The Athens music scene is known worldwide for its diversity, but there’s very little representation of the music of the downtrodden, the blues.

One of the most popular artists in the blues genre today, Joe Bonamassa, will try to change that when he plays the Melting Point tonight.

Bonamassa, born in Utica, N.Y., and playing the guitar since age four, reached the No. 1 position on the “Billboard” blues chart after releasing “You & Me” in 2006.

“This is the biggest record of my career,” he said. “Even the bus is nicer.”

Heavily influenced by blues artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton, Bonamassa plays the same swampy blues but with a modern, harder rock edge.

Bonamassa has played in Athens before at the Georgia Theatre with Gregg Allman several years ago.

“I like Athens,” he said. “It’s a nice college town.”

Russ Warden, a junior physical education major from Athens, started listening to Bonamassa’s music after reading an article about how Bonamassa opened for B.B. King at age 12.

“(Bonamassa) is one of the best guitarists around,” Warden said. “Any fan of precision guitar and face-melting solos will appreciate his skills.”

Warden also said, “He is renowned for having one of the best live shows today, and he is one of those artists who will not be playing small venues for much longer.”

When he’s not touring or in the studio recording, Bonamassa has several interesting other hobbies.

He began collecting guitars at 13 and now estimates that he owns 180 guitars.

His favorite is his 1962 cherry red Gibson 335, the same model guitar Eric Clapton played at Cream’s farewell concert.

Bonamassa is also involved with the “Blues in the Schools” program to introduce the blues to young students throughout the country.

“Everything people listen to today is directly related or descended from jazz and blues,” he said. “I think it’s a shame a lot of kids don’t know that.”

Bonamassa also said, “If you give them a canvas of the blues, you might inspire them to pick up an instrument and change a kid’s future.”

Bonamassa will finish his tour in early April and head back to the studio to finish his next album before going out on the road again.

He predicts to be on tour until next year.

“I like to work,” he said.

Warden, for one, will be there to witness Bonamassa’s guitar work tonight.

“(It’s) a great opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest guitarists in a relatively intimate atmosphere,” he said. “Pony up the money, and you will not be disappointed.”