Topic: Memphis Minnie & Joe McCoy's Playing: Queries and Tips

[banjochris]

Hi All,

Another question re: MM and KJ, where Minnie plays in Vestapol.

 John Miller has 'Pile Drivin Blues' transcribed with Minnie in Vestapol and Joe in standard.

 I think 'I Never Told A Lie' (1930) and 'Hard Down Lie" (1931) are also played by Minnie in Vestapol (capoed at 2),  with KJ ( and perhaps a 3rd guitar? Charlie McCoy?) playing in standard or drop D ?  Any thoughts on those, or other tunes Minnie plays in Vestapol ? 'Somebodys Got to Help You' capoed at 4 ? (1931)

TIA

I need to sit with a guitar and fool with it, but from a quick listen to "I Never Told a Lie" Joe is in standard tuning E position – he plays 5th string 2nd fret, 6th string third fret, open 6th string a lot as a run.

[Johnm]

To gtrgrrl,
Re your question yesterday as to whether Memphis Minnie was playing in Vestapol on the three songs you cited, I would say that your identification of her playing on Vestapol on those three tunes is correct. They have substantially the same accompaniment ideas used in all three. Good hearing on your part! I also agree with banjochris's identification of Joe playing in E position in standard tuning on those songs.
All best,
Johnm