• From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Topic: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

Hey folks,

Have been listening to the Blues all my life, but I am far away from being able to "jukebox" some of THE CLASSICS.

Has nothing to do with that I can not play them, but it's just hard to pick among Freddy King, SRV, Bluesbrakers, Peter Green and all that stuff. Most of the time I end up practicing or jamming around...guess you know what I am talking 'bout.

What are in your eyes good 10 songs that could serve as a starting point?

Videolinks welcome.

Looking forward to reading your answers!

J

Jimi75's Website

  • Registered: 2012-04-02
  • Posts: 38

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

Hideaway (BluesBreakers or Freddie King)
Texas Flood
Lenny
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Crossroads
Steppin' Out
Black Dog
Since I've been loving you
Thrill is gone
Little Wing

These all utilize the classic blues scales and although some of them are a bit more rock, the influence is right there.

Cheers, Alex

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

I dislike myself for posting some of these because I cringe. Alas, to survive the all-star jam at open mic blues nights, you should know these:

1. Voodoo Chile - Hendrix (but most people play the stevie version)
2. Pride & Joy - SRV
3. Mustang Sally - Everybody and their mother
4. The Thrill Is Gone - BB King
5. Sweet Home Chicago - Buddy Guy
6. Texas Flood - SRV
7. Folsom Prison Blues - johnny cash
8. Red House - Hendrix
9. Matchbox Blues - Albert King
10. anything by Eric Clapton or bands he was in

now to shake myself and start thinking straight again. hmm

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
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  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

In addition to what has already been posted.

Muddy Waters - Hoochie Coochie Man
Freddie King - Have You Ever Loved A Woman?
Freddie King - Going Down (or Jeff Beck)
Howlin' Wolf - I Ain't Superstitious
Muddy Waters - Good Morning Little School Girl
Albert King/SRV - The Sky Is Crying
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
Freddie King - I'm Tore Down
Elmore James - Dust My Broom
Junior Wells - Messin' With The Kid
Big Bill Broonzy - Key To The Highway
Howlin' Wolf - Spoonful
Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign

Those are all I can think of now.

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

If you're within a few hundred miles of Chicago, as I am, then you better know Sweet Home Chicago.

kestrou

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

JBFan1 wrote:

In addition to what has already been posted.

Muddy Waters - Hoochie Coochie Man
Freddie King - Have You Ever Loved A Woman?
Freddie King - Going Down (or Jeff Beck)
Howlin' Wolf - I Ain't Superstitious
Muddy Waters - Good Morning Little School Girl
Albert King/SRV - The Sky Is Crying
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
Freddie King - I'm Tore Down
Elmore James - Dust My Broom
Junior Wells - Messin' With The Kid
Big Bill Broonzy - Key To The Highway
Howlin' Wolf - Spoonful
Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign

Those are all I can think of now.

Basically my list, too plus 'Stormy Monday' (the Brothers version).

  • From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
  • Posts: 231

Re: Which 10 Blues Songs Are A "Must" Know How To Play?

Only ten?!  OK - here's 10 - but if you're thinking blues jam night material then you need to forget some of these as they've got more than three your standard three chords! (;

1. Red House - Hendrix
2. I need your love so bad - Peter Green
3. Mustang Sally - anyone and everyone
4. Going Down - Freddie King
5. Tore Down - anyone and everyone
6. Sweet Home Chicago - anyone and everyone
7. The Thrill is Gone - BB King
8. Walking the dog - Albert King
9. The Weight - The Band
10. Cocaine - Clapton

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