Roundup of Famous Overseas Blues Guitarists
Have you ever come across a song, or a part of a song, being described as “bluesy” while listening to rock or pop? There are many forms of the blues, which is said to be the origin of jazz and rock, and its style can’t be summed up in a single phrase.
Still, those plaintive phrases that evoke the sorrowful historical backdrop in which the blues was born feel distinctly “bluesy,” don’t they? This time, we’re spotlighting legendary guitarists who represent the blues—icons every beginner should know first, along with guitarists who’ve been gaining attention in recent years.
The soulful playing of these blues guitarists might just change your outlook on life!
- [2026] Masterpieces of Blues Rock: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once
- Recommended for rock fans too! — A classic album of modern blues
- [Western Music] Classic Blues Rock Songs: A Summary of Recommended Popular Tracks
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Famous and Popular Delta Blues Songs
- A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans!
- [2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos
- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- Ranking of popular blues songs
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names into history.
- Blues masterpieces—from prewar blues to blues rock
- A roundup of the greatest Western blues artists in history
- A gathering of super guitarists who deeply love the Fender Stratocaster
Summary of famous overseas blues guitarists (41–50)
snailJune Yamagishi
Born in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
I am a guitarist based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Since the early 1970s, I have been active in blues and jazz in the Kansai region of Japan.
I later moved to New Orleans, left my career in Japan behind, and continue to work in the United States.
Lost In LoveAlvin Lee
A guitarist from Nottingham, England.
Influenced by Chuck Berry, he formed a band in London.
His fast playing with full picking is striking, and the occasional use of economy picking became a precursor to sweep picking.
MonaBo Diddley
In the era when Bo Diddley was active, light and refreshing blues was very rare and highly valued.
With the song “Mona,” he was a pioneer who made blues not only something for Black audiences but also incorporated the straight-ahead, driving feel favored by white listeners.
A must-see for blues fans.
Don’t Fear The ReaperEric Gales
He’s someone with the distinction of being voted No.
1 by readers of the renowned magazine Guitar World.
He even took part in a mashup album featuring Eric and Zeppelin.
His playing style is the stuff of legend—known for impromptu sessions with the likes of Muddy and Howlin’—and he’s a lefty grandfather.
Amazingly, he plays a right-handed Stratocaster left-handed, making for a one-of-a-kind style.
So Many RoadsJohn Mayall
A blues guitarist from Cheshire who led the British blues rock boom of the 1960s.
He formed the Bluesbreakers in 1962, and Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton—featuring Eric Clapton after he left the Yardbirds—became a landmark album of British blues.