Many musicians hunt for the most expensive instrument they can find, thinking price is a shortcut to tone. In reality, the Best Guitars for Blues 2021 choice depends more on your personal style and physical reach than a fancy label.
Focusing on playability saves you from frustration. Let's examine some solid options that actually support your progress.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a comfortable neck profile because blues playing often involves repetitive, intricate fretting patterns.
- Choose an instrument with a scale length that matches your hand size to ensure you can reach complex chords.
- Inspect the nut width, as a wider string spacing often makes fingerstyle blues techniques easier to execute.
- Consider the body shape carefully, since smaller bodies usually offer a sharper, more punchy midrange that sits well in a mix.
- Verify the onboard electronics or hardware quality if you intend to perform in live settings frequently.
| Ultimate Soloing Resource |  |
Gig Master Series Blues Solos | Focuses on authentic phrasing | Improves lead playing skills | Structured for steady progression | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Worship Performance Essential |  |
Top Christian Hits Songbook | Multi-instrument arrangements | Current song selection | Performance-ready sheet music | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Acoustic Starter |  |
Valencia 200 Series Classical Guitar | Easy to manage size | Bright spruce top tone | Unique satin finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Portable Practice Solution |  |
Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X | Fits in small spaces | Full-scale neck feel | Rugged matte finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fingerstyle Blues Foundation |  |
Kenny Sultan Acoustic Blues Instruction | Detailed fingerstyle methods | Includes helpful audio | Covers bottleneck techniques | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Pentatonic Fretboard Mastery |  |
Blues Guitar Licks Guide | Covers five fretboard positions | Simplifies pentatonic soloing | Improves spatial awareness | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Repertoire Reference |  |
Best Blues Guitar Songs Songbook | Curated classic songs | Clear chord diagrams | Essential blues reference | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Output Travel Tool |  |
Traveler Guitar Speedster Electric | Great for travel | Punchy pickup output | Compact, durable body | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Step-By-Step Fingerpicking Guide |  |
Beginning Fingerstyle Blues Method | Structured pedagogical approach | Builds essential coordination | Clear step-by-step instructions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Complete Blues Curriculum |  |
Blues You Can Use Guide | Comprehensive theory coverage | Logical, progressive flow | High-quality instructional content | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Gig Master Series Blues Solos
If you want to move beyond basic rhythm playing, this book acts as a comprehensive guide for your lead work. It is designed for the player who already knows their way around a fretboard but needs help developing a distinctive blues voice.
The collection focuses on the specific phrasings that define the genre. It offers a structured approach to building dynamic solos that won't leave you feeling lost in the mix. Just be prepared to spend some serious hours woodshedding these patterns to get them under your fingers.
- Instrument Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Targeted blues solo patterns
- Additional Feature:Advanced melodic concepts
- Additional Feature:Practical performance techniques
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Top Christian Hits Songbook
This songbook is a reliable companion for church musicians who need a versatile repertoire for Sunday services. It balances modern hits with arrangements that sound good on both piano and guitar.
You get a clean layout that makes sight-reading during live events much less stressful. It is not designed for deep blues improvisation, so keep that in mind if you are looking for complex pentatonic scales.
- Instrument Type:Songbook
- Additional Feature:Piano and guitar chords
- Additional Feature:Vocal melody lines
- Additional Feature:Contemporary worship collection
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Valencia 200 Series Classical Guitar
Small-bodied guitars are often overlooked, but this 3/4 size model is a comfortable choice for beginners or players with smaller hands. The Sitka spruce top provides a bright, clear tone that is surprising for an instrument at this size.
The transparent blue finish gives it a bit of personality that stands out against traditional wooden aesthetics. It is a strictly classical instrument, so don't expect it to handle high-tension steel strings without a struggle.
- Brand Name:Valencia
- Instrument Type:Classical Acoustic
- Scale Size:3/4 Size
- Top Material:Sitka Spruce
- Finish Color:Transparent Blue
- Additional Feature:Comfortable nylon string tension
- Additional Feature:Durable satin body coating
- Additional Feature:Lightweight construction
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Traveler Guitar Pro-Series Mod-X
Traveling with a guitar usually involves awkward cases and stress, but this model fits neatly into an overhead bin. It features a compact frame while maintaining a full-scale neck, which makes the transition from your home guitar quite painless.
The matte black finish looks professional in any setting. Because the design is so specialized, you may find the balance feels slightly different than a standard acoustic guitar when playing while seated.
- Brand Name:Traveler Guitar
- Instrument Type:Acoustic Guitar
- Finish Color:Matte Black
- Additional Feature:Portable frame design
- Additional Feature:Standard scale length
- Additional Feature:Minimalist aesthetic
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Kenny Sultan Acoustic Blues Instruction
Kenny Sultan does a fantastic job of breaking down the intricate fingerpicking patterns that built the blues. This book is a deep dive into the techniques like bottleneck sliding and open tunings that make the genre sound so soulful.
The included audio helps you hear exactly how the rhythms should swing. It requires a bit of patience to master, as the material is quite technical for a total novice.
- Brand Name:Kenny Sultan
- Instrument Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Tablature included
- Additional Feature:Open tuning lessons
- Additional Feature:Rhythm and lead focus
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Blues Guitar Licks Guide
Unlocking the entire fretboard is a common hurdle for blues players, and this guide provides the map you need. By focusing on all five positions, it ensures you stop playing in just one corner of the neck.
The instructions are clear enough to help you build smooth transitions between licks. It is essentially a workout manual for your fingers, so you will need to commit to a consistent practice routine.
- Instrument Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Progressive soloing guide
- Additional Feature:Full fretboard navigation
- Additional Feature:Beginner-friendly explanations
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Best Blues Guitar Songs Songbook
Sometimes you just want the sheet music for the timeless tracks that defined the blues. This songbook serves as a library of essential standards that every guitarist should eventually learn.
The arrangements are solid and help you understand the song structure behind your favorite solos. It does not provide much in the way of theory, so it works best if you already have some playing experience.
- Instrument Type:Songbook
- Additional Feature:Standard notation
- Additional Feature:Guitar tablature
- Additional Feature:Wide song variety
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Traveler Guitar Speedster Electric
If you need an electric guitar that survives the road, this Speedster model is a sturdy, reliable choice. The hot-rod pickups provide plenty of grit and gain, making it a natural fit for electric blues styles.
The blue finish is eye-catching and the design is remarkably efficient. Since it is built for portability, the internal electronics are minimalist, leaving out some of the tone-shaping toggles you might find on a full-sized axe.
- Brand Name:Traveler Guitar
- Instrument Type:Electric Guitar
- Finish Color:Blue
- Included Accessories:Gig Bag
- Additional Feature:High-gain electric electronics
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic travel shape
- Additional Feature:Quick-access controls
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Beginning Fingerstyle Blues Method
Starting with fingerstyle can feel like rubbing your stomach while patting your head, but this method makes it approachable. It breaks down complex patterns into bite-sized lessons that build on each other.
The focus is on developing coordination between your thumb and fingers. It is a perfect fit for a student who wants to play solo blues without needing a backing band.
- Instrument Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Tablature included
- Additional Feature:Chord progression training
- Additional Feature:Fingerpicking technique drills
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Blues You Can Use Guide
This book is widely considered the gold standard for anyone serious about learning the blues. It moves through the fundamentals of theory, rhythm, and lead work with a logical, well-paced flow.
You will find yourself returning to this book for years as you advance through the different levels of study. It is quite dense, so treat it as a long-term project rather than a quick read.
- Instrument Type:Instructional Book
- Additional Feature:Online media included
- Additional Feature:Complete blues curriculum
- Additional Feature:Extensive scale diagrams
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a hollow body or a solid body guitar for blues?
A hollow body guitar provides a woody, acoustic-like resonance that is perfect for jazz-inflected blues. These instruments are prone to feedback at high volumes, though, so keep that in mind if you play with heavy distortion. Solid body guitars are far more versatile and stable at high volumes. If you want to play rock-influenced blues, a solid body is usually the safer bet.
What is the benefit of a nitrocellulose finish?
A nitrocellulose finish is a thin, vintage-style coating that allows the wood to breathe and age naturally. Many players claim it feels less sticky than modern polyurethane finishes. Over time, this finish will develop a unique wear pattern that reflects your playing history. It is a detail that adds character to your instrument as the years pass.
Do I need expensive pedals to get a good blues tone?
You can get a fantastic blues sound by plugging directly into a tube amplifier. An overdrive pedal is a great tool for adding grit, but it is not strictly necessary if your amp is already pushed to the edge of breakup. Focus on your fingers and technique first, as that is where the soul of the blues lives. Pedals are merely seasonings for a meal that should already taste good on its own.
Why does scale length matter for blues players?
Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge. A longer scale length, like that found on many Fender-style guitars, creates more string tension and a brighter tone. Shorter scale lengths make strings feel slinkier, which makes bending easier on your fingers. If you enjoy wide, multi-step bends, a shorter scale length might reduce the strain on your hand.
How often should I change my guitar strings?
This depends on how much you play and how acidic your sweat is. A good rule of thumb is to change them every two to three weeks if you play daily. Dull strings will kill the sustain and clarity of your tone. Fresh strings feel vibrant and keep your intonation accurate, which is vital for the precise pitch of blues bends.
