@mowaxbro It's kinda like this... D G D A7 G E A7 D. I used those chord shapes to try and see how Lead Belly may have approached picking this song out, and it worked out pretty well. The hardest part about playing any of these old guys for me is the feel, and I think it really helps to dissect the song and see where they were coming from. Tends to be pretty simple. Thanks for the big up!
Great cover. In the comments below, you mentioned that leadbelly's tuning sounded different in different sessions. I have an interesting perspective on that. My grandfather played in a country band in the 30's. They didn't have good methods of tuning to E. My grandfather said they'd just guess. In a band, everyone tuned to one guys instrument in the band. My grandfather use to tell many stories like this and gives a great perspective on the past.
E down to C would be two full steps, wouldn't it? No matter. Bravo on a fantastic rendition of one of Leadbelly's signature songs -- especially since his version doesn't seem to be on UA-cam. You capture the essence of the original.
I don't have a tab for it, but keep in mind that this guitar (and Leadbelly's if I'm not mistaken) is tuned down to C. That is, C is the lowest string, instead of it normally being an E. The relationship between the strings is still standard, but you have to tune each string down a full step.
@BeingABassist Most likely. Strings are plain steel and phosphor bronze wound 014/014 018/018 025w/025w 016/036w 019/045w 014/064w I got them from Elderly Instruments. I tried sharing the link but it won't let me post!
@colindavidmusic If you want that low down sound, go to elderly instruments online and get their custom heavy gauge strings for "a certain blues musician." You may have to file down your bridge...
@BeingABassist My guess would be that it varied. I've heard some recordings where it is definitely lower than C. I always wonder whether or not certain recordings are sped and pitched up. You can definitely hear a difference in vocal timbre depending on the session. I've never tried going that low, but I will now!
Hi - great work, it's good to hear this version nailed! I'd like to learn it but I can only tune my guitar down a tone before it starts to clap out. What's the actual chord progression if it was played in regular standard tuning? - can't quite pick it up from watching. Many thanks!
Glad to hear it man, thanks a bunch. I come from a long line of Germans and live in an area of Pennsylvania that has a strong German heritage, so it's an extra special compliment. Where are you located in Germany?
@mowaxbro It's kinda like this... D G D A7 G E A7 D. I used those chord shapes to try and see how Lead Belly may have approached picking this song out, and it worked out pretty well. The hardest part about playing any of these old guys for me is the feel, and I think it really helps to dissect the song and see where they were coming from. Tends to be pretty simple. Thanks for the big up!
What a fantastic sound! I tried tuning down 4 half steps to CFA#D#GC
Great cover. In the comments below, you mentioned that leadbelly's tuning sounded different in different sessions. I have an interesting perspective on that. My grandfather played in a country band in the 30's. They didn't have good methods of tuning to E. My grandfather said they'd just guess. In a band, everyone tuned to one guys instrument in the band. My grandfather use to tell many stories like this and gives a great perspective on the past.
E down to C would be two full steps, wouldn't it?
No matter. Bravo on a fantastic rendition of one of Leadbelly's signature songs -- especially since his version doesn't seem to be on UA-cam. You capture the essence of the original.
YES! Love this version! :D
This is so accurate !! Glad to see a young man taking the trouble /having the skill to recreate a very genuine 'old sound'. All the best.
This cover is great. Good job on figuring out the tuning and riffs. I'd pay for an instruction video.
Great stuff, man
excellent playing and singing, you have the feeling, my respect, great feeling, all thumbs and greetings from germany *********
Great cover
@colindavidmusic a lesson would be great, been looking for one and your the only cover I could find. You played it great btw
Great!
Amazing well done
Awesome!
I don't have a tab for it, but keep in mind that this guitar (and Leadbelly's if I'm not mistaken) is tuned down to C. That is, C is the lowest string, instead of it normally being an E. The relationship between the strings is still standard, but you have to tune each string down a full step.
Hi thanks a lot, i am from hamburg
@kingiam91 Thanks! This was by ear, trying my best after listening to this song over and over again at work.
@BeingABassist Most likely. Strings are plain steel and phosphor bronze wound 014/014 018/018 025w/025w 016/036w 019/045w 014/064w I got them from Elderly Instruments. I tried sharing the link but it won't let me post!
@colindavidmusic If you want that low down sound, go to elderly instruments online
and get their custom heavy gauge strings for "a certain blues musician." You may have to file down your bridge...
Well done!
I'm working on figuring this riff out myself at the moment... Not very good at that, but I'll manage
👏
@BeingABassist My guess would be that it varied. I've heard some recordings where it is definitely lower than C. I always wonder whether or not certain recordings are sped and pitched up. You can definitely hear a difference in vocal timbre depending on the session. I've never tried going that low, but I will now!
I learned it by ear.
Hi - great work, it's good to hear this version nailed! I'd like to learn it but I can only tune my guitar down a tone before it starts to clap out. What's the actual chord progression if it was played in regular standard tuning? - can't quite pick it up from watching. Many thanks!
@billo321 You are right. Each string comes down 2 full steps. My bad. Thanks for the love!
@expoonation I'm going to post a video soon on how to play it if you're still at it!
hey david can i ask you for leadbellys gallis pole ! it would be wonderful
@kenjikent I can give it a shot. Let me listen a few times and see if I can wrap my head around it...
nice
Glad to hear it man, thanks a bunch. I come from a long line of Germans and live in an area of Pennsylvania that has a strong German heritage, so it's an extra special compliment. Where are you located in Germany?
can this be played on a 6 string? i cant buy a 12 string just to learn this song (although i really want too)
sounds exactly like leadbelly
@someguyinguam Thanks!