When I first moved to California I figured I’d better learn how to surf… so I grabbed a board and headed out into the ocean.
And, as you can probably guess, that wasn’t my finest hour. So after drinking a half a gallon or so of salt water I headed pitifully back to the beach, and promptly gave that up.
But a few months later I met a guy who surfed almost every day and he offered to teach me… what I didn’t expect was his instruction for my first day – “sit here on the beach and watch all these guys who know what they are doing.”
Obviously I was a little surprised, but after an hour of watching them and seeing the rhythm of how they paddled into a wave and stood up at the right time to catch the descent, I started to see why my teacher told me to watch first.
Which brings us to you… and you wanting to learn the play the blues (because, why else would you be here?)
Well how much time do you spend listening to blues, or watching great blues players do what they do so well?
Quality listening time (or, you may have heard me call it “active” listening) is a key ingredient in the recipe of blues guitar.
So then, who do you listen to? And what do you listen for? That’s obviously a long and distinguished list, but if you’re kind of new to the blues (or maybe just want a little something different) here are some blues players you should know of:
1. Albert King – Often called “The Velvet Bulldozer,” his tone and licks have been the stuff of blues legend ever since the 1960’s. Stevie Ray Vaughan named Albert King as his primary influence and you can hear it all over his playing on tracks like “Texas Flood.”
2. BB King – Probably one of my biggest influences, BB King has undoubtedly kept blues music alive better than anyone. He toured relentlessly right up until his untimely passing in 2015. His signature vibrato and tone are unmistakable.
3. Freddie King – Another one of my personal favorites, Freddie King (aka, “The Texas Cannonball”) brought a little groove and funky soul to his blues… though he could still bring it home with the best of them. Freddie is also mentioned in the song “American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad and his signature vocal sound is easy to pinpoint.
4. Stevie Ray Vaughan – In the 1980’s Stevie Ray Vaughan pretty much single handedly brought the blues back from the brink of extinction. And in the era of big hair and synthesizer music, that was no small feat! You can hear him playing the outro guitar solo in David Bowie’s hit, “Let’s Dance,” but he’s best known for songs like “Pride & Joy,” “Crossfire,” and “Cold Shot.”
5. Matt Schofield – Matt’s a young guy from the UK, but I thought it would be good to show you some of the new blood in the blues. I’ve met Matt once here locally and he’s very friendly and a fantastic player if you ever get the chance to catch his show. His playing is really tasty with just a hint of some jazz influences once in a while.
6. Muddy Waters – Muddy has so many classic blues hits that it’s almost impossible to pick one, but for me it’s his version of “Hoochie Koochie Man” that embodies the Muddy Waters sound.
7. Buddy Guy – Buddy Guy is one of the few living legends of the blues. Coming up around the same time as BB King and Albert King, Buddy has outlasted all of them and still plays regularly and looks great. You can always recognize his stinging tone and fiery licks.
8. Robert Johnson – Even though he only recorded a handful of songs, Robert Johnson is probably the single point of influence on every blues guitarist you hear today. His life reads more like a television movie than real life and exactly where he came from and how he learned to play the way he did is still a bit of a mystery.
9. Eric Clapton – While he gained his fame and notoriety playing in bands like Cream and The Yardbirds, Clapton has always been a blues fan and continues to carry the torch for blues music as far and wide as possible. In the process of trying to emulate the American bluesmen before him (The 3 Kings, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, and others,) he has created his own sound that is easy to hear from miles away.
10. Otis Rush – Otis Rush is lesser known as a guitar player, though not for any reason except that he writes such great songs that have been covered by so many great artists throughout the last few decades.
Clearly this is FAR from an exhaustive list. There are dozens of other great guitar players out there but if you’re new to the blues make sure you know these 10 and you’ll be in great shape!
And if your favorite isn’t listed here, put it in the comments below for everyone to see.
219 replies to "The Blues – Start Here…"
Wait a minute – where is Little Charlie Baty, from Little Charlie and the Night Cats?
Awesome stuff Griff. TX
BB’s short solo at about 1:50 seemed like it was right from your house pattern course!!!!
Now that even in retirement and living in a Retirement Village, I have joined our Village Band as Lead Guitarist, well in all my wildest dreams I never thought at my stage I would join even a band but as Lead Guitarist have to work a lot harder to work out some Fills and how to play chords further up the neck to put some sugar over the chords in the songs etc.
I have seen this before and always a great refresher especially watching my favourites Matt Schofield and Eric Clapton..In fact everytime I want to learn a new song I watch the original version on Youtube many times just to learn the sound of the guitar within the band..
All good and thanks Griff for sharing.
Have a Happy Easter and take care.
Michael -Sydney-March 28, 2024
WOW! This has been my favorite column to read so far. Griff, you are a genius, I thoroughly enjoyed the list,
listened to all of em. Did anyone else happen to notice the Bass players performance in that Stevie Ray video?
I’ve heard this song a hundred times but this version really brought out the bass part on this recording.
Nothing short of amazing! Who is that guy? lol! I think bass players should get more recognition sometimes.
I’ve played guitar my whole life and about 5 years ago, picked up a bass and started learning. Of course if you’re
a guitarist, it’s not too hard to play bass and I have found it quite enjoyable. And to hear that guy with Stevie, I
realize I have alot more to learn when it comes to bass! Matman
OK I learn something everyday, never heard about Otis Rush, but how about Kingfish or Robin Ford in the 10 spot.
Taj Mahal.
We believe. Our mailbox is painted blue.
Speaking of Buddy Guy, I have a song by him called The First Day I Met The Blues.
I think he did a few versions. The one I’m thinking of I call “comic blues guitar”. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve heard it.
Add Johnny Winter.
Seeing Albert king sweating under the lights, brings back hot memories. No stage fans too cool off, they caused buzzing. Wish I could hear Muddy Waters solo.
Loved BB King. 1970, Fillmore East. I got my pilots license in August that year. VERY NICE GRIFF. THANKS.
Great list. Another to add: Michael Bloomfield. His opening solo & solo in the middle of Mary Ann were outstanding!
Great short-list, Griff. Your inclusion of Matt Schofield is well-deserved. Matt is a virtual carbon-copy, both in playing guitar style and singing voice, of Scott Ellison, who grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has over a dozen album releases, and is still out there playing and writing songs.
that was great to hear the different styles of playing, and every one of them added their flavor of the blues..you and your band also add a special flavor for the new wave off the blues for the younger generation,,thank you very much for your teaching,,
Has anyone mentioned Bonnie Raitt?
Omg. I almost peed my pants on Albert King’s Blues Power. I was expecting Derek and the Dominoes version! I have Albert Kings Sessions which is live with SRV and love that baby. One thing I do is I keep a playlist of “songs I want to learn and I listen to it al
OST daily while walking before I attempt to figure out any song.
This is a great list for sure! There is one guy I have never heard you mention and I am still baffled as to why he is not more well known – Philip Sayce! Absolutely has to be in the top 5 blues/rock guitarist currently living and way up there all time. You owe it to yourself to check em out. The guy is un freaking believable.
Had the opportunity to open for both Otis Rush and Bobby Bland on Thanksgiving morning in Kansas City back in the late 1990’s. Otis Rush put on a dynamite show!
To add to the list…Son Seals always intrigued me, not necessarily as the most accomplished guitar player, but as someone who used relatively simple licks and created a signature sound over an excellent backing band (Spontaneous Combustion album is a good example of that).
Two of my favorites in the “new blood in the blues” category are Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Samantha Fish. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Kingfish once and Samantha twice. They are both absolutely amazing guitarists. Such passion and chops. WOW.
Wonderful list, I would say almost guitar player has been influenced by the blues to one degree or another. But I will offer one great player, completely overlooked by everyone, is the great Earl Hooker, John Lee’s cousin.
Yes, I listen to Earl’s “Two bugs and a roach” often. Great album.
No doubt Earl is the real King
Lightning Hopkins
Great List: I’d like to add Kirk Fletcher, Warren Haynes & Kenny Wayne Shepard.
Just watched the Matt Schofield vid. Had never heard of him, but I think I learned a couple of things by “active watching”. And, while I like the old-time “Kings” and Clapton, etc., after 50 years of them I’ve come to like the newer/younger guys better. Thanks, for sharing him!
Just watched the Albert King video.
I think I get it now, I’ve been holding my guitar upside down.
No woder I struggle, Albert is piloting that Blues Rocket and I think he is getting a gravity assist on the bends.
Gotta add Jorma Kaukonen to my list.
Good list, but why isn’t Rory Block on it? No doubt the best living female blues player and I’d put her up against Clapton for the best living, period.
Savoy Brown has been playing some great blues and blues rock since 1965
Tommy Castro, Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout to name a few more of my influences.
Matt Schofield come on get real. So many that is over guys from over sea.
For slide, Tampa Red and Elmore James are my top two
Chris Cain, Tommy Castro, guy king, Griff Hamlin, t bone walker
Freddie King, one of my Favs. In the Freddie King video, I believe the keyboard player is the late great David Maxwell.
List must include, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, Muddy, John Lee, among many others
I had the opportunity (playing drums for Lawrence Wright) to open for Otis Rush and Bobby Bland on Thanksgiving morning at the champagne breakfast in Kansas City. Super fun gig! Most of what I know about guitar and blues guitar in particular I obtained from watching and copying over all those years. (Now I live in Escondido, CA…sure wish there was a stronger blues scene in the San Diego area).
Roy Buchanan!!!
Yes!! Thank you!
I was so very fortunately to have seen him live three separate times in the 70s. Absolutely scorched the Tele.
So glad someone else out there remembers him.
For those who don’t know him, check out “The Messiah Will Come Again” and “Sweet Dreams”, the old Patsy Cline tune done as an instrumental.
He’d hook his pinky around the volume and tone knobs, and squeeze out that crying sound. What a player.
Lesser known…… Rory Gallagher !
Missing Justin Johnson?
Bill, I too am a fan of this young man’s abilities! Check out If Walls Could Talk, instrumental covers, well recorded and he plays all of the instruments. Didn’t know his name 2 months ago now one of my favorites.
Like Griff said, his list isn’t exhaustive but a few others to listen to are: Robert Cray, Robbin Ford and Ronnie Earl. It’s all good!
Love the list, and all the great suggestions. A thought: if anyone is worried about young folks and synthesized pop and hip hop, listen to Larkin Poe. A couple of young women who play some really nice blues. I had never thought of the lap steel as a blues instrument, but wow, she plays some nice blues licks on that thing. And her sister is a very good vocalist.
Excellent comment!
I’ve seen the best of them including Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Elvin Bishop, Carlos Santana, Leslie West, Alvin Lee, Joe Walsh (James Gang) at Fillmore East. Saw Poppa Chubby about a year ago at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY. He’s up there with the best of them!
Great list Griff! I was fortunate enough to see Muddy Waters perform as an opening act for Vanilla Fudge in Chicago, 1968. I say fortunate, because I was in the Navy stationed at Great Lakes NTC, Illinois, and someone paid for free tickets and two buses to take a bunch of us sailors down to Chicago to see Vanilla Fudge in concert. As a young man, I had never before attended a concert with a major musical act, let alone two of them. I had honestly never heard of Muddy Waters before, but actually enjoyed his playing even more than Vanilla Fudge, who were no doubt more famous among the young crowd of the day. I’m sure this was my first exposure to the kind of electric blues music I love today, and no doubt what gave me the bug for it. Cheers!
That was an incredible time for music. After looking at the bands you mention, I have to suggest checking out the albums by another band of that era – Blue Cheer.
You might have heard the song “Summertime Blues” which has been performed by too many bands to mention including Rush. That song is the prototype of metal and Black Sabbath. However, the rest of their catalog goes from acoustic -to – blues -to- rock and some psychedelic.
Here is a band from that time that is worth checking out.
these 10 artist are some of the best out there.and will live on through out time.
When you have been down for so long and you here the light shines down on you and fills your soul .
the words you hear are not being sung but fill your soul and you know he was not thinking of his lover but his soul
Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac – Need your love so bad
It appears that no one has mentioned Alvin Lee. He might have been a rocker but he could play some blues too. Saw him at Madison Square Garden back about 1971
The band’s first album Stonehenge has some incredible materiel on it.
Don’t look at the year it was released – just give it a listen!
Also, give their live album cuts some time to grow one you.
Magic Sam. You can hear him in MIke Bloomfield and Ronnie Earl.
Thank you for this treasure trove of great blues music all in one place. I will refer to it anytime I just need an infusion of great blues music. John
saw Freddie King when I was in Germany 1974 … one of my favs <3
Rory G and Gary M have been mentioned. Both great live. What about Walter Trout. Been around for decades and can hold his own with all them.
Griff,
Reading through everyone’s additions brought to life how blessed we are to have such a rich and deep list of virtuoso musicians. I would add Roy Buchanan. Roy was never famous, however, his brilliance was something from heaven.
Melvin Taylor’s records are great but if you haven’t seen him live you’re missing an experience you won’t forget. Stop by Rosa’s in Chicago and you’ll definitely think of him when you think of great blues players.
Great list Thanks Griff.
Not sure if anyone mentioned Robben Ford certainly a great contemporary playah!
RORY GALLAGHER and PETER GREEN!!!!!
Two of my long time favourites. Both were very passionate about their music and from the interviews I have seen, both were very humble with no ego. I was lucky enough to see Rory Gallagher live four times. The audience loved him. His acoustic sets were especially good.
Thought I’d pitch in again with a couple of great Canadian guitar slingers. Colin James is a much underrated blues master. Very tasty and emotional player and great singer too. The other Canuck is David Gogo. This guy is dynamite.
AND Frank Marino, nobody and touch his live versions of Red House and Voodoo Chile
Lots of folks weighing in here but I didnt see anyone mention Tab Benoit! If you havent heard him youre missing out on some real fine blues from the deep south. He has a sound all his own just like SRV , BB king and Albert King.
Mike Henderson & The Bluebloods outta Nashville (were blues music lives). Like Mark Knopfler says, “I was in my kind of heaven. Here were some men I wanted to play music with.” Me too!
Jonny Lang. Always leaves me wanting more.
Fantastic Griff,
I love watching the comparisons and trying to play along.
Thanks.
Doug
Chuck Berry — great guitar player, not known for blues, he could do it, as shown by Griff just after his death. Chuck came to Chess Records — all blues — in the mid 50s and played straight R&R over a blues band. Cool, distinctive sound. Brian in CT.
Looks like we need a top 100 list! So many that have already been listed in the comments are all fantastic musicians but lets not forget about Magic Sam!
Didn’t read ALL the comments but Gary Moore deserves a shout. Very inspiring
I love your picks Griff, these are the classic players that many of us look up to. However, I think it goes without saying that Joe Bonamassa took everything from these guys listed and put a ton more “Sugar” on their licks. He’s easily my very favorite player of all time. He just keeps getting better on guitar, and his vocals have been amazing over the last several years. He takes a lot of his stuff from the greats and puts the Sugarmassa on it. I’ve been lucky to see many of the greats LIVE over the years. When i saw Joe the first time, i thought to myself, if he sticks with it, he’ll be in the Hall of Fame with zero question. I hear other guitarists saying he’s too mechanical, or he doesn’t put his soul into what he’s doing. When they say that, I know for sure, they’ve never seen him LIVE. He’s so good, he makes incredibly difficult stuff look easy. Of course, that’s my opinion. YMMV
Used to own a small blues club in the 80s in La Crosse , Wi , it’s between Chicago and Minneapolis, had some great Blues act play there , Buddy Guy and Junior Wells , Paul Butterfield , Son Seals , The legendary Blues Band, (Muddy Waters Band), Koko Taylor, Big time Sarah, Roy Buchanan, John Hammond, Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, The Mighty Flyers , Spencer Bohren. Plus a bunch of local regulars all great Blues Players Howard “guitar “ Leudtke , Jimbo Zill , Blind baby Olen and the workbenches, Marc Derr, was aGreat time ,with lots of very talented people.
Stevie, win
Fred, I saw BB and Bobby Blue Bland do a LIVE show together way back in 77 at the Golf Mill Theater, up in Glenview Ill. We were in the front row and it was the best night of my music life. These two interacted with the audience more than any other greats I’ve ever seen.
Griff himself is as good as any Bluesman I ever heard and deserves as much fame and fortune as any Blues guitarist. Otherwise, Lightning Hopkins and Stevie Ray Vaughan are my top picks. Among others living, I think Tom Katona from the Texas Flood Band is absolutely Stevie Ray Vaughan jumped back into the flesh. I think Tom must have given Stevie Ray permission to possess his fingers and voice when he plays. Shut your eyes and Tom Katona live sounds exactly like Stevie, both on guitar and vocals.
Thanks for everything,… I just wanted to mention that the first band that caught my ear was from the 60’s, named the “PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND”. I suggest that anyone that hasn’t heard of them, check the archives. They’re a little rough, but that was in the early days of the “blues”. And way back in terms of studio technology. The individuals in that band all did just fine later in life, when they became more well known as individual blues be musicians.
Everybody, check them out!(from back in the “old days”).
Sincerely,
Jim Fandrich🎼🎸🎶
On the blues-rock side of things, Paul Kossoff of Free played v simply (not unlike Leslie West) but w/ a ton of emotion
Nothing starts a conversation faster than a top ten list, so good work, and thanks for bringing Matt Schofield to my attention – just fantastic. Thank you to everyone in the comments for illustrating just how rich this music is, with all your “and what about…” additions.
Now, what about Big Bill Broonzy? 🙂
Great selection for us! I’m a surfer Griff and I think you used a very good analogy regarding a very important step in learning!
Luther Allison. Get a copy of “Live in Chicago”.
A good place to hear blues is on KPFA Radio Saturdays 11AM to 2 PM. It’s out of Berkeley. It’s on the internet. It’s been on for years.
Thanks XJCBX, just checked it out….it’s later in the east and it’s my kind of blues.
Ha. I was just listening to Luther Allison’s “Live in Chicago” yesterday, and I thought to myself that he is (was) the only guitar player in Buddy Guy’s league. Having seen both multiple times, I’d have to say that Luther Allison is a monster. R. I. P.
John Lee Hooker
I have a couple of your courses Griff, and although I am not a great student you are a great teacher. I am 66 so I tend to work the courses pretty slow. I have to say there are a lot of great players in your list and all the comments by your students. I enjoy your blogs just as much as I enjoy your lessons which says a lot about how good you are at engaging people which is what is all about. Blues forever.
Ronnie Earl – “blues with feeling” is his motto.
Don’t forget Steve Katz from blues project one of the first players I heard back in 60s seen them live ( if I ever leave you ) was my beginning into the blues great stuff
YES! My introduction to the blues as well. I would paw through record bins looking for yet one more album. And it’s been fun following their individual careers over the years.
Great list and great advice. I always look forward to your blogs and lessons and have several of your BGU courses. You listed a must-listen-to list of blues players. I completely agree with your comments on Matt Schofield as one of the new players to listen to. I attended Guitar Workshop Plus a couple of years ago and Matt was one of the guest artists and he spent a day with the blues class. Great player and teacher as well. Duke Robillard was the guest artist/teacher in Toronto this year and, again, a great player who has done some solid blues work. Possible add to your list of new artists: Samantha Fish. She plays a mean guitar and has solid vocals.
Just discovered a smokin’ player: Jack De Keyzer out of Canada. Give him a listen. He’s been at it a long, long time.
Especially Engine Trouble, Pleasure Is My Business, Blues Thing & Bills.
Hey Bob S. Jack De Keyzer (British born but Canada grown) was a weekly religion at Grossman’s Tavern (a 70 year old legendary Blues venue) in Toronto for many, many years and as such, I caught him regularly. Glad you found him. He and Paul James (also a Canadian Blues icon) are two of the hardest working, longest performing acts I know. Long may they play.
A great list. For folks who want to check out some great live blues (the best way to do it, in my opinion) I’d suggest Robben Ford and Walter Trout. Both tour regularly and you can catch them in venues small enough to see what they are doing. As for your list, I saw Buddy Guy perform in a 1600 seat theatre at the end of September and the man is the ultimate showman. He played great, and his interaction with the audience was amazing. Truly a living legend.
Yup, both GIANTS
Hi Griff. Excellent job checking all the boxes for the greatest and most influential Bluesmen. The list is impossibly long, as is clear from all the honorable mentions in the comments, all notewortrhy. I’ll add my 2 cents by offering Son House, the spooky Delta slide master. Thanks again for your thoughtful and wise advice. In th3 70s we learned by ear playing songs over and over until we had it body and soul. It was a much deeper learning experience than downloading questionable tab. Thanks for the reminder. Peace.
Hendrix Red House 1966 is the finest blues I know.
Hey Griff, what about Gary Moore? He not only played great blues but can shred with the best!
sixxfingers@yahoo.com
Not only an inimitable stylist, as far as I know he was the first to introduce no holds barred overdrive and distortion into the blues. A. Stroke. Of. GENIUS!
for smoking licks and always a good listen one of my all time favorites, the late and very great johnny winter
Lets not forget Bonnie Raitt for her slide work and soulful vocals.
Although I’m primarily a bassist (upright and electric) I love blues and blues guitar
I have an old Epiphone and a Guitar Master acoustic made in the Philippines where I now live
No one here has mentioned my favorite blues player, Roy Buchanan
Roy was a monster and i didn’t see him mentioned once !
Listen to him play The Messiah Will Come Again…also covered by Garry Moore
Roy was a legend, I really like his album titled “Not of This World”. The remake of turn to stone is fantastic.
Great list. Thanks, Griff. How about Peter Green? Am also listening to Rory Gallagher who I only recently discovered I’m ashamed to say. Love it when Keef plays the blues as well.
Great mentions all around, but there seems to be one missing thus far: the Grandfather of English Blues, John Mayall.
Jeff Healy !! To me he is an amazing blues guitarist. Not to forget that he was a jazz trumpet player also. He has given life to songs like I’m tore down, Shake rattle and roll and so many more. Many players can play fast but without a good rhythm but not Jeff, he does both. I saw a video of Jeff and Steve. No doubt who is the best.
Griff, Your list is the cream of the crop! These players are the ones we ALL wish we could emulate but they each have their own sound & style. We as students of the masters try & take what they are saying with their instruments and find our own voices, not copy them which is what I have learned from your lessons. Each player mentioned here by all of my brothers & sisters of the blues are fantastic and well worth “sitting on the beach and watching” even to gain the knowledge of just one little nuance of each players style and make it your own. One player I might add is Jack Pearson. He played with Joe Bonamassa here in Nashville at the Ryman and just blew Joe away! You can see short clips on youtube of the show. I have developed arthritis in my left hand pretty bad and have a hard time playing but I still enjoy watching your lessons and they inspire me to pick up my guitar & give it a go…… D.
I was fortunate to actually play with Gate mouth Brown several year’s back.
Gate Mouth produced a favorite of mine “Depression Blues”. He also played a mean “fiddle”. Listening to his recordings is great, but seeing him perform in person was an experience!!
Joe Bonamassa!!
Urge folks to check out Joanne Shaw Taylor (Mud honey,The Dirty Truth, Going Home, Jealousy) an awesome guitar and vocalist from the UK lives in the States as a female to add to the excellent list above!
I’Id not heard of Matt Schofield but he was truly excellent, Think Joe Bonamassa should of been on the above list also.
Saw Joanne supporting Robin Trower (the British Jimi Hendrix)last year in London. Had heard rave reviews but wasn’t that impressed on the night).
I’ve been with the Blues for long time and I’ll alway have blues in my soul like Robert Johnson,Jimmie Reed,Freddy King,Gate Mouth Brown and when BB King came out with his stile playing the blues I really fell in love with the blues keep it up Griff you are doing a great job thanks TC
Elmore James gets my vote.
Thanks Griff, awesome examples and instruction,
If anyone’s interested in the Christian Blues Greats check these Slingers:
Blind Willie Johnson, Reverend Gary Davis (Harlem Street Performer), Rosetta Tharpe, Nathan James (Engedi), Aaron Mills (Aaron flows like a running river that never stops in JC & the Revival), Raymond McDonald (Sleepy Ray and the Mighty Blood- Awesome), Pop Winans (One of Bod Dylans Favorites).
Thanks for all the help Griff,
HumbleFish
http://www.humblefishmall.com
Whoopsy!… That’s Bob Dylan- Sorry!:)
Wonderful stuff Griff! Thanks so much. One of the hidden gems here is Doyal Bramhall III who gives us a superb performance of a solo in the lowest register in C. I’ve always loved that song since I first heard it on “Layla and Other Love Songs” – Derek and the Dominoes. This has to be one of the best performances of it though. Another very underrated player is Luther Allison – he was dynamite. I agree with John Stewart too – Gary Moore has been a huge inspiration to me. But, again, thanks for this collection of real masters.
When talking about the current generation of blues players we also can’t forget about John Mayer. Sorry if it’s not cool to include him, but he is a great blues guitarist…one of the best of the young guns.
MIKE BLOOMFIELD!
Joni Hendrix!!!!!!
I like all of these guys, & I would like to add my friend, to the
list.
Little Milton”
Thanks
For guitar my vote is Lighnin’ Hopkins, for vocals, gotta be Howlin’ Wolf. Nuff said!
Yes Lighten was a unique blues man, complete with breaking meter, etc. He epitomized the raw blues sound! Side men playing with him had to really be on their toes to keep up , compensate, etc.
For me, Joe Bonamassa is it. His style, stage presence, singing ability AND his fantastic guitar playing talent are unparrelled.
He is the person that inspired me to take up playing blues guitar and getting your lesseons.
Sam
The most powerful Rock-Blues Musician ever, by far, was Gary Moore. Even his voice was spectacular. Truly and by far, one of the greatest of our time. Great list to say the least, but Gary Moore was the most Powerful Blues Guitarists of all time. I have a picture of him and Thin Lizzy in my “mancave” in my lowerlevel of my home and thank God everyday that I was able to witness this man in person in 1979 at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo Michigan just killing it and making the guitar look like he invented it. Thanx Griff. You are awesome and definitely up there with them all.
I’d have to add little known Lonnie Johnson, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is also a great blues player, and a few tunes by Doyle Dykes and Tommie Emmanuel. Just way to many to name. But to get the Acoustic sound of Robert Johnson and Lonnie Johnson, you’d have to have like a 1925 Gibson. A guy called Big Daddy Stove Pipe (you can find some of his stuff on youtube)is doing a lot of the old bluesmen tunes with a replica of the old Gibson acoustic.
Gary Moore
How bout the late great Duane Allman !
Amen to Duane. He was just getting started when he was killed on the bike. Still miss him as much today as the day he died. The Allman Brothers albums, the Layla album plus all the studio work he did. There was so much more he would have done. And Gregg was every bit as talented as Duane – songwriter, singer, great and VERY tasty keyboard player, and never stopped playing his first instrument – guitar.
You won’t have heard of this guy… but in five years time (maybe less) YOU WILL !!!
PETEY ‘MAGIC FINGERS’ McCLELLAND – LIQUID GENIUS !!!
Um, anyone ever hear of a guy named Keith Richards? He’s with a little old band from the UK.
Ry Cooder!
Nice and enjoyable repertoire. Thank you so much.
How about Joe Bonamassa, he is also a great blues guitarist and singer. I have never seen anyone as fast as him, oh my menter Griff Hamlin and Eric Clapton are the only ones.
How bout Jimmy Page, Elmore James( the sky is cryin ), Robin Trower, ya know most of the classic rock was nothin but the Blues anyway. But here’s one from way back Long John Baldry
Saw Long John in Calgary about 20 years ago in a little blues club there. Wonderful singer. Made the blues his own.
ALVIN LEE!!!! The Bluest Blues, and Of Course, Roy Buchanan, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and So Many more; many mentioned here already.
Great list of awesome guitarists! One more for the list who sadly passed away just this weekend was Smoking Joe Kubek… another fine Texas Guitar Player! RIP Smoking Joe!
A friend of mine just recently turned me on to an awesome Australian Blues guitarist named Dave Hole. Give it a listen, you won’t be sorry.
Not sure if any one added Robert Cray yet.
Gary Moore. Bringing a metal guitar into the blues arena was a stroke of genius.
I guess just about anybody interested in guitar and the blues in particular could suggest a list that may or may not cross off all regular heroes. Most are missing the point of this suggestion and concentrating in recommending endless alternatives. True the people suggested are all worthy of listen to and, watching if possible. The important message from Griff is to take a look at such people and learn in the process in order to progress. Being Scottish I certainly have followed the careers of several of the major league players. My CD collection, which is sizeable, attest to that. I shall refrain from suggesting further ‘heroes’ to add for consideration. Griff, you are the man and continue to inspire with your near daily observations and suggestions. Do your family members ever see you long enough to share time with you? That said, keep up the great work.
Wow, that’s quite a list. Here’s a couple of players I got turned on to in the 70’s unfortunately after their early demise,
Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton, I love their smooth crying style.
Any pickers who lived in DC in the 70s was well aware of those two. Neither got the success they deserved but nobody who was there will forget them. Special nod also to the Nighthawks and the Seldom Scene as well. Too many others to list here but it was a special place and time.
Griff…nice list….these are the players we all should know….I see a lot of folks listed their favorites…which is good…there are many great players out there.A little known lady in the Atlanta area I know has come to been called the female Stevie Ray…Liz Melendez everyone. If any of you ever get out to see her…she won’t disappoint…but the list you have is perfect to begin. Thanks for all you do for us
Rich
Dagg! That lady is smokin’
Peter Green, Johnny Winter, Mick Abrahams, Kim Simmonds & Jimi – off the top of my head. There are many more.
Nobody beats Peter Green, and Mick Taylor; depends on their mode. But I think you really need a dark skin to get the guts into blues.
Peter Green!!
Years ago I bought two albums in a used record shop. I paid two dollars and they might be the best albums I own. The first is “Little Milton Sings Big Blues” and the other is “Makin’ Music” by Gatemouth Brown with Roy Clark, (yes, I said Roy Clark). They are very different bluesmen but they are both on my top 10 list.
Griff,
I plan to spend several evenings over several glasses of wine listening to the greats you suggested and those we your students/fans have recommended.
Thanks…Old School and Still Rockin’
Check out blues legend Johnny Rawls.
TIME TO GO IN THE GARAGE AND GET MY OLD TURN TABLE AND MY OLD ALBUMS. YOU KNOW, THE ROUND FLAT PLASTIC DICS. LOL! GET MY BB KING, STEVR AY AND MY GOOD OLS FRIEND ERIC CLAPTON. I THINK I HAVE A FEW MUDDY WATERS ALBUMS ALSO. THEY HAVE TO BE OVER 50 YEARS OLD. IF I HAD THE TIME AN PAITENTS I WOULD GET THE SOFTWARE AND BURN THEM TO CD.
So many extraordinary blues guitarists. Don’t overlook Keb Mo.
Hi Griff,
Happy belated birthday and WOW!!! I am 70 and new to the blues, these are great examples of great music! Thanks for all the great lessons and BGU #2, which I am about half way through and enjoying every minute. keep the great stuff coming.
I guess Jimi Hendrix is not technically a blues guitarist?
Albert Collins absolutely should be considered. And if you are going for some diversity in styles, Melvin Taylor is great. He throws more jazz touches in than does Schofield, but he keeps the blues vibe (as opposed to morphing into “fusion”).
I MET HENDIX IN THE 60’S AND WE WHERE AT A PARTY FOR COLGEMS. (THE MONKEYS LABEL). HE WAS HIGH AS A KITE, BUT STILL WAS ABLE TO CARRY A GOOD CONVERSATION WITH. HE TOLD ME HOW ERIC CLAPTON WAS HIS IDOL AND LIKE HIS BLUES APPRAOCH. YES JIMI DID PLAY THE BLUE’S. NOT LIVE ,JUST FOR HIS OWN FUN.
If you haven’t listened to him , you have to add Bart Walker to the list. He”s unbelievably talented. He is playing with the Royal Southern Brotherhood at this time. I’m surprised he hasn’t caught more attention. A young man by the name of Austin Crum is also worthy of a listen.
Griff Hamlin!
Hi Griff,
We need to add the great Hubert Sumlin.
I would add Michael Burkes…who has passed away too early. Just try to find his first album. The Michael Burkes Band … it’s on Amazon if you can afford it.
Nice list Griff, but how about: Ronnie Earl, Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Warren Haynes, Dickey Betts,etc. And yes Bill, DUANE ALLMAN!
Thanks Griff. I’m priveliged to be a student of yours. I’M from Australia
Now what about JJ Cake?
YANEK
WOW!! thanks Griff!!!! Anyone who listens to this e-mail and doesn’t pick up his/her guitar, is already DEAD!!!
Peter Green!
Fiull stop.
Hey, Griff,
I hope all is well with you and your family. Also, a belated happy birthday. I have not responded often in the past to your other daily lessons and blogs. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the music and other information that you send us.
I was moved to write because of your wisdom about observing and watching those surfers that were skilled at surfing to understand what is needed to be a successful surfer.
I began plying acoustic guitars 56 years ago. Mostly I was attracted to the girls that were attracted to guitar players. However, I learned a few cords and songs, and I even played in a number of jug bands in the area.
I learned songs by Dylan, Baez, Missisipi John Hurt, Son House, Tom Paxton,Tom Rush,Pat Sky, Van Ronk, Josh White, Leadbelly,Dick Farina and the list goes on.
I have Started work on BGU 1.0 and I am about half way through (I like 2.0 better). I have also mixed in the other courses that you provided. During this time you have introduced me to a lot of blues players that I was not even aware that they existed such as Bonamasa, Moore, and Scofield. While listening and learning the style of blues they play, it has also lead me to investigate other blues players like Long John Hunter, Buddy Guy, Dave Specter, Teressa Russell, Magic Sam, Hubert Sumlin, Arthur Big Boy Crudup, and Magic Sam. I happened upon a blues channel that my cable company provided and they have a lot of good music on it. I even found a CD by the Griff Hamlin band. I will be eternally grateful for the lessons and wisdom you provide. Thanks again.
Great list Griff. I can add a few. Warren Hayes and Walter Trout. Both great players. Ana Popavic and Joanne Shaw Taylor are incredible and the women blues guitarists don’t get enough credit. For up and comers check out Ryan McGarvey out of New Mexico. The kid can play. Thanks for your great lessons and all the help and support you give Griff!
DUANE ALLMAN !!!!!!!!!
Gary Moore, Chris Duarte, Bonnamassa, Luther Allison, and Derek Truck (esp. slide work)
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned Elvin Bishop, he and Paul Butterfield started the Butterfield Band.
Listen to I’m Drunk Again off the last album he did with Butterfield, the solo at the end of the song is killer blues drenched in Chicago style reverb.
I’m with William McKay – I had the great fortune of seeing Rory Gallagher play several times at ‘Mothers’ in Birmingham UK – ‘& he gave it everything whenever he played – & man could he play ! Shortly after seeing Rory, an unknown band called Led Zeppellin played there too….!!!
Grif,
Great list. I just saw WALTER TROUT play this past weekend at Jazz Bones in Tacoma, Wa and man can that guy play the blues, He’s been playing the blues for 50 + years and rocks. He just started touring again after being off for about 2 years due to a liver transplant.
Keep up the good work. Really enjoy your updates and lessons.
thanks for all you do for us blues players and guitarists.
Hmmm Huddie Lebetter aka Leadbelly might be worth adding to an already great list!
Matt Schofield; very Mark Ford like… Matt’s a great player and darn good singer. His groove is so tight where it counts and loose where it’s needed.
Somebody introduced me to Freddie King not but a few weeks ago as I had never heard of him, considering that there were two Kings already stealing the show and I really like Albert King, but I was really impressed with his personality, his singing and his guitar playing. Reading the comments there are at least a dozen or so more names you could ad to this list, all of them with the qualities and ability to be included on the best blues players around, but still my favorite for the blues is Gary Moore. His renditions of “Red House”, “Still Got The Blues” are absolute show stoppers and this guy really had a blues heart.
Hey! Albert plays his guitar like Jimi. Upside down.
Ummm, you mean Jimi plays his guitar like Albert! Jimi used to sneak out of his gigs to go see Albert play when he was younger.
Except Albert played his guitar truly strung upside down while Jimi played restrung Low E to High E
In the 60’s I heard Cream/Clapton, Paul Butterfield Blues Band and said “Man, what the hell is that?”. I was hooked.
Charlie Musselwhite used to show up in La Val’s basement beer hall with his harps in a paper bag and jam with a guitarist. I didn’t even know who he was but I soon found out.
How about: Henrik Freischlader and Philip Sayce, (Hendrix)?
Nice, nice list some absolute greats ut how’s about JJ Cale?
How about Albert Cummings. Influenced by Stevie and had played on stage with Stevie’s band Double Trouble.
Great list.
Back in the day I was a big Peter Green fan and I still think he was one of the great British blues players. For entirely different reasons, Elmore James. Perhaps this is out of place on a guitar site, but you only have to hear his singing voice once and it stays with you forever.
Must include Bonnie Rait,lots of good slide. Seconf the vote for Mike Bloomfield and Peter Green!
And dont forget Bernie Marsden,Joanne Shaw-Taylor, Davy Knowles, Walter Trout, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Jeff Beck,Aynsley Lister oh the list goes on. Of course
all lists are subjective but its nice to see so much new talent coming through.
Peter Green too.
We would not be enjoying the blues that we hear today with out the a fore mentioned Names. I would like to add a local player in the Cleveland area to this list as contributor and his name is Allan Green.
Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, and Johhny Winter could be on the list
Just to add a few more great guitarists Duane Allman, Smoking Joe Kubek who just passed this week and one of my favorites Ronnie Earl.
Anyone ever heard of Larry McCrae (I think that’s how you spell it) Delta Hurricane etc.?
I have literally heard him play many times in Michigan and Ohio. He holds his own with the Greats. That said, I have no argument with Griff’s list or the suggested adds. It’s evidence that there are many that we enjoy and learn from.
All greats, that’s undeniable. But “the show must go on” and much can also be learned by listening to the Greats in the making too – I want to suggest anyone who is open minded to seek out and listen to Mark Lyall from Sheffield, England’s very own Steel City. Mark can be seen on YouTube as M&J Blues (not to be confused with similarly named groups).
Mark plays with a number of bands but his mentor and friend is his father Jeff Lyall. They also play together like twin brothers. You can witness Astounding solo performances by Mark both live and recorded and yet he shrugs it off as if it were nothing! Treat yourself and see Mark Lyall, a Great in the making!
A great list..
What about the man most blues guitar gurus tend, in my experience, to ignore – John Lee Hooker.
With regard to new blood, you can’t look past Simon McBride from here in Northern Ireland. He’s endorsed by PRS and others, has opened for a number of the greats, and played Glastonbury.
http://www.simonmcbride.net
Hey Griff,
What a great list to keep watching, but you have missed one very important blues Guitarist who not only inspires us all but teaches us all none other than Griff Hamlin… I often check your Facebook page for new events that you Play and sing. So please provide us some of your work here or maybe the next time.
All your students like me that are not in California and live elsewhere around the world would probably like to see some of your Blues Concerts as we want to try to play like you!!!
Thankyou.
Michael -Sydney-Australia
Thanks Griff, good stuff…..might have to postpone my plans for today, and play!
Good stuff Griff, thanks…..I can see I won’t get much done today, now!
Great List Griff,
The top ten is about exactly the way I would call it. For duplication of tone and very raw blues, I’d have to say Robert Johnson has difficulty factors. This is the man darn near everybody has done covers on and don’t even know it. Right time, Right man, Right equipment. To appreciate the for father,s of the blues you really need it to be on vinyl. Mp3’s just won’t do.
Thanks Griff. These are surely 10 of the most influencely bluse players. The list is endless though. I would saw Gray Moore is another great, God Rest his soul. Like I said, the list is endless. Thank you. These men are all great and deserve to be in the blues hall of fame.
What about the late, great Rory Gallagher.
Michael Bloomfield. Heard the Super Session album wafting across the quad during orientation week, freshman year in college in New York State. Asked someone, “Who and what is that?” The answer was Michael Bloomfield playing the blues. I was hooked.
Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper were incredible together.
Mike Bloomfield did a 99 cent album of the month for Guitar Player Magazine album of the month titled ‘If You Love These Blues, Play ‘Em as You Please’.
If you are a fan of the late Mike Bloomfield, this album is Gold.
I would add Mike Bloomfield
Speaking of Super Session you might want to look a Stills also. If you can catch some of his “solo” work. How many people out there could get Clapton and Hendrix to sit in on the same “album”.
Thank you. Mike is way too often overlooked and another who left us too soon. Before Clapton became “God”, Bloomfield was the man.
Watch out for “Kingfish” coming out of Clarksdale, Mississippi!
I saw Christone Kingfish Ingram here in Charlotte NC a couple months ago,….and I’m still amazed at how good that young man is. WOW.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it every time I hear SRV mentioned. Stevie was a great showman and I’m not trying to take away from his legend. However his brother Jimmy Vaughn is twice the picker that Steve was. All around better technician.
I definitely agree that jimmy vaughan is definitly a force to contend for the coveted best of the bluesmen/blueswomen. Yes Melissa Etheridge is a great blues player and singer! we most assuredly must not overlook the women as greats at blues as well. Just saying!
Thanks Griff I have seen most of these videos but it is nice to have them altogether to enjoy and hopefully learn something from just…….maybe osmosis LOL. I also like Sonny Terry and Brownie Magee my first intro to the Blues when I was maybe 16 ……….. a long time ago was Jimmy Reed ” Big Boss Man ” ” Bright Lights Big City ” I almost wore out that old 33 1/3 record LOL. Recently Koko Talyor , Don Baker Brooks, Slam Allen and just before he passed I saw Johnny Winter
A vet for many years here on the bgu circut . Mostly a rock musician and I do appriciate the blues . I once commented about how to gain the same strum style that Stevie Ray uses expecially the tune pride and joy . Try scrubbing the back of a pan in circular motions as he does his thang . Here in good old connecticut we have a blues player coming this month somewhere . Hope that I can make it .
Keep your eye open for a Blues Player in your area name .Chris Vittarelo… Outstanding !
Tommy Emmanuel does it all.
I would add Roy Buchanon to your list. His song “When the Guitar plays the Blues” perked my ears to his style.
Great list and additions. What about T-Bone Walker? He was an extraordinary innovator that influenced not only Clapton and BB King,but also Guys like Chuck Berry.
The pride of Rhode island, Duke Robillard. Still going strong.
Bonnamassa. Clearly a blues man. Damn good guitarist.
Albert Collins-Paul Butterfield-Alvin Lee; I can get carried away but, these guys jump out. Oh yeah, Gary Moore, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Green, Sunny Boy Williams, and good ‘ol Leadbelly. Koko Taylor, Shamika Copeland…….Da Blues Brothers!!!
All great but I nominate Buddy Whittington who is the guitarist with Blues legend John Mayall’s Blues Breakers. Previous holders of the role were Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor
I would add Joe Bonamassa
and I would add Rory Gallagher continually missed
Absolutely the Ultamate. What a way to start the day!!! Thanks Griff. Hopefully the Jays will finish it in the same great style. (After all they are the BLUE Jays)
Hi Griff. Certainly all these top bluesmen deserve to be on the list, but hey, this list could be endless. Can I suggest a couple of my favourites?
Hubert Sumlin, he plays an amazing lick on Howling Wolf’s “Shake for Me”, and a much younger guy who is keeping the blues alive, Joe Bonmassa.
Thanks for keeping us al in touch with not only the new stuff but the roots as well.
Peter F
Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore – two great Irish Blues-Rock guitarists.
Yup ♫♪
Yes I have to agree. Saw Rory twice: Bristol Colston Hall December 1974, & Reading Hexagon November 1987. Gary in Portsmouth City Hall circa 2002. Two brilliant guitarists. I though Hendrix & Townsend were the Dogs Bollocks until a school friend lent me On The Boards album over the summer holidays.
The rest is history, been a loyal Rory Gallagher fan since aged 16.
Have been playing guitar 41 years now,own 33 guitars & a mandolin. Been up to Rory’s birthplace, Ballyshannon, County Donegal,for seven years now, where a Festival is held in his honour at the end of May each year. Died just over twenty years ago, 14th June 1995. Sadly missed!
Completely agree, Rory was amazing. I haven’t seen Roy Buchanan on this list, he was fantastic too.
i could not disagree with this ten but would add walter trout,
and who is most seen as an influence, by more famous bands than ANY other? Jimmy Reed, with his lifetime,
boyhood frient, Eddie Taylor – The Boss Man of the Blues