10 EASY Blues Songs on Guitar

Hey Friend! 

Today I want to share with you 10 easy blues songs on guitar. When I was starting out with blues guitar. I didn’t know which tunes to focus on. 

Many times I would start one and then get frustrated if it was too hard.

I see this all the time with students. In fact, a big tip for progressing faster with guitar and staying motivated is making sure you pick the right songs to work. We don’t want it to be too hard or we can easily feel discouraged. 

So below is a list of 10 easy blues guitar songs for beginners. To help avoid that pitfall.

Are you ready? You are. Great.

Let’s go!

1. Green Onions” – Booker T. & the M.G.'s

"Green Onions" is an instrumental blues that was released in 1962 by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The track is widely recognized for its distinctive Hammond organ riff, played by Booker T. Jones, which serves as the song's main hook. It was a major hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a lasting classic.

The song was recorded at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and released on the Volt label. Booker T. & the M.G.'s, a renowned instrumental group, consisted of Booker T. Jones on organ, Steve Cropper on guitar, Lewie Steinberg on bass, and Al Jackson Jr. on drums. They created a unique blend of soul, R&B, and funk that would become their signature sound.

This is a fun blues in the key of Fm. An easy way to play this song is to learn the bass line part Steve Cropper plays at the top of the tune.   

Click here to go to a longer lesson on this song.

2. “Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley 

"Hound Dog" is a rock and roll song that gained widespread popularity in the 1950s. Originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, it was first recorded by rhythm and blues singer Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952. However, the most well-known version of the song is the 1956 recording by Elvis Presley.

"Hound Dog" became one of Elvis Presley's signature songs and an iconic symbol of the rock and roll era. It played a significant role in shaping the genre's popularity and influencing subsequent generations of musicians. The song's impact and lasting appeal have secured its place in music history. 

The version as recorded by Elvis Presley is in the key of C. The guitar on this one can play a fun boogie-woogie bass line.

 3. “Hideaway” – Freddie King

"Hideaway" is another instrumental blues song originally recorded by Freddie King, one of the most influential blues guitarists of the 20th century. 

"Hideaway" was a breakthrough hit for Freddie King, reaching the top ten on the R&B charts and gaining significant attention from both blues enthusiasts and fellow musicians. Released in 1960, its impact extended far beyond its initial release, as the song has since been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple in the repertoire of many blues and rock guitarists.

Now the actual guitar part on this note-for-note isn’t easy. But playing a blues shuffle through the whole song is. This can get players started with the blues and jamming along to recordings quickly.

Click here to go to a longer lesson on this song.

 4. “Boom Boom” - John Lee Hooker 

"Boom Boom" is a blues song written and recorded by legendary blues musician John Lee Hooker. It was released as a single in 1962 and has since become one of his most well-known and signature songs.

“Boom Boom” captures the essence of Hooker's style, often referred to as a "boogie" or "rhythm and blues" style of blues.

The main riff to this song only uses 3 notes. It’s also a great example of “call & response” in the blues.

Click here to go to a longer lesson on this song.

5. Before You Accuse Me” - Eric Clapton

"Before You Accuse Me" is a blues song written by songwriter and musician Bo Diddley. It gained significant popularity with Eric Clapton's cover version, featured on his 1989 album "Journeyman." But a great version I have students work with is on Clapton’s Unplugged record.

Clapton's rendition of "Before You Accuse Me" showcases his masterful guitar skills and soulful vocal delivery, staying true to the original blues roots of the song.  

6. “Honky Tonk” – Billy Butler

Honky Tonk" is another instrumental rhythm and blues song that was originally recorded by Bill Doggett, a jazz and R&B pianist and organist, in 1956. The song was co-written by Doggett, Billy Butler, Clifford Scott, and Shep Shepherd.

The instrumental track features a memorable and infectious melody, driven by Doggett's dynamic organ playing. The song is built upon a swinging and bluesy groove, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, and boogie-woogie styles. And if you’re bored of playing the same ole’ blues rhythm patterns? Play this one and learn to mix it up.

7. “Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley

Here’s an example of an 8-bar blues. And if you’re feeling ambitious give Chet Atkins' guitar solo on it a try.

"Heartbreak Hotel" is a classic rock and roll song that marked Elvis Presley's first number-one hit on the Billboard charts. Released in 1956, the song catapulted Presley to international stardom and solidified his status as the "King of Rock and Roll."

The song was written by Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, and Elvis Presley himself. Inspired by a newspaper article about a suicide. "Heartbreak Hotel" tells the story of a lonely soul consumed by heartache and despair, seeking solace in a place called the Heartbreak Hotel. 

Upon its release, "Heartbreak Hotel" became an instant success, topping the charts in multiple countries and selling millions of copies worldwide. 

8. “Key To The Highway” – Derek & the Dominoes

This is another standard. It was originally recorded in 1940 by blues pianist and singer Charlie Segar. But the song gained widespread recognition and popularity through later versions by various blues and rock artists.

It was the rendition by blues legend Big Bill Broonzy in 1941 that helped popularize the song among blues audiences.

B.B. King and Eric Clapton also have a wonderful version. 

"Key to the Highway" has become a staple in blues performances and jam sessions, often serving as a platform for improvisation and showcasing the musicians' instrumental skills. 

9. “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” 

Here is another 8-bar blues. This one was written by Jimmy Cox, an American songwriter, and it was first recorded by Bessie Smith in 1929. Cox's blues beautifully captures the struggles and isolation one can experience when facing adversity.

The song has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres, becoming a blues standard. The Clapton Unplugged version is great and so is Scrapper Blackwell’s. 

Click here to go to a longer lesson on this song.

10. “Sweet Home Chicago”

This song has been recorded by so many great artists. It was originally written by Robert Johnson. Johnson's recording of the song in 1936 showcases his distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals. The song's lyrics reflect the desire to return to Chicago, which was a hub for blues musicians during that time. Magic Sam’s version from his album West Side Soul is one of my favorites.

Click here to go to a longer lesson on this song.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it!

10 easy blues guitar songs.

Choosing the right songs to learn and practice is crucial for progress and motivation. I hope this list of 10 gives you a solid foundation to choose from. Whether you pick instrumental classics like "Green Onions" and "Hideaway" or iconic vocal performances such as "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel," each tune brings its own unique charm.

And by studying them you will get musical “golden nuggets” to add to your own playing style. So keep it up and for more blues guitar songs check out this list of the 101 best blues songs to learn on guitar next!