Upon release of his debut album in 2009, Josh Smith, then aged 30, was already a veteran of the blues scene, having begun playing the Florida blues circuit at the tender age of 12. Now a modern blues/rock solo artist and in demand LA session guitarist in equal measures, Smith is a force to be reckoned … continue reading »
Hi everybody, Hope you had a great weekend. Did you know Absolute Blues Guitar has its very own YouTube Channel? We’ve uploaded a selection of lesson previews from our site, several backing tracks and an exclusive 40 minute lesson with on-screen TAB entitled “15 Essential Blues Guitar Licks”. If you’re considering signing up to … continue reading »
Hi everybody, Hope you had a great weekend. I’d like to extend a big, warm welcome to all of our new members. Welcome aboard. We hope you enjoy the course. I’d just like to remind members new and long-standing that I am available for lesson support via email if ever you have any questions about … continue reading »
Despite having never recorded a traditional blues studio record, Jimi Hendrix remains one of the leading exponents of the genre. Having been inspired by blues artists himself, Hendrix continues to influence blues guitarists almost half a century after his untimely death. “Blues” is essentially a posthumous compilation release. This collection of songs, released by MCA in … continue reading »
This classic blues album showcases Albert Collins at the peak of his career. From the biting lead tone and gutsy sustained notes of “Honey Hush” via the gritty slow blues of “When The Welfare Turns Its Back On You” to the funky blues of the instrumental “Ice Pick”, the “Master of the Telecaster” digs in and … continue reading »
Hi everyone, Hope you had a great weekend. I’m sorry if I’ve been a little slow in the social media department over the past week. I had a couple of gigs this weekend for which I had to learn a 30 song set at fairly short notice. This required putting in some serious practice hours, … continue reading »
Hi everybody, Hope you’re having a great week. I am honoured to announce that my Hot Rod Pickups ‘T-Dogs’ signature Telecaster pickup set will be available to buy very soon from Eternal Guitars & Hot Rod Pickups. Dave Walsh at Eternal Guitars (Chichester, UK) hand-wound this pickup set when he built ‘Summer’, my latest custom … continue reading »
Hi everybody, Hope you all had a great weekend. I just thought I’d drop in and let you know that I’m back from my tour with Sir Cliff Richard, so if any of you require lesson support via email, you will have my undivided attention – not that you didn’t before, but I’m always closer … continue reading »
Although this live album wasn’t released until 1988, it was actually recorded at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1973. Material from King’s appearance at Montreux was also used on “Blues At Sunset” and in many ways, the two live albums compliment one another perfectly. Albert’s guitar tone soars from the opening version of “Don’t Burn Down That … continue reading »
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s “Live Alive” is technically a compilation album, consisting of material recorded at four concerts between 1985 and 1986 and originally released in 1986 as a live double album. What could be better than 70-plus minutes of SRV in his natural habitat: The stage? From the opening wah-wah shuffle of “Say … continue reading »
Blues Deluxe is the third studio release by the now legendary New York State guitar virtuoso, Joe Bonamassa. Recorded and released in 2003, the album features nine blues classics, along with Bonamassa’s original compositions: “Woke Up Dreaming”, “I Don’t Live Anywhere” and “Mumbling World”. Then, just 26 years of age, Bonamassa was already a veteran of … continue reading »
If you’re looking for a great album for source material from which to borrow classic blues licks, look no further than the underrated, Grammy Award winning 1985 release from blues legends Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland. From the opening version of T-Bone Walker’s “T-Bone Shuffle” through to the emotive slow blues of the cover … continue reading »
Laughing in the face of the difficult second album myth, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton hit the ground running from the opening bars of “Shuttle Buttin’”, the firey instrumental track that opens the trio’s second studio release. The three-piece are joined on the title track by Stevie’s big brother Jimmie, who also plays … continue reading »
Muddy Waters’ fifth studio album marked something of a musical departure for the blues legend, introducing a fresh electric blues sound to a younger rock audience while at the same time, upsetting several blues purists of the late 1960s. Opening with a psychedelic version of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You”, featuring … continue reading »
Live At Legends – Buddy Guy – 2012 It’s hard to believe that, at the time this live album was recorded, the Godfather of Chicago Blues, Buddy Guy, was in his mid 70s. From the Opening Wah wah of “Best Damn Fool”, Guy lets rip with all the reckless abandon of a blues legend falling down … continue reading »
Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues – 1990 A strong blues influence was apparent in the late, great Gary Moore’s playing during his time with Thin Lizzy and throughout his successful solo career. However, up until his first all-blues solo release in 1990, Moore was predominantly considered a hard rock guitarist. The album’s track listing … continue reading »
Steve Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble – Texas Flood – 1983 Arguably the most influential blues album of the 80s and to many, the definitive Texas Blues record, Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble’s debut spawned a generation of aspiring guitarists, all in search of the secret behind SRV’s signature tone. From the opening number, “Love … continue reading »
Which guitar strings should I use? Hi everyone, I am often asked about guitar strings: What gauge would I recommend? Which brand do I prefer? How often should a set be changed? I figured it was about time I shared some of my observations on what I have come to know about guitar strings during … continue reading »
Hi everyone, I hope you’re having a great weekend. Apologies for the cheesy title, but summer truly is here, for “Summer” is the name I have given to my brand new custom T-Type from Eternal Guitars & Hot Rod Pickups. Once again, this amazing instrument was lovingly handcrafted by Dave Walsh in Chichester, UK. Summer … continue reading »
Albert King With Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session – 1983 In session is a live album by Albert King, heavily featuring special guest and then newcomer to the blues scene, Stevie Ray Vaughan. The performance was initially recorded for Canadian television at CHCH-TV studios in Hamilton, Ontario in December 1983 and released as an album … continue reading »
B.B. King – Live At The Regal – 1964 No blues record collection would be complete without B.B. King’s 1964 live classic. There is a reason why blues fans both casual and hardcore consider this an essential album. King’s vocal performance is sublime and the phrasing, sense of dynamics and note choice in his guitar solos … continue reading »
Hi everyone, Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. This is just a quick blog to welcome our latest members and to thank our existing members for their continued support. It really means a lot to us that you guys are enjoying the course and helping to spread the word. Please do not hesitate to get … continue reading »
Johnny Winter – Johnny Winter – 1969 Alongside ZZ Top, Johnny Winter was one of the leading exponents of Texas blues rock. The opening number of his second studio release, “I’m Yours And I’m Hers” features a groove that wouldn’t have been out of place on Led Zeppelin II. In stark contrast, the second track, “Be … continue reading »
Hi everybody, I thought I’d write a quick blog to tell you all about my new YouTube series. It’s called “Bobby Harrison’s Lickorama“. I make no excuses for the cheesy name. The aim is to give you regular, short lick-based guitar lessons in a variety of styles. A good deal of the licks are blues … continue reading »
Hi everybody, We’ve uploaded an exclusive lesson to our YouTube channel. “15 Essential Blues Guitar Licks” is a 100% FREE, in depth blues guitar lesson with on-screen tab. In this tutorial, we will learn 15 licks in the context of a 12 bar blues solo over a shuffle groove in the good old-fashioned key of … continue reading »
A question musicians often ask themselves is “How good do I need to be?” Think about that phrase for a minute. It’s one of those scary, bottomless questions to which there really isn’t a definitive answer. In our lifetime as musicians, many of us never grow complacent with our progress or simply consider ourselves good … continue reading »
What is feel? In the most general sense, feel is essentially a musician’s ability to connect with the listener on an emotional level. The resulting emotion can vary from excitement, to sadness and even to tension (especially if we like to play those crunchy outside notes). In terms of lead guitar, feel can best be … continue reading »
Buddy Guy – Live At The Checkerboard Lounge – 1979 With a career spanning almost 70 years, living legend Buddy Guy is one of the most influential guitarists in the history of the blues. It’s a well known fact that alongside Albert King, Jimi Hendrix and Albert Collins, Buddy was one of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s heroes. … continue reading »
B.B. King – Live In Cook County Jail – 1971 Ask a roomful of blues fans to name their favourite live B.B. King album, or, indeed their favourite live blues album and most votes would swing towards Live At The Regal. While King’s 1964 recording is an undisputed classic, 1971’s Live In Cook County Jail is … continue reading »
Magic Sam – Black Magic – 1968 When discussing sons of the Chicago Blues scene, Magic Sam is often criminally overlooked. Black Magic is the second studio record by the guitarist and singer, released just a year before his untimely death in 1969. From the opening track “I Just Want A Little Bit” to the sublime … continue reading »
Albert King – Blues At Sunset (Live At Wattstax and Montreux) – 1973 There’s Albert King on record and then there’s Albert King playing in his natural habitat: Live! 1973’s Blues At Sunset is one of the greatest live blues records of all time. Not only does it showcase King’s signature licks and mean guitar tone, … continue reading »
The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East – 1971 What can I write about this classic record that hasn’t already been written? The definitive 70s live record by the true sons of southern blues-rock, recorded at one New York City’s most legendary venues. Featuring “Statesboro Blues”, extended jams of “Stormy Monday” and “Whipping Post” and … continue reading »
The late 60s and early 70s were a prolific era for big Freddie. With so many great studio records released over such a short time period, it’s difficult to pick a favourite. However, there’s something about the feel of Getting Ready that really stands out. There are so many classic tracks on this album: “Five Long … continue reading »
Hi everyone, In our first blog, I shared a few details of my general mindset during the filming of Absolute Blues Guitar, writing something along the lines of “If I had to go back and film each lesson again, even if I played the same notes, I would not have been as pleased with the … continue reading »
Welcome to our website! I can’t tell you how good it feels to type these words. This project was a long time in the making, for both myself and Absolute Blues’ very own web developer, Sarah Cox. One day, I’m sure we’ll sit down and calculate just how many hundreds of hours went into launching … continue reading »