John Mayer and Kenny Wayne Shepherd are two of the biggest names in modern blues – and boy, do they know how to introduce a guitar solo

John Mayer and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

In this lesson, I’m looking at the styles of two modern blues players from my book 100 Essential Blues Guitar Intros. First up is Kenny Wayne Shepherd, a blues artist who also incorporates harder rock elements into his playing. But Shepherd is a consummate bluesman at heart. 

Inspired by seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan play, he began to teach himself by ear. His intro licks can be technically challenging with uptempo, burning phrases that may take some work.