Quite true. That's why I suggested some CDs and seconded the Mudlark motion that Phillip find a blues player to ask questions of.

I am just a touch impatient with the idea that the early greats were unlearned about music. Son House was extensively educated at church music schools and was long in church music programs. He only took up the blues at the age of 26 and mastered the guitar in only two years because he already knew music.

Charly Patton was nephew/cousin of the Chatmon Family who had a string band for decades (the younger generation became the Mississippi Sheiks) and Charley had extensive schooling.

Bukka White knew a lot of music theory.