Can that cheap six-string really deliver the raw, crying soul of a true blues shuffle? Choosing the right instrument and learning materials often feels like trying to tune a guitar with a hammer.
Getting that authentic, gritty sound requires the right gear paired with proper instruction. But you already know that, which is why you are hunting for the Best Guitars for Blues 2021.
Let us break down the essential tools and books that will have you bending notes properly by tonight. Read on to see which setups actually deserve a spot in your practice space.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a solid wood body or a reliable laminate construction that delivers rich sustaining tones for those long, crying bends.
- Look for a comfortable neck profile like a modern C-shape, because sliding up and down the fretboard during a long 12-bar progression should never strain your hand.
- Pick up instructional books that include audio tracks or online access, as hearing the rhythm and phrasing is just as important as reading the tablature.
- Select single-coil pickups on an electric guitar if you want that biting, crystalline attack made famous by the legends of Chicago blues.
- Ensure your starter bundle includes essential accessories like extra strings and a sturdy strap so you can practice standing up right away.
| Ultimate Starter Kit |  |
Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar | Complete starter kit included | Compact 38-inch size | Attractive blue finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Method Book |  |
Hal Leonard Blues Guitar Method | Covers 12-bar blues | Includes online audio | Clear TAB notation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Repertoire Builder |  |
First 50 Blues Songs Songbook | Fifty classic songs | Includes chords and tabs | Features famous artists | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fingerstyle Masterclass |  |
Introduction to Acoustic Blues by Kenny Sultan | Authored by Kenny Sultan | Audio CD included | Covers open tunings | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Iconic Strat Tone |  |
Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar | Legendary Stratocaster design | Versatile pickup configuration | Comfortable contoured body | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Riff Heavy Guide |  |
Blues Guitar For Noobs Guide | Seventy-three practical licks | Includes backing tracks | Two complete solos | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Foundational Riff Manual |  |
Blues Guitar from Scratch | Focuses on fundamentals | Clear scale diagrams | Simple chord charts | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar
Finding an instrument that does not break the bank while still offering basic playability can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. This Ashthorpe acoustic guitar targets absolute beginners who want a complete package right out of the box without shopping for separate accessories.
You get a full bundle including a gig bag, extra strings, a strap, picks, and introductory lessons. But keep in mind that the 38-inch scale is slightly smaller than a standard full-size guitar, which might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- Brand:Ashthorpe
- Type:Acoustic Guitar
- Size:38-inch
- Color:Blue
- Included Items:Gig bag, extra strings, strap, picks, lessons
- Additional Feature:Ready to play immediately
- Additional Feature:Portable scaled-down body
- Additional Feature:Includes beginner learning materials
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Hal Leonard Blues Guitar Method
Learning the 12-bar blues requires more than just raw enthusiasm, because you actually need a structured roadmap for your practice routine. This Hal Leonard method book is brilliant for beginners and intermediate players who want clear instruction on scales and riffs.
The inclusion of online audio play-along tracks bridges the gap between reading music on a page and hearing how the notes should sound in real time. One limitation is that book learning requires strict self-discipline, meaning you will not get personalized feedback on your posture or hand placement.
- Brand:Hal Leonard
- Type:Instruction Book
- Format:Book with online audio
- Additional Feature:Beginner and intermediate lessons
- Additional Feature:Play-along audio tracks
- Additional Feature:Standard notation and TAB
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First 50 Blues Songs Songbook
Nothing kills motivation faster than practicing boring scales for hours on end without playing actual music. This collection gives you famous blues tunes like Pride and Joy and The Thrill Is Gone so you can start playing recognizable songs immediately.
It provides chords, tabs, and lyrics tailored for players transitioning from novice to intermediate skill levels. However, complete beginners might find some of the intricate guitar solos too fast or complex to master right away.
- Brand:Hal Leonard
- Type:Songbook
- Format:Paperback
- Additional Feature:Full lyrics included
- Additional Feature:Graded song selection
- Additional Feature:Standard notation
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Introduction to Acoustic Blues by Kenny Sultan
Acoustic blues has a raw, driving rhythm that differs significantly from electric lead playing, and Kenny Sultan breaks down those foundational techniques effectively. This book and audio CD focus heavily on open tunings and bottleneck slide methods for authentic traditional sounds.
You will appreciate the deep dive into alternating thumb bass patterns and intricate fingerpicking styles. The primary downside is that the content moves quickly, making it frustrating if you have never touched a fingerstyle guitar before.
- Brand:Alfred Music
- Type:Instruction Book
- Format:Book with Audio CD
- Additional Feature:Bottleneck slide techniques
- Additional Feature:Fingerstyle blues rhythms
- Additional Feature:Detailed music notation
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Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Electric blues demands a versatile instrument that can handle everything from piercing treble leads to warm, woody rhythm tones. The Squier Stratocaster delivers that legendary Fender look and bell-like pickup clarity at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models.
The comfortable contoured body and familiar neck profile make long practice sessions much easier on your hands. Just note that budget instruments often require a professional setup out of the box to fix slight string buzzing or intonation issues.
- Brand:Fender Squier
- Type:Electric Guitar
- Color:Daphne Blue
- Additional Feature:Classic tremolo bridge
- Additional Feature:Bolt-on maple neck
- Additional Feature:Multiple pickup selections
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Blues Guitar For Noobs Guide
Starting from zero can feel overwhelming when every tutorial assumes you already know basic music theory. This targeted guide cuts through the confusion by focusing on seventy-three distinct licks and complete solos designed to build practical vocabulary.
Backing tracks are included so you can practice improvising over a real rhythm section instead of playing in silence. The limitation here is that the physical print quality and layout can feel a bit sparse compared to professionally published instructional books.
- Brand:Independent
- Type:Instruction Book
- Format:Paperback
- Additional Feature:Play-along tracks provided
- Additional Feature:Beginner-focused explanations
- Additional Feature:Riff-based learning approach
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Blues Guitar from Scratch
Building a house on sand never works, and learning the blues without understanding foundational rhythms leads to sloppy playing habits. This manual focuses entirely on fundamental riffs and chords that form the backbone of almost every traditional blues song.
The straightforward explanations help demystify pentatonic scales and basic chord progressions without using overly academic language. The drawback is that it lacks advanced material, meaning you will outgrow the book once you reach an intermediate level.
- Brand:Independent
- Type:Instruction Book
- Format:Paperback
- Additional Feature:Essential riff collection
- Additional Feature:Beginner scale patterns
- Additional Feature:Core rhythm exercises