Guitars in Hand is a new series from the CBC Music Lab, where Dan Kanter — former guitarist for Justin Bieber — sits down with some of the world's best guitar players, diving into their unique styles, greatest riffs and the impact they've had on the music world. Kanter is not only an accomplished guitarist, but also a student of many styles of playing. Throughout the series, he'll be treated to intimate guitar lessons from the players who have created some of the biggest sounds in music in a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what makes guitar players tick.

In the inaugural episode of Guitars in Hand, Kanter sits down with blues guitar legend Colin James. We learn about James's first guitars, how he developed his style and the impact that his friendship with Stevie Ray Vaughan had on him. Kanter gets a first-hand lesson in electric blues from one of the best when he digs deep into James's catalogue — and we learn what gear James would want if stranded on a desert island.

Watch below.