What Does a Blues Guitarist Need?

Hello everyone! My name is Yuki Kito, and I am a guitar instructor.
Today, I’d like to talk about what it takes to be a blues guitarist.

Among those reading this article, some of you may be regulars at blues jam sessions, while others might be considering joining one for the first time.

一As a humble blues guitarist myself, I often ask: what do I need to truly become one?

Of course, blues guitar is one of those genres that places great importance on ‘tone’, so I’d also like to touch on gear selection. Let’s dive in!

Essential for Blues Guitarists #1: A Strong Command of the Pentatonic Scale

One of the top priorities is how much you can express yourself using just the pentatonic scale.

This might not apply to those who skillfully incorporate diminished or altered scales, but...

In my lessons, I usually focus on helping students master all pentatonic positions, or teaching them methods like identifying positions based on root locations.

But what if you already know your pentatonic scale? As you improve, the difficulty of progressing naturally increases. A classic yet effective approach I recommend is “figuring things out through ear training.”

The things you learn from teachers or instructional books are often memorized passively. But if you have a strong passion for playing certain licks or improving, ear training—despite its challenges—will help you grow much faster.

Essential for Blues Guitarists #2: Establish a Long-Term Direction

Tomo Fujita, a professor at Berklee College of Music, has mentioned that if you want to master a style that’s unfamiliar to you, it takes years of study and practice for it to truly become part of your playing.

I agree with this. Personally, I tend to get bored easily and often switch interests within a few months.
If you have a solid goal in mind, one effective approach is to list out everything you need to achieve it.

For example, if I want to play refined blues like Matt Schofield, my first step would be ear training.

For parts that I just can’t figure out by ear, I’d buy TABs or watch YouTube lessons to supplement my learning.

By continuously refining my ear and comparing transcriptions with actual recordings, I develop a better sense of tone, picking nuances, and phrasing. While ear training is demanding, it’s a highly rewarding process.

Essential for Blues Guitarists #3: A Vintage-Style Guitar

This might seem obvious, but if you’re playing at blues jam sessions or blues gigs, a vintage-style guitar can really enhance your experience.

Not only does a good tone benefit your audience and fellow musicians, but it also inspires you as a player.

1. Recommended Blues Guitar #1: The Stratocaster

When it comes to blues guitars, the three main options are usually a Stratocaster, a Telecaster, or a semi-hollow guitar.

Some players use an SG or a Les Paul, but they’re less common overall.

Within Fender’s lineup, you can find both modern and vintage-inspired Strats. If you want a safe bet for vintage tones, the American Original Series is a great choice.

Fender / American Original ‘50s Stratocaster Maple White Blonde

2. Recommended Blues Guitar #2: The Telecaster

Telecasters are also popular among blues players at jam sessions.
Unlike the Strat, which offers five pickup positions and tonal versatility, the Tele is a much more primitive instrument.

Without contouring for rib comfort or an elbow rest, it provides a raw, distinctive sound.

By eliminating such conveniences, the Telecaster produces a sound that sets it apart from the Stratocaster. The bridge pickup delivers a crisp, cutting high-pitched tone, while the neck pickup, depending on the model, can produce a warm, mellow sound reminiscent of an ES-335.

This is just personal preference, but I particularly like the sound of Thinline Teles.

Fender / MIJ Limited F-Hole Telecaster Thinline Penny

That wraps up my thoughts on what a blues guitarist needs!
Having a solid grasp of the pentatonic scale and a clear direction will significantly enhance your playing.

Also, no matter how bluesy your phrasing is, using a heavy metal-style guitar will make it hard to achieve an authentic blues tone. Owning a Strat, Tele, or ES-335 will bring you closer to the sound you’re aiming for.

If possible, pairing it with a quality tube amp will make your playing experience even more enjoyable! Hope this helps—happy playing!

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