roy Clark and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Makin’ Music is the title and it was the best buck I ever spent.

    • Dave(U.K.)

      Haven’t seen Big Bill Broonzy mentioned or some of the rock and roll pioneers like Chuck Berry etc . Play a 12 bar at a fast tempo and you can play a lot of these r&r songs which are ideal for beginners. And go and WATCH live music.

    • Sean Drummond

      In no particular order:

      Red House – Jimi Hendrix
      Born Under A Bad Sign – Cream (Eric Clapton)
      Scratch My Back – Slim Harpo
      Since I Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin
      Oh Darling – The Beatles
      Stormy Monday – Allman Bros.
      Killing Floor – Howlin’ Wolf
      The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
      I Can’t Quit You Babe – Led Zeppelin
      Big Legged Woman – Freddie King
      I’ve Got Love If You Want It – Slim Harpo
      Whipping Post – Allman Bros.
      Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – Frank Zappa
      Spoonful – Howlin’ Wolf
      Hey Joe – Jimi Hendrix
      How Many More Times – Led Zeppelin
      Black-Hearted Woman – Allman Bros.
      Back Door Man – Howlin’ Wolf
      Rainin’ In My Heart – Slim Harpo
      Watermelon in Easter Hay – Frank Zappa
      Crossroads – Cream (Eric Clapton)
      I Want You (She’s So Heavy) – The Beatles
      You Shook Me – Led Zeppelin
      Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Derek & the Dominoes (Eric Clapton)
      Smokestack Lightnin’ – Howlin’ Wolf
      Statesboro Blues – Allman Bros.
      No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
      Me and My Guitar – Freddie King
      Black Napkins – Frank Zappa
      I’m A King Bee – Slim Harpo
      Ain’t My Cross to Bear – Allman Bros.
      Hummingbird – B.B. King
      How Many More Years – Howlin’ Wolf

      If you’re very much younger than 60 you will probably disagree with some of these choices and have never heard of some others, but these songs make up the inner sanctum of required listening as far as I’m concerned.

    • Pete Rounds

      Looks like I waited to long yo comment. Lots of great talents listed. I just want to add I love everything that Eric Clapton and JJ Cale have done together including ” any way the wind blows” and ” after midnight.

      • Pete Schmidt

        great list Sean Drummond, but as to Beatles, Yer Blues and For you blue…………

    • sixxfingers

      The late Jeff Healey. Truly a one of a kind bluesman. Listen to him first and then watch him perform. Ya gotta SEE what yer hearing!

      • Blaine Sullivan

        My all-time favorite instrumental guitar blues song is “Nice Problem To Have” from See The Light. Robbie Blunt wrote it and plays on the track with Jeff. It’s an awesome slow blues song that is on several of my playlists.

    • Bill Ferris

      Most of the Blues “Must Listen” artists have already been listed. Reminds me that I have something on CD or digital by most of these artists that I should go back and listen to. Anyway the top of my list is SRV always.

      I don’t know if Jimmy Thackery is listed but saw him a few years ago and he was amazing. Also, I don’t remember if Mike Bloomfield is listed but he was a phenomenal blues guitarists who died too young. I apologize they have already been listed – I went through the chain of responses pretty quickly.

      • Bill Ferris

        By the way my favorite Mike Bloomfield album is “Don’t Say That I Ain’t Your Man”.

      • Gregory L Senich

        Jimmy Thackeray Live is always a treat, especially with The Nighthawks. Add Mike Henderson and The Bluebloods.

    • Samuel Lount

      Albert King – “Blues at Sunrise” on the LP “Live Wire Blues Power”

      • BillyC

        I like it on the Blues at Sunrise album with Donald Kinsey

    • John

      Nick Moss, Chicago blues style. Someone mentioned Son House. Then you have to mention John Mooney.

    • Rick

      Try Ligtin Hopkins He is an old timer.

    • Joseph Hansen

      Joe Bonamassa – If Heartaches Were Nickels

    • Jim Larkin

      Warren Haynes should be on that list. Duane Allman if he hasn’t been listed. Jimmy Reed absolutely.

    • MichaelK

      Just listing names, to add to Griff’s list:
      1. Bo Diddley
      2. Bobby Blue Bland
      3. Boz Skaggs
      4. Buddy Guy
      5. Charlie Musselwhite
      6. Chuck Berry
      7. The Doors
      8. Elmore James
      9.Eric Clapton
      10. Etta James
      11. Gary Clark Jr.
      12. Hound Dog Taylor
      13.Howlin Wolf
      14. Jimi Hendrix
      15. Jimmy Reed
      16. Joe Cocker
      17. John Lee Hooker
      18. Johnny Winter
      19. Lead Belly
      20. Led Zeppelin
      21. Lightin Hopkins
      22. LIttle Walter
      23. Muddy Waters
      24. Otis Redding
      25. Paul Butterfield
      26. R.L. Burnside
      27. Ralph McTell
      28. Robert Cray
      29. Slim Harpo
      30. Son House
      31. Sonny Boy Williamson
      32.Sonny Landreth
      33. Stevie Ray Vaughan
      34. T Bone Walker
      35.Van Morrison
      36. Willie Dixon
      37. ZZ Hill
      38. ZZ Top

      • Dean

        Anybody mind adding a little Robin Trower to the list. Say bridge of sighs

    • Bill

      J.B Hutto
      LOng John Hunter
      T-Model Ford
      Steve Vai
      Teresa Russell
      Wes Montgomery

    • Fred

      Don’t forget Leslie West.

      • Mark M (UK)

        Maybe some Walter Trout – to celebrate his return to health too

    • Kevin

      Magic Slim:

      Walkin the Dog
      Mustang Sally (Live version)
      Cold Women with Warm Hearts (Live version)

      • Brian

        Roy Buchanon

    • Glenn S

      Melvin Taylor anybody?

    • DaveK

      Hoodoo Man Blues … An absolute classic and listen to buddy guy’s playing … Epic

    • Al Heyes

      Absolutely everything by Joe Bonamassa! Me, a fan? Naaaaaaah!!

      • Rich

        “Let the Good Times Roll” Live

    • Bernie Curran

      Hardly a mention for Ray Charles! What,d I Say,Georgia on my mind etc.
      Give Tree Adams “Back to the water” a listen.
      Bernie,Scotland UK

      • James

        When did Ray Charles play the guitar????

    • Dan

      I agree with this great list. I didn’t scrutinize every post but wanted to be sure Albert Cummings was listed. For the SRV crowd, a great listen. Not as much Hendrix influence, but superb technique and blues musicality. “Griff like”!

    • Gaz

      Some great Aussie blues ,Dutch Tilders ,Lyod Speigal,Chain,.

    • Rob

      Eric Clapton “Blues” album and “Me and Mr Johnson”. Tony McPhee, “Slide T.S. Slide” album, Rolling Stones “Blue and Lonesome”. And try and get hold of some stuff by Alexis Korner.

      All these guys were from the British Blues scene in the late 50s, early 60s. Kept the whole genre alive then took it back home to the USA. πŸ™‚

    • James

      Any song (Tommy Emmanuel)

    • ChrisG

      Others have mentioned Roy Buchanan and Johnny Winter – two of my all-time favourites, but WAY too advanced for most BGU readers (and me) I reckon.
      Here’s one from left-field…..DION DI MUCCI !! Dion has released three blues albums since 2000, and they are all great. Nothing too flashy, pretty simple solos, nearly all acoustic or small-band stuff; a lot of originals but LOTS of blues standards done by one of the best voices ever, and a good guitar player too. Check them out, well worth a listen: Tank Full of Blues, Son of Skip James and Bronx in Blue.

    • Chris Babcock

      Mississippi Fred McDowell-anything
      Eric Clapton-anything
      Buddy Guy-Dam right I got the blues
      Keb Mo-anything
      SRV-everything
      Jimmy Reed-big city
      Muddy Waters-anything
      B B King-everything
      Johnny Shines-anything
      And of course…..
      Griff Hamlin

    • Ron Hartman

      Albert Collins — I Ain’t Drunk (he deserves more love on this list)
      Luther Allison — Luther’s Blues (has anybody ever heard a guitar talk like this?)
      Allman Brothers — Not My Cross To Bear
      Tab Benoit — the hottest and most versatile contemporary blues guitarist today

      • John

        Benoit fan here

      • Dave McKenna

        Glad to see some other Tab fans on here. He is crazy good in concert!

    • dave

      Hey Griff, I grew up on grand old opry, heard black Sabbath and grand funk railroad at age 12 (it changed my life) and met the blues through a freind in my 30’s I’m 50ish now so here goes,muddy waters- cross- eyed cat that got the ball rolling!love Joe bonnamassa, but it’s the really old stuff that grabs me!so my number one vote is anything that seasick Steve does- bon apetite!

    • Rich Hughes

      ok….one way out- Allman Brothers
      Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings- ZZ TOP
      Turn it up- Samantha Fish
      Tighten up your wig-Steppenwolf(aka-messin’ with the kid-Junior Wells)
      Mannish Boy-Muddy Waters
      Money talks- James Dickinson
      Fat man in the bathtub- Little Feat
      Love me like a man- Bonnie Raitt
      My heads in Mississippi- ZZ TOP

      Whew!…good enough for a start

      Rich Hughes

    • Dave

      Little Milton Campbell – Still some meat left on this bone
      Sherman Robertson – I wonder why
      BB King – Help the Poor
      Coco Montoya – never seen you cry this way before
      Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe
      James Taylor – Steamroller
      Coco Montoya – Do what you want to do
      Otis Rush – I got the blues

    • Charlie MorΓ‘n

      Robert Johnson The Complete Recordings

      Muddy Waters, Rolling Stone

      Howling Wolf, Spoonful

      Lurie Bell, All Over Again

      Lead Belly, Midnight Special

      Otis Rush, All Your Love

      Buddy Guy Let Me Love You Darling

      Albert King, I’ll Play the Blues for You

      Anything written by Willie Dixon

    • Karl S. Montreal

      Johnny Winter – Hideaway
      No singing – but just about any facets of blues riffs for 9 minutes. Awesome

    • Etienne Evans

      So many great artists and songs. My two pennies worth (or cents).
      Snowy White – Midnight Blues, for me just magic. And Colin James – Just Came Back, check out the attitude of the girl backing singers in the video.

      • John

        Never heard of Collin James. Just saw him at Xerox International Jazzfest . Great show

    • Dave McKenna

      For all you harp fans on here check out Creeper Returns by Bleeding Harp . I find it strange that very few Tab Benoit fans are here. He is one of the best contemporary artists out there. Rate right up there with SRV.

    • Ralph Chapman

      Life by the drop. Stevie Ray Vahn

    • Eric Gauthier

      Here is my top 10, in no particular order (and subject to change anytime…):

      1) Nobody knows you when you’re down and out – Derek and the Dominos
      2) All your love – John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton
      3) La Grange – ZZ Top
      4) Be Careful with a Fool – Johnny Winter
      5) Whipping Post – Allman Brothers Band
      6) Voodoo Chile – Jimmy Hendrix
      7) Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan
      8) How Blue can You Get – B.B. King
      9) Crossroads – Cream
      10) Born in Chicago – Paul Butterfield Blues Band

      • Marc Sutton

        2b) add : Have you heard – J.M & E.C.
        some of the most captivating guitar sounds ever , remembering it was 1966 and the absence of technology as we know it today !

      • Casey Brose

        I was surprised Paul Butterfield did not make the original list….good choices.
        πŸ˜ƒ

    • Peter V

      What? No Jimmie Reed? Big Boss Man. Bright Lights, Big City. I listened to these songs on “black” radio in Chicago in the 50’s. Muddy Waters late night live. Sweet Home Chicago by Magic Sam. ….

    • joel

      Bridge of Sighs -Robin Trower

    • Tony L

      Add to the list – Johnny Winter’s Dust my Broom, Buddy Guy with Steven Tyler Evil Twin

    • Allan

      Anything by Magic Sam

    • bogie

      Smokin Joe Kubeck (rip) – Joe played most of the guitar, he did not sing
      but his partner Benois King sang and he is also a amazing guitarist.

      Roy Buchanan- When a Guitar Plays the blues and Hot Wires

      Edgar Winters White Trash Road Work live

      The big highlight is their cover version of Tobacco Road with Rick Derringers
      solo guitar moment .

      Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites) solo album- Love Songs For The Hearing Impaired

    • Pete D

      I feel there is little point studying music played at blistering high speed when you are trying to learn an instrument or genre, hence why you don’t teach at lighting speed but can play that way! I find my choice of music changes when I go from listening for pleasure, to listening to try to learn and emulate. Also let’s not forget there is great blues examples in gospel and country music too. I agree with all the responses, didn’t see Jimmie Vaughan though, who I like very much. Obviously we are all motivated by different music and artists but I guess the task Griff set was to list music for people learning so we are looking for choices that voice the blues guitar fundamentals for learners to hear and copy. Cheers Pete..

    • Paul Cassiano

      Lonnie Mack – Cincinnati Jail
      Justin Johnson – Anything this guy plays on a cigar box guitar or 6 string is unreal!
      Led Zep – Lemon song
      Ry Cooder – Feeling Bad Blues

    • Steve B

      So many great ones listed! Many in my top 100, so I won’t repeat.
      Some may not technically be blues…..and I haven’t seen it listed (but some really good guitar)
      Michael burks- Empty Promises
      Clapton- Old Love (off of 24 Nights)
      Jeff Beck- Cause we’ve Ended as Lovers
      Joe Bonamassa- Tea for One
      Roy Buchanan- Sweet Dreams
      ZZ- Rough Boy
      Tinsley Ellis- Let Him Down Easy
      Walter Trout- Lonely
      ……. and on…..and on.

      • anthony comi

        AC Brooks

        1. Live at the Fillmore East-Statesboro Blues, Stormy Monday, Done Somebody Wrong, You Don’t Love Me.
        2. Tales of Ordinary Madness. Warren Haynes.
        3. ABB. Melissa (version 5:54 min.)
        4. Little Martha. Duane Allman
        5. Lynard Skynard. Call Me The Breeze
        6. ” ” FreeBird, Sweet Home Ala.

        7. Clapton. Layla, Key to The Highway
        8. Box Scaggs. Loan Me A Dime w/Duane Allman
        9. Tedeschi-Trucks. Midnight in Harlem, Bound for Glory
        Best regards to Griff & family & BGU’ers

    • Terry

      Favorite slow blues:
      ZZ TOP — Blue Jean Blues Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe Warren Haynes(Government Mule) version of BB Kings -How Blue can you get — Or BB’s version

    • Bill

      and when you get real good, try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Zao2OOmI4

      • Chris Babcock

        Holy crap he is good!

    • Steve

      MUST LISTEN to some Rory Gallgher !!

      • Aodh

        Without a south.
        The best by far.

    • Larry L.

      Leadbelly was the best! Anything he did is great to play and listening to for hours on end.

    • Ron

      Joe Bonamassa Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks

      • Steve

        My Babe Little Walter
        And yes anything by Buddy Guy
        Mojo Working Muddy Waters

    • fearless freddy

      Hi,this appears to be a list of favorites as well as recommendations for neophyte bluesers. Here are some of mine.
      “Need You So Bad” by Little Willie John
      “Nobody Here But Us Chickens” by Phil Harris
      “Same Old Blues” by Richard Dangel,Gatemouth Brown, Buddy Whittington
      “Still Got The Blues” by Gary Moore, plus others
      “My Wife Won The Lottery” by Eric Two Scoops Moore
      “The Minor Blues” by Buddy Whittington”
      Yes, I’m an eclectic,sax playing,blues guitar want-to-be!
      My advice to you beginners is listen,listen,listen and count cause it’s a bummer to try to fit a 12 bar into an 8 bar blues. God bless Grif & his Family and the rest of you blues pickers fearless freddy

    • Neil Snow

      Gary Moore, Driftin. Jimi Hendrix, Red House. Freddie King, Goin Down. Albert King, Born Under A Bad Sign. Stones, Little Red Rooster. Just to name a few.

    • Stephan Cotton

      You can’t leave Rory Block off the list. Terraplane Blues, Come On in My Kitchen, Gone Woman Blues or anything else she’s done.

    • Pete Anderson

      Nobody loves me but my mother-BB King
      Just got back from baby’s- ZZ Top
      Blue jean blues- ZZ Top

    • Jim

      Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You
      Elmore James – It Hurts Me Too Clapton live version also
      Stones – Love in Vain

    • Loren Bills

      Now only need to rank them so a beginner does not start with unreasonable high level and get frustrated.

    • Walter J Kapral

      HOW about MAGIC SLIM AND THE TEARDROPS? Great blues!

      • PAUL

        CLAPTON ALSO DID CROSSROADS. ONE SONG I KNOW. HOW ABOUT BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM, T J HOOKER. FROM THE BLUES BROTHERS. VERY CLOSE TO DELTA BLUES.
        WOW, DEREK AND THE DOMINOS. CLAPTON AFTER BEING IN THE BLUES BREAKERS.ANY JOHN MAYAL? KEY TO THE HIGHWAY! THAT’S WITH BB KING AND CLAPTON HAVE THE CD. THAT SONG I KNOW WELL. WOW GRIFF, NEVER NEW SO MANY OF THESES GUYS PLAYED THE SAME TUNES.

    • Sam

      Anything Joe Bonamassa does…

    • Gary Cooke

      Some one not famous hide by sad sam blues jam

    • PK Dude

      Buddy Guy is underrepresented….Damn Right I Got the Blues, and Five Long Years off of that same record.

      Cherry Red Wine by Luther Allison

      Strong Persuader by Robert Cray (song and whole album).

    • Ish

      Hey Griff . Thanks so much for the dvds on the modes. That has opened my mind to a whole new spectrum into music. I always wondered how and where the Santana’s , jose felicianos and countless other musicians did that. It now makes sense.
      Can you maybe put out a couple of tracks without the melody guitar. Just the drums, rhythm and bass. For us beginners into these modes, we can expierment different melodies on our own.
      Thanks. Ps…. you’ve got a great band. Quite impressive horn section.

    • Jeff

      Lazy–DeepPurple

    • Terry b

      Some that I don’t see yet : Love in Vain by RJ although most of us grew up with the Stones’ version, and anything off Undead by Ten Years After.

    • Rich Hiltz

      Baby Please Don’t Go- Lightnin’ Hopkins
      Wasp Nest-Ray Wylie Hubbard
      Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell-ZZ Top
      Polecat-Ray Wylie Hubbard
      Love In Vain-The Rolling Stones

    • Louie o.

      For blues with a jazzy bent Melvin Taylor, particularly fond of “wrong place right time”

    • Redsky

      The Nazz Are Blue – the Yardbirds
      Help Me – the Primitives
      Baby Please Don’t Go – Them

      I like bands that take the blues somewhere else outside the standards.

    • Warren Rollins

      The Stumble, John Mayall’s Bluesbrakers, with Peter Greene on guitar.
      Someone else is Steppin’n, by Z.Z. Hill

      • Danny Estrella

        Yesss! And anything Peter Green did in the first incarnation of Fleetwood Mac. With his version of ‘I Need Your Love So Bad’. His tone, licks and timing set the standard.

    • BignJames

      3 O’clock Blues BB King/Clapton
      one of BB’s first recordings.

      • Steve

        Junior Wells. Messin’ with the Kid

    • Mark

      who and what I do not see listed is Savoy Brown? Louisiana Blues come to mind along with tons of other great tunes on their albums. I personally like Blue Matter although there are many others! ALL Good.

    • terry

      In no particular order:

      The Thrill is Gone, BB King

      Crossroads, Cream (2005 Albert Hall recording)

      Stormy Monday, Allman Brothers (Live at Philmore East)

      The Sky is Crying, Elmore James

      Little Wing, Stevie Ray Vaughan (Heresy I know, but I prefer it to the Hendrix version)

      Walk in my Shadow, Free (Bonamassa version might be more bluesy)

      So Many Roads, The Bluesbreakers with Peter Green

      Slow Blues in C, Ten Years after

      There are hundreds, but those are the ones that immediately came to mind. I hope people come up with a few contemporary players to add to list.

    • Willyboy

      Freddie King
      Freddie King
      Freddie King
      Johnny Winter
      Johnny Winter
      Johnny Winter
      FREDDIE KING

      • Ed

        Yes, yes and yes!!! I agree totally with you- ANYTHING by Freddie King! Also Mike Bloomfield, especially One Way Out from the live @ Fillmore East w/ Al Kooper.

    • Faus

      Albert Shuffle with Mike Bloomfield

    • Cory

      All great suggestions here!
      I would like to add these if not already mentioned
      Gary Clark Jr.
      The black keys ( older stuff)
      Of course Billy Gibbons ( old ZZ Top)

    • Tom McMurtry

      SRV ” Pride & Joy

    • todd woodruff

      Allman Brothers Blues Band – Melissa – Acoustic – Live Music – Gregg & Dickie Betts

    • LuckyLarry

      I think you need to break the question down to which type of blues. The answer hanges. If you like blues from the 20’s that is different than the Chess era, which is different than the English era. And blues/rock is different than Texas blues. Each style has it’s classics. A beginner can start with their favorite style then expand to other styles. Otherwise we are just listing our favorites regardless of beginner must listen to. Why not break this question into 4 or5 categories then list the must listen to for beginner in each category?

    • B. Reed

      Mississippi John Hurt, Pallet on the floor, Nobody’s dirty business, Chicken. etc.
      Listen to how a solo guitarist entertained an audience in the 1920’s.

    • Willem

      Peter Green’s need your love so bad

    • Robert

      Los Lonely Boys. Taxican rock blues at its best.

      “Heaven”

    • Martin Scarboro

      Guess I’m not the only one to get a bit carried away. Here are my suggestions.

      Heed My Warning B.B. King
      Built For Comfort Howlin’ Wolf
      Champagne & Reefer Muddy Waters
      Stackolina Tab Benoit
      Judgement Day Mike Zito
      My Babe The Fabulous Thunderbirds
      Who Do You Love Bo Diddley
      Stay With Me Faces
      She Won’t Roll Studebaker John
      There’s A Fire In The Kitchen Jeremiah Johnson Band
      Saint Peter Josh Garrett Band
      The Boogie Man Bernard Allison

    • Jeff

      Eric Clapton

      If I had Possession over judgement Day

    • TBShaw

      Try most anything by Justin Johnson. And he can play it on damn near ANYTHING! First time you ever saw the blues played on a 3-string shovel guitar. Yep, I said shovel! Check him out, he is amazing.

    • Alexander P Matwick

      Joe Cocker: St. James Infirmary

      Willy: Ain’t it funny how time slips away

    • Steve Z.

      A great blues player missing here is Walter Trout. I love is rendition of ‘Goin’ Down’ as well as many other’s. A good one by Walter would be ‘Life In The Jungle’.

    • Gene Smith

      Something by Lightnin’ Hopkins…because he exemplifies the complexity you can get out of simplicity – very encouraging for a beginner. He was my guitar hero when I first discovered the blues. He knew how to thrill us white college boys! The key of E is still where I mostly live.

    • Paul

      Deep Purple – When a blind man cries.

    • Frederick Ungaretta

      Little Red Rooster, Howlin’ Wolf; I’m a King Be, Muddy Waters; The Blues Had a Baby and they named it Rock n’ Roll, Muddy Waters, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, Derek and the Dominos, Since I’ve been loving you, Led Zeppelin, Baby, what you want me to do?, Johnny Winter, I’m in the mood, Boogie Chillen’, and Boom Boom, John Lee Hooker; I can’t quit you babe, Led Zeppelin.
      Any of the songs put forth in all of these responses are pretty much spot on. The really cool thing about pretty much all of them is when you google or youtube them, you get several versions of them by many of the gresats, from the original bluesmen up to and including the covers of their original versions by the greats of today and the recent past. Party on and Boogie Chillen’!!!

    • Vic Solo Winnipeg, mb

      Johnny Lang Lie To Me

    • ZekeZ

      Freddy King – Hideway

    • George

      Lipstick sunset – Ry Cooder
      Dark end of the street
      Blind willie Mctell – Dylan
      Dust my Broom
      Sky is crying
      Good time Charlie’s got the blues
      Did you see John Hurt
      Tulane
      Sweet home Chicago
      Crossroads Robert J

    • Alan

      Jesus just left Chicago by ZZTop and Steamroller Blues by James Taylor

    • George Tipton

      Statesboro Blues – Allman Brothers Band
      Crossroad Blues – Robert Johnson

    • Ken moree

      Anything Stevie ray , James Taylor did a song called steamroller I like but then I like all James Taylor great guitar player

      • Ken moree

        My favorite SRV is little sister , and life by the drop. Check those out

    • marion

      bad to the bone

    • Steve Lang

      Griff Hamlin And The Circle City Horns at Bluesapalossa

      Going Down, Freddie King and Jeff Beck Group

      Done Somebody Wrong, Allman Bros

      Rock Me Baby, BB King

      You Talk too much, many versions

      Minor Fun:
      Summertime, Janis and many others

      Black Magic Woman, Peter Green

      Midnight Rider, AllmΓ€n Bros

    • Levente

      If you still need inspiration for the list, don’t leave out
      Double Trouble from EC’s 1980s Just One Night album.
      And I kind of liked Don’t lie by a certain Griff Hamlin πŸ™‚
      cheers!

    • Larry

      Anything Gary Moore, Lonnie Mack

    • Bill Wilson

      A couple of my favorites along with some stuff maybe some here haven’t heard:

      Alchemy – Philip Sayce
      Blackest Day – Joanne Shaw Taylor
      Blues Get Off My Shoulder – Robert Cray
      The Bluest Blues – Alvin Lee
      Bones – Joanne Shaw Taylor
      Breaking Up Somebody’s Home – Albert King (Warren Haynes/Joe Bonamassa’ live version also great)
      Bring It On Home – Nimmo Brothers
      Country Fever – Bryce Janey
      Don’t Know What I’d Do – Matt Schofield
      Empty Promises – Eric Steckel
      Further On Up The Road – Bonamassa & Clapton (Royal Albert Hall)
      Going Home – Joanne Shaw Taylor
      Going To Canada – Joe Louis Walker
      Gotta Leave – Back Door Slam
      Highway 49 – Jeff Healey
      Lonely Bed – Albert Cummings
      Mean Old Town – Bryce Janey
      Rain – Johnny Winter
      Rainy Nights – Joe Louis Walker
      So Many Roads – Joe Bonamassa
      You Move Me – Rocky Athas

    • Rick

      Mississippi John Hurt “Payday”

      • Russ Grant

        Don’t Call Me Stranger – Chris Smither
        White Boy Lost in the Blues- Lyle Lovett

    • Kevin

      White Room by Cream

    • G Brind

      My first purchase from Griff was “Acoustic Blues Unleashed ” so I’m more inclined to original acoustic blues. My latest favorite list includes:
      Junior Kimbrough
      Corey Harris
      Jeff Foucault
      Rainer Ptacek
      R L Burnside
      Miss. Fred McDowell
      Mary Gauthier
      Genevieve Chadwick
      Charlie Patton
      Son House
      Jim Bonney
      John Hammond
      Otis Taylor……and the list keeps growing.

      • jesse the bluesman perry

        have you ever loved a woman 2. love in vain 3. anything muddy waters 4. albert king 5.buddy guy 6. john l. hooker hoochi coochie man 7, johnny winter 8, joe bonamasa 9, keeny wayne shepard 10 stevie ray vaugn 11, eric Clapton , 12 bb king, and the list goes on but I choose to listen and play all of these and many more , so I keep looking and listening to anything I can find , andthen I learn them , if your going to play the blues , it is a state of mind , you have to put your soul into it , its more about feeling than just mechanics, it something I have played a long time , but I also play other types of music I always tell people I teach don’t just box yourself into one kind of music, but I always come back to the blues I know I should have wrote more names or songs , but I just woke up and my mind is kinda of blank right now , but playing and writing the blues and singing them is something I do a lot , so I will just it go at that.

    • Ivan

      Freddie King – Hideaway

    • Doug Cole

      Here’s a few names I didn’t see.
      Chris Duarte
      Anthony Gomes
      Jay Jesse Johnson

      • Steve Z.

        Big thumbs up to Jay Jesse Johnson and another off the mainline grid is Mike Onesko and his Blindside Blues Band.

    • Charles from Creston BC Canada

      My favorite ” The session” with Albert King and SRV

    • Bill Thomas

      Everything by Rory Gallagher. A forgotten legend.

      • john strobel

        Wow had to go pretty deep into the list to finally see Rory mentioned the Irish Werewolf and definitely agree. Also would add nearly anything by Ten years after (Alvin Lee) and one of my most fav blues is Jimi Hendrix Hear my train a coming on the Rainbow Bridge album also his acoustic version in the Soundtrack LP

    • Marc

      SRV – Little Wing

    • George Matthews

      Gregg Allman- Please Call Home
      John Mayer- I’m Gonna Find Another You
      Eric Clapton & Derek Trucks- Layla
      Neil Young- Down By The River
      Jimi- Red House
      Leslie West’s cover of Why I Sing the Blues
      Joe Bonamassa- Mountain Time
      maybe best wrapped in by
      BB King, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Hollywood Bowl 2015
      “Someone Really Loves You”

    • John Smale

      Oh so many but definitely Jimi Hendrix – Red House and for anyone who hasn’t heard it, try ‘If you believe me’ by Gillan from ‘Glory Road’ Bernie TormΓ© plays one of my all time favorite solos.

    • GonΓ§alo Neves Correia

      If I could play these 10 songs , I would be very happy!!! I’m in the front to buy that new course !!!
      😎

    • Jim

      Didnt see “Pride & Joy” yet. Gotta be one of SRVs top three!

    • Glenn Lego

      “You Got It” Roy Orbison;
      “Let Your Love Flow” Bellamy Brothers
      “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head;” BJ THomas
      “Me And Bobby McGee” Kris Kristoferson
      “Call Me” Chris Montez
      “That’s The Kind Of Mood I’m In” Patty Loveless
      “It’s A Blue World” The Moody Blues
      “Houston” Dean Martin
      “Boll Weevil Song” Brook Benton
      “Center Field” John Fogarty

      These are a few of my favorites

      • Rich Rohr

        Glenn, love all these songs and I think Let Your Love Flow is a hidden gem but these songs are on the other side of the spectrum from blues. Still like em, though

        • Glenn Lego

          I forgot. “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” Johnny Winter

          “Galveston” Glen Campbell (RIP)

          “She Loves You” Beatles

          “Willie and the Poor Boys” CCR

          “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (the long version by CCR)

    • Jimmy The Finger

      My Feeling For The Blues by Freddie King, which was B.B. King’s favorite blues album. That’s a pretty good recommendation in my book.

      The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions recorded in 4 hours with Eric Clapton, Stevie Winwood, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman

      I Am The Blues by Willie Dixon, because truer words have not been spoken.

      “Tribute to Elmore” by Roy Buchanan and “Key To The Highway” off Derek & The Dominos — the encyclopedia of blues licks

      “Walkin Blues” Muddy Waters London Sessions with Rory Gallagher

      “Got A Mind to Give Up Living” Paul Butterfield with Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bushop

      “Be Careful With A Fool”off Johnny Winter And Live with Rick Derringer, perhaps the best blues track ever, from the best 2 guitar team ever. (Listen to Johnny try to play rhythm on this album)

      “Life Is Hard” (and then you die) by Johnny Wintet

      “The Thrill Is Gone” live with B.B. King & Gary Moore. Increduble dueling leads. Try to figure who is who. When B.B. turned his volume up he could hold his own with almost anybody.

      Stevie Ray & Albert King In Session.

      “Super Blue” and “The Breeze” (among a whole bunch more) by J.J. Cale

      It Ain’t Easy album from Long John Bsldry produced by Rod Stewart and Elton John

      “I Love You (More Than You’ll Ever Know)” Blood Sweat & Tears

      “Sportin’ Life” and “Wee Wee Hours” by (Steady Rollin’) Bob Margolin

      • Lynn Arthur Nichols

        I would offer the brilliant but short lived contributions of Michael Bloomfield…

    • Keith

      How’s about Peter Green ie Blues Jam at Chess
      J.J.Cale seems to be missing as are Robben Ford, Buddy Whittington and Matt Schofield.

    • Ronnydee

      Jesus just left Chicago Zz top

    • Stephen edwards

      They are all great. I like Country Boy, Muddy Waters

    • Ronnydee

      Jesus just left for chicago

      • Ronnydee

        Zz top

      • Ken moree

        Jesus just left Chicago yep good song

    • Nick

      I Got a Mind to Give up Living – Paul Butterfield Blues Band
      Mr. Blues Man – Dickey Betts
      Its Not My Cross to Bear – Allman Brothers

    • steve adey

      R L Burnside – See My Jumper Hangin’ on the Line
      I guess I fall in the minority of responders who enjoy the pre-rock stuff – although R L (1926 – 2005) is a sort of cross-over
      also, don’t leave out Rev. Gary Davis, Candy Man, maybe

    • Kevin O'Sullivan

      Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin and any blues number sung by Robert Plant who has the sweetest blues voice of all. He’s so immersed in his singing it’s a joy to hear.

    • Jim

      Anything by Lightin’ Hopkins

      • gary carlson

        Couldn’t have said it better, Jim
        Especially Lightnin’ Hopkins “Have you ever loved a woman?”

    • PatB

      True blues:
      Elmore James
      The Sky is Cryin
      It Hurts Me Too
      Down to the Crossroads
      The slide work is obvious but Elmore’s voice just is the blues.
      Pat B

      • Joe

        SRV Sky is Crying live version is classic.

    • Cliff

      Ry Cooder- “Feelin bad blues”

    • Dee

      Anything by The Griff Hamlin Band (available on iTunes πŸ˜‰)

    • David

      Lonnie Mack – Why?

    • Ross

      I 2nd most of these suggestions, but I would add Beth Hart & Jeff Becks live cover of Buddy Guys’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” at the Lincoln Center tribute to Buddy……..Amazing performance! Google it….

    • Blue Jack

      Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man

      Johnny Winter: Be careful of a Fool

    • John Grogan

      Every song you mention is great. An excellent exercise is to listen then to ALL the versions of the same song, since many blues numbers have been covered numerous times. Crossroads, for example, as well as Mannish Boy, Little Red Rooster, Hound Dog even. Listen to John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Big Mama and ALL the others mentioned above!

    • Colin

      All excellent Griff but as the first ‘blues licks’ I could play were on ‘Tore Down’ and ‘When love comes to town’ they are extra special for me.

    • Joe G

      Madison Blues–George Thorogood
      Stormy Monday–T-Bone Walker
      I’d Rather Go Blind–Tedeschi, Trucks, Haynes
      Key To The Highway–Clapton & BB King
      Waiting For The Bus/Jesus Left Chicago–ZZ Top
      Love In Vain–Rolling Stones
      Little Red Rooster–Rolling Stones
      Don’t forget to include Elmore James, John Mayall, Freddie and Albert King, and Etta James

    • Larry Colcun

      Whippin’ Post..Allman Brothers

    • Bob

      James Cotton

    • Jan

      Cuby and the Blizzards. Through the Windows of my eyes and other songs The album of Eric Clapton and John Mayall

    • Frank ODell

      These two still give me chills: B.B. King’s Blues is King and Freddie King’s album Texas Cannonball.

    • Mike Wood

      Howlin’ Wolf Going down slow

    • Steve Cross

      If anyone said Son House, I didn’t see it.

      • john strobel

        Damn Son finally mentioned which reminded me of Govt Mule they rock the blues. Walk on guilded splinters by dr john and if course covered by humble pie on their epic live at the Fillmore LP

    • Steviek

      “Just Like A Woman”-Johnny Winter — “Hey Mama”- Climax Blues Band

      • chris

        ‘Bluest Blues’ by Alvin Lee.
        Incredible range of playing in just one song!!

      • Glenn Lego

        “America, America, God Shed His Grace on Thee” Ray Charles. If you ever have heard the sign off of Mark Levin Show on Patriot Channel XM 125 radio, he plays this. Every episode. πŸ˜„

    • Bill Hertel

      “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by Luther Allison. This is from a MUST album of various Rolling Stones songs sung by blues singers.Album is titled -“PAINT IT BLUE”

    • David P

      Honest I Do by Jimmy Reed is a nice gentle way into playing the blues. Bright Lights, Big City, too?

    • Terrie

      Boz Scaggs – Loan Me a Dime
      might sound odd but “drink you away” duet sung by Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. (Don’t boo me. It is a good blues song.)
      Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
      Walter Trout – Pray for the Rain
      Allman Brothers – It’s Not my Cross to Bear
      Sonny Boy Williams – Bring It On Home
      BB King – (almost anything he does) Please Love Me
      Buddy Guy – Feels Like Rain
      Albert King – Call It Stormy Monday
      Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe
      Jimi Hendrix – Hear My Train a Comin’
      Bobby “Blue” Bland – Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City
      Derek & The Dominos – Have You Ever Loved a Woman
      I could go on but these are some that weren’t mentioned before.

    • FranΓ§ois Muratet

      Some of my favorites:

      Baby please don’t go (Big Joe Williams)
      I Ain’t Superstitious (Willie Dixon, by Howling wolf)
      Alabama Blues (JB Lenoir)
      Roadhouse Blues (Doors)
      Way Down in the hole (Tom Waits)
      Dimples (JL Hooker, Best of friends version)
      Sitting on the top of the world (Walter Vinson, by Howling Wolf)
      Am I wrong (Keb Mo)
      Crawlin’ kingsnake (JL Hooker, by Buddy Guy)
      Dust my broom (Robert Johnson, by Elmore James)
      Satan your Kingdom must come down (traditional, by Robert Plant or The blind Revelators, or Meschiya Lake and the Little big horns)
      Riot in the cell block number 9 (Dr Feelgood)
      Poke salad Annie (Tony Joe White, by Captain Luke)
      The Little Red Rooster (Willie Dixon, by Howling wolf)

      • Babette LeBlanc

        Polk Salad Annie is one of my all time favorites!
        Amos Moses by Jerry Reed

    • Cat

      For us saxophone players (yes we are here also)
      David Sandborn
      Grover Vashington Jr
      Mindi Abai
      Boney James

    • Jeff

      Dave said Roy Buchanan. I 2nd that, but let’s get specific. “Can I Change My Mind” off the Livestock album.

    • Joe Griffin

      Blue Jeans Blues. ZZ Top

    • Dq

      John Lee Hooker- I’m a Man
      SRV- The Sky is Crying
      Etta Jamess- At Last
      Led Zepplin- Since I’ve Been Loving You
      Ray Charles- You Don’t Know Me

    • Mike

      For a beginner Albert King’s, I’ll Play the Blues for You, and BB King, The Thrill is Gone, are essential.

    • Mike

      Allmans EatA peach. John Mayall

    • David H.

      Warren Haynes – Gov’t Mule cover of Albert King’s Feel Like Breakin’ Up Someone’s Home, Blues is alright Gov’t Mule with Little Milton, etc.
      Warren Haynes is amazing!

    • Tom Wadsworth

      Going outside the guitar box (pun intended):

      Thelonious Monk: Blue Monk

    • Linden

      ZZ Top, A Fool For Your Stockings.

    • Dave Jones

      Anything by Bugs Henderson and SRV.

    • MikeS

      Freddie King
      BB king
      albert king
      Albert collins
      Buddy Guy
      SRV
      Johnny winter
      George thorogood
      Muddy waters
      Howling wolf
      Eric Gales
      Griss (or was it Chris) Hamlin
      Also find local players that you can get out to meet & see regularly.

    • Ed McIntyre

      Alvin Lee (of Ten Years After) The Bluest Blues, great song and a darn good album

    • Linden

      ZZ Top – A Fool For Your Stockings!!

    • Jim Kuzo

      ACOUSTIC BLUES:

      John Primer: When I Get Lonely; Blues on Solid Ground

      Carter Brothers version of: Deep Ellum Blues

      Great instrumentals on all of the above…

      Johnny Cash: Walking The Blues

      These are my personal favorites

    • David Iwinski

      Many awesome songs listed… add three more classics…

      Got My Mojo Workin’ by Muddy Waters
      Messing With The Kid by Freddie King or maybe the Buddy Guy / Kid Rock version
      I’m A King Bee by Muddy Waters, then try to Kenny Wayne Shepard version

    • Rocky Eades

      Since no one seems to have mentioned them yet:
      Hans Theessink – Walking the Dog and Big Bill’s Guitar (really any blues by Theessink
      Roy Bookbinder – all of it
      Roy Rogers and Ry Cooder – for slide stuff

    • Larry Lancaster

      Where’s Chuck Berry on this list?
      He was a inspiration to a lot of these greats players including the beatles. Maybe I’m showing my age here.

      • Babette LeBlanc

        Johnny B Goode was the first song/lead I ever tried to play…poorly I might add, haha.

    • Alastair

      I usually look at kurt cobains top 50 albums when someone asks such a question

    • Simmo

      George Thorogood. One bourbon one scotch one beer.

    • DK Orbit

      A newer artist I am enjoying is Samantha Fish, “I Put a Spell On You”.

    • Ben Daviss

      Also forgot to mention Etta James, “The Blues is My Business”

    • Ben Daviss

      Anything by Francine Reed — “I’m a Handful”.

    • Dave

      The obvious starting point is to listen to the pioneers – Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Charlie Patton, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie etc.
      However, the recording technology of the 20s and 30s can be a barrier to a young person who has never heard it before. So maybe better to go slightly later – post-WWII, when microphone technology had come along in leaps and bounds and both late direct to disc recording and the introduction of tape enabled a much more modern fidelity. So, John Lee Hooker, Little Walter, Howling Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Elmore James, Muddy Waters. Modern amp and guitar technology really kicked off in the early-mid 50s too.
      Then the 60s: Koko Taylor, John Mayall, The “3 Kings”, Charlie Musselwhite, Etta James, Clapton, Joplin, Albert Collins, Butterfield, Canned Heat, Buddy Guy, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac; the closer you get to the present, the more overwhelming the choices.
      In the past 40 or so years, take your pick: SRV, Robert Cray, Rory Block, Keb Mo, Roy Buchanan, Bob Brozman, Eric Bibb, Fiona Boyes, Chris Whitley, Jeff Lang…
      I highly recommend a fantastic box set which came out around 1992: Chess Blues, which offers a superb overview of one label’s output between 1947 and 1967. If I had to pick only one compilation which represents the post-war canon, this flawless set will immerse you in the blues over 4 CDs.
      Cheers, Dave

    • Rod McTaggart

      Butterfield Better Days ‘Broke My Baby’s Heart’, Muddy ‘Sail on’, Howling Wolf ‘Killin’Floor’,Jimmy Reed ‘High Temperature’,Clapton ‘Old Love’,Down child ‘Flip flop and fly’, King Biquit Boy ‘300 lbs of Heavenly Joy.

    • Mike cole

      Stevie ray Vaughn sweet little thing

    • Steven Brown

      Ronnie Earl “Westside Blues”

    • Lee Giusti

      All the suggestions I have seen are great. I would tell someone to start with the book “Inside Blues Guitar” Steve James. Great book. Can’t lose. Listen to all of the greats. I would also get the David Mead “100 Tips for Blues Guitar” Great book for someone starting out to discover the blues.

    • Dean Boyer

      theres one I feel should be there that hasn’t been mentioned Joe Satriani

      • S McDowall

        Joe Satriani is a great guitarist — but I wouldn’t classify him as blues. So for an introduction to blues guitar masters (which the list appears to be) I don’t think he’d be on it. Now, for an intro on guitar shredders he’d be near the top! πŸ™‚

    • Terry

      Jimmy Thackey -Licking Gravy
      SRV-Things I use to do
      Gary Moore- Pretty Women
      Luther Allison – Bad Love
      Robert Cray- I’d rather be a Wino
      Freddie King -Hideaway
      Pee Wee Cragton- Blues acer hours
      Johnny Copeland – Flying High
      Jimmy Hendrix – Power of Love
      BUDDY GUY – (DAM ANY SONG) !!

    • John Royce

      You can’t start with anything other than Robert Johnson. The Centenial Collection is great. If you listen to Eric Clapton’s Album Me & Mr Johnson straight afterwards, you can see how far you can take arrangemgements and it’s still the blues…..

      Follow that with the following must have albums to see what type of blues music really gets into your guitar-playing soul:

      100 Blues Classics
      Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign
      Gary Moore – The Best Of The Blues
      Jimi Hendrix – Blues (for something about different)
      Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood (not my thing – too “heavy jazz”!)
      Any Peter Green stuff.
      Oops….can’t help giving my personal twist on this question….

      • Jeff

        Great comment!

    • Dan Blackburn

      Drowning on dry land / Tad Benoitt

      • Dan Blackburn

        Bridge of sighs Robbin Trower

    • JDG

      Please do not leave out of this list the guy that introduced me to the blues Lightnin Hopkins – about 1965

      • John Royce

        Double oops – how could I have forgotten to mention Lightnin’ Hopkins!!! Another must listen

        • S McDowall

          Agreed!!

    • BRENT

      All the standards seem to be covered, as well as some of the more “flavorful” pickings. I’ll add:

      Rack ‘Em Up -Johnny Lang
      Good Morning Little Schoolgirl -Johnny Lang
      In the Morning- Joe Louis Walker
      The one in the Middle- Robert Cray
      The Blues Come Walkin’ In- Tab Benoit.

    • Frank Maynes

      Worry Worry BB King Live at the Regal. Indeginious Live at Pacaderm Red House Muddy Waters. Live in Washington 2 Sets with Johnny Winter . Listen to all of it . Muddy has Pine Top Willie BIG EYES Smith Junior Wells Jerry Portnous on the lil ol Harp and last but not least Bob Marcolin Rory Gallagher Irish Tour all of it.

    • Gerry A.

      oh and “So Many Roads” by Otis Rush

    • tim

      All of Robert Johnson (the Lomax bros recordings)

      All of Willie Dixon’s “I Am the Blues”

      Sleepy John Estes, “Drop Down Mama”

    • MinorPentatonicAddict

      The Paul Butterfield Blues Band — “Blues With A Feeling”

    • Ken

      Big Head Todd & The Monsters – Midnight Radio

    • John mann

      Gary Moore, still got the blues album is probably where it all started for me & it was my real inspiration to learn guitar in the first place! The Sky is crying & Walking by my self are two great tracks 😎

    • John Whittle

      Oh yea, I almost forgot. If you need some slower blues listen to “12:15 Slow Goonbash Blues” also on the Kooper Session album featuring Shuggie Otis.

    • Gerry A.

      I’m in the Mood – John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt

      • Glenn Lego

        Something To Talk About. Bonnie Raitt

    • David

      A little left field but;
      – “One Foot in The Blues” ZZ Top
      – “Blue & Lonesome” Rolling Stones

    • Robert

      Johnny Winter – Nothin’ But the Blues (album)
      Johnny Winter – Progressive Blues Experiment album)

    • Bill H

      When I really want to get into a blues mood:
      – I Put a Spell On You, (David Gilmour/Mica Paris or Screamin Jay Hawkins)
      – You Can Keep Your Hat On, (Randy Newman or Joe Cocker)
      – Sweet Home Chicago, (Freddie King)

    • Ken

      Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
      Joe Bonnamassa – Happier Times (Live)
      John Mayer – Out of My Mind (Live)
      Dire Straits – Once Upon a Time in the West
      Indiginous – Evolution Revolution
      John Hiatt – Feels like Rain
      J.J. Cale – Hard to Thrill
      (Tell him to look for songs over 7 minutes……:O)

      • S McDowall

        Love the “left field” list! Great choices!

    • John Whittle

      “Blues w/ a Feeling” and “Last Night”, both by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band featuring Mike Bloomfield. “Shuggie’s Shuffle” on the Al Kooper, Kooper Sessions album featuring Shuggie Otis.

    • SlowHandFan

      Talk To Your Daughter – Robben Ford

    • Mark Wales uk

      Slim harpo Peter green Jimmy reed junior wellshowlin wolf muddy waters little Walter
      Griff hamlin 😎🎢

    • bob

      Robin Trower-Bridge of Sighs (album)
      Jimi Hendrix-Villanova Junction

    • Andrew Roberts

      Memphis Minnie – Me and My Chauffeur.
      Little Walter – My Babe.
      Johnny Winter – Broke Down Engine (I Think that’s what the song is called?)
      Dr. Feelgood – She Does It Right (Although not strictly blues, it’s a great blues influenced track)

    • Rob Johnson

      It Hurts Me Too from Luther Allison’s Live in Chicago set

    • Richard

      Robert Cray

    • John

      Jimmy Page solo in I Can’t Quit You Baby.

    • David Ginnelly

      Fleetwood Mac, Need Your Love So Bad

    • John Williams

      Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour 74
      (listening & viewing)

      • June O'Reilly

        about time someone finally said Rory’s name !!
        half those people mentioned all talk about how Rory influenced them
        got one Rory song under my belt
        and a lifetime to still keep on trying

    • Emile Gauvreau

      OK, how about:
      If you like some horns with your blues
      Driftin and Driftin Paul Butterfield The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw
      Killin Floor The Electric Flag

      Angelina Keb Mo
      Leavin’ Trunk Taj Mahal

    • Ray

      Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You
      Led Zeppelin – Tea For One
      Howlin’ Wolf – Little Red Roster

    • Ken

      Some ideas (which betray my age..)

      Jimi Hendrix – Red House, Voodoo Chile
      Gary Clark Jr. – Catfish Blues (or Hendrix or Muddy Waters)
      Jeff Beck – Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers
      Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You
      Freddie King – Going Down, Hideaway

    • Andrew

      Driftin’ Blues (Eric Clapton). Ramblin’ on My Mind (Eric Clapton), Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker).

    • Shodai

      I prefer T-Bone Walkers original Stormy Monday, but if we’re going to throw the Allman Brothers in then you have to include Whipping Post.

    • terry Hope

      Fleetwood Mac – Stop Messin’ Around – or anything from Peter Green!
      Come On In My Kitchen – Backsliders or Clapton
      Killing Floor – Howlin’ Wolf – great recording from the London Sessions

    • Phil G

      Robben Ford. Real Man, You cut me to the bone. For something different!

    • Andy Kirkland

      The Stumble Freddie King…. love a lesson on that, especially the GaryMoore version

    • Dave Hofacker

      The whole cd—- Blues For Greeny by Gary Moore

      • John mann

        Good call!😎 my 2 favorite players, you can’t go wrong with that album!

    • Will

      Red House- Jimi Hendrix
      Staesboro Blues- Allman Bros
      Hootchie Coochie Man- Muddy Waters
      Backdoor Man- Howlin Wolf

    • John Guerasio

      T-Bone Walker – Mean Old World
      Buddy Guy – A Man And The Blues
      Albert King – Personal Manager
      Lonnie Brooks – You Know What My Body Needs
      Son Seals – Call My Job
      Lonnie Johnson – Too Late To Cry

      • Pete

        Gary Clark jr. :
        If trouble was money.
        And
        When my train pulls in.( Live at Glastonbury 2016.)
        Also
        Boz Scaggs:
        Loan me a dime. (Live)

    • Jalapeno

      I went to wikipedia when I wanted to know some of the blues standards. It was helpful to me.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_blues_standards

      • Rod

        Brilliant Jalapeno! Thanks

      • Babette LeBlanc

        Nice! Thank you.

    • Al Heyes

      Love this alternative version of “Crossroads at an empty Fillmore….
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-twOjwBORwg

      • Rob Johnson

        One of my favourites too πŸ™‚

        • Ken

          A full offering at its highest of phrasing, timing, and melting major and minor is found in – I Need Your Live So bad – done by Gary Moore. Choose the live version 9:03 in length. Something there for every level of player. No need for theroy, just watch and immulate.

          • Larry

            Hey I agree. Love it. Actually anything Gary Moore.

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