CHRIS REA
Guitar Techniques|July 2023
This month Phil Short takes a trip down memory lane exploring the slide guitar stylings of Middlesborough’s finest pop-blues crooner.
Phil Short
CHRIS REA

Perhaps a lesser known bluesman to the wider guitar playing community, but by no means less successful than any of his peers, is Mr Chris Rea. Hailing from our very own sunny shores of the UK Chris has had a rich and succesful career, with 25 solo albums and many hit singles to his name.

Originally from Middlesborough, the guitar legend actually started his music career quite late in life. Originally wanting to be a journalist, Chris bought his first guitar in his early 20s, and was inspired in particular by Charley Patton, a well-known slide player on whom Chris based his own approach. Rea was also influenced by Blind Willie Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ry Cooder and Joe Walsh. He was also inspired by the Delta blues movement, in particular citing Muddy Waters as an influence.

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