Music to My Ears: The Best Blues Instrumentals

Looking for some great blues instrumentals to add to your collection? Check out our list of the best ones around. From classic tracks to modern takes on the genre, there’s something here for everyone.

What is the blues?

The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of the 19th century. It is characterized by a call-and-response pattern, often between a singer and an instrument, and by a lamenting, melancholy tone. The blues has been a major influence on many other musical genres, including rock and roll, country music, jazz, and pop music. The blues is also the basis for many traditions in African-American culture, including the use of blue notes in music, the “blues” form in jazz composition, and the informal “talkin’ blues” style of spoken word Blues poetry.

The best blues instrumentals of all time

There are countless great blues instrumentals, but some stand out above the rest. Here are some of the best blues instrumentals of all time.

“Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago” is a classic blues song that has been covered by countless artists over the years. The original version is a 12-bar blues instrumental that features Johnson’s signature guitar style. The song has been interpreted by many different artists, but Johnson’s version remains the most iconic.

“Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” is one of the most iconic and influential blues songs of all time. Though it was originally recorded in 1936, it has been covered by a myriad of artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. The song is a masterclass in blues guitar, and its impact on popular music cannot be overstated. If you’re looking for some of the best blues guitar playing ever put to tape, look no further than “Cross Road Blues.”

“Hellhound on My Trail” by Robert Johnson

A true classic, “Hellhound on My Trail” by Robert Johnson is one of the best blues instrumentals of all time. Johnson’s use of slide guitar is simply masterful, and the song’s mournful yet catchy melody will stay with you long after the last note has faded away. If you’re a fan of the blues, this is one track that you cannot afford to miss.

“I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon

Willie Dixon’s “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a classic blues song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The original version was recorded by Dixon himself in 1956, and it has been covered by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King. “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a slow, 12-bar blues song that features Dixon’s signature growling vocals and his skills on the double bass. The song is about a man who is trying to quit his woman but finds that he can’t do it, and it features some of the most memorable bass lines in all of blues music.

“Spoonful” by Willie Dixon

“Spoonful” is a blues song written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960. According to Dixon, he wrote the song while riding on a train with Muddy Waters. The song is based on a one-chord progression and uses various bluesman’s names and slang terms in the lyrics. It is one of Dixon’s most recorded songs, with over 500 versions, and has been inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters

“Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters is a classic example of a great blues instrumental. The song was written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Waters in 1954. It has been covered by many artists over the years, but Waters’ version is undoubtedly the most popular and well-known. The opening guitar riff is simple but catchy, and the rest of the song features some of Waters’ best guitar playing. The song is also notable for its use of slide guitar, which gives it a truly unique sound.

“I’m Ready” by Muddy Waters

The best blues instrumentals are the ones that perfectly capture the feeling of the blues, and Muddy Waters’ “I’m Ready” does just that. This song is full of heart and soul, and it’s one of the most beautiful blues songs ever written. Waters’ guitar playing is so expressive and his voice is so full of emotion, it’s impossible to not be moved by this song.

“Got My Mojo Working” by Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was one of the most important figures in the development of the blues. He is often credited with creating the Chicago blues sound. “Got My Mojo Working” is a perfect example of his style. It features a catchy guitar riff and Waters’ signature vocals. This song has been covered by many artists, but Waters’ version is still the best.

“The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King

Magnetic, hypnotic, and altogether unforgettable, “The Thrill is Gone” is without question one of the best blues instrumentals of all time. Released in 1969, the song quickly become a hit, topped the R&B charts, and won King a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Featuring some of King’s most masterful guitar work, “The Thrill is Gone” is a perfect example of why he is considered one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. From its iconic opening riff to its soulful soloing, the song is a lesson in blues guitar perfection. If you’re looking for a track to show off your guitar skills, this is the one.

“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King

Albert King was one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, and “Born Under a Bad Sign” is one of his most iconic songs. The slow, driving groove and King’s soulful guitar playing make this track an essential listen for any fan of the blues.

“Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker

“Stormy Monday” was written by T-Bone Walker and first recorded in 1942. It is one of the most influential blues songs of all time, with many cover versions recorded by artists as diverse as Etta James, Eric Clapton, Sting, and the Allman Brothers Band.

Walker’s original version is a slow, mournful blues number that features his signature guitar playing. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is down on his luck and struggling to get by. Despite its sad subject matter, “Stormy Monday” has a hopeful message that resonates with listeners even today.

T-Bone Walker was one of the most important figures in the development of the electric guitar. His style influenced countless other blues and rock guitarists, and his recordings are still revered by fans and musicians alike. “Stormy Monday” is just one example of his incredible talent, and it remains one of the most beloved Blues instrumentals of all time.

“Sweet Little Angel” by Lucille Bogan

Lucille Bogan’s “Sweet Little Angel” is a classic example of a blues instrumental. The song features Bogan’s signature growling vocals, which were paired with her guitar playing to create a unique sound that was both sensual and tough. “Sweet Little Angel” is a stop-time blues, meaning that the rhythm pauses for a moment before starting up again, giving the song a feeling of suspense and anticipation.

“In the Mood” by Ernie Fields

“In the Mood” is a 1941 big band/swing tune recorded by Ernie Fields and his Orchestra. The song was written by Joe Garland and Andy Razaf. It became one of the most popular hits of its day and has been covered by many artists since, including Glenn Miller, Tex Beneke, Henry Mancini, The Ventures and Ruth Brown.