Backing Track

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John’s notes: This classic Power Blues (rock) tune was written in 1925 and has been a smash hit for hundreds of artists (not just Blues bands) ever since.The song was originally a traditional folk/Blues ballad about a young girls life going wrong in New Orleans. The song was supposedly named after a Brothel owner Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant, which means ‘Rising Sun’ in French. My arrangement backing is based on the ‘Animals’ hit version from 1964. Its in the key of A minor/C Major and just goes to show what can be done with repeating just 6 simple chords! I have improvised the melody throughout but stayed true to the original theme. As usual I’ve improvised by targeting the chords and /or playing the Key (A minor) scale, whichever I feel sounds the best at the time. There’s a lot of techniques (as is the norm’ with ‘Blues’ improvisation) because it’s all about expressing emotion in your playing. Dynamics, vibrato, slides ‘hammer ons ’and ‘pull offs’ are essential skills to master to bring your music alive. I classify this arrangement as between intermediate and advanced. Intermediate because of the techniques involved and advanced because it should be played with ‘expression’ and feeling. This is going to be a challenge to some, but very worthwhile, and a great learning curve in playing melodic solo guitar. Regarding the timing and tempo. You’ll need to listen to the backing when playing. You have to learn to ‘feel’ the groove, and how the melody fits in - you can do it, it’s just takes practice. As you get better you will be amazed how it gets easier to play in front and behind the beat. Doing this is the way to make your playing sound natural, not robotic. Enjoy!

Gtr & Backing Track