As a great blues guitarist moves masterfully over the fretboard, they will tug wordlessly at your innermost thoughts and emotions. A genre often known for its sorrowful and soul-wrenching melodies produced some of the most soulful guitarists in the world. We will take a moment to honor the genre by listing five top blues guitarists.
 
5. T-Bone Walker – With his groundbreaking electric guitar sound, T-Bone Walker was essential to making blues what it is today.  Born in Linden, Texas, Walker was influenced by his family’s musical roots and taught to play the guitar by his step-father.  By age 15, Walker was performing professionally, and in 1929 made his first recording.  His distinctive style included smooth phrasing, vibrato, and bluesy bends.  Playing a Gibson, Walker stamped his legacy on the blues genre.  Listen to “T-Bone Blues” to hear Walker’s work.
 
4. Robert Johnson – Surrounded by myth and mystery, Robert Johnson has become a well-known blues guitarist and singer.  Most are familiar with him due to the legend that he sold his soul to the devil to acquire his guitar playing talent.  He primarily played on street corners of towns in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.   Like many great musicians, he was not recognized widely for his influence until after his death.  Other musicians that knew him said he played Stella and Kalamazoo guitars.  To experience the soulful mastery of Robert Johnson, listen to “Cross Road Blues.”
 
3. Eric Clapton – While known for a variety musical styles, blues is at the heart and soul of Eric Clapton.  Raised in a family full of musical influence, Eric asked for a guitar at the age of 13.  Blues spoke to Clapton at a young age, and became an integral part of his musical career.  Guitarists that impacted Clapton include B.B. King, Freddie King, and Robert Johnson.  Johnson’s influence is made evident by Clapton’s covers of several of his songs.  Throughout his storied career, Eric has used many guitars.  These include the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster.  Listen to Clapton play the blues style in “Bell Bottom Blues.”
 
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan – A native of Dallas, Texas, Stevie Ray Vaughan began pouring his soul into the guitar at the age of 7.  After age 17, Vaughan played in several bands until 1979 when the band Double Trouble was formed.  In the early 80s, David Bowie and Jackson Browne heard them play which eventually led to a record contract.  Vaughan’s style includes use of tremolo picking and vibrato, and his balance of technicality and soul are breathtaking.  His influences include blues, rock, and jazz.  Vaughan primarily played a Fender Stratocaster.  Let Vaughan tug at your core as you listen to “Texas Flood.”
 
1. BB King – Many consider him the most influential blues guitarists of all time, and that is evidenced by the inspiration he has given so many blues, electric blues, and rock guitarists.  B.B. King was born in Mississippi, grew up singing in the gospel choir, and got his first guitar at age 12.  Through his long and famed career, he has released over 50 albums.  From humble beginnings playing on the corner to his international fame, B.B. King honed his craft and has a distinct style that are staples to achieve the blues guitar style of today.  He is known for playing variants of a Gibson ES-355.  With his multiple Grammy awards and induction into both the Blues and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, he is a living legend.  Listen to his mastery of blues guitar in “The Thrill is Gone.”
 
Many legends of blues guitar are evident throughout the genre’s storied history.  These are the great blues guitarists that we have chosen.  Tell us what you think.  Who would be your top 5?

Keep Rockin’!!!
Blues guitar by Elfike taken on April 6, 2006