Howdy:
Johnm's mention of the Robert Johnson A chord (x-0-5-6-5-0) in the Gabriel Broun Lyrics thread got me to thinkin' again about this versatile and great-sounding chord. And about it's uses in CB.
To my knowledge, this chord has been used in recorded CB by RJ, Funny Papa Smith, Calvin Frazier and Blind Boy Fuller (as well as. it seems, Gabriel Brown).
FPS uses the Chord in his " Mama, Quittin' and Leavin'"-style double-sided blues in A as an alternate I chord, and occasionally as the IV chord (?).
Calvin Frazier uses this chord as the IV chord about half the time in his Key of E blues "This Old World's in a Tangle" (which is BTW the only right-wing blues I know
) In the same tune he uses a similar style E chord (0-5-6-4-0-0) which he moves back a fret for the diminished effect.
Blind Boy Fuller uses the chord briefly (third bar) in "Black and Tan" and in the intro and break of "Walking My Troubles Away".
FPS 1930-31, Frazier 1938, BBF 1936, RJ 1936-37, so Funny Papa is the earliest that I know of to use this chord.
Do any of you out their no any other recorded occurrences of the RJ A chord (of, for that matter the Frazier E version). Or can anyone tell me why it works so well musically.
BTW this first use of a signature RJ move by Funny Papa Smith is not the only one. FPS uses the RJ A turnaround as well and he is an early user of the hellhound image. And more.....
Alex
