The Blues Guitar Show

Growing up outside of Boston, multi-instrumentalist David Hamburger first picked up a guitar at the age of 12. Through his first guitar teacher he was exposed to bluegrass music, and at home his father was turning him on to Tin Pan Alley pop. Through his teens, Hamburger was also becoming more interested in blues and jazz, incorporating the various styles into his playing. His interest in blues was further stoked while attending Wesleyan University when a friend taught him to play slide. A stint at Manhattan's School of Music where he was studying jazz composition didn't last, as Hamburger left the graduate program to play with a then-unknown Freedy Johnston . Hamburger was also playing with an R&B band as well as performing solo, finally gathering some of his favorite local musicians to help him record King of the Brooklyn Delta in 1995. Extensive touring helped him to build a live following around New York and New England, while he continued to contribute guitar, dobro, and pedal steel to the recordings of others. Indigo Rose, recorded in a little more than a week, arrived in 1999. As a solo artist, David has appeared at Merlefest, the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Old Settlers Music Festival, and venues including Passim, Cafe Lena and the Cactus Cafe. He has opened for Dave Van Ronk, Jorma Kaukonen, Rory Block and Roy Book Binder and jammed onstage with Duke Robillard, Gatemouth Brown and Tinsley Ellis. As a sideman and session musician, David has recorded with Freedy Johnston, toured the U.S. with Joan Baez, and appeared with Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen on Springsteen’s remake of “The Ghost of Tom Joad.” David is also the author of two dozen instructional books and videos, including the award-winning Beginning Blues Guitar , which has sold over 100,000 copies and been released in a second edition after 20 continuous years in print. We talk all things acoustic blues, he even whips out a stunning sounding Martin and demos a bit for us so, not one to miss! Shoot me a question to cover in the upcoming episodes by emailing ben@thebluesguitarshow.com Follow me on instagram @bluesguitarshowpodcast Make a small donation at 'Buy me a coffee' https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bluesguitarshow Acoustic Blues Guitar Course: https://www.udemy.com/share/1086SM/ 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I tackle the 5 shapes of the minor pentatonic scale and talk about why actually for improvisation they might not be all that useful. If you're looking for a proper deep dive into finally learning how to improvise hit me up for 1-2-1 online sessions by emailing ben@thebluesguitarshow.com 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

Today I'm speaking with Jon Button - One of the worlds best session bass players. Jon has played with a whole host of amazing musicians and artists including Sheryl Crow, Shakira, Robben Ford, Roger Daultry and most recently The Who. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with him and cheers to Jon for giving us some of his time. You can find Jon over on instagram @jonbuttonbass Become a Blues Guitar Show Member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Shoot me a question to cover in the upcoming episodes by emailing ben@thebluesguitarshow.com Follow me on instagram @bluesguitarshowpodcast Make a small donation at 'Buy me a coffee' https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bluesguitarshow 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm talking slide guitar advice. If you're a complete beginner to the style or if you've found yourself about ready to throw the slide out the window never to be picked up again, this is for you. Simple, usable advice in standard tuning for players looking to get into or perfect slide technique. Want to try 1-2-1 lessons? I'm currently offering a free first lesson for listeners. Simply send me an email to ben@thebluesguitarshow.com entitled FREE LESSON and we'll get you all booked in for an online session at a time that suits 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

In this episode I'm giving you real talk about fingerpicking. Tips that will hopefully help you out and pitfalls best avoided! For private lessons send me an email: Ben@thebluesguitarshow.com 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

In this episode Ben and I talk about teaching blues guitar, we dive deep into fretboard recognition, how to approach scales, solos and improvising. It's chocked full of great tips and tricks for levelling up your blues licks so dont miss it! Bens Instagram is also a great resource: https://www.instagram.com/bensbluesguitarlessons/ 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Another Q & A session - This time all about jam nights, strings, improvisation and more. 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

We're looking at some blues standards over the next couple of months on the plus podcast and we're starting with a classic tune (The Eric Clapton Version) TABS and VIDEO: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SnA_QYaYNdZEQk2syHyrTSoPWtw4QR0-?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 to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I'm listing the 5 things I wish I'd known earlier in my own guitar journey. 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

In this episode I'm recapping the brilliant Great British Guitar Show and giving some reccomendations on guitar builders and companies I saw at the show. Cheers again to Tom and the crew for having me on and looking forward to the next one! https://medusaguitars.com/ https://www.eggle.co.uk/ https://www.adguitars.co.uk/ https://www.nottinghamcityguitars.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq161uQBFnrFhYJ0q-41S-AslN5wAyLJ5JsBWFuZ4KLAmJl2oBh 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

In this episode I'm talking with the great Amani Burnham who is a phenomenal player who has blown up in the past couple of years, his album Roots and Wings is available to stream the first few songs from on Apple Music & Spotify. Guitar world magazine said: Blues -rock newcomer Amani Burnham’s love of full-step bends, trills and pentatonic fills leads to inevitable Jimi Hendrix comparisons, but his style isn’t outright mimicry – the 20-year-old happens to draw inspiration from the same well of artists as the guitar icon. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode we are having a play around with an AI powered guitar amp. I know right......madness. I'm playing through the Mooer F40i Li intelligent amp and seeing what this thing can really do. 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

In this episode I talk with Tim Love host of the Always Getting Better Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYN1bRE329VreXZW0vTmy) Tim is also a guitarist and teacher who has worked with some incredible musicians and companies: BBC, P&O Cruise, The Voice, X-factor, Chesney Hawkes, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Pepper), Lee Thompson (Madness), Alabama 3, Mark Read (A1) I also work regularly for some of the countries finest agencies and tribute bands inc, MIB, Ear Candy, Pearl Jamm, Oasish, Bjorn Again, One Step Behind. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this episode I sit down with Tom who runs the Great British Guitar Shows. This year he's running 4 shows in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Wales & Leicstershire. I'll be on the live stage at the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire shows later in the year. The first show is May 24th in Oxfordshire. For info and tickets head to: https://www.greatbritishguitarshows.co.uk/ Explore an unbeatable lineup of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, pedals, amps, and accessories. From world-class brands to cutting-edge boutique builders, this is the ultimate place to see, try, and fall in love with incredible gear. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

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. 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

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 . 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

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. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

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. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

Dive deep into the raw, hypnotic world of R. L. Burnside , the legendary North Mississippi hill country bluesman. From his early life on Mississippi farms to decades of regional performances, groundbreaking 1990s recordings with Fat Possum Records , collaborations with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion , and his experimental Come On In album, we explore his guitar style, gear, live performances, and enduring influence on modern blues, rock, and electronic music. 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 for just $5/Month head to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

In this extended deep-dive, we explore the life, music, and legacy of Muddy Waters —the man who electrified the Delta blues and laid the foundation for rock ’n’ roll. From his early days on Stovall Plantation to his rise in Chicago with Chess Records, we trace his journey through iconic recordings like ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘Mannish Boy,’ his groundbreaking performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival , and the transatlantic collaborations of The London Muddy Waters Sessions. We’ll break down Muddy’s guitar style, gear, and slide techniques , hear stories of his legendary band with Little Walter and Otis Spann, and map out how his music influenced artists from the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin and beyond. 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