Subreddit strictly for the discussion and appreciation of blues guitar. Seeking to aggregate learning resources, gear knowledge, tips and tricks, and great performances, especially by redittors.
Question
Once again after a period of time, I'm picking up the guitar. I've used JustinGuitar in the past (pretty 1/2 way thought Grade 1), but trying a different method this time. Basically, pick a song from an artist I like and listen to regularly. Learn that song using TAB, Youtube, etc. Get pretty decent, then pick another song. While learning song 2, refine song one. Repeat.
I really like the idea of this method, as I'm learning how to play while also working on songs that I listen to.
So, I'm looking at what Blues songs to learn first. I listen to a lot of SRV, Joe Bonamassa, BB King, Albert King, Clapton/Blues Breakers, and some Freddy King. Base of that and what I have already found as suggestions, I've come up with this list and current order:
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Cold Shot (SRV)
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Born Under a Bad Sign (Albert King)
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All Your Love (Otis Rush)
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The Thrill Is Gone (BB King)
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Sweet Home Chicago (Clapton)
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Steppin Out (Clapton w/The Blues Breakers)
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Hideaway (Freddie King)
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Stormy Monday (Allman Brothers)
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Damn Right, I've Got the Blues (Buddy Guy)
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Red House (Jimi Hendrix)
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Johnny B Good (Chuck Berry)
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Pride and Joy (SRV)
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Texas Flood (SRV)
The Questions:
Would you change the order?
Want to add in Drive and Mountain Climbing by Joe Bonamassa. Where would you suggest I place them in the above journey?
Any suggested online or book resources for learning the songs? So far I'm using a video to learn Cold Shot. I like how it breaks things down into easier parts (which makes it feel obtainable), then builds on it.
tl;dr - Newish beginner. Want to learn by learning songs I listen to. What order should I learn the above songs in
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Q&A
Learn what you want to learn and if it’s too hard pick another one
Look up Paul Davids videos on essential blues songs to learn. He explains the theory ideas behind the arrangements and gives good demos.
Chuck Berry would probably be the easiest out of that to me because it isn't necessarily complex fretting, just fast right hand.
Stevie is always hardest for me despite him being my favorite on your list.
solid list man. you will have some good licks and pentatonic stuff in your hip pocket
I'd recommend also taking a year of lessons. It really helps to have someone alongside you, especially when you are refining the songs after you have memorized it
That’s a pretty daunting list for a beginner. I would take your time and learn more beginner blues standards before getting into too much.
Jumping around between different styles can be complex without having more foundational knowledge. You can find yourself overwhelmed and not be able to grasp much of the material and this can actually set you back in your learning and cause a lot of frustration. “Steppin’ Out” for example is a monster song that uses a multitude of techniques and phrasing that as a beginner you have little chance of understanding fundamentally without knowledge and studying how Eric plays (and his inspirations). It’s like if you wanted to change your car engine parts, but didn’t know how to do something basic like an oil change, for example. Take in songs by artists one at a time and try and have a solid understanding before moving on to something more difficult would be my suggestion.
Best of luck and rock on 🤘