Topic: The Guitar Stylists--E position, standard tuning

[lindy]

Lane Hardin.

Two of the three solo sides attributed to him are in E, both are sublimely strange and wonderful.

Just this weekend I revisited "Hard Times," which I hadn't played for a couple of years. I forgot how tricky the vocals are!

Lindy

[rein]

Memphis Minnie : Bumblebee Blues had  a really influential approach to playing in E.

[rein]

And of course Robert Petway , only one song of all his recordings in E, but what song,

[lindy]

I don't know if Robert Curtis Smith belongs on this list for his rendition of "I'm Going Away," which I recently played at a zoom open mike to some friends who all immediately wanted to cop the song. It always gets a strong positive reaction.

I cheated and looked at Weeniepedia, and it looks like 3 of the 5 R.C. Smith songs we've transcribed lyrics for were in dropped-D or Vestapol, so it may not fit the guidelines.

Lindy

[Johnm]

I think he's a good choice, Lindy, both because that particular song is so strong, and also because he did have other really good renditions in E position in standard tuning that just don't happen to have been transcribed yet. And that isn't his fault (or anybody's).
All best,
Johnm

[daddystovepipe]

Luke Jordan - Church Bell Blues and My Gal's Don Quit me

Carl Martin - Crow Jane - Goodmorning Judge (with those unique tremolo brushes)

Josh White - he had to change his fingerpicking style in the late 30ies to a more strumming style after a handinjury.  His "Number 12 train" is a good example.

[Johnm]

Nice ones, Carl. Good to hear from you!
All best,
Johnm

[Johnm]

Hi all,

   * Shirley Griffith, with "River Line Blues", "Shaggy Hound Blues", "Meet Me In The Bottom", "Saturday Blues", "Back to Bed", et al

All best,
Johnm

[Old Man Ned]

Rev Gary Davis who I seem to be adding to most of the stylist playing positions, but I'm thinking 'Cross & Evil Woman Blues' and 'Slippin' Till My Girl Comes in Partner' for being played out of E standard

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Emmett Murray, who can be found on the set "Drop Down In Florida" was a really original stylist in his playing in E position in standard tuning. He used a lot of chord voicings and ways of getting around that I haven't heard anyone else use.
All best,
Johnm

[rein]

Geeshee Willey and Elvie Thomas