Choosing the Best Electric Guitar for Blues 

Blues is a relatively easy style of music to play but a difficult style to master. Selecting the best electric guitar for blues is crucial to getting an authentic sound from your amplifier. The instrument you choose will significantly influence your sound—and even what you play. In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the best electric guitars for playing blues.

What kind of guitar is used in blues?

It’s a good idea to listen to some of your favorite blues artists and check out their setup. What electric guitar, pedals, and amp are they using? All of these elements will affect the final sound coming out of the amplifier, but choosing the right guitar can give you a great start on creating the sound you want.

Play each of the guitars listed below before deciding which to go with and see what feels best in your hands. Try different neck sizes and shapes. The neck profile can vary widely even on the same make of guitar. For example, some Fenders have a “C”-shaped neck, while others have a “U”-shaped neck. These feel distinctly different, and players have unique preferences. 

Find a guitar that is comfortable in your hands. While tone is important, the instrument that inspires you to put your heart and soul into your playing will ultimately be the best guitar for blues. 

What guitar do most blues players play? 

Is a Stratocaster or Telecaster better for blues?

The Fender Telecaster’s distinct twang and clarity have made it a staple in the blues genre. Like the Stratocaster, it’s an extremely popular guitar for blues. The Telecaster delivers punchy tones that can easily cut through the mix. Blues pioneers like Muddy Waters and Albert Collins, country-blues rock royalty The Rolling Stones, and early rock-n-rollers helped popularize the Telecaster. If you enjoy a more old-school rock ‘n’ roll or country sound to your blues, try a Telecaster to see if this is the guitar for you.

What is the best electric guitar for blues rock? 

The Gibson Les Paul is a legendary guitar known for its thick, warm tone and sustain. The mahogany body and set neck construction contribute to its full sound, making it a favorite among blues guitarists. Artists like Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore have shown the Les Paul’s versatility in blues music, delivering powerful, dynamic solos and soulful rhythm playing. If you enjoy playing more aggressive-sounding blues or blues rock,  you might consider the Les Paul the best electric guitar for blues.

Combining the warmth of a hollow body with a solid body’s sustain, the Gibson 335 offers a unique tonal palette that’s perfect for blues players. The semi-hollow construction produces a smooth, mellow sound. The 335 is ideal for jazz-infused blues and more aggressive rock n roll blues. Artists like BB King, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry have embraced the Gibson 335, playing some of the most iconic riffs, solos, and leads of all time. The Thrill is Gone, Johnny B Goode, and Hideaway were all made famous and played on the 335. 

While less widely used than the above models, the Gibson SG and Thunderbird deserve mention. The SG is used by modern blues players like Gary Clark, Jr., Samantha Fish, and slide legend Derek Trucks of the Allman Brothers and Tedeschi-Trucks Band. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Johnny Winter rocked the Thunderbird for a dirty, aggressive blues sound. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Les Paul, the SG and the Thunderbird can give you bluesy tones but with a much different feel under your fingers.

How do you get the blues sound on an electric guitar?

If you’re on a budget, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get the Fender or Gibson-made models of these guitars. Look into similar models made by Squier and Epiphone (owned by Fender and Gibson, respectively). These versions can provide great value and still give you the feel and tone of the best blues guitar at a much lower price tag.

The pickups you choose will significantly affect your tone. Are you going with single coils, humbuckers, or P90s? The same model of guitar can have different pickup configurations. For example, you can find Les Pauls with humbuckers or P90s. Some Stratocasters have three single coils; others have two single coils and one humbucker. Telecasters can come with single coils, humbuckers, or P90s. More than any other element, the pickups will be the most significant factor on your tone.

Your amplifier will have a massive impact and be an integral part of your sound. The right microphone will also be critical if you are micing your amp for recording or to run through a PA system. You’ll need to experiment with placing the mic at different spots on the amplifier’s speaker. Even a slight adjustment can give a drastically different tone.

What is the best electric guitar style for blues?

Choosing the best electric guitar for playing blues ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. Each of these guitars offers its own unique feel and tone that should enhance your blues playing when you make the right choice. Experimenting with different guitars and finding the one that speaks to you is all part of the incredible journey of mastering the blues. 

About the author:

Ryan Popovic is a guitar instructor in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. He teaches blues, rock, and metal guitar. If you’re in the Twin Cities metro and ready to learn to play authentic blues the way you’ve always wanted, book your free intro session today.