Johnny Cash
Song Key F
Harp Key Bb in 2nd positionI play this song and here are some ideas one what you may what to try. There is no harp on this song, but it fits nicely. Try a few things and make it your own. Here's a few things that I do that may help you.
Intro & Harmony
Vamp draw chord on 2-3-4 in a train style rhythm interspersed with blow chords of 1-2-3 or 2-3-4. This song is essentially a 12-bar blues (not exactly), but you can play it this way and it sounds good. Do a 4 draw bend with some 5 leaked in to get a train whistle sound. Do this to suit rhythm, tempo, etc of song.
Guitar / Harp solo - Have the harp player take one of the solos. This is similar to what the guitarist is playing:
I chord (this is the signature riff of the guitar solo)
^3|4 5 4 5 4sus
^3|4 5 4 5sus
^3|4 5 4 5 4sus
^3|4 5 4 5sus
IV chord (this is different from what they play, but it sounds good. I like to simply play to root notes of the IV chord (blow single notes anywhere) but alter the rhythm so it sounds interesting. I may play behind the beat or play quarter note triplets that sort of float above the beat). I also add fill licks or pick ups before the notes to make it more interesting. Don't add to much though. This song is fairly spartan and you want to keep it simple and clean.
fill lick | 4+ 5+ 6+
fill lick | 4+ 5+ 6+
I chord (repeat the opening)
^3|4 5 4 5 4sus
^3|4 5 4 5sus
V chord (I think they go up to the V chord for the turn around. At this point mix it up or simply go back to playing some driving rhythm like the opening, vamping on the 2-3-4 or playing and ocatave on the 1-4. Do this to suit your style, skill and what sounds good.
Good Luck
Alan
The good times last forever
The bad times fade away
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, Jan-17-08, 11:49 AM, (1)