If you’re looking to explore Delta Blues through some of its most iconic artists, these 15 songs are a great starting point. They feature simple melodies, basic chord progressions, and classic blues tunings that will help you capture the raw, emotional sound of the Delta. These are all in the typically used tuning which may not corresposnd with the original recording.

1. “Sweet Home Chicago” – Robert Johnson

Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
A simple I-IV-V progression with a catchy rhythm, making it one of the easiest Robert Johnson songs to play.

2. “Cross Road Blues” – Robert Johnson

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD) or Standard (EADGBE)
A great introduction to Robert Johnson’s signature rhythm and slide playing.

3. “Walking Blues” – Son House/Robert Johnson

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD) or Open D (DADF#AD)
One of the most famous Delta Blues songs, great for practicing slide guitar.

4. “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” – Skip James

Tuning: Open D Minor (DADFAD)
A haunting and slow blues piece that’s easy to pick up but hard to master emotionally.

5. “Preachin’ Blues” – Son House

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD)
Features a simple but aggressive slide riff that captures the essence of Delta Blues.

6. “Terraplane Blues” – Robert Johnson

Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
An easy shuffle rhythm with a driving bass line, perfect for beginners.

7. “Come On in My Kitchen” – Robert Johnson

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD)
A slow, mournful blues piece that introduces slide guitar in a relaxed tempo.

8. “Big Road Blues” – Skip James

Tuning: Open D Minor (DADFAD)
A great introduction to fingerpicking blues with a hypnotic rhythm.

9. “Death Letter Blues” – Son House

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD)
One of Son House’s best-known songs, with a repetitive riff that’s easy to learn.

10. “If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” – Robert Johnson

Tuning: Open D (DADF#AD)
Uses a strong bass rhythm with slide guitar, great for beginners working on Delta Blues grooves.

11. “Trouble in Mind” – Lightnin’ Hopkins

Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
A simple blues progression with a strong melody, great for acoustic players.

12. “Mojo Hand” – Lightnin’ Hopkins

Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
A straightforward blues shuffle with easy chord changes, ideal for beginners.

13. “Skip’s Worried Blues” – Skip James

Tuning: Open D Minor (DADFAD)
A slow and melancholic blues, great for fingerpicking practice.

14. “Pearline” – Lightnin’ Hopkins

Tuning: Standard (EADGBE)
A groovy, relaxed blues tune with a simple melody and easy blues phrasing.

15. “My Black Mama” – Son House

Tuning: Open G (DGDGBD)
A classic Son House tune that features the repetitive driving rhythm of Delta Blues.

How to Get Started:

Use Open Tunings – Many of these songs use Open G, Open D, or Open D Minor, which are essential for Delta Blues.
Practice Slide Playing – Songs like “Walking Blues” and “Preachin’ Blues” are great for beginners using a slide.
Focus on the Rhythm – Delta Blues relies on a steady, driving rhythm, often played with a strong thumb beat.

This list will help you build a solid foundation in Delta Blues, using some of the greatest bluesmen of all time.