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I like to look at guitar classic from time to time, and that's exactly what I'm doing this week with a detailed look at Hubert Sumlin's playing on the Howlin' Wolf track Killing floor. Here's the link: 

https://youtu.be/EctsdJFJZ3k

It's an all-time blues classic, but I didn't realise quite how complex and nuanced Sumlin's playing was on this track until I started preparing this lesson. I've tabbed it out below. There are three 12 bar choruses. The tab's not really a note-for-note transcription; I just wanted to give you a readable, playable version that's true to the spirit of original without getting swamped by loads of confusing details. 

Hope you enjoy learning this one. If you've not seen it, you might like to check out this great performance by Sumlin, with David Johansen of the New York Dolls on vocals and, I think, Levon Helm of the Band on drums: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN_YYV3eVSE

Speak next week,

Adrian

Comments

Matt K

And that was the great Jimmy Vaughan greeting Sumlin at the beginning of the clip.

DAL

Nice, always a great variety with your song lessons!

Kerry From AJ

Thanks for the lesson, it will take time and practice but this will really help me along in my guitar endeavour.

James Beard

Great lesson Adrian, gotta love howlin wolf. Where you tempted to try and sing along to this? Haha. This song always reminded me of the ren and stimpy soundtrack - surely an influence!

Ralph Blair

Fantastic lesson! I read somewhere that Wolf fired Sumlin at one point as he was using a flatpick which led to the guitar overpowering the vocals, hence the development of his finger style. Now that you've mastered this you'll have to give us a lesson on Wilko Johnson's technique, another 'simple ain't easy' style-that Kursaal video is pretty great. I also agree with your point about the 'classic' blues v now. For example. the original Otis Rush Three Times a fool v the Joe Bonamassa cover. I don't mean to knock the guy, he seems nice enough on YouTube clips, but the cover just misses the point of the song . Shuffle rhythm all wrong, guitar work doesn't complement/enhance the story as Rush does. Assume you know his work, love this performance of I can't quit you; I'd look like an idiot with a cardigan, he looks pretty damn slick! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2tEP3I3DM

jeremy M. barker

Totally dig this! Just spent 30 jamming on it. Thanks!

Ignatz Maus

Adrian! Thank! You! This is much appreciated! My weekend plans are set!

Alan Patrickson

“I’d much rather go back and listen to a Howlin’ Wolf record…” That’s why I’m here.

CC

Tremendous! Much appreciation!

Richard J. Orlick

This was absolutely splendid! You really nailed the tone. What a contrast with playing it with a pick. Thanks for the live link from the “Lightnin in a Bottle” documentary. Will have to watch the whole movie. More Blues please!

anyonecanplayguitar

Thanks Richard! Yes, I've not seen the entire lightning in a Bottle film myself, but I think it's all on YouTube so I must check it out properly this week. As usual I will be mixing up artists and styles in my videos, but I will certainly try and keep the blues coming.

anyonecanplayguitar

haha thanks, I knew I could count on the people here to understand what I was getting at with that comment.

anyonecanplayguitar

Good story, though hard to think that any guitar player could overpower Wolf's vocals, flatpick or not! I'm actually planning a Wilko lesson - really hard to get it sounding right though! But working on it. And the Otis Rush clip is fantastic. I'm with you that I'd take that over a Bonamassa version any day, though Mr B is obviously very talented and does indeed seem like a nice guy.

anyonecanplayguitar

haha yes, I'd love to be able to open my mouth and have a Howlin Wolf style vocal come out! Sadly I have to live with my slightly feeble indie-folk vocal stylings. Can hear the Ren and Stimpy thing for sure!