How do you capture that raw, expressive sound without spending months guessing which gear actually matters? Blues is as much about the feel as it is about the equipment, so getting the right start is vital.
Sorting through the Best Guitars for Blues 2021 list helps you focus on what really counts. These selections prioritize tone, playability, and the essential resources you need to get moving.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a comfortable neck profile because blues guitar often requires long hours of practice to master complex bends.
- Choose a solid wood top on acoustic models if you want a richer, more resonant sound that improves with age.
- Ensure your electric guitar features single-coil pickups to achieve that bright and snappy tone associated with classic blues.
- Keep your initial budget flexible enough to include a quality setup from a local technician, which makes any entry-level guitar play much smoother.
- Verify that your starter kit includes a digital tuner since learning with poor intonation can stall your progress early on.
| Best Complete Starter |  |
Glarry Full Size Electric Guitar | Includes everything needed | Portable amplifier included | Standard body shape | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Acoustic Option |  |
Ashthorpe 38-inch Acoustic Guitar | Highly portable size | Includes learning materials | Comes with extra strings | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Structured Theory Guide |  |
Hal Leonard Blues Guitar Method | Excellent theory foundation | Includes online audio tracks | Clear riff instructions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Repertoire Builder |  |
First 50 Blues Songs Collection | Broad song selection | Accurate tab layouts | Helpful lyric inclusion | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Iconic Blues Tone |  |
Fender Squier Daphne Blue Stratocaster | Classic blues aesthetic | Versatile pickup configuration | Comfortable neck profile | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Roots Music Deep-Dive |  |
Woody Mann Acoustic Blues Method | Covers niche blues styles | High volume of instrumentals | Expert technique instruction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Rapid Skill Accelerator |  |
Blues Guitar For Noobs | Direct, practical approach | Includes backing tracks | High number of licks | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fundamental Skills Focus |  |
Blues Guitar From Scratch | Very beginner friendly | Focuses on fundamentals | Clear, logical progression | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Glarry Full Size Electric Guitar
If you want to grab your instrument and head straight to the stage, this bundle is your primary choice. It comes with a 20-watt amplifier, which provides enough volume for practice sessions in your bedroom or a small garage jam.
The guitar itself features a standard electric body that is friendly for those just starting their journey. Keep in mind that as you progress, you might want to upgrade the stock strings to get a more refined, professional tone.
- Brand Name:Glarry
- Guitar Type:Electric
- Instrument Size:39 inches
- Included Accessories:Amp, gig bag, picks
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Primary Finish:Dark Blue
- Additional Feature:Twenty watt amplifier included
- Additional Feature:Full size electric build
- Additional Feature:Includes essential accessories pack
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Ashthorpe 38-inch Acoustic Guitar
This guitar is a solid companion for anyone who prefers the natural resonance of an acoustic instrument. Its smaller 38-inch frame makes it very comfortable to hold, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands.
You get a complete starter kit that includes extra strings and lessons to help you find your footing. Just remember that smaller bodies often lack the deep, booming bass response of a full-sized dreadnought.
- Brand Name:Ashthorpe
- Guitar Type:Acoustic
- Instrument Size:38 inches
- Included Accessories:Gig bag, extra strings
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Primary Finish:Blue
- Additional Feature:Compact acoustic body style
- Additional Feature:Starter kit for learning
- Additional Feature:Includes beginner lesson guides
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Hal Leonard Blues Guitar Method
Learning the blues is like learning a new language, and this book acts as your comprehensive dictionary. It focuses on the essential mechanics, such as the 12-bar progression and standard scales, that form the backbone of the genre.
The inclusion of online audio play-alongs is helpful for timing your riffs correctly. It is a dense resource, so take your time working through each section rather than rushing to the final chapter.
- Skill Level:Beginner to Intermediate
- Additional Feature:Covers 12-bar blues progression
- Additional Feature:Includes scale and riff exercises
- Additional Feature:Online audio play-along tracks
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First 50 Blues Songs Collection
Building a repertoire is crucial for any musician, and this collection gathers 50 of the most iconic blues tracks. You will find yourself working through classics that teach you how to phrase notes like a seasoned veteran.
The book provides chords, tabs, and lyrics for every song, which makes following along quite intuitive. It is not a textbook on theory, so you should use it alongside a foundational guide if you are starting from zero.
- Skill Level:Beginner to Intermediate
- Additional Feature:Includes famous blues standards
- Additional Feature:Tablature and chord notation
- Additional Feature:Lyric sheets for 50 songs
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Fender Squier Daphne Blue Stratocaster
The Stratocaster is essentially a synonym for blues guitar, played by legends who helped define the genre. This specific model offers that classic, glassy tone that cuts through a mix with beautiful clarity.
You are getting a reliable instrument that is well-suited for both rhythm and lead playing. Because it uses a single-coil pickup configuration, you might notice a bit of hum if you are playing with high-gain settings.
- Brand Name:Fender Squier
- Guitar Type:Electric
- Primary Finish:Daphne Blue
- Additional Feature:Iconic Stratocaster body design
- Additional Feature:Single-coil pickup system
- Additional Feature:Classic blues bridge setup
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Woody Mann Acoustic Blues Method
If you want to explore the history of the genre, this method book is a fantastic choice. It focuses on ragtime and delta styles, which require a specific thumb-picking technique that is very rewarding to master.
The book is filled with 51 instrumentals that act as performance studies. It is best suited for players who already have a basic grasp of acoustic guitar and want to challenge their dexterity.
- Skill Level:Intermediate
- Additional Feature:Focuses on Delta and Ragtime
- Additional Feature:Includes online audio support
- Additional Feature:Fifty-one instrumental pieces
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Blues Guitar For Noobs
Sometimes you just want to get to the fun part without wading through pages of dry theory. This guide focuses on actionable licks that you can apply to your playing immediately.
The inclusion of backing tracks gives you a simulated band to practice with, which is the best way to improve your sense of timing. It is written for those who want to see quick results and keep their motivation high.
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Additional Feature:Seventy-three distinct blues licks
- Additional Feature:Two full solo exercises
- Additional Feature:Play-along backing track support
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Blues Guitar From Scratch
This book provides a clean, logical path for someone who has never touched a blues guitar before. It breaks down the essential riffs and scales into manageable chunks that do not overwhelm you.
By focusing on the basics, you ensure that your foundation is rock solid before you try more complex improvisation. It is a no-nonsense resource that keeps the information concise and easy to digest.
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Additional Feature:Fundamental riff breakdowns
- Additional Feature:Essential blues scale practice
- Additional Feature:Chord study for beginners
