Blues isn’t about the brand—it’s about the voice. Today’s players have more choices than ever, and many of the best electric guitars for blues are also top-rated, best-sellers and proven favorites with players who know how to wring every drop of emotion out of a bent note.
That being said, Hound Dog Taylor wrung pure fire out of a battered Teisco with action high enough to hang laundry on. Hubert Sumlin's eerie, expressive tone came from an Eko that looked like it fell off a spaceship. When I was touring with the late Eddie Kirkland—John Lee Hooker’s longtime sideman—he’d rip solos from whatever pawnshop special he could find. Kirkland's guitars usually had stove knobs replacing the standard ones, and pickups that he’d personally packed with sulfur to tame feedback in his preferred archtop guitars—even though Pete Lowery at Trix Records had gifted him a couple of Les Pauls. “I don’t need all that,” he’d say. “This one talks.”
Sure, players like Clapton, Beck and Page helped bring blues to stadium stages—and modern legends like Joe Bonamassa continue the tradition with museum-worthy gear—but the story started somewhere else.
The point is: the blues wasn’t born in a showroom. It came into the world kicking up dust on porch boards, howling through juke joints and squeezing soul out of whatever instrument a player could lay hands on. Some of the most electrifying tones in blues history came not from high-end gear, but from guitars most folks wouldn’t glance at twice.
So, whether you’re a beginner learning your first turnaround, a seasoned cat playing smoky clubs or a collector, like Bonamassa, chasing that perfect neck carve, this list highlights some of the most popular guitars for blues in the Guitar Center lineup—each chosen for its tone, feel and ability to speak your truth.
So let’s plug in, turn up and take a walk through 10 guitars that deliver the goods—from punchy single-coil snap to molten humbucker heat.
Headstocks Left to Right: Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster, Epiphone B.B. King Lucille and Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard
Table of Contents
Comparing the Best Electric Guitars for Blues
The Top 10 Electric Guitars for Blues
The 12th Bar
Comparing the Best Electric Guitars for Blues
|
Model |
Body/Neck Woods |
Fretboard |
Neck Shape |
Pickups |
Price* |
|
Laminated Spruce Top/Laminated Maple Back & Sides/Maple Neck |
Indian Rosewood |
Duesenberg Medium D |
GrandVintage Humbucker (Bridge), Domino P90 (Neck) |
$3,644.00 |
|
|
5-Ply Laminated Maple/Mahogany Neck |
Indian Laurel |
SlimTaper D |
Epiphone P-90T Classic (Neck), P-90R Classic (Bridge) |
$699.00 |
|
|
Laminated Maple/Maple Neck |
Ebony |
Rounded C |
Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers |
$949.00 |
|
|
Korina/Korina Neck |
Indian Laurel |
1958 Flying V |
Burstbucker 2 (Neck), Burstbucker 3 (Bridge) |
$1,299.00 |
|
|
Alder/Maple Neck |
Rosewood |
SRV Custom Oval C |
Custom Shop Texas Special Single Coils |
$5,450.00 |
|
|
Alder/Maple Neck |
Rosewood |
Slim Tedeschi C |
Custom-Voiced Single Coils |
$1,999.99 |
|
|
Maple Top on Mahogany Back/Mahogany Neck |
Indian Rosewood |
’50s Vintage |
Hum-free P-90 DC |
$2,799.00 |
|
|
Solid Mahogany/Mahogany Neck |
Indian Rosewood |
1960s Slim Taper |
Gibson Custombucker Alnico III Humbuckers |
$4,299.00 |
|
|
Maple Top on Mahogany Back /Mahogany Neck |
Rosewood |
Pattern Thin |
PRS TCI “S” Humbuckers with Coil Tap |
$2,399.00 |
|
|
Chambered Mahogany With Maple Top/3-Piece Mahogany Neck |
Rosewood |
Revstar Slim |
Yamaha VP5n (neck) and VP5b (bridge) P-90-style Single Coils |
$929.99 |
Pricing as of December 2025*
The Top 10 Electric Guitars for Blues
The blues is personal. One player might want a guitar that sings with the smooth phrasing of a Robert Cray. Another might want something that pushes their amp into Gary Moore territory—sustain, fire and pure emotional lift. The guitars below represent some of the most popular, top-rated electric guitars for blues players today—each with its own personality, tonal strengths and backstory. Whether you’re chasing vintage mojo, building your first blues rig or just looking for a guitar that makes you play longer and louder, this list has something to say.
Pictured: Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster in Faded 3-Color Sunburst
Duesenberg USA Starplayer TV Semi-Hollow
What's the Mojo? This elegant German-engineered semi-hollow blends vintage blues soul with Art Deco cool and boutique precision.
Things to Consider:
- GrandVintage humbucker and Domino P90 give you the best of both tonal worlds
- Deluxe hardware and tuning stability for pro-level performance
- Laminated spruce/maple body adds brightness and bite to the semi-hollow warmth
Shop Now: Duesenberg USA Starplayer TV Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Catalina Avalon Blue
The Duesenberg Starplayer TV isn’t your granddad’s pawnshop prize—but if he ever got his hands on one, he’d never put it down. With its distinctive pickup pairing and semi-hollow construction, this guitar covers everything from smoky slow blues to snarling modern grit. The GrandVintage bridge humbucker delivers smooth saturation, while the Domino neck P90 adds snap and presence. If you’re the kind of player who wants their tone dialed and their gear to turn heads, this Starplayer has the blues and the looks.
Epiphone Casino
What's the Mojo? Featherweight feel and P-90 snap give this thinline electric a voice that works from front porch blues to British Invasion bite.
Things to Consider:
- Fully hollow maple body delivers air and resonance
- Dual P-90s provide grit, growl and sparkle
- SlimTaper neck is easy on the hands for long sets or studio takes
Shop Now: Epiphone Casino Hollowbody Electric Guitar in Vintage Sunburst
While best known for its Beatles associations, the Epiphone Casino’s rootsy, midrange-forward sound makes it a secret weapon for blues players like Gary Clark Jr., who are looking for something off the beaten path. The fully hollow body sings unplugged, while the P-90s push a small amp into buttery overdrive without losing clarity. It’s a fantastic option for players who lean into dynamics and want a guitar that’s responsive, not rigid. To see the full assortment of Epiphone Casinos that are available in a range of prices and finishes, check our collection page.
Epiphone B.B. King Lucille
What's the Mojo? Built to sing sweet and shout loud, the Epiphone B.B. King Lucille honors the King of the Blues with refined tone and superb playability.
Things to Consider:
- Feedback-fighting semi-hollow design with no f-holes
- Dual Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers offer warmth, detail and sustain
- Varitone circuit adds tonal versatility without cluttering your rig
Shop Now: Epiphone B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Ebony
Lucille didn’t just do her daddy’s will—she helped define it. B.B. King’s signature guitar was a tool of precision and emotion, and this Epiphone recreation captures the feel, function and fire of his iconic tone. From buttery jazz-blues lines to full-throated leads, the semi-hollow maple body (minus the f-holes) keeps feedback at bay even at higher volumes. The Varitone circuit adds subtle EQ shaping across multiple bands, giving blues players a wide expressive palette—whether you’re playing behind the beat or testifying on the one. As a side note, a signed Lucille has a place of pride at Guitar Center's flagship Hollywood store, and we have to admit, it's pretty darn cool. And, if Lucille strikes your fancy, it's well worth checking out our article on Lucille's many relatives, including guitars like Freddie King's ES-355 or Marcus King's ES-345.
Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V
What's the Mojo? You'll love this vintage reissue of the axe that helped Albert King bend the blues into something soaring, stinging and unmistakably his.
Things to Consider:
- Korina body and neck provide snappy attack and sweet sustain
- Burstbucker 2 & 3 pickups for classic P.A.F.-style heat
- Vintage 1958 neck profile for smooth fretting and modern feel
Shop Now: Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying V Electric Guitar in Aged Natural
The Flying V might look like it belongs on a rock stage, but in Albert King’s hands, it became a blues weapon of mass expression. This Epiphone ’58 Korina Flying V reissue nails the mid-century mojo with its all-korina construction, giving it a unique tonal fingerprint—lightweight and resonant with a hint of natural compression. The Burstbuckers offer vintage-voiced output with clarity and punch, making it a natural fit for bending, sliding and soaring above the groove. If you want to stand out in both look and tone, this V brings the heat without the hype.
Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster
What's the Mojo? This is the blues holy grail for players chasing that searing, vocal Texas tone—equal parts attitude and soul.
Things to Consider:
- Custom Shop Texas Specials deliver biting highs and warm mids
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth bends and nuanced articulation
- SRV’s reversed lefty trem lets you dig in like Stevie did
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster in Faded 3-Color Sunburst
When Stevie Ray Vaughan plugged his battered “Number One” Strat into a Tube Screamer and a Fender Vibroverb, the world got a master class in touch-sensitive tone. This meticulously crafted Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster captures the essence of that rig—from the oval-shaped neck profile to the reversed trem and engraved SRV pickguard. If you’re wondering what sets this guitar apart from the many Strat flavors out there, our guide to buying the best Fender Stratocaster breaks down the key differences. This one’s built for serious players who want to channel Vaughan’s dynamic phrasing and firebrand energy without compromise.
Fender Susan Tedeschi Telecaster
What's the Mojo? This vintage-style Tele blends southern soul and Chicago grit—just like the player it’s named after.
Things to Consider:
- Custom-voiced single coils for expressive tone with edge and warmth
- Rosewood fingerboard adds depth and smooth attack
- Vintage-style hardware with a modern neck feel for road-ready comfort
Shop Now: Fender Susan Tedeschi Telecaster Electric Guitar in Aged Caribbean Mist
Susan Tedeschi’s blues voice is powerful, subtle and always intentional—and this Tele captures that spirit in six strings. Designed in collaboration with Fender, the Susan Tedeschi Telecaster features a lightly aged Caribbean Mist finish, but what matters more is what’s under the hood: pickups tailored for clarity, punch and touch sensitivity. Whether you’re laying down clean rhythm lines or pushing into overdrive for soulful solos, this Tele keeps your phrasing articulate and dynamic. For more insight into what makes a Tele great for blues and beyond, check out our guide to the Fender Telecaster.
Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard '60s
What's the Mojo? A tone-forward tribute to one of modern blues rock’s heaviest hitters—built to sing, shout and sustain for days.
Things to Consider:
- Hum-free P90 DC pickups for vintage-voiced warmth and clarity
- ’60s-style slim neck profile balances speed and substance
- No weight relief—just pure, resonant mahogany tone
Shop Now: Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar in '60s Cherry
Warren Haynes doesn’t play around when it comes to tone. Whether he’s stretching out with Gov’t Mule, channeling southern soul with the Allman Brothers or stepping into Jerry Garcia’s shoes with the Dead, his Les Paul tone is always thick, articulate and unmistakably him. This Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard ’60s model reflects that commitment: no weight relief, no frills—just sustain-rich mahogany and hand-wound Custombuckers that respond to every nuance. It’s a blues rock machine with the range to cover gospel warmth, soul grit and searing lead work. And, if you're Les Paul-curious, whether because of Haynes or British blues players like Jimmy Page, you'll want to check out the Riffs article on How to Choose the Best Les Paul.
Gibson Custom 1961 Les Paul SG Reissue Stop-Bar VOS
What's the Mojo? This reissue of Gibson’s first SG-style Les Paul walks the line between elegance and ferocity—just like the legends who’ve played it.
Things to Consider:
- Lightweight, slim-body mahogany design with exceptional upper fret access
- Custombucker Alnico III pickups for vintage clarity and heat
- ’60s Slim Taper neck delivers speed and sensitivity
Shop Now: Gibson Custom 1961 Les Paul SG Standard Reissue Stop-Bar VOS Electric Guitar in Cherry Red
Hubert Sumlin was living proof that it’s the touch that makes the tone. Whether he was coaxing howls from an Eko or finessing deep vibrato on a Les Paul, Hubert always sounded like Hubert. This Gibson Custom 1961 Les Paul SG reissue—responsive, lightweight and full of character is ready to help you find the sound that brings our your innermost feelings. With its sharp cutaways and rich mahogany tone, it’s a perfect fit for blues players who want access to upper frets without sacrificing warmth or vintage vibe. It’s built for players who know how to make a note breathe. For a deeper dive on the current state of the SG, you'll want to read our guide to choosing the right SG for you.
PRS S2 Custom 24-08
What's the Mojo? Smooth, sculpted and sneakily versatile, this PRS brings boutique clarity to blues phrasing—with plenty of snap under the hood.
Things to Consider:
- PRS TCI “S” pickups with coil-tap switches for eight tonal variations
- Pattern Thin neck offers speed and comfort without sacrificing feel
- Meticulous PRS fit and finish—built to last a lifetime
Shop Now: PRS S2 Custom 24-08 Electric Guitar in Electric Lake Blue
While PRS guitars often conjure visions of fusion and prog, the S2 Custom 24-08 proves they’ve got a deep blues streak, too. Its coil-tap switching unlocks a wide palette of tones—from warm, rolled-off neck sounds to biting single-coil cuts that dance in a clean amp. The mahogany body with a maple top adds presence and clarity, making it a natural for phrasing-heavy players who work the in-between tones. If you want one guitar that can whisper, wail and work a room, this is a modern blues sleeper worth waking up to.
Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T
What's the Mojo? A blues chameleon with garage band charm—this chambered P-90 machine is punchy, light and loaded with vibe.
Things to Consider:
- Dual VP5 single coils dish out raw, articulate P-90 tones
- Chambered mahogany body for lightweight resonance and airy mids
- Passive Focus Switch adds a tight, punchy EQ shift—no batteries required
Shop Now: Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T Chambered Electric Guitar with Tailpiece in Sunset Burst
The Yamaha Revstar RSS02T feels like the kind of axe the sadly overlooked Son Seals might’ve torn into if it had been kicking around the Chicago scene in the ’70s. It’s got the no-nonsense look, the brash bite and the tonal versatility to move from greasy rhythm chops to snarling leads without breaking a sweat in the same way Seals did. The chambered construction keeps it comfortable on stage, while the VP5 pickups respond like a miked-up growl in a smoky club. If your blues veers toward the raw and relentless, this one speaks your language. If you want some inside info on the whole Revstar line, here's a convenient link to Yamaha Revstar Guitars | Revved Up on Innovation on our Riffs blog.
The 12th Bar
Pictured: Gibson Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar in '60s Cherry
In blues, it’s about finding a guitar that feels like an extension of your hands, your voice, your story. Whether you’re drawn to the raw edge of a P-90, the creamy sustain of a humbucker or the snap of a single coil that makes your amp just start to growl, the right guitar makes all the difference.
The ten models we’ve covered are some of the most trusted, top-rated and tone-rich choices for players chasing everything from front-porch acoustic vibes to full-tilt electric expression. But if you’re still searching for the one that speaks to you, your personal Gear Adviser or local Guitar Center are always ready to help you plug in and play. And, if you're still putting together your rig, our article on The Best Guitar Amps for the Blues is well worth checking out.
In the end, blues is all about expression and emotional honesty. So, grab your guitar, seek your sound and tell your soul’s story.