Best blues guitar for the "moving up"/intermediate guitarist?

Question

Hey guys, I've been playing guitar for a while now, and for quite a time I've delved myself into the smooth world of blues: scales, riffs, melodies, and the like. After a great session just a while ago, I have come to the conclusion that blues is what I really do enjoy playing, it is something musical that comes quite naturally to me. I've seen some great work done with blues on many different guitars. For example, fender telecasters, gibson/epiphone les pauls/SG's, and the classic stratocaster (or it's many copies even). There are indeed many options, it might be a while before I decide.

So, people, experienced guitarists, what what you recommend based on experience? If you can, details. Humbuckers > Single Coils? Or the other way around? Fat Strat < Gibson '70's?

Answer 1

I can agree on the ES 335. That guitar is sweet.



What style of blues are you looking to play? If you wanted to play some old 30's blues, you'd probably want an acoustic. If you want to play some 50's style blues like T-Bone Walker or Lowell Fulson, you'd probably want some kind of jumbo hollow body guitar. If you want to play electric blues rock from the 60's, you might want something with humbuckers, like a Gibson Les Paul or an SG.



The nice thing about the Gibson ES 335 is that it can cover most of the blues styles. It'll get a really nice warm tone for those 50's style blues tunes, and it can handle the heavier 60's style without feedbacking since it's only semi hollow.

Answer 2

The guitar you choose depends on the artists and style of blues that you like.

I use a strat (well, a Carvin strat style guitar, 3 single coils and a wilkinson bridge) mainly because the artists I'm into are people like Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, John Mayer (even though most of his stuff is less Blues, more pop) etc, as well as other genre's artists that use strats.

However I'd expect a Gary Moore fan to lean towards a Les Paul, or a BB King fan to lean towards a Gibson hollowbody, so on and so on.



But for a "moving up"/intermediate guitarist I'd heavily suggest something real versatile.

If you have a low budget (£100-£300) I'd suggest:

Fender standard Strat (Or high end Squier strat if you're low on cash)

Fender standard Tele (or high end squier if low on cash)

Epiphone Les Paul (custom if you have the money ;))



For a mid budget (£300-£600):

Fender Highway One Strat/Tele (or go used and find american.)

Gibson Les Paul Studio

Or copies which have a similar quality (Like I said earlier, I use a Carvin strat, got it for £600, plays beautifully)



For a higher budget (£600-£1500)

Try the higher end strats, teles, or other Fender guitars.

Standard Les Pauls or SGs (SGs are probably better for the rawer heavier stuff.)

And if you look right you could probably go custom.



Anything above that price range is just indulgance ;)



Hope I helped.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Nothing beats a Gibson ES-335 for blues.

Answer 5

the blues is in you, not in the guitar.



What I'd get if money were no objection? Probably a Martin OM28 or Taylor 514.

And yes, that's an acoustic instrument without preamp.

Answer 6

anything you like the sound of !...'hound dog taylor ' played an old junker for most, if not all of his career....sometimes too much importance is put on what you are playing.. instead of what you are playing