How to Practice Sweet Home Chicago
Robert Johnson's 'Sweet Home Chicago' (made famous by countless covers including the Blues Brothers) is one of the most-played 12-bar blues standards ever written. The progression, the rhythm, and the singalong chorus make it a cornerstone of every blues jam in the world.
Song Details
- Key
- E
- Tempo
- 120 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
Structure
What to Focus On
12-bar blues progression in E (or any key). Driving blues shuffle rhythm. Singing the narrative lyric with bluesy phrasing.
Practice Tips
- 1
The 12-bar blues progression is the song. If you don't know 12-bar blues, learn it here.
- 2
The shuffle rhythm is essential. Don't play it straight.
- 3
The vocal is meant to be confident and bluesy. Don't sing it pretty.
Why This Song
It's the universal blues-jam standard. Knowing it is part of being in the blues scene.
Practice Sweet Home Chicago Daily
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