The Blues Guitar Show

In this episode we are having a play around with an AI powered guitar amp. I know right......madness. I'm playing through the Mooer F40i Li intelligent amp and seeing what this thing can really do. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I talk with Tim Love host of the Always Getting Better Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYN1bRE329VreXZW0vTmy) Tim is also a guitarist and teacher who has worked with some incredible musicians and companies:BBC, P&O Cruise, The Voice, X-factor, Chesney Hawkes, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Pepper), Lee Thompson (Madness), Alabama 3, Mark Read (A1) I also work regularly for some of the countries finest agencies and tribute bands inc, MIB, Ear Candy, Pearl Jamm, Oasish, Bjorn Again, One Step Behind. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I sit down with Tom who runs the Great British Guitar Shows. This year he's running 4 shows in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Wales & Leicstershire. I'll be on the live stage at the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire shows later in the year. The first show is May 24th in Oxfordshire. For info and tickets head to: https://www.greatbritishguitarshows.co.uk/Explore an unbeatable lineup of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, pedals, amps, and accessories. From world-class brands to cutting-edge boutique builders, this is the ultimate place to see, try, and fall in love with incredible gear. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show, we break down five essential slide guitar tips every beginner needs to know. Whether you’re brand new to slide or struggling to make it sound smooth instead of scratchy, this episode will set you on the right path.You’ll learn how to choose the right slide, get better tone with proper muting, improve your intonation, and start playing slide guitar with confidence and feel. These practical, beginner-friendly tips will help you sound more musical fast—without overcomplicating things.Perfect for blues guitarists who want to capture that classic Delta and electric blues vibe and start expressing themselves through slide.Plug in, slide on, and let’s talk blues.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Explore the electrifying story of British Blues, from post-war record collectors in the 1940s to the British Blues Explosion of the 1960s. Discover how American legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry inspired young British musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, John Mayall, and The Yardbirds, who amplified, reimagined, and exported the blues back to the world. Dive into the guitars, live performances, cultural contrasts, and lasting legacy that transformed blues into rock music.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I give you my top 10 tips for playing acoustic blues. 1. Learn the 12-Bar Blues Form Inside OutThe 12-bar blues is the foundation. Practice it in different keys (E, A, G) until you can play it without thinking. This will make learning songs and improvising far easier.2. Master Shuffle and Swing RhythmsBlues rhythm isn’t straight—it's felt. Work on:Shuffle feel (“da-DA, da-DA”)Light swing These grooves make even simple chords sound authentic.3. Use Alternating Bass PatternsA thumbed bass line (with your picking hand thumb) adds depth:Thumb alternates between root and fifthFingers play melody on top This classic delta & country blues technique makes solo performances sound full.4. Start Using the Minor Pentatonic Scale EarlyIt’s the essential blues scale. Begin in A minor pentatonic and E minor pentatonic—both fit comfortably on acoustic and match common blues keys.5. Add Blue NotesIncorporate:♭3♭5♭7 These give blues its voice. Practice sliding into them for expression.6. Work on String Bends & VibratoBending on acoustic is harder than on electric, but doing it well makes your playing expressive. Start with:Quarter-step bends (very bluesy!)Slow, controlled vibratoSimple half-step bends on the B and G strings7. Learn a Few TurnaroundsTurnarounds signal the end of the 12-bar form and make your playing sound “finished.” Classic turnarounds in E and A are essential vocabulary for blues players.8. Use Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs for Acoustic “Snap”Blues on acoustic thrives on percussive articulation. Practice short licks that combine:Open stringsQuick hammer-onsSnappy pull-offs They create that raw delta feel.9. Study “Call and Response”Think like a singer:Play a short melodic “call”Answer with a rhythmic or melodic “response” This makes improvisation sound intentional instead of random.10. Listen and Imitate Blues LegendsAbsorb phrasing, tone, and feel from players such as:Robert JohnsonMississippi John HurtBig Bill BroonzyLightnin’ HopkinsEric Clapton (unplugged style)Learning even a few of their licks will deepen your style dramatically. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Today I'm catching up with one of the best modern slide guitarists - Johan Borgh from Sweden. In this episode we talk about Johan playing with Gary Clark Jr, his tips for learning slide, his gear and his awesome new record - Island Blues.  Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Dive deep into the raw, hypnotic world of R. L. Burnside, the legendary North Mississippi hill country bluesman. From his early life on Mississippi farms to decades of regional performances, groundbreaking 1990s recordings with Fat Possum Records, collaborations with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and his experimental Come On In album, we explore his guitar style, gear, live performances, and enduring influence on modern blues, rock, and electronic music. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this extended deep-dive, we explore the life, music, and legacy of Muddy Waters—the man who electrified the Delta blues and laid the foundation for rock ’n’ roll. From his early days on Stovall Plantation to his rise in Chicago with Chess Records, we trace his journey through iconic recordings like ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘Mannish Boy,’ his groundbreaking performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, and the transatlantic collaborations of The London Muddy Waters Sessions.We’ll break down Muddy’s guitar style, gear, and slide techniques, hear stories of his legendary band with Little Walter and Otis Spann, and map out how his music influenced artists from the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin and beyond.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Why is the guitar tuned in such a strange way and what can we learn from it? Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In today's episode we're back talking about chord tones! I talk you through some great shaoes and approaches for adding these to your blues licks to create instantly better sounding solos. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

One of the most underrated guitarists of the 50s/60s. Bo Diddly gave us so much more than an iconic beat - in this episode I talk you through his classic song Roadrunner and talk about why hes awesome. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

We're all chasing that illusive tone! In this episode I talk you through my process of creating a solid guitar tone that I can use for playing shows. We also talk through common mistakes and what not to do! Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we explore Digital amp modellers vs traditional amps. This is going to be a contentious one - are you team tube amp or team software Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I talk you through three great triad shapes for playing blues solos in the key of G Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I give you some useful tips for playing slide in Open G and talk you through a couple of classic Muddy Waters riffs. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking about the Oasis reunion vs the Ozzy Farewell show from last weekend. I'll be reacting to some clips and talking about testing gear in Denmark St. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we're doing some Chuck Berry appreciation and learning a simplified version of the classic Maybellene. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I am demoing 4 different picks to see if the size, shaoe and material actually affect the sound. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Today we are discussing the theory behind how songs are built and what role the modes have to play in that and I even demo a little Grateful Dead for ya. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm giving you my top 5 tips for going to a blues jam session, we cover what to learn ahead of time, what to do when you get there and why jam sessions are a great practice tool. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I talk you through my approaches to learning the fretboard and the 3 levels of fretboard knowledge. How well do you know your guitar neck? Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm doing a side-by-side shootout of a single coil pickup vs a humbucker. We get into how they differ, why they sound different and which one is best for you. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Is the minor pentatonic scale over 3 thousand years old..... Probably not but today we are discussing the one scale to rule them all. We get into why the minor pentatonic scale is so heavily used for blues, where it comes from and what you should take from that. Should be a fun one!Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm lining up my slide collection (or some of it) and giving you a straight side-by-side tone comparison.I talk about different slide materials, makes and sizes, featuring handmade slides like the Diamond Bottle Neck hand-blown glass slide and the Delta Lizard - Delta Howler slide as well as Dunlop slides and the Magslide. Let me know which one you like best [email protected] the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I along with cameos from Keith Richards and Stevie Ray himself are taking a deep dive into Hubert Sumlin, his playing, guitars of choice and influence over the blues and rock world. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we talk about the 'how' and 'what' of guitar practice. I lay out how to approach your practicing and what you need to be working on to improve.If you're feeling stuck with your playing at all, this ones for you!  Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show Podcast, we dive deep into the world of guitar tone. Is tone really in the fingers, or does your gear play a bigger role? We break down the essential elements—amps, pedals, pickups, and playing techniques—to help you dial in the perfect blues sound. From the warm breakup of Fender Tweed amps to the legendary sustain of a Tube Screamer, we explore how to shape your tone and find your unique voice on the guitar. Whether you're chasing the raw sound of Lightnin’ Hopkins or the smooth sustain of B.B. King, this episode is packed with tips to get you there.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking you through how to effectively used CAGED to play more interesting 12 bar blues.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we talk through a no nonsense approach to music theory and the need-to-know info for playing effective blues guitar. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we're taking a bit of a break from things to discuss the modern music industry and why its so messed up. I give a few insider details as to how it all works and why it doesn't.  Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show, we dive deep into the life, legacy, and unmistakable style of Lightnin’ Hopkins—one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. From his early days in rural Texas, learning from legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson, to his rise as a prolific recording artist with over 800 songs, Hopkins shaped the sound of Texas blues like no one else.We break down his unique guitar style, his loose, improvisational approach to rhythm, and his signature boogie bass lines that made his playing instantly recognizable. We’ll also explore the tunings and techniques that set him apart, his go-to Gibson acoustics and hollow-body electrics, and how his raw, percussive fingerpicking continues to inspire guitarists today.If you love blues guitar and want to get inside the mind (and fingers) of one of its greatest players, this episode is for you! Tune in, grab your guitar, and get ready to unlock the sound of Lightnin’ Hopkins.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Can you heqr the difference between a strat and a tele? Are you sure? In this episode we do a direct tone test between my stratocaster and my telecaster to compare and contrast the different tones. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I sit down with Reverend Peyton of the Big Damn Band. These guys are one of my all time favourite live bands. We catch up with Rev on tour in the U.S and just after releasing their new record 'Honeysuckle' Their new record, Honeysuckle, was released on February 21 and was mixed by six-time Grammy winner Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White). The record features many special guests, including gospel music group The McCrary Sisters, Blues Music Hall of Famer and Grammy-nominated harmonica player Billy Branch, Grammy award-winning and IBMA's 10-time Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland and Colton Crawford from The Dead South. The band is critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Relix, Popmatters, Guitar World, American Songwriter, No Depression, Glide, Wide Open Country, Paste, American Blues Scene and many more! Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Something I have to do a lot in my work is learning long set lists very quickly - sometimes in just days to have them performance ready. Today I'm sharing my method for how to learn songs quickly and effectively. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking to you about RHYTHM. Hill Country Blues playing is one of the most rhythmical of all the blues styles. Pioneers like R.L Burnside, Junior Kimborough and others developed this incredible picking hand technique you have to learn. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we are virtual guitar shopping ans talking about which guitar shape is the right one for you.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we are talking through that classic Zep riff Heartbreaker! It's a great blues scale based riff you can start grooving on straight away. Head to the drive folder to download this weeks TABS;https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYz?usp=drive_linkSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm reviewing the Vintage VS6 (SG style) guitar. The Vintage VS6 ReIssued Series is a solid body, double cutaway guitar that can turn its hand to anything. Be it rock solid rhythm chords providing the engine room for your sound, drop tunings soaked in fuzz, or soaring lead guitar solos which steal the spotlight, the VS6 will astound you with its versatility and vivid array of diverse tones.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm doing another 'songs simplified' this time on the classic 1 chord vamp song - Smokestack Lightnin'. This is a blues jam staple and a campfire classic so well worth digging your teeth into. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this lesson we take a deep dive into Three O Clock Blues and look at the licks and scales BB is using. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we're looking into Freddie Kings playing, how he strucrtures his solos, the techniques he uses and how you can use them in your playing. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I take you through my 5 essential pedals. These are the ones I use all the time and how I set them up. 1. Compressor PedalWhy it's important: A compressor smooths out the dynamics of your playing by limiting the loudest notes and boosting the quieter ones. It helps create a more consistent sound, adding sustain, punch, and clarity. A great tool for players who want their tone to sound polished and even, especially when fingerpicking or in clean tones.Popular choices: Keeley Compressor, MXR Dyna Comp, Wampler Ego Compressor.2. Overdrive PedalWhy it's important: An overdrive pedal is key for adding warmth and grit to your tone. Whether you’re looking for classic bluesy smoothness or heavier, more saturated rock tones, overdrive is essential for shaping your distortion and helping you achieve expressive, dynamic playing.Popular choices: Ibanez Tube Screamer, Fulltone OCD, Boss OD-3.3. Reverb PedalWhy it's important: Reverb creates space and depth by simulating the natural reflections of sound in an environment. Whether you're after subtle room ambiance or lush, expansive reverb tails, this effect is essential for adding dimension to your sound and making your tone feel more alive.Popular choices: Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail, Strymon BigSky, TC Electronic Hall of Fame.4. Graphic EQ PedalWhy it's important: A graphic EQ pedal gives you control over your tone's frequency response, allowing you to shape your sound by boosting or cutting specific frequency bands. It’s great for fine-tuning your tone, compensating for room acoustics, or dialing in specific sounds for different musical contexts. It also acts as a powerful tool to carve out space in the mix when playing in a band.Popular choices: Boss GE-7, MXR Ten Band EQ, Behringer EQ700.5. Looper PedalWhy it's important: A looper pedal allows you to record short sections of your playing and loop them in real time, creating layers of sound. This is great for practice, songwriting, or performance, and it enables you to build complex, evolving compositions on the fly. It’s a versatile pedal for solo artists and can be used creatively to add texture, rhythm, or melody to your performance.Popular choices: TC Electronic Ditto, Boss RC-3, Electro-Harmonix 720.Honorable Mention: Delay PedalWhy it’s important: Delay is often used in conjunction with reverb to add depth, space, and rhythmic complexity. While it's not in your top 5, it’s still worth considering for creating ambient soundscapes, rhythmic echo patterns, or lead lines with a sense of movement.Popular choices: Boss DD-7, MXR Carbon Copy, Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail.Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I sit down with rockabilly's newest wizard - Carl BradychokCarl Bradychok is a guitar player and a singer born in Detroit, Michigan in Mars of 1991.He recorded his first CD at only 13 years old. This guitar master paid tribute to Rockabilly big names like Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Johnny Burnett. He also had the privilege of working with Jack Scott and Don Rader. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeSupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we are doing the first song 'simplified' where we take a song and learn the core elements that would get you by at a jam session or gig. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Happy new year everyone! In this episode we're talking abotu setting goals for 2025, why practice routines don't really work and how you should approach your guitar playing for the next 6 months. Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we are holding the BGS end of year awards as voted for by you! Categories are: Guitarist of the yearAlbum of the year Guest of the yearBrand of the year Happy New Year everyone and see you next time! Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I take you through a fun jazzy 12-bar using triad shapes and partial chords. Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I talk you through how to actually practice your fingerpicking.We break it down into three areas 1. Finger independence 2. Syncopation & Rhythm#. Basslines and MelodySupport the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking all about the masters of the acoustic blues, we look at some of the history, styles and players that I believe deserve one of the top spots in the style. Agree? Leave me a review and let me know! Support the showTo become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe