The Blues Guitar Show

Latest Episodes:

Episode #229 The Great Slide Comparison of 2025 May 19, 2025

Show notes

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

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #228 Why You Should Be Listening to Hubert Sumlin! May 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #227 Why You're Not Getting Better at Guitar May 05, 2025

Show notes

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!

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #226 Is TONE really all in the Fingers? Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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 Lightnin’ Hopkins or the smooth sustain of B.B. King, this episode is packed with tips to get you there.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #225 Using CAGED for Blues Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #224 Fundamental Music Theory for Blues Players Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we talk through a no nonsense approach to music theory and the need-to-know info for playing effective blues guitar.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #223 The Music Industry is Broken! (Rant) Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #222 What's The Deal With Lightnin' Hopkins? Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

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 boogie bass lines that made his playing instantly recognizable. We’ll also explore the tunings and techniques that set him apart, his go-to Gibson acoustics and hollow-body electrics, and how his raw, percussive fingerpicking continues to inspire guitarists today.

If you love blues guitar and want to get inside the mind (and fingers) of one of its greatest players, this episode is for you! Tune in, grab your guitar, and get ready to unlock the sound of Lightnin’ Hopkins.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #221 Strat VS Tele (Sound Test) Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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

Episode #220 Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

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-nominated harmonica player Billy Branch, Grammy award-winning and IBMA's 10-time Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland and Colton Crawford from The Dead South. The band is critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Relix, Popmatters, Guitar World, American Songwriter, No Depression, Glide, Wide Open Country, Paste, American Blues Scene and many more!

This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar.

When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT

Where: Online via Google Meet

Price $25/pp

https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop

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