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The Blues Guitar Show

Ben Martin

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 a mission to help you master the music you love.

Through this chart-topping podcast and interviews with some of the worlds best, our mission is to help dazed and confused blues pickers like you grasp the skills you need to go from ‘campfire’ to on fire.

Instagram @bluesguitarshowpodcast
Website: www.thebluesguitarshow.com


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  • 34 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 29 min
  • English

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  • Monday · 1 hr 2 min

    Episode #269 Talking Music Business, Blues & Guitar with Thomas Heppell

    Thomas Heppell from the Thomas Heppell band is back in the studio chatting with me all things blues guitar and musician life. In this episode we get into tips for playing a slow blues, pitfalls of life as a working musician, his process for writing music and how he created his recent Robert Johnson E.P. Robert Johnson EP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wkdxNaZoMDv6e5HhxPyqk?si=hUYxJF_eTqeqNmCy4WGO7A&nd=1&dlsi=222fdb683ba7481eT our dates here: www.thomasheppell.com This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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

    • Transcript
  • Friday · 10 min

    Lesson #185 Triads Deep Dive Part 3

    Download the backing track TABS and VIDEO: 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 to https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe

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  • November 2 · 13 min

    Episode #268 Rollin' & Tumblin' Muddy Waters Lesson

    JOIN THE WORKSHOP: https://www.thebluesguitarshow.com/blues-workshop 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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  • October 26 · 1 hr 1 min

    Episode #267 Talkin' Acoustic Blues with Kyle Orla

    Ben Martin interviews fingerstyle guitarist and Stringworks creator Kyle Orla about learning traditional blues, teaching from original recordings, and the musical and historical context behind the players. Orla explains how active listening, patient transcription, rhythmic nuance, and focused practice help guitarists get closer to the source without prescribing how they must perform the music. You can find Kyles work here: https://www.youtube.com/@kostringworks This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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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    • Chapters
  • October 19 · 12 min

    Episode #266 You NEED To Learn The Triads

    Triad Method Book: https://tr.ee/qKjoK4 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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  • October 5 · 16 min

    Episode #264 Aria 615-MK2 Nashville Telecaster REVIEW

    “615” Nashville was originally released back in 1995. The new 615-MK2 evokes a heritage of the original Aria Pro II Nashville however it comes with full of modern aspects. Roasted maple neck and fingerboard generate a superior tone and it is powerfully boosted by alnico-5 pickups. Nashville tradition of 3 single coil pickups with 3 way pickup selector switch. Middle pickup can be “On and Off” by pulling (or pushing) tone control knob. Body: Poplar, Flamed Maple Top Neck: Roasted Maple, Heel-less Bolt-on Fingerboard: Roasted Maple Number of Frets: 22 Scale Length: 648 mm Pickups: * Neck: TN-5 (Alnico 5) * Middle: OS-5 (Alnico 5) – on/off on tone knob (Push/Pull) * Bridge: TB-5 (Alnico 5) Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-way PU Selector SW Tailpiece: Wilkinson Hardware: Chrome Finish: turquoise 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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  • September 29 · 16 min

    Episode #263 The Johnny B. Goode Intro

    One of the most misplayed intros of all time! This week we're diving into the theory behind the intro, a note-by-note play-along and some good ol' guitar advice on playing Chuck Berry's stone cold classic. TABS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m6muKWbHmI-uzQY07WAvOxk03irYDQga?usp=sharing 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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  • September 18 · 1 hr 6 min

    THROWBACK POD Episode #177 Talking Guitar Solos and Music with Seth Rosenbloom

    Today I'm talking with one of the finest up and coming blues players - Seth Rosenbloom Critics have affirmed the fact that Seth knows of what he speaks. Rock & Blues Muse proclaimed, “The future of blues is in very capable hands.” Living Blues Magazine echoed those sentiments by declaring, “Rosenbloom’s ready to assume the mantle of a true electric blues champion,” Blues Blast Magazine concurred, saying, “Seth Rosenbloom is a guitar player’s guitar player. His ceiling is unlimited.” To get your hands on THE TRIAD METHOD: https://thebluesguitarshow.com/product/the-triad-method/ Become a Blues Guitar Show Member: https://www.buzzsprout.com/950998/subscribe Head over to www.thebluesguitarshow.com to subscribe to the mailing list If you find this stuff useful leave me a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Shoot me a question to cover in the upcoming episodes by emailing ben@thebluesguitarshow.com This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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

    • Transcript
  • September 14 · 1 hr 3 min

    THROWBACK POD Episode #109 David Hamburger Talks Acoustic Blues

    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/ This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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

    • Transcript
  • September 11 · 10 min

    Episode #261 Are Scales Holding You Back?

    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

    • Transcript
  • September 4 · 1 hr 9 min

    THROWBACK POD! Episode #134 Jon Button on playing bass in The Who

    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 This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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

    • Transcript
  • August 26 · 15 min

    Episode #260 Beginners Slide Guitar 101

    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

    • Transcript
  • August 10 · 14 min

    Episode #259 Fingerpicking Advice!

    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

    • Transcript
  • July 31 · 1 hr 5 min

    Episode #258 Talking Blues & Teaching Guitar with Ben Johnsen

    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/ This online workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started creating your own improvisations, songs and freestyles on the guitar. When: November 14th 5-6pm GMT Where: Online via Google Meet Price $25/pp https://calendly.com/ben-thebluesguitarshow/freestylin-the-blues-workshop 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

    • Transcript
  • July 21 · 19 min

    Episode #257 Your Questions Answered

    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

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  • July 3 · 10 min

    Lesson #168 Blues Standards - Eric Clapton FIngerpicking Part 2 - Nobody Knows Your When You're Down and Out

    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

    • Transcript
  • June 17 · 14 min

    Episode #256 5 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier

    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

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  • June 1 · 19 min

    Episode #255 The Great British Guitar Show (recap)

    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

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes