Topic: Big Bill Broonzy's Guitar Style--Queries and Tips

[Mr.OMuck]

There's a reassessment of BBB's late work going on on some quarters ( mine and Ernie Hawkins' for example) and we're finding much of value in his treatment of standards and the pop tunes of his late years. The real treasure here is in his vocal treatment and while for me at least his guitar playing is never less than a gas, i would hope that folks here attempt to learn as much from his wide free and wild singing as they do his playing.

[Pan]

As Johnm said, C position it is.
The video sounds roughly at C sharp / D flat, according to my tuner. Use a capo on the 1st fret and you'll be in tune with Big Bill.
Also, forum member Daddy Stovepipe plays and teaches this song on YouTube.

Cheers

Pan

Edited to add that Mr. O'Muck was faster with his reply.

[plop72]

Hi Lefty,
daddystovepipe has a really nice lesson for this song on youtube.  ////  <-- ups Pan was faster.
all best
Carsten

[daddystovepipe]

this is a very enjoyable tune and not that difficult

performance video


first lesson (fingerpicked licks)


second lesson (the verse)


third lesson (the bridge)

[daddystovepipe]

this is a very enjoyable tune and not that difficult

performance video


first lesson (fingerpicked licks)


second lesson (the verse)


third lesson (the bridge)

[daddystovepipe]

here's the third lesson (finally, I goofed up adding the links)

[LeftyStrat]

Thanks for the lesson, Mr. Stovepipe.   Gonna give it an extensive look over the weekend and see if i can make my less than cooperative hands follow.

Apologies to John for appearing rather dense after his first response.  I watched the original video again and I think I understand now. Although I wonder....Big Bill's playing a C-F-G sort of progression (or those chord shapes, at least, from what I can see), yet the pitch is D.   Is there a capo on his first fret that I don't see, or what's goin' on there?

[Johnm]

Hi LeftyStrat,
If Bill is sounding in D, but playing in C position without a capo, the only answer I can think of is that he was tuned a whole step sharp, so that a C chord sounded at D.
All best,
Johnm

[LeftyStrat]

I thought so too, but it didn't compute.   Seemed weird to me that he'd tune sharp. 

[uncle bud]

Checked quickly with a tuner that video is really more like C-sharp, and not quite that, I'd say.

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Here is the new merged Big Bill Broonzy thread.
All best,
Johnm

[Rivers]

Where's the 'LIKE' button? 

Seriously, the consolidation of guitar style threads is a really great idea Johnm, thanks.

[harvey]

Seconded !

Another fantastic resource on Weenie Campbell thanks John.