True Blues

Blues is the first language of rock ’n’ roll. But a century on from its first golden era in the 1920s, is it still possible to play blues guitar that’s distinctive, powerful and original? We joined some of the world’s finest exponents of 21st century blues to hear their advice on how to play the music with authenticity and flair – on your own terms – on the modern stage

- Jamie Dickson

Know any blues licks? Thought so. Do you use them a bit too often and wish you had some new ways to approach playing blues? Us, too. That’s why, in August, we set sail onto the Mediterranean with the Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea cruise, which played host to some of the world’s top players. Our aim was to have some frank, wide-ranging conversations about bringing authenticity, originality and a little smokestack lightning to your blues playing. We also brought home some masterclass technique lessons, to expand your blues vocabulary and spark new ideas, whether you’re a dedicated blues hound or just want to imbue your guitar playing with more mojo and nail the timeless fundamentals, such as playing over changes, with confidence. We didn’t overlook tone, either. As well as an array of iconic instruments that you’ll discover in the following pages, we also asked our pros for their road-tested insights into getting better acoustic and electric blues sounds.

We hope this voyage into the blues gives you a better handle on playing it. But, more than that, we hope the advice that follows helps unlock a more heartfelt, honest relationship with music-making itself.

FACES OF THE BLUES: ERIC BIBB

Eric Bibb is one of the world’s most powerful acoustic bluesmen and a deep scholar of blues history. We caught up with him to talk about the roots of blues guitar, how it has changed – not always for the better – and how to play more authentically today