Best New Blues Guitarists to Watch
Blues guitar is always moving forward. A new generation of players is bringing fresh energy to the genre while honoring the artists and traditions that came before them. From fiery electric solos to acoustic roots music, these guitarists are helping blues reach new listeners.
“New” doesn’t always mean brand-new to the scene. Some of today’s most exciting players have been building their careers for years; they’re included here because they represent the blues guitar’s next wave. Here are several artists worth adding to your listening list.
D.K. Harrell
Louisiana guitarist and singer D.K. Harrell draws on classic electric blues while giving it a confident, contemporary feel. His expressive bends, sharp phrasing, and warm vocal style make his performances feel rooted in tradition without sounding like a museum piece. His album The Right Man introduced him to a wider audience, and he has continued to build momentum with his later work.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is one of the most recognizable young names in modern blues. The Mississippi-born guitarist combines muscular electric playing with a broad understanding of blues history. His solos can be explosive, but he also knows when to leave space and let a vocal or groove carry the song. For listeners looking for a powerful, modern blues-rock sound, Kingfish is a compelling place to start.
Ally Venable
Texas guitarist Ally Venable brings a lively mix of blues, rock, and Southern influences to the stage. Her playing is bold and direct, with punchy riffs and plenty of room for improvisation. Venable’s energetic performances and strong songwriting make her a standout in a new generation of blues-rock artists.
Toby Lee
British guitarist Toby Lee began attracting attention at a young age and has developed into a confident performer with a clear affection for blues and rock. His playing balances crisp technique with an enthusiastic, song-first approach. Lee is a good choice for listeners interested in a young artist drawing from familiar blues foundations while developing his own voice.
Zac Schulze
As frontman and guitarist for the Zac Schulze Gang, Schulze delivers high-energy blues-rock shaped by British blues and classic rock. His playing is fast, forceful, and built for the live stage, but the band’s sound also makes room for the groove and dynamics at the heart of the blues. They’re worth checking out for fans who like their blues loud and full of momentum.
Jontavious Willis
Jontavious Willis explores the acoustic side of the blues, drawing on country blues, gospel, and traditional forms. His guitar work is rhythmic and expressive, and his songs show a strong connection to the music’s roots. In a scene often dominated by electric guitar, Willis offers a reminder of how much can be said with an acoustic instrument, a voice, and a steady groove.
Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe
Larkin Poe, the roots-rock duo led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, brings blues influences into a modern, Americana-leaning sound. Rebecca Lovell’s guitar work helps give the band its punchy, earthy character, while the duo’s harmonies and songwriting add another dimension. Their music is a natural fit for listeners who enjoy blues with a strong roots-rock edge.
Where to Start
For electric blues with plenty of power, try Christone “Kingfish” Ingram or D.K. Harrell. For high-energy blues-rock, explore Ally Venable and the Zac Schulze Gang. If acoustic roots music is more your style, start with Jontavious Willis. And for a blend of blues, rock, and Americana, give Larkin Poe a listen.
There’s no single definition of the “best” new blues guitarist. The artists who stand out are the ones who make the tradition feel alive—whether through fresh songwriting, fearless improvisation, or a sound that invites a new audience into the blues.
5 Tips for Discovering the Best New Blues Guitarists
- Start with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram for fiery modern blues guitar.
- Check out D.K. Harrell for fresh, soulful electric blues.
- Listen to Ally Venable for blues-rock riffs and expressive solos.
- Explore Marcus King for blues guitar blended with Southern rock.
- Compare live performances to find the players whose style speaks to you.
Start with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram for fiery modern blues guitar.
For fiery modern blues guitar, start with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. The Mississippi-born guitarist pairs explosive solos and expressive bends with a deep feel for the blues tradition. His powerful sound, confident stage presence, and distinctive phrasing make him an exciting introduction to a new generation of blues artists.
Check out D.K. Harrell for fresh, soulful electric blues.
Check out D.K. Harrell for fresh, soulful electric blues. The Louisiana-born guitarist pairs expressive bends and confident solos with a warm vocal style, creating music that honors classic blues while sounding distinctly his own. Start with his album The Right Man to hear why he’s one of the most exciting blues artists to watch.
Listen to Ally Venable for blues-rock riffs and expressive solos.
Listen to Ally Venable for blues-rock riffs, punchy grooves, and expressive solos that bring plenty of energy to every track. Her playing blends the spirit of Texas blues with a modern rock edge, making her a great pick for listeners who enjoy bold guitar work and dynamic performances.
Explore Marcus King for blues guitar blended with Southern rock.
Explore Marcus King for blues guitar blended with Southern rock. His expressive playing combines soulful bends, gritty tone, and fiery solos with the energy of classic Southern rock, creating a sound that feels both rooted in tradition and distinctly his own. Start with his live performances to hear how he brings that mix to life onstage.
Compare live performances to find the players whose style speaks to you.
Compare live performances to discover which new blues guitarists speak to you most. Studio recordings show a musician’s sound, but live shows reveal how they shape a solo, respond to the band, and connect with an audience. Watch a few performances and notice what draws you in—fiery improvisation, expressive phrasing, a deep groove, or a more rootsy, acoustic approach.