5 Johnny Winter Blues Riffs | Reverb Learn to Play

Jeff Massey breaks down five lightning-fast blues licks inspired by Texas blues great Johnny Winter that you can incorporate into your playing.

[richlaw]

Around 1976 my younger sister landed an Exec Secretary job at Blue Sky Records in NYC (Johnny’s label). In March 1979 she invited me and my gf to join her, her boss and Johnny for dinner at the Lone Star Café, a small club on 5th Ave and E 13th St on lower Manhattan. It was my birthday so my little sister and her boss at Blue Sky took us to dinner and afterwards Johnny played a kickass show!! Best bday present I ever got!!! Also, Johnny gave me a framed photo that he signed earlier in the day. He wrote “Rich, happy birthday ‘79 and the best of everything good! Johnny Winter”
RIP, Johnny

[ChefClary]

A genius and personal favorite that never got the recognition he deserved.

[SidBonkers]

One things for sure, there will never be another Johnny Winter.

[Marcoblues]

It's said Johnny Winter had a huge record collection hanging on a wall and he could play alongside each and every song in those records.

[fougee]

Loved Mr.Winters saw him live over 25 times he was at his best in small clubs.
Sometimes he would play for three hours straight with out a break.Wild man.
Rest in Peace Johnny!

[williamborger]

Jonny Winter had a big heart… you could feel it through his authentic mastery of the blues and clean lighting speed!

[TheFloridaPappy]

I generally can't stand the "look how fast I can play" thing, but you could tell that was just Johnny's style and he wasn't showing off. He had to slow down to play fast. I'll never be able to play as good as this, but thanks for breaking it down and instructing it so well.

[markmcmyn]

For me, Johnny Winter is one the hardest to copy, and actually get his sound. His fast guitar style is original, and is as blues as blues can be. It's My own Fault, off the Johnny Winter And live album with Rick Derringer, is one the greatest slow blues ever recorded.

[shelovesdisco]

A goldmine for all the Johnny Winter fans out here...thanks Jeff!

[donald-parker]

Johnny Winter was the one that turned me on to Electric Guitar. Copying his licks was my obsession for years. Slide and standard. Johnny Winter And Live album is still one of the best things I've ever heard. RIP!

[cynthiaklenk]

Very nice! Johnny owned the pentatonic blues box, and made it is own. Johnny was as fast as he needed to be, soulful and very very clean - every note distinct.

[robertbutler]

Excellent video Johnny Winter one of my favorite players a true monster player

[shawnbell]

Johnny could play and never run out of ideas. That is what inspires me the most out of his many, many talents.

[meonthenet]

2 music man amps, turned up to dirty, Johnny was the best! I took a friend (Joe) to a Johnny show, he said he didn't want to go. Joe said it's not his type of music. I said it's not a type of music, its going to a bar and watching a bad-ass play guitar like you never saw. What else you gonna do sit home, i asked. Joe came and said it was the best time he ever had at a concert. "That guy was awesome " he said. After that Joe would call me every time Johnny came around. I've been to 50+ of Johnny's shows and enjoyed every one! RIP Johnny!!

[Magnetron]

These are riffs I have admired for years. You have got them down to a science. JWA played in my area (Davenport Ia) in August of 70. He and Derringer were an outstanding team.Thanks alot Saw him do those many times over 40 years

[Tonguefunsome]

I saw Johnny play live, he picked like a banjo player with a thumb pick and fingers. The man could lay down slide like no one else!

[peterfaulds]

Johnny was also in my opinion the most versatile and unique rock and roll texas blues player that has EVER existed., even BB King said that. And in jimi hendrixes biography he stated that Johnny was the best guitarist that he ever played with...We love your johnny you will live on forever..

[robertscottpurse]

Thanks Jeff. Your lessons are awesome. I would love to see more Johnny Winter. Please

[tlgtlg]

Johnny winter was no slouch, he was masterful, articulate, versital, with a lightning flash, machine-gun delivery, an enjoyment to the ear, catchy & intimidating true blues "MASTER GUTARIST" LIVE ON "JOHNNY GUITAR"!! FOREVER....

[zd]

One of the best guitars lessons I've ever seen/heard on YouTube. Thanks Jeff man!!!