St Louis Blues, Big Bill Broonzy Style

$5
0 ratings

Even when Big Bill was in his heyday during the height of his career, it was difficult to really classify his music. He was a professional who knew that his success in making a living came down to giving the audience what they wanted.

Part of his repertoire consisted of songs and tunes like St Louis Blues, which were popular in that time. For this kind of music with a distinct ragtime feel, Broonzy chose the keys of C (St Louis Blues) and sometimes G. Both keys give richer possibilities for melodic variation than the standard blues keys of E or A.

Throughout the tune, Bill's thumb keeps a steady rhythm striking just one or two bass strings before damping the sound heavily with the palm of his picking hand. Although many blues guitar players had the same technique, none could make it swing quite like Broonzy.

The song isn't too difficult technically, but the swing feel is the real challenge.

I want this!
Copy product URL
$5

St Louis Blues, Big Bill Broonzy Style

0 ratings
I want this!