IntermediatebluesKey: C#m80 BPM4/4

How to Practice Born Under a Bad Sign

Albert King's 'Born Under a Bad Sign' (also famously covered by Cream) is one of the most-played minor-key blues standards. The driving rhythm, the iconic riff, and the swaggering lyric have made it a cornerstone of blues and rock repertoire.

Song Details

Key
C#m
Tempo
80 BPM
Time
4/4
Style
boom-chuck

Structure

VerseC#m | C#m | C#m | C#m | G#7 | F#7 | C#m | C#m

What to Focus On

Driving minor-key blues progression. The famous opening riff. Steady blues rhythm. Confident, swaggering vocal.

Practice Tips

  1. 1

    The opening riff is iconic. Master it cleanly.

  2. 2

    The minor-key feel is different from major blues. Learn the changes carefully.

  3. 3

    The vocal is meant to swagger. Don't sing it small.

Why This Song

It's the great minor blues standard — and a rock-blues mainstay.

Practice Born Under a Bad Sign Daily

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