This is a very common slide guitar riff. It is used in both the Delta and Chicago idioms of Blues. This particular riff has been used by: Elmore James, J. B. Hutto, U.P. Wilson, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Ledbelly, Ike Turner, Taj Majal, John Hammond and Florida's own Tampa Red, to name a few. The most often heard versions are:
"Come on in My Kitchen" by Robert Johnson,
"Sittin' on Top of the World", an old traditional Blues tune, and
"You Gotta Move", written and originally played by Mississippi Fred McDowell, but made popular by the Rolling Stones.

It should be played slowly and with feel. It is not as technically challenging as some pieces, but it is one of the most emotionally charged songs ever written. Try to keep the 5th and 6th strings muted slightly with the heel of your picking hand. Let the rest of the strings ring. This will help separate the rhythmic thumb pattern from the slide melody, creating a feeling of two distinct parts being played at the same time. If you're having trouble, play only the slide part ( notes on the smallest 4 strings) and add the thumb-bass (5th and 6th string) later. Enjoy, and e-mail Ben Prestage with any questions you have of suggestions for future lessons.

Questions/Suggestions