The Blues Guitar Show - podcast cover

The Blues Guitar Show

Welcome to The Blues Guitar Show! Your free audio guitar teacher, focusing on all things blues guitar, records, rocking music theory and gear.

Covering all the genres in the Blues world from Delta to Rockabilly.

Each Monday I release an episode packed with information, exercises, songs, licks and interviews with some of the best players around to give you Passion, Practice and Perseverance for your guitar playing journey! 

I'm a born and raised blues guitarist, studio musician and teacher on a mission to help you master the music you love.

Through this chart-topping podcast and interviews with some of the worlds best, our mission is to help dazed and confused blues pickers like you grasp the skills you need to go from ‘campfire’ to on fire.

Instagram @bluesguitarshowpodcast
Website: www.thebluesguitarshow.com


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Episodes

Episode #234 How Songs Are Built & Modes

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 show To 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

Jun 23, 202515 min

Episode #233 Tips For Going To A Blues Jam

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 show To 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

Jun 16, 202519 min

Episode #232 How Well Do You Know Your Fretboard?!

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 show To 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

Jun 09, 202518 min

Episode #231 Single Coil VS Humbucker

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 show To 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

Jun 02, 202517 min

Episode #230 Is Blues the Oldest Music in the World?!

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 show To 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...

May 26, 202517 min

Episode #229 The Great Slide Comparison of 2025

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 ben@thebluesguitarshow.com Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $...

May 19, 202517 min

Episode #228 Why You Should Be Listening to Hubert Sumlin!

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 show To 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

May 12, 202514 min

Episode #227 Why You're Not Getting Better at Guitar

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 show To 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

May 05, 202520 min

Episode #226 Is TONE really all in the Fingers?

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 ...

Apr 28, 202522 min

Episode #225 Using CAGED for Blues

In this episode I'm talking you through how to effectively used CAGED to play more interesting 12 bar blues. Support the show To 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

Apr 21, 202512 min

Episode #224 Fundamental Music Theory for Blues Players

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 show To 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

Apr 14, 202519 min

Episode #223 The Music Industry is Broken! (Rant)

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/subscribe Support the show To 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

Apr 07, 202529 min

Episode #222 What's The Deal With Lightnin' Hopkins?

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 bo...

Mar 31, 202514 min

Episode #221 Strat VS Tele (Sound Test)

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 show To 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

Mar 24, 202511 min

Episode #220 Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

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-nomi...

Mar 17, 202552 min

Episode #219 Learning songs FAST (and how to remember them)

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 show To 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

Mar 10, 202519 min

Episode #218 The GENUIS of Hill Country Blues

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 show To 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

Mar 03, 202511 min

Episode #217 Which Guitar Shape Is Right For You?

In this episode we are virtual guitar shopping ans talking about which guitar shape is the right one for you. Support the show To 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

Feb 24, 202516 min

Lesson #97 Led Zeppelin Heartbreaker Riff

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_link Support the show To 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...

Feb 21, 202511 min

Episode #216 Vintage VS6 Guitar Review

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 show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for j...

Feb 17, 202516 min

Episode #215 Smokestack Lightnin' - Songs Simplified

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 show To 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

Feb 10, 202510 min

Lesson #96 B.B King Style Focus

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 show To 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

Feb 07, 202510 min

Episode #214 The Freddie King Trick

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 show To 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

Feb 03, 202510 min

Episode #213 Pedals Pedals Pedals

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 Pedal Why 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 Com...

Jan 27, 202512 min

Episode #212 Carl Bradychok - Talkin' Rockabilly

In this episode I sit down with rockabilly's newest wizard - Carl Bradychok Carl 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/subscribe Support the show To become a...

Jan 20, 202549 min

Episode #211 Songs SIMPLIFIED - The Weight - The Band

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 show To 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

Jan 13, 202511 min

Episode #210 New Year! Goal Setting & Practice Routines

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 show To 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

Jan 06, 202517 min

Episode #209 End Of Year Awards 2024!

In this episode we are holding the BGS end of year awards as voted for by you! Categories are: Guitarist of the year Album of the year Guest of the year Brand of the year Happy New Year everyone and see you next time! Support the show To 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...

Dec 30, 202414 min

Episode #208 Christmas Jazzy Blues

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 show To 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

Dec 23, 20249 min

Episode #207 How to PRACTICE Fingerpicking

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 Melody Support the show To 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

Dec 16, 202413 min
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