The Blues Guitar Show

In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show, we break down five essential slide guitar tips every beginner needs to know. Whether you’re brand new to slide or struggling to make it sound smooth instead of scratchy, this episode will set you on the right path.
You’ll learn how to choose the right slide, get better tone with proper muting, improve your intonation, and start playing slide guitar with confidence and feel. These practical, beginner-friendly tips will help you sound more musical fast—without overcomplicating things.
Perfect for blues guitarists who want to capture that classic Delta and electric blues vibe and start expressing themselves through slide.
Plug in, slide on, and let’s talk blues.
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Explore the electrifying story of British Blues, from post-war record collectors in the 1940s to the British Blues Explosion of the 1960s. Discover how American legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry inspired young British musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, John Mayall, and The Yardbirds, who amplified, reimagined, and exported the blues back to the world. Dive into the guitars, live performances, cultural contrasts, and lasting legacy that transformed blues into rock music.
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In this episode I give you my top 10 tips for playing acoustic blues. 

1. Learn the 12-Bar Blues Form Inside Out
The 12-bar blues is the foundation. Practice it in different keys (E, A, G) until you can play it without thinking. This will make learning songs and improvising far easier.
2. Master Shuffle and Swing Rhythms
Blues rhythm isn’t straight—it's felt.
Work on:
Shuffle feel (“da-DA, da-DA”)
Light swing
 These grooves make even simple chords sound authentic.
3. Use Alternating Bass Patterns
A thumbed bass line (with your picking hand thumb) adds depth:
Thumb alternates between root and fifth
Fingers play melody on top
 This classic delta & country blues technique makes solo performances sound full.
4. Start Using the Minor Pentatonic Scale Early
It’s the essential blues scale.
 Begin in A minor pentatonic and E minor pentatonic—both fit comfortably on acoustic and match common blues keys.
5. Add Blue Notes
Incorporate:
♭3
♭5
♭7
 These give blues its voice. Practice sliding into them for expression.
6. Work on String Bends & Vibrato
Bending on acoustic is harder than on electric, but doing it well makes your playing expressive. Start with:
Quarter-step bends (very bluesy!)
Slow, controlled vibrato
Simple half-step bends on the B and G strings
7. Learn a Few Turnarounds
Turnarounds signal the end of the 12-bar form and make your playing sound “finished.”
 Classic turnarounds in E and A are essential vocabulary for blues players.
8. Use Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs for Acoustic “Snap”
Blues on acoustic thrives on percussive articulation.
 Practice short licks that combine:
Open strings
Quick hammer-ons
Snappy pull-offs
 They create that raw delta feel.
9. Study “Call and Response”
Think like a singer:
Play a short melodic “call”
Answer with a rhythmic or melodic “response”
 This makes improvisation sound intentional instead of random.
10. Listen and Imitate Blues Legends
Absorb phrasing, tone, and feel from players such as:
Robert Johnson
Mississippi John Hurt
Big Bill Broonzy
Lightnin’ Hopkins
Eric Clapton (unplugged style)
Learning even a few of their licks will deepen your style dramatically.
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Today I'm catching up with one of the best modern slide guitarists - Johan Borgh from Sweden. In this episode we talk about Johan playing with Gary Clark Jr, his tips for learning slide, his gear and his awesome new record - Island Blues. 
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In this lesson we tackle the most important mode for playing blues the Mixolydian! 

Video & Tabs:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqilQLURjxXIgJqm4j92A4v6Cj_byp58?usp=drive_link
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