The Best Blues Guitar Songs for International Blues Music Day
While International Blues Music Day is just around the corner on August 3, a truly American art form like the blues can (and should!) be celebrated anytime of the year. In that spirit, we've rounded up a few of the best blues guitar songs. From blues godfather Robert Johnson to Eric Clapton’s blazing take on the genre, we hope you enjoy this power-packed list. Most of all, we hope it inspires you to pick up your instrument and play!
Cream, "Crossroads"
Originally penned by Robert Johnson in 1936, Cream's interpretation of “Crossroads” helped catapult Eric Clapton into guitar god status, while introducing blues guitar to a whole new generation. The band’s legendary live performance appears on 1968’s Wheels of Fire.
Stevie Ray Vaughan, "Texas Flood"
"Texas Flood" was recorded by Larry Davis in 1958, but was most notably covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan on his 1983 debut, becoming a mainstay in his live set. SRV's version showcases the guitarist's greatest ability as a bluesman; to express raw emotion through his monstrous prowess of the six-string.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, "Up Above My Head"
The "Godmother of Rock and Roll," Sister Rosetta Tharpe's groundbreaking approach to electric guitar influenced countless early rock and rollers. On "Up Above My Head," she melds her gospel background with a wicked distorted electric guitar solo — an effect she helped pioneer.
Jimi Hendrix, "Red House"
Jimi Hendrix is most known for his psychedelically-charged rock, but the guitarist was also fluent in the blues. "Red House" — included on Jimi Hendrix Experience's first LP — is a prime example, demonstrating that no matter how far-out Hendrix’s guitar solos got, they were always rooted in pure blues and soul.
Robert Johnson, "Me and the Devil Blues"
A list of blues guitar songs would not be complete without Robert Johnson, a true godfather of the genre, inspiring countless musicians like Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and more. Virtually any track from his King of the Delta Blues Singers album could be included here, but "Me and the Devil Blues" sums up his mythology best. We'll never know if he really sold his soul to the devil, but we do know that rock as we know it wouldn’t be the same had it not been for Johnson.
Hope to be on this list one day? A good first step is to check out our Blues Guitar course with Keith Wyatt! You can also jump into some free sample lessons.
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