10 Unforgettable Blues Rock Guitarists of the 2000s

The 2000s brought fresh energy and innovation to blues rock, blending modern sounds with deep-rooted tradition. Here are 10 guitarists who made their mark in the first 10 years of the 2000s, leaving a lasting impression with their unique styles and dedication to the genre.

Eric Clapton

A living legend, Eric Clapton’s contributions to blues rock continued well into the 2000s. Kicking off with the 2000 Grammy winning album Riding With the King along with B.B. King and albums like Me and Mr. Johnson (2004), Clapton paid tribute to some of his greatest influences. He also ventured into collaborations, such as with J.J. Cale on The Road to Escondido (2006), blending blues, rock, and country with ease. Clapton’s ability to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in the blues made him an enduring figure in the genre, and his playing in the 2000s demonstrated his continued relevance and influence. His live performances during this decade were equally unforgettable, proving Clapton’s timeless skill as one of the greatest blues rock guitarists of all time.

Joe Bonamassa

Arguably the most recognized blues rock guitarist today, Joe Bonamassa rose to prominence in the 2000s with his technical mastery and tireless work ethic. The 2000s is also when Bonamassa joined forces with longtime producer Kevin Shirley and saw his career really take off. In 2007, Bonamassa released his Sloe Gin album which featured the epic title track and perhaps Bonamassa’s most memorable guitar solo ever. Bonamassa really broke out at the end of the decade with The Ballad of John Henry and Live From the Royal Albert Hall which featured somewhat of a passing of the torch moment between Bonamassa and Eric Clapton.

John Mayer

While Mayer is known for his pop-rock hits, his love for the blues is evident in his John Mayer Trio work and the Continuum album. Songs like “Belief,” “Gravity” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” highlighted his bluesy tones, deft touch, and ability to channel the soul of blues rock with a modern flair, earning him both mainstream success and respect from blues purists.

Derek Trucks

A slide guitar virtuoso, Derek Trucks brought a unique voice to the blues rock scene in the 2000s. With the Derek Trucks Band and the Allman Brothers Band, his intricate, soulful playing blended Southern rock, jazz, and blues influences. His slide work made him one of the most inventive guitarists of the era. Trucks is one of the best guitar players on the planet and this was a decade where he really proved that. Few players can tap into what Derek can on the instrument.

Philip Sayce

Philip Sayce, who played alongside Jeff Healey and Melissa Etheridge before launching a solo career, brings a fiery intensity to his blues rock playing. Sayce draws comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, but brings his own explosive, modern twist. Peace Machine is a classic guitar album and features many fan favorites like the beautiful instrumental “Alchemy” and “Morning Star.”

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy remained a force of nature in the 2000s. His 2001 album Sweet Tea showcased his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his blues roots, delivering raw and intense guitar work with a modern edge. The follow-up album Blues Singer (2003) offered a more acoustic, stripped-down side of his playing, proving his versatility. In 2008, Skin Deep featured collaborations with younger blues rock talents like Derek Trucks and Robert Randolph, further solidifying his continued relevance. His influence on generations of guitarists—combined with his powerful performances and recordings during the 2000s—cemented his status as a legend who was far from finished.

Dan Auerbach

As the frontman of The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach’s raw, gritty guitar sound helped define the garage rock blues revival of the 2000s. Auerbach is a riff machine writing several songs that became modern blues rock classics, combining fuzzed-out tones, soulful melodies, and lo-fi production. Auerbach’s influence brought the blues back into mainstream rock while keeping it rooted in its rawest form.

Eric Gales

While Eric Gales is now becoming more known on a wider scale, his work in the first decade of the century is criminally underrated. Known for his explosive, Hendrix-inspired playing, Eric Gales remained a prominent figure in the 2000s blues rock scene. Albums like Crystal Vision, The Psychedelic Underground, and The Story Of My Life showcased his fiery technique, blending blues, rock, and jazz into a sound all his own, with high-energy performances that cemented his reputation as a virtuoso. His 2000s work really needs to be heard by more people.

Warren Haynes

A member of both the Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes is a blues rock heavyweight. His work in the 2000s, particularly with Gov’t Mule, saw him blending blues with hard rock, Southern rock, and jazz. Haynes’ slide guitar work, deep, resonant tones, and soulful voice make him a cornerstone of the blues rock genre.

Robert Randolph

Robert Randolph brought a fresh and exhilarating sound to blues rock with his mastery of the pedal steel guitar. His work with Robert Randolph and the Family Band infused gospel, funk, and blues into a unique style that electrified the genre. This was a breakout decade for Randolph and albums like Unclassified and Colorblind showcased his blistering speed, soulful melodies, and infectious energy, making him one of the most exciting musicians of the 2000s. Randolph earned multiple Grammy nominations in the decade.