Welcome to The Blues Guitar Show! Your free audio guitar teacher, focusing on all things blues guitar, records, rocking music theory and gear. Covering all the genres in the Blues world from Delta to Rockabilly. Each Monday I release an episode packed with information, exercises, songs, licks and interviews with some of the best players around to give you Passion, Practice and Perseverance for your guitar playing journey! I'm a born and raised blues guitarist, studio musician and teacher on ...
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In this episode we explore Digital amp modellers vs traditional amps. This is going to be a contentious one - are you team tube amp or team software Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #239 Minor Triads For Blues Solos
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10:58In this episode I talk you through three great triad shapes for playing blues solos in the key of G Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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In this episode I give you some useful tips for playing slide in Open G and talk you through a couple of classic Muddy Waters riffs. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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Episode #237 Oasis VS Ozzy The Battle For Britain
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20:28In this episode I'm talking about the Oasis reunion vs the Ozzy Farewell show from last weekend. I'll be reacting to some clips and talking about testing gear in Denmark St. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #236 Chuck Berry - Maybellene Simplified
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10:59In this episode we're doing some Chuck Berry appreciation and learning a simplified version of the classic Maybellene. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe
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Episode #235 Sound Test - Does Your PLECTRUM Make a Difference?
10:21
10:21
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10:21In this episode I am demoing 4 different picks to see if the size, shaoe and material actually affect the sound. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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Today we are discussing the theory behind how songs are built and what role the modes have to play in that and I even demo a little Grateful Dead for ya. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #233 Tips For Going To A Blues Jam
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19:12In this episode I'm giving you my top 5 tips for going to a blues jam session, we cover what to learn ahead of time, what to do when you get there and why jam sessions are a great practice tool. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #232 How Well Do You Know Your Fretboard?!
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17:51In this episode I talk you through my approaches to learning the fretboard and the 3 levels of fretboard knowledge. How well do you know your guitar neck? Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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In this episode I'm doing a side-by-side shootout of a single coil pickup vs a humbucker. We get into how they differ, why they sound different and which one is best for you. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #230 Is Blues the Oldest Music in the World?!
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17:12Is the minor pentatonic scale over 3 thousand years old..... Probably not but today we are discussing the one scale to rule them all. We get into why the minor pentatonic scale is so heavily used for blues, where it comes from and what you should take from that. Should be a fun one! Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years…
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Episode #229 The Great Slide Comparison of 2025
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16:38In this episode I'm lining up my slide collection (or some of it) and giving you a straight side-by-side tone comparison. I talk about different slide materials, makes and sizes, featuring handmade slides like the Diamond Bottle Neck hand-blown glass slide and the Delta Lizard - Delta Howler slide as well as Dunlop slides and the Magslide. Let me k…
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Episode #228 Why You Should Be Listening to Hubert Sumlin!
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14:01In this episode I along with cameos from Keith Richards and Stevie Ray himself are taking a deep dive into Hubert Sumlin, his playing, guitars of choice and influence over the blues and rock world. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscri…
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Episode #227 Why You're Not Getting Better at Guitar
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20:28In this episode we talk about the 'how' and 'what' of guitar practice. I lay out how to approach your practicing and what you need to be working on to improve. If you're feeling stuck with your playing at all, this ones for you! Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://ww…
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Episode #226 Is TONE really all in the Fingers?
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22:28In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show Podcast, we dive deep into the world of guitar tone. Is tone really in the fingers, or does your gear play a bigger role? We break down the essential elements—amps, pedals, pickups, and playing techniques—to help you dial in the perfect blues sound. From the warm breakup of Fender Tweed amps to the legendary…
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In this episode I'm talking you through how to effectively used CAGED to play more interesting 12 bar blues. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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Episode #224 Fundamental Music Theory for Blues Players
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18:52In this episode we talk through a no nonsense approach to music theory and the need-to-know info for playing effective blues guitar. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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Episode #223 The Music Industry is Broken! (Rant)
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28:49In this episode we're taking a bit of a break from things to discuss the modern music industry and why its so messed up. I give a few insider details as to how it all works and why it doesn't. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons fo…
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Episode #222 What's The Deal With Lightnin' Hopkins?
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14:12In this episode of The Blues Guitar Show, we dive deep into the life, legacy, and unmistakable style of Lightnin’ Hopkins—one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. From his early days in rural Texas, learning from legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson, to his rise as a prolific recording artist with over 800 songs, Hopkins shaped the s…
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Can you heqr the difference between a strat and a tele? Are you sure? In this episode we do a direct tone test between my stratocaster and my telecaster to compare and contrast the different tones. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscri…
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Episode #220 Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
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51:56In this episode I sit down with Reverend Peyton of the Big Damn Band. These guys are one of my all time favourite live bands. We catch up with Rev on tour in the U.S and just after releasing their new record 'Honeysuckle' Their new record, Honeysuckle, was released on February 21 and was mixed by six-time Grammy winner Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton…
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Episode #219 Learning songs FAST (and how to remember them)
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18:55Something I have to do a lot in my work is learning long set lists very quickly - sometimes in just days to have them performance ready. Today I'm sharing my method for how to learn songs quickly and effectively. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com…
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Episode #218 The GENUIS of Hill Country Blues
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11:26In this episode I'm talking to you about RHYTHM. Hill Country Blues playing is one of the most rhythmical of all the blues styles. Pioneers like R.L Burnside, Junior Kimborough and others developed this incredible picking hand technique you have to learn. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just …
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Episode #217 Which Guitar Shape Is Right For You?
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16:02In this episode we are virtual guitar shopping ans talking about which guitar shape is the right one for you. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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Lesson #97 Led Zeppelin Heartbreaker Riff
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10:34In this episode we are talking through that classic Zep riff Heartbreaker! It's a great blues scale based riff you can start grooving on straight away. Head to the drive folder to download this weeks TABS; https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYz?usp=drive_link Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to ov…
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In this episode I'm reviewing the Vintage VS6 (SG style) guitar. The Vintage VS6 ReIssued Series is a solid body, double cutaway guitar that can turn its hand to anything. Be it rock solid rhythm chords providing the engine room for your sound, drop tunings soaked in fuzz, or soaring lead guitar solos which steal the spotlight, the VS6 will astound…
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Episode #215 Smokestack Lightnin' - Songs Simplified
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9:38In this episode I'm doing another 'songs simplified' this time on the classic 1 chord vamp song - Smokestack Lightnin'. This is a blues jam staple and a campfire classic so well worth digging your teeth into. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950…
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In this lesson we take a deep dive into Three O Clock Blues and look at the licks and scales BB is using. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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In this episode we're looking into Freddie Kings playing, how he strucrtures his solos, the techniques he uses and how you can use them in your playing. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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In this episode I take you through my 5 essential pedals. These are the ones I use all the time and how I set them up. 1. Compressor Pedal Why it's important: A compressor smooths out the dynamics of your playing by limiting the loudest notes and boosting the quieter ones. It helps create a more consistent sound, adding sustain, punch, and clarity.…
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Episode #212 Carl Bradychok - Talkin' Rockabilly
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49:14In this episode I sit down with rockabilly's newest wizard - Carl Bradychok Carl Bradychok is a guitar player and a singer born in Detroit, Michigan in Mars of 1991. He recorded his first CD at only 13 years old. This guitar master paid tribute to Rockabilly big names like Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Johnny Burnett. He also had the …
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Episode #211 Songs SIMPLIFIED - The Weight - The Band
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11:22
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11:22In this episode we are doing the first song 'simplified' where we take a song and learn the core elements that would get you by at a jam session or gig. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #210 New Year! Goal Setting & Practice Routines
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16:42Happy new year everyone! In this episode we're talking abotu setting goals for 2025, why practice routines don't really work and how you should approach your guitar playing for the next 6 months. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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In this episode we are holding the BGS end of year awards as voted for by you! Categories are: Guitarist of the year Album of the year Guest of the year Brand of the year Happy New Year everyone and see you next time! Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprou…
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In this episode I take you through a fun jazzy 12-bar using triad shapes and partial chords. Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #207 How to PRACTICE Fingerpicking
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13:16In this episode I talk you through how to actually practice your fingerpicking. We break it down into three areas 1. Finger independence 2. Syncopation & Rhythm #. Basslines and Melody Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #206 Top 5 Acoustic Blues Masters
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13:12In this episode I'm talking all about the masters of the acoustic blues, we look at some of the history, styles and players that I believe deserve one of the top spots in the style. Agree? Leave me a review and let me know! Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buz…
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Episode #205 You've Gotta Learn These Bluegrass Licks!
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9:36In this episode I'm taking you through some really cool Bluegrass licks designed to help build up some of that speed, improe your acoustic flatpicking & work on playing licks from chord shapes. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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In this episode I'm taking you through some really cool Rock and Roll double stops all the way from the 50's - Think Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker & Hubert Sumlin! Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #203 Where Does 'Tone' Come From?! Q & A Episode
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18:05Today I've selected some of your questions to answer in this episode, please do keep them coming, [email protected] is my email address. We cover tone, 7th chords, fingerpicking routines & more in this one. Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over…
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In this episode I'm back talkin' triads with one of my favourite hacks for learning the fretbaord. This was a huge lightbulb moment for me and it's something I take all my students through. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe…
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Episode #201 5 Tips For Learning Guitar Online in 2024
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14:52In this episode I'm talking you through my top 5 tips for how to effectively learn guitar online in 2024. I give advice on resources, approaches, how to stay accountable and how to stick with your goals. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ …
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Episode #200 James Oliver Talkin' Teles and Being One of the Busiest Players in the U.K
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31:22“James Oliver is regarded as one of the finest players of the next generation.” -Jersey Evening Post James Oliver is one of the UK’s busiest acts playing over 300 gigs a year all over the UK, Europe, and the USA! He has performed over 3000 gigs and shared the stage with many acts including Albert Lee, Bill Kirchen, Deke Leonard, Greg Koch, Walter T…
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Lesson #80 5 Licks That Will Make You a Better Lead Player
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8:22IN this episode we look over 5 pentatonic licks that are designed to make you a better lead player. Head to the drive folder to download this weeks TABS; https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_WwAzYBpLKQBRAz942uqQb4u-C3PcvYz?usp=drive_link Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head …
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Episode #199 My Honest Thoughts Clapton and His New Record
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16:07In this episode I'm giving you my honest thoughts on Claptons new record 'Meanwhile' Let me know what you thought of it. Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lessons for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribeBy Ben Martin
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In this episode I'm talking about double stops! These are super good fun and a great addition to your soloing guitarsenal Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ Support the show To become a MEMBER and get access to over 2 Years of guitar lesso…
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Episode #197 Delta Blues Licks in Open G (SLIDE)
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13:10Today I'm taking you through my top 3 open G slide licks for learning delta blues technique. So tune down to a sexy open G - slap on a slide and get crackin' Enjoy. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ Support the show Support the show To be…
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Episode #196 Top 5 British Blues Riffs (and how to play them!)
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11:26Today I'm taking you through my top 5 British blues riffs! Some of these are for beginners and others more tricky but all of them are absolute bangers and I even sneak a 6th in there too. Enjoy. Become a plus member now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method/ Support t…
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Episode #195 Thomas Heppell Interview
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1:23:24Today I'm talking with a great up and coming blues player from the U.K - Thomas Heppell From the vibrant South Coast of the UK to stages across the nation, join Thomas as he crafts the next chapter in UK blues. With a style encapsulating the heart of Blues, the energy of Rock & Roll, and the sophistication of Jazz (sometimes if you're lucky), Thoma…
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Today I'm covering THE acoustic blues technique. Weather it's hill country, delta style or ragtime this is a fundamental technique to learn. I give you 3 exercises to practice this awesome fingerpicking style. Let me know what you though of the ep by sending the show a text. Download the Triad Method: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/the-triad-method…
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