Today’s Acoustic Blues scene showcases a resurgence of traditional, country-rooted blues, reinvigorated by modern musicians who inject fresh life into time-honored styles. This genre leans heavily on instrumental brilliance, spotlighting artists whose talent extends far beyond mere imitation of the past.
So, how do I approach assembling a list of the top 25 Acoustic Blues Guitarists globally? Let’s just say I’ll sidestep assigning numbers altogether.
Instead, what follows is a celebration of 25 exceptional guitarists who have left a lasting imprint on the acoustic blues landscape. You won’t find a countdown here—but you will likely uncover plenty of musical gems worth diving into, whether you’re an avid listener or aspiring guitarist.
Feel free to enrich this list by sharing your own favorite artists in the comments. Let’s make this truly comprehensive. Thanks!
Let’s Begin.
Keb’ Mo’
With deep reverence for Robert Johnson’s vintage country blues style, Keb’ Mo’ infuses his music with soul and a narrative flair that feels entirely contemporary. A gifted performer and versatile sideman, he crafts most of his own songs and blends acoustic, slide, and electric guitar work across genres like jazz and rock.
- If you’re new to his music, a great starting point is “Everybody Be Yoself”.
Seasick Steve
Known offstage as Steven Gene Wold, Seasick Steve brings gritty authenticity to his music, often using customized guitars and drawing lyrical inspiration from his itinerant early years. Like fellow late bloomer T-Model Ford, Steve began recording well into adulthood. In the 1960s, he collaborated with various blues artists, including Joni Mitchell, and spent time living and performing in San Francisco. His resume includes stints as a studio engineer and session player.
- Sample his sound with “Summertime Boy”.
Jimbo Mathus
Originally making waves with the retro-swing group Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jimbo Mathus reinvented himself post-breakup as a prolific blues-rooted artist. Performing under a variety of monikers, he established a signature sound blending energetic blues with Southern Americana. His solo journey began alongside fellow ex-Zipper, violinist Andrew Bird.
- Experience his vibe with “Shine Like a Diamond”.
Taj Mahal
Henry Saint Clair Fredericks—better known as Taj Mahal—has spent decades expanding the blues horizon. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer, he skillfully merges blues with global musical elements from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. His genre-blending innovations have redefined what blues can be over a nearly 50-year career.
- Don’t miss “Fishin’ Blues”—a personal favorite.
Kelly Joe Phelps
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Kelly Joe Phelps redefines the boundaries of acoustic blues with deeply poetic lyrics and subtly complex guitar work. Though his style is rooted in folk and country, his improvisational flair and fluid technique reveal the soul of a jazz musician. Raised in a working-class town, he was steeped in music from an early age thanks to his father’s influence.
- Start with the moving track “I’ve Been Converted”.
Corey Harris
Corey Harris stands out among modern blues musicians for his raw, emotive interpretations of Delta blues, unconfined by tradition. While grounded in historical technique, his music weaves in diverse influences—ranging from African rhythms to New Orleans grooves—creating a vibrant, hybridized sound.
- “Catfish Blues” is an essential listen.
Cephas & Wiggins
Guitarist John Cephas and harmonica player Phil Wiggins formed a celebrated duo that upheld the Piedmont blues tradition for decades. Their music, steeped in the African-American folk sounds of Virginia and North Carolina, drew from legends like Blind Boy Fuller and Sonny Terry. From their debut in 1984 onward, they masterfully blended traditional and original songs with rich acoustic textures and gospel undertones.
- “Richmond Blues” is a great introduction to their sound.
Ted Hawkins
Though celebrated abroad, Ted Hawkins spent years performing on the sidewalks of Venice Beach, captivating passersby with his heartfelt voice and acoustic guitar. His music—an emotional fusion of blues, soul, gospel, and folk—spoke to universal struggles, earning him a devoted following despite a largely grassroots career.
- “Sorry You’re Sick” stands out among his poignant catalog.
Chris Smither
Chris Smither blends folk wisdom with blues grit in his songwriting, drawing from both traditional American roots and modern literary influences. During his early days in Cambridge, he immersed himself in the local blues scene, learning from the likes of Son House and Fred McDowell. His distinctive guitar work and lyrical depth continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
- Don’t miss “Link Of Chain”.
Preacher Boy
Christopher Watkins—known as Preacher Boy—infuses the blues with a rebellious spirit that connects with younger audiences. Leading his band, Natural Blues, across the West Coast, he revitalizes the genre through gritty performances and modern flair, proving the blues’ timeless appeal to new generations.
- Sample his work with “Setting Sun”.
East River String Band
New York City’s Eden and John’s East River String Band resurrect the country blues of the 1920s and ’30s with joyful precision. With Eden Brower on vocals and ukulele, and John Heneghan on guitar and mandolin, they also frequently collaborate with other musicians, including Robert Crumb and Dom Flemons, enriching their authentic sound.
- “Rolling Log Blues” captures their nostalgic style.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, a towering figure in blues and rock, is the only artist inducted three times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond his legendary status, Clapton’s acoustic work—especially in live sessions—displays a refined, emotional connection to blues roots.
- “Wonderful Tonight” is a must-listen among his acoustic offerings.
David Allen Slater
David Allen Slater wears many creative hats—singer, songwriter, composer, and visual artist. His independently released debut, *Influenced*, came out in 2009 and quickly garnered attention online. Shortly after, he collaborated with Windows 7 and ReverbNation to feature his song “Run Away” in a digital promotion campaign.
- Check out his track “Swim”.
Chris Thomas King
Born into blues royalty, Chris Thomas King has built a multifaceted career as both musician and actor. His breakout came with the film *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*, in which he portrayed the mythical Tommy Johnson. A versatile artist, he blends historical blues with cinematic storytelling, often spotlighting lesser-known narratives in American music.
- “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” remains a standout performance.
Guy Davis
Would you like me to continue rewriting the rest of the list starting from Guy Davis?
Guy Davis, born on May 12, 1952, is an American musician known for his mastery of the blues guitar and banjo, as well as his work as an actor. The son of celebrated actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, he is their oldest child and only son. Much of his musical influence stems from the Southern dialects spoken by his grandmother. Although he was brought up in the New York City area, Davis was deeply shaped by his family’s stories about rural Southern life, which heavily inform the themes of his songs. Largely self-taught, he picked up the guitar by carefully listening to other players rather than taking structured lessons.
- I’m especially fond of his rendition of
- “Matchbox Blues”. View more on Guy Davis.
Bjørn Berge
Bjørn Berge brings a fierce, electrifying energy to both Blues and Rock. Whether performing solo or with a band, his presence fills the stage entirely—he is, quite literally, a one-man powerhouse. It’s no wonder he’s earned the nickname “string-machine”. Even the percussion is handled solo, sometimes as simply as stomping a worn boot onto a wooden box. His fingers move with an almost otherworldly speed and precision, and his gritty voice adds an earthy weight to every note. His music dives deep into the essence of the blues.
- Watch him in action on
- “Mad Fingers Ball”. View more on Bjørn Berge.
Woody Mann
American guitarist Woody Mann made his mark in blues with a distinctive fingerpicking technique. Taught by the legendary Rev. Gary Davis, Mann continues to honor his mentor’s legacy by performing many of his songs. Over time, he expanded his musical reach to include jazz and other intricate, rhythmically complex styles. Mann has collaborated with prominent artists across the blues and jazz spectrum, such as Jo-Ann Kelly, Son House, and Dory Previn.
- Don’t miss him performing
- “We’ll Be Alright”. View more on Woody Mann.
Watermelon Slim and the Workers
Known offstage as Bill Homans, Watermelon Slim is a seasoned American blues artist who plays both harmonica and guitar. Signed with Toronto-based NorthernBlues Music, his musical journey began in the 1970s. Over the decades, he’s worked alongside iconic figures like John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Champion Jack Dupree, Bonnie Raitt, “Country” Joe McDonald, and Canned Heat’s Henry Vestine.
- Catch their performance of
- “I’m a King Bee”. View more on Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
Robert Plant
Born August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, England, Robert Anthony Plant CBE rose to fame as the powerhouse vocalist of Led Zeppelin, a band that redefined rock music. Famed for his dynamic voice and impressive vocal range, Plant forged a remarkable solo career following the band’s dissolution in 1980, which came after drummer John Bonham’s untimely passing.
- A great starting point is his song
- “Big Log”. View more on Robert Plant.
Rory Gallagher (1948–1995)
Rory Gallagher, born in Ballyshannon, Ireland, and raised in Cork, was a masterful blues-rock guitarist and songwriter. He emerged in the late 1960s with his band Taste and went on to release a series of critically acclaimed solo albums during the ’70s and ’80s. Selling more than 30 million records worldwide, Gallagher’s career was tragically cut short when he passed away in 1995 following complications from a liver transplant.
- A favorite of mine is his track
- “Tattoo’d Lady”. View more on Rory Gallagher.
John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer, a versatile American artist, blends songwriting, guitar prowess, and production skills. Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, he grew up in nearby Fairfield. After a stint at Berklee College of Music, Mayer moved to Atlanta in 1997 and briefly partnered with Clay Cook in the duo Lo-Fi Masters. After they parted ways, Mayer continued developing his craft in local venues, steadily building a loyal fan base.
- Listen to the emotional depth in
- “Gravity”. View more on John Mayer.
Stefan Grossman
Stefan Grossman is a celebrated American fingerstyle guitarist and vocalist, as well as a producer and educator. Co-founder of Kicking Mule Records, Grossman is renowned for his instructional content, particularly through his Vestapol series of videos and DVDs. His contributions have made learning blues guitar accessible to players worldwide.
- Enjoy his intricate playing on
- “Bermuda Triangle Exit”. View more on Stefan Grossman.
Jorma Kaukonen
Jorma Ludwik Kaukonen is a distinguished American guitarist celebrated for his work in blues, folk, and rock genres. He gained fame through his role in Jefferson Airplane and later with Hot Tuna. Rolling Stone honored him with the #54 spot on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
- Take a listen to
- “Song for the North Star”. View more on Jorma Kaukonen.
Leo Kottke
Leo Kottke is revered for his innovative acoustic guitar work, blending elements of blues, folk, and jazz into his unique fingerpicking style. Despite facing significant challenges, including partial hearing loss and a serious hand injury, he rose to prominence as a guitar virtuoso. Living with his family near Minneapolis, Kottke continues to compose and perform, occasionally singing with a self-deprecating humor about his baritone voice.
- One of his standout pieces is
- “Vaseline Machine Gun”. View more on Leo Kottke.
Bob Brozman
Born on Long Island, New York, into a Jewish family, Bob Brozman began playing guitar at just six years old. Throughout his life, he explored a wide variety of genres—from gypsy jazz to Hawaiian and Caribbean music, to blues and ragtime. A prolific collaborator, he worked with musicians from across the globe including Japan, India, Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Réunion. Often described as a “musical encyclopedia,” Brozman was renowned for his technical skill and encyclopedic knowledge of 20th-century American music.
- Don’t miss his captivating piece
- “Rattlesnake Blues”. View more on Bob Brozman.
