Down Home Blues Guitar

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Life by the Drop Tab and Lesson

Ken Caudill — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:03:37 +0000

Life by the Drop is a mean sounding blues, especially on the 12-string. Try this one using the chord shapes instead of just the two-note chords in the video. This is a pretty easy one, but sounds really good. Down load the tab here. Simply the Best Fingerpicking Manual for Country Blues Guitar

Exclusive Interview With Jim Bruce

Ken Caudill — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:34:41 +0000

Very few people have mastered fingerstyle blues guitar like Jim Bruce. His timing and phrasing are impeccable. Born in Sheffield, England. Jim Bruce has traveled the world, living and working in Paris, the USA, Germany, and Denmark. Jim is one of the few master guitarists who is also a talented teacher. Jim was kind enough [...]

Robert Johnson Beats the Devil?

Ken Caudill — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 06:28:01 +0000

Here’s some brief footage of someone who looks just like Robert Johnson. The footage was filmed in 1942. Johnson died in 1938. The film was brought to light by a gentleman known as Tater Red, who had a kickin’ radio show in Memphis for a while. He owns a shop where he sells voodoo stuff [...]

Review: Taylor Big Baby Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Ken Caudill — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:03:30 +0000

This one’s a keeper. The Taylor Big Baby is all Taylor. They didn’t cut any corners when they made this quality guitar. OK, so it’s not all solid wood, but the top is, and it sounds superb. Not bad for 450 bucks. It’s a cut down 15/16 model, so it’s great for players with smaller [...]

Guitar Lesson: David Bromberg Teaches Cocaine Blues

Ken Caudill — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:01:50 +0000

Here’s Mr. David Bromberg performing Cocaine Blues. Then he takes the time to break it down and teach it. This is fabulous stuff. The rolls he uses are incredible. Notice that his fingers never leave his hands. Take your time on this one. It’s slicker than snot on a doorknob.

Guitar Lesson: Blind Willie McTell’s Statesboro Blues

Ken Caudill — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:38:49 +0000

The 12-string guitar in the right hands is like an orchestra. Here’s Ernie Hawkins making it ring on Blind Willie McTell’s Statesboro Blues. The lesson is in three parts. Pay special attention to the low tuning. Compare this with Fred Sokolow’s lesson on the same song in open D. There’s more than one way to [...]

Guitar Lesson: Merle Travis’ I Am a Pilgrim

Ken Caudill — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:20:18 +0000

This fine old gospel song is taught by Fred Sokolow. It’s pretty straightforward. Once you master it, check out Deep River Blues. Save Up to 95% in the Price Cuts Section of the MusiciansFriend.com Outlet Store

Mississippi John Hurt: the Gentleman of the Blues

Ken Caudill — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:08:54 +0000

On a straight back chair, with his felt hat on, He tickled our fancy with his “Avalon.” And everyone passing down on MacDougle Street, Cocked their heads and listen to the tappin’ feet. Tom Paxon On a straight back chair, with his felt hat on, He tickled our fancy with his “Avalon.” And everyone passing [...]

Guitar Lesson: Ragging the Blues in C

Ken Caudill — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:57:11 +0000

This song is good for Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down. You can adapt it to Salty Dog Blues and a ton of other songs. It’s taught by Roy Bookbinder, who may be the coolest human on earth. Sorry, Keith. Save Up to 95% in the Price Cuts Section of the MusiciansFriend.com Outlet Store

Guitar Lesson: Spoonful by Reverend Gary Davis

Ken Caudill — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:15:26 +0000

The earliest version of Spoonful I know of is by Charley Patton. This version, taught by Ernie Hawkins, is by the Reverend Gary Davis. It’s an easy one that sounds great. You can hear a sample of Davis performing it here. Enjoy yourself. Here’s part one: Here’s part two.