10 Best Blues Guitar Courses & Certifications Online To Take In 2023

Dive into the soulful world of blues guitar with our expertly curated list of the top 10 online courses and certifications for 2023, designed to cater to every skill level and goal, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning journey for all.

Amber Carey

(Updated April 20, 2023)

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Are you looking to dive into the world of blues guitar? Look no further! Our team meticulously researched 36 popular blues guitar courses offered by various providers, gathering feedback from 84,061 enrolled students who left 4,070 ratings and reviews. We then carefully evaluated and handpicked the best courses based on ratings, reviews, enrollments, learner opinions, valuable and engaging content, comprehensive curriculum, release date, and affordability. By combining this information with our experiences and expertise, we have compiled the ultimate list of the top 10 best blues guitar courses and certifications available online.

Getting started on your blues guitar journey has never been easier or more accessible. Our comprehensive list covers everything from mastering blues guitar skills to learning electric blues guitar basics, acoustic blues guitar techniques, and bluegrass guitar essentials. No matter your level of expertise or goals, you'll find the perfect course to help you become a more proficient and confident blues guitarist. So step into the vibrant world of blues guitar and let your musical journey begin with our trusted selection of courses and certifications.

Best Blues Guitar Courses & Certifications

1. Blues Guitar: Learn to Play

Best for mastering blues guitar skills

This course is specially designed for those looking to master the art of playing blues guitar. With over 50 examples of various blues rhythm guitar styles, such as slow blues, uptown/jump blues, mambo blues, and blues rock, students can learn at their own pace and acquire the essential skills needed to play blues guitar proficiently. The instructor, Steve Trovato, demonstrates how to play blues rhythm guitar, emphasizing its importance in finding your groove with the rhythm section and filling the gap between solos, a crucial aspect of any live performance.

Steve Trovato's well-structured and easy-to-follow teaching method ensures that students can grasp the techniques and nuances of blues guitar playing smoothly. Each example in the course is accompanied by a four-measure intro or turnaround, allowing students to understand the tempo and feel of the tune before starting to play. Created and produced by Alfred Music, this course is a valuable resource for anyone interested in developing their blues guitar skills and enhancing their overall musicianship.

Best for:

Ideal for developing essential skills in playing blues guitar proficiently while emphasizing rhythm, groove, and live performance techniques.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 210,738
Rating (4.78)
Duration 4h 41m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

2. Blues Guitar For Beginners

Best for learning electric blues guitar basics

This beginner-friendly course offers a comprehensive introduction to electric blues guitar, focusing on teaching foundational skills such as playing riffs, chords, and rhythms. The course is designed for busy adults who want an engaging, effective way to learn guitar without getting bogged down in music theory or notation. By following this approach, you'll quickly be able to play a variety of exciting blues techniques, and start building your repertoire of blues licks from the very first lessons.

Guided by an experienced instructor who has extensive experience performing and teaching electric blues, you'll begin by learning valuable basics like tuning, proper pick grip, and playing your first blues notes. As you progress, the course will cover a range of useful techniques, including strumming with downstrokes and upstrokes, picking in time, and achieving clean-sounding chords. With the help of on-screen diagrams and practice jam tracks, you'll develop the confidence and ability to play blues guitar in various popular styles, such as the Chicago shuffle, Texas shuffle, eight-bar blues, and shuffle boogie.

User review:

great easy to understand lessons, I found so easy to follow and I learnt so much from the explanations. This was a quick course well recce-mended to all who want to learn the blues. [1] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for beginners who want to quickly learn foundational skills for playing electric blues guitar, highlighting riffs, chords, and rhythms, without getting bogged down in music theory.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 10,973
Rating (4.71)
Duration 6h 10m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) TrueFire Guitar Lessons
Price $14.99

3. Blues Chords & Lessons: The Blues Guitar Of Broonzy & McGhee

Best for mastering acoustic blues guitar techniques

This course is designed for those interested in learning the acoustic blues guitar techniques of legendary artists Brownie McGhee and Big Bill Broonzy. Their unique styles, which incorporate swing blues chords, shuffles, and walking basses, provide a perfect blend of traditional blues verses with a distinct groove. The course offers five lessons that focus on McGhee's "Livin With The Blues" and four of Broonzy's songs, helping students to develop a solid foundation in these influential artists' styles.

Throughout the course, students will learn how to finger pick acoustic blues guitar in the distinctive swing style, master palm damping techniques, understand the chord structure of swing blues in the keys of E, A, and C, and recreate the elusive 'old blues guitar' feeling. Furthermore, students will discover the 'monotonic bass' fingerpicking technique used by both McGhee and Broonzy, which involves the thumb striking just one bass guitar string every beat. Each lesson includes slow close-up demonstrations of both hands, tips on singing, and printable guitar tab files, ensuring an enjoyable and comprehensive learning experience for those aiming to master the swing guitar style of these iconic blues musicians.

User review:

Great little course - Jim obviously loves this music and has studied and played it until he knows every note. Really well presented with full tab, left and right hand closeups with chords. He breaks the tunes down into manageable sections, with lots of helpful tips and hints on technique aling the way. Very highly recommended - and check out his long course which has much more of the same. [2] ... Read More

Best for:

This course excels in teaching acoustic blues guitar techniques, focusing on the distinctive swing styles of legendary artists Brownie McGhee and Big Bill Broonzy, helping students develop a solid foundation in these influential musicians' styles.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 9,769
Rating (4.52)
Duration 1h 40m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Jim Bruce
Price $55.9

4. Bluegrass Guitar Essentials: Webisodes 1 & 2

Best for grasping bluegrass guitar essentials

This comprehensive course focuses on teaching the essentials of blues guitar, helping you develop the skills and techniques needed to emulate legendary guitarists in the bluegrass genre. By exploring the influences of renowned artists such as Tony Rice, Bryan Sutton, and David Grier, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the distinct style of bluegrass guitar. The course covers everything from the use of different gear to the various techniques employed by these masters, allowing you to enhance your playing and truly "Learn the Essentials of Playing Bluegrass Guitar like the Legends!"

In addition to the core instructional content, the course includes an introduction, a section on how to use the accompanying eBooks, and a special bonus section with links to recommended gear for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. With expert guidance and support, you'll be able to hone your skills and take your playing to new heights, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing techniques. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best and unleash your full potential as a blues guitar enthusiast!

User review:

There is so much invaluable & practical information for ANY aspiring guitar player in Eric Beaty's presentation of Bluegrass Guitar Essentials. Being an Australian, I have had precious little exposure to the seemingly rarified world of Bluegrass music. Eric's obvious passion, skill & knowledge of the genre, has now inspired me to pursue more of his instruction on this style of playing. I thoroughly recommend previewing Eric Beaty's Bluegrass Guitar Essentials. [3] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the distinct style of bluegrass guitar, develop the skills and techniques needed to emulate legendary guitarists, and enhance their playing in the blues genre.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 4,970
Rating (4.88)
Duration 1h 11m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Eric Beaty
Price Free

5. FREE - Red Haired Boy Bluegrass Fiddle Tune Learn on Guitar

Best for learning bluegrass fiddle tunes

This course offers a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the popular bluegrass jam tune, "Red Haired Boy," on the guitar. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation by teaching the melodic structure of the fiddle tune, its various parts (A Part, B Part), and the chords to the song. As a bonus, learners also gain access to 31 backing tracks for practicing and jamming along with, further enhancing their proficiency in playing this blues guitar classic.

In addition to detailed video lessons, the course features valuable tips to optimize practice sessions and expert guidance from an accomplished instructor with numerous accolades and experience teaching and performing all over the United States. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician, this course aims to instill more confidence and enjoyment in playing the guitar while equipping you with the skills to play "Red Haired Boy" as well as other bluegrass fiddle tunes. Join today and take a step closer to becoming a better guitar picker!

User review:

This course was free at the time of my purchase. I got it to learn how to play quick and fast bluegrass tunes on the guitar. All the backing tracks (they are at available at variable BPMs if you don't own a metronome) and videos were very helpful. The instructor seems to be very responsive and eager to help. Tabs/Chord sheet would greatly improve this course in order to practice offline and it appears the instructor is working to get those up for students. [4] ... Read More

Best for:

This course excels at teaching you how to proficiently play bluegrass fiddle tunes like 'Red Haired Boy' on the guitar, building a strong foundation in melodic structure and chord progression for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 4,186
Rating (4.45)
Duration 1h 57m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Lesson Pros
Price Free

6. Blues for the Curious Guitarist

Best for exploring versatile blues guitar

This comprehensive blues guitar course is designed to help participants gain a thorough understanding of blues guitar playing, starting from the very basics and progressing to advanced techniques. Throughout the course, students will learn to chord comp and solo over a range of major and minor blues progressions and songs, with a strong focus on mastering endless chord changing possibilities, allowing for an exciting and creative approach to the blues genre. The course also delves into blues theory, ensuring students can navigate and understand the foundations that underpin their playing.

Designed for use with any type of six-string guitar - electric, acoustic, or classical - the course is structured into five sections: Blues Guitar Basics, Major Blues, Minor Blues, Blues Songs, and Bonus Lessons. Each lesson within the course features a PDF attachment containing tabs, songs, chords, and text guitar lessons that can be downloaded, saved, and printed for ongoing reference. The course is continually evolving, with new content being added to the bonus section regularly, ensuring students have access to the most up-to-date information and techniques in blues guitar playing.

User review:

I usually wait until I have completed at least most of a course before entering a rating but I felt I had to at this stage being only 20% through. Took me a bit to warm up to Dan's speaking style - I put that down to camera shyness (not a criticism) . Lesson 7, Arpeggios, was my "Wow" moment - these are not like the Arpeggios I am used to with Folk guitar, no, these are patterns used for soloing. This is great stuff. Dan starts off with the real basics and works up from there - I jumped through a couple of the early lessons quickly but starting at lesson 5 (Basic Rhythm) onward its pure gold. Already I can feel the onslaught of some major illness that's going to keep me home from work tomorrow so I can soak some more of this up - Cheers [5] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals wanting to gain a comprehensive understanding of blues guitar playing, from mastering chords and progressing to advanced techniques, while also exploring blues theory and foundation.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 3,872
Rating (4.58)
Duration 9h 12m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Dan Dresnok
Price $9.99

7. Blues Master - Beginner's Techniques Piano Course

Best for beginner blues piano techniques

For those passionate about blues guitar, the Blues Master - Beginner's Techniques Piano Course is the ideal place to begin their journey to becoming a well-versed blues musician. This comprehensive course covers various aspects of blues piano playing, with a focus on improvisation, engaging riffs, and the captivating allure of boogie-woogie. With each lesson, the course leads aspiring musicians through the essential steps to master their craft, and ultimately play like a seasoned professional.

All video lessons in the course are designed to ensure clarity by incorporating keys with backlight and explanatory slides. Accompanying media files make use of the "Synthesia Game" software to further enhance skills and keep track of progress. By absorbing the course material and committing to practice, students will become adept at playing various styles of blues, such as slow and spicy or fast and dynamic bebop, as well as groovy boogie-woogie. Enroll in this course to unlock the secrets and techniques of exhilarating blues improvisation and make your mark in the world of blues piano playing.

User review:

I have been prompted for a rating even though I'm only in the early stages of this course. This is a very well designed and presented course (so far at least). The tutor obviously has real and significant ability on the piano. Furthermore, the exercises to date, have moved quickly to a very sati sfying level of competence - the tutor gets straight to the point, with no time wasted. I've held back half a star merely because it is early days, but if the standard continues at this level I will have to mark it as 5 stars (despite some negligible distractions due to background Russian, spelling errors and erroneous translations e.g. "Reef" instead of "Riff"). I am certainly very impressed so far. [6] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those looking to begin their blues piano playing journey, covering various aspects of blues piano playing, like improvisation, engaging riffs, and boogie-woogie, ultimately leading to playing various styles of blues with confidence.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 4,952
Rating (4.11)
Duration 1h 20m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Sergei Filimonov
Price $19.99

8. Blues Guitar Chords, Rhythm and Lead: Blues Guitar Tab

Best for acquiring beginner blues guitar techniques

Embark on an exciting journey to explore the fascinating world of blues guitar chords, rhythm, and lead with this comprehensive course designed for beginners. You will learn the essential techniques and skills needed to play blues guitar, starting with open E and open A power chords, which form the core of blues and rock 'n' roll music. Progressing through the course, you'll gain a firm understanding of power chords, open chords, and bar chords, as well as rock 'n' roll rhythm and the blues shuffle rhythm, all presented in easy-to-follow guitar chord diagrams and tablature.

But that's not all; the course also delves into the art of playing lead blues guitar with insightful guidance on cultivating your skills. You will master a solo blues intro, shuffle, turn around, and even explore techniques for combining singing with lead playing. By the end of this course, you'll be well-equipped with everything you need to start playing beginner blues rhythm and lead guitar, igniting your passion for this soulful and expressive musical genre. So, why not join this blues guitar adventure and discover the joy of making music with your newfound abilities?

Best for:

This course is ideal for those wanting to develop their beginner blues guitar skills, covering chords, rhythm, and lead techniques while providing a comprehensive foundation in the essentials of blues and rock 'n' roll music.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 3,592
Rating (4.23)
Duration 2h 1m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Brian Jackson
Price $14.99

9. Blues Guitar and Advanced Guitar Lessons

Best for advancing blues guitar expertise

Supercharge your blues guitar skills and understanding with this comprehensive online course that covers both rhythm and lead, and is suitable for both acoustic and electric guitar. Through 130 lectures and over 7 hours of video content, this course is designed to advance intermediate guitarists to an advanced level and is also an excellent resource for advanced players aiming to refine their skills further. The lessons will help you increase your level of skill quickly and tackle complex music theory principles to achieve limitless possibilities on the fretboard.

This course is tailored for passionate guitar players with a desire to "up" their guitar game, those who want to understand the most essential music theory principles and guitar players looking to increase their skills in blues guitar. By learning from a veteran in the industry who has reached millions of people all around the world with his guitar videos, ebooks, and online guitar courses, you will develop the correct techniques and establish the right practice habits to succeed in your guitar journey. From the construction of chords to call and response techniques, this advanced guitar course covers it all, so you can confidently join a band, jam out to any song, and make the blues guitar your own.

User review:

I’m about 1/2 way through. I do know a fair amount of it already, intermediate level I guess you could say, but the review is good for me at least. However, I do realize there are a number of holes in my knowledge level which he fills in very nicely, especially when it comes to technique. The course is very smooth and flows well in an easy step by step format. Video and sound quality is good. The quality of the instructor is excellent. I like how most lessons are about 1 to 3 minutes long and the rest 5 to I0 minutes as needed. Overall I give the presentation high marks. A plus. [7] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is perfect for passionate guitar players looking to elevate their blues guitar skills, both rhythm and lead, as well as gain an understanding of essential music theory principles. It is designed to help intermediate to advanced players refine their techniques and explore limitless possibilities on the fretboard.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 3,550
Rating (4.59)
Duration 7h 17m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Erich Andreas
Price $14.99

10. Acoustic Blues Guitar Lessons : Learn Acoustic Blues Guitar

Best for enhancing acoustic blues guitar proficiency

Acoustic Blues Guitar Lessons offers comprehensive instruction on fingerpicking blues guitar styles, encompassing a range of artists from the Delta blues of Robert Johnson to the complex ragtime picking of Blind Blake. By learning from the techniques of legendary blues men like Lightnin Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, and Robert Johnson, as well as lesser-known but equally influential artists such as Scrapper Blackwell, Pink Anderson, and Floyd Council, students gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of blues guitar.

This course presents 39 video guitar lessons featuring major acoustic blues artists of the 1920s and 30s, ensuring a solid foundation in fingerpicking techniques. Depending on the key and musical style, these guitar lessons cater to intermediate and advanced players, with the alternating bass patterns of ragtime guitar providing more of a challenge than the monotonic bass techniques associated with Delta blues. Students will not only develop their skills but also cultivate a deep appreciation for acoustic blues guitar and its impact on modern music. #bluesguitar #fingerstylebluesguitar #guitarlessons #bluesguitarlessons #acousticbluesguitarlessons #acousticguitarlessons

User review:

I've been an on and off guitarist for 30+ years, trying out everything from classical and flamenco to rock. However acoustic blues has been the hardest. Simple as the chord shapes I just never get it right! I am not claiming to get it right now either -I'll need another 30 years of practice for t hat. But I'm getting it less wrong thanks to this course and can now at least fake being able to play the blues. All the videos (that I've seen anyway) follow the same form. First a clip or recording of the original artist, then Jim plays through the song, talks a bit about it and and shows the chords. After that he walks you through it one bar a at a time with shots of both the left and right hand. The pace is slow and you will never be left behind. You don't need to be super experienced to follow the course - confident with the basic camp fire chords and a bit of finger picking and you should be OK playing at least most of the songs. [8] ... Read More

Best for:

This course offers comprehensive instruction on fingerpicking blues guitar styles, covering a wide range of artists and techniques. It ensures a solid foundation in fingerpicking techniques while cultivating a deep appreciation for acoustic blues guitar and its impact on modern music.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 2,645
Rating (4.05)
Duration 12h 28m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Jim Bruce
Price $14.99

Compare Blues guitar Online Courses

Course Rating Cost
Blues Guitar: Learn to Play
Best for mastering blues guitar skills
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Blues Guitar For Beginners
Best for learning electric blues guitar basics
$14.99
Blues Chords & Lessons: The Blues Guitar Of Broonzy & McGhee
Best for mastering acoustic blues guitar techniques
$55.9
Bluegrass Guitar Essentials: Webisodes 1 & 2
Best for grasping bluegrass guitar essentials
Free
FREE - Red Haired Boy Bluegrass Fiddle Tune Learn on Guitar
Best for learning bluegrass fiddle tunes
Free
Blues for the Curious Guitarist
Best for exploring versatile blues guitar
$9.99
Blues Master - Beginner's Techniques Piano Course
Best for beginner blues piano techniques
$19.99
Blues Guitar Chords, Rhythm and Lead: Blues Guitar Tab
Best for acquiring beginner blues guitar techniques
$14.99
Blues Guitar and Advanced Guitar Lessons
Best for advancing blues guitar expertise
$14.99
Acoustic Blues Guitar Lessons : Learn Acoustic Blues Guitar
Best for enhancing acoustic blues guitar proficiency
$14.99

How to choose best Blues guitar online course

When choosing the best blues guitar course for your needs, it's crucial to consider the specific aspects you wish to improve within your playing style and the level of expertise you want to achieve. Whether you're starting out or looking to refine your skills, there is a course tailored to your goals. To help guide you in your decision-making process, here's a list of things to look out for during your search:

  • Identify your level of experience and learning goals, such as learning the basics of blues guitar, understanding the chords and techniques used, or exploring the fundamentals of bluegrass guitar.
  • Look for courses that cater to your specific music interests, such as a particular bluegrass fiddle tune on guitar, or improving your knowledge of the theory and history of blues guitar.
  • Consider whether you want to learn beginner's techniques for playing blues guitar on the piano, or delve into blues guitar rhythm and lead playing.
  • Ensure the course provides content that supports your desired level of advancement, whether you’re a beginner looking to gain a solid foundation or an experienced player seeking advanced guitar lessons.
  • If acoustic blues guitar interests you, seek a course specialized in that particular genre, allowing for a focused learning experience.

As you explore each course offered, analyzing the lessons, format, and quality of instruction is essential in helping you achieve your desired skills, expertise, and enjoyment in playing the blues guitar. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect course for your needs.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey to master blues guitar requires dedication, persistence, and most importantly, effective tools and resources. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the ins and outs of blues guitar or an intermediate player looking to advance your skills, the courses listed in the article provide an excellent foundation for grasping the theory, chords, and techniques essential to excel in this musical style. The variety of courses ensures that students with different goals and interests have the opportunity to select the most suitable program for their specific needs.

Improvement is a continuous process, and every step you take will bring you closer to your goals. With the right course, you'll delve deeper into the world of blues guitar and become a more knowledgeable, skilled, and confident guitarist. Embrace the learning process, explore the possibilities, and make your dreams come true with a wealth of excellent blues guitar courses. Happy playing!

How much does a blues guitar course cost?

A blues guitar course can range from being free to costing up to $109.99, depending on factors such as the platform, course level, and instructor. Some options also include a subscription model, which can cost between $19.99 to $39.99 per month.

How long do blues guitar courses take?

The duration of blues guitar courses can vary significantly, with some courses taking as little as 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete, while others can take up to 12 hours and 28 minutes. The length of courses depends on factors such as the course content and instructor.

What is the best way to choose a blues guitar course?

When selecting a blues guitar course, consider factors like your skill level, goals, preferred platform, course content, duration, and cost. Researching reviews from previous students and examining the course outline can also help you determine if the course is right for you.

  1. Rodney Hanns (September 25, 2019). "Blues Guitar For Beginners". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  2. Mark Prichard (March 26, 2017). "Blues Chords & Lessons: The Blues Guitar Of Broonzy & McGhee". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  3. Warren Allsopp (August 17, 2018). "Bluegrass Guitar Essentials: Webisodes 1 & 2". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  4. Nathan Weiser (April 10, 2018). "FREE - Red Haired Boy Bluegrass Fiddle Tune Learn on Guitar". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  5. Marc Angelo (October 31, 2019). "Blues for the Curious Guitarist". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  6. Ken Harper (January 23, 2018). "Blues Master - Beginner's Techniques Piano Course". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  7. Steve Somerville (February 4, 2018). "Blues Guitar and Advanced Guitar Lessons". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023
  8. Henrik Fogelberg (October 29, 2017). "Acoustic Blues Guitar Lessons : Learn Acoustic Blues Guitar". Udemy. Retrieved April 20, 2023