Do you dream of celebrating ZZ Top’s iconic riffs on guitar, or raising goosebumps at the piano with a rolling boogie‑woogie bass line? Blues is the root of almost all modern music and has produced countless legendary tracks that became immortal on six strings and 88 keys.

In this article, we present 10 unforgettable blues and blues‑rock songs every musician should know. We’ll show you what these pieces have in store for guitarists and pianists, and give you everything you need for your musical journey.

What Makes a Good Blues Song for Beginners?

Not every blues classic is playable straight away. Beginner‑friendly songs usually share three common traits that make it easier to get started:

1. Simple Chord Structure: Many of the greatest blues songs use just three basic chords (I–IV–V), such as A major, D major and E major. These are quick to learn on guitar and piano.

2. Slow to Moderate Tempo: A leisurely tempo gives you enough time to switch cleanly between chords and focus on the rhythm without getting flustered.

3. Clearly Recognisable Form: Songs that stick closely to the 12‑bar form are especially predictable. Once you’ve internalised the structure, you can focus entirely on playing and feel.

If you want to firm up your instrument’s basics, our guides to learning guitar or learning the piano are the perfect starting point.

The Foundation: The 12‑Bar Blues

Before we get to the songs, we need to talk about the heart of the blues: the 12‑bar blues pattern, also known as the 12‑bar blues. Think of it like a musical recipe used in countless songs.

As the name suggests, it consists of 12 bars and, in its simplest form, uses three chords. Taking the key of A major as an example, the three chords would be:

• A7 (the tonic, degree I)

• D7 (the subdominant, degree IV)

• E7 (the dominant, degree V)

Once you’ve internalised this universal structure, you’ll find your way around most famous blues songs straight away — no matter which instrument you play.

10 Legendary Blues & Blues‑Rock Songs

Now for the good stuff. These 10 songs are perfect practice pieces for mastering different techniques and styles on guitar and piano.

The Riff & Groove Masters

These tracks are known for their unforgettable, driving motifs — the perfect way to get a feel for blues rock.

1. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley

• For Guitarists: A textbook 12‑bar blues hiding beneath a rock ’n’ roll veneer. The riff is great fun and a brilliant exercise in rhythmic timing.

• For Pianists: This is your stage. The driving piano part is legendary. Practise rolling quaver chords and that classic rock ’n’ roll rhythm.us üben.

2. Boom Boom – John Lee Hooker

• For Guitarists: One of the most famous blues riffs ever. Minimalist, direct and unbelievably cool. Ideal for developing a feel for the blues shuffle rhythm.

• For Pianists: Your job is to support the groove. Play simple, percussive chords or a straightforward bass line that complements the guitar riff and pushes the song along.

3. La Grange – ZZ Top

• For Guitarists: The epitome of gritty Texas blues rock. Billy Gibbons’ riff is as simple as it is genius — a must for learning how to get maximum impact from just a few notes.

• For Pianists: Even though there’s no piano in the original, you can adapt the groove perfectly. Use your left hand for a driving boogie bass line to bring that irresistible drive to the keys.

4. The Jack – AC/DC

• For Guitarists: AC/DC show their blues roots here. A slow, loping blues that proves how much power there is in a simple 12‑bar structure and minimalist licks.

• For Pianists: Focus on the foundation. Play big, “dirty” blues chords (seventh chords) with plenty of feel and keep the slow, heavy groove. This one’s all about atmosphere!

The Storytellers: Complete Songs With Feeling

5. Mary Had a Little Lamb – Stevie Ray Vaughan

• For Guitarists: A perfect piece for practising the interplay between a cool rhythm riff and expressive lead licks.

• For Pianists: Shine by filling the gaps (call and response). Play short, melodic replies to the guitar and vocal phrases and lay down a solid bed of chords.

6. Soul Man – The Blues Brothers

• For Guitarists: Steve Cropper’s distinctive intro riff is a masterclass in “less is more” and rhythmic precision.

• For Pianists: Piano (or organ) is essential here. Your role is to create the right feel with genre‑typical soul voicings and rhythmic stabs — short, accented chords.

The Solo Legends: Ambitious Goals

These pieces are famous for their breathtaking solos. They’re a challenge, but studying these masterpieces will take your playing to the next level.

7. The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King

• For Guitarists: The intro solo is a masterpiece. Here you’ll learn everything about bending, vibrato and the art of leaving space.

• For Pianists: The song often features a beautiful electric piano or an organ. Your job is to create a melancholic atmosphere with long, expressive chords for the solo to float over.

8. Hey Joe – Jimi Hendrix

• For Guitarists: The solo is an explosion of blues licks and innovative sound. Mastering it is a challenge that will push you technically.

• For Pianists: Although the guitar dominates, you can adapt the solo for piano. Use the blues scale in your right hand and play fast, expressive licks to capture Hendrix’s energy.

9. Still Got the Blues – Gary Moore

• For Guitarists: This solo is pure emotion and technical brilliance. A perfect piece to work on your tone, sustain and melodic expression.

• For Pianists: The powerful piano and organ chords are the foundation of this power ballad. Play big, full chords and support the solo’s dynamics.

10. It's Probably Me – Sting feat. Eric Clapton

• For Guitarists: Clapton’s solo is the epitome of taste and melody. An ideal model for developing melodic, tasteful solos.

• For Pianists: The gentle electric piano is a central element of the song. Play jazz‑tinged blues chords and focus on a soft, expressive touch.

Equipment: What You Really Need To Get Started

For an authentic rock sound, three things are essential:

• The Electric Guitar or Piano: You don’t need the most expensive model. A solid starter set is perfect to get going.

• A small Amplifier: The amp is responsible for the distorted sound that defines rock music. Many small practice amps already have this effect built in.

• A tuner (or an app) and a few plectrums round off your starter kit.

Your Path To Becoming a Blues Musician

These 10 songs are a map through the world of the blues. Start with the riffs and accompaniments that appeal to you most. Learn to play them in time and feel the groove. When you feel confident, tackle the solos. Break them into small parts and be patient.

The most important advice, though: feel the music. The blues doesn’t just come from your fingers; it comes from the heart. Each of these artists told their story — now it’s your turn to find yours. B.B. King: “The blues was bleeding the same blood as me.”