If you have a passion for playing the blues on the guitar, then learning how to play “Dust My Broom” by the legendary Elmore James is a must. This iconic song, originally recorded in 1951, is a blues standard that has inspired countless musicians over the years. In this article, we will break down the main elements of the song and provide step-by-step guidance to help you master it.
Step 1: Tuning
Before you start learning how to play “Dust My Broom,” it’s important to tune your guitar properly. Elmore James originally recorded the song in an open D tuning, which requires you to tune the strings to D-A-D-F#-A-D. This tuning gives the song its distinctive sound and allows you to easily play the signature slide guitar parts.
Step 2: Basic Chords
Once you have your guitar tuned to open D, the next step is to learn the basic chords used in “Dust My Broom.” The song primarily uses three chords: D, G, and A7. These chords form the backbone of the song and are played in a repeating pattern throughout.
Step 3: Slide Guitar Techniques
One of the defining characteristics of Elmore James’ playing style is his masterful use of slide guitar. To truly capture the essence of “Dust My Broom,” it’s important to incorporate slide techniques into your playing. This includes using a slide (typically made of glass or metal) to slide between different frets and create those iconic bluesy sounds.
Step 4: Rhythm and Timing
In addition to mastering the chords and slide techniques, it’s crucial to pay attention to the rhythm and timing of “Dust My Broom.” The song has a distinct shuffle rhythm, which gives it a swinging feel. Practice playing along with the original recording or a metronome to develop a solid sense of timing.
Step 5: Putting It All Together
Once you have practiced each element of the song separately, it’s time to put it all together. Play through the song slowly at first, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm and incorporating the slide guitar techniques. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you can play along with the original recording at full speed.
Learning how to play “Dust My Broom” is a rewarding endeavor that will not only improve your guitar skills but also deepen your understanding and appreciation of the blues. Take your time, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the song. Happy playing!
Learn to Play Dust My Broom: A Step-by-Step Guide
Playing “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James is a great way to dive into blues guitar. This iconic track showcases James’ unique slide guitar playing style and is a must-learn for any blues enthusiast. In this step-by-step guide, we will break down the song into manageable sections to help you master the techniques and nuances required to play it with confidence.
Step 1: Tuning
Before tackling “Dust My Broom,” make sure your guitar is properly tuned to an open E tuning (EBEG#BE). This tuning allows you to play the signature slide guitar riffs that give the song its distinctive sound.
Step 2: Chords
“Dust My Broom” primarily revolves around three chords: E, A, and B7. Familiarize yourself with these chords and practice transitioning between them smoothly. Pay attention to your finger placement and strive for clean, clear notes.
Step 3: Slide Technique
The key to playing “Dust My Broom” lies in mastering slide guitar technique. Utilizing a slide (typically made of glass or metal), you will slide along the guitar strings to create a sliding, emotive sound. Experiment with different slides and find one that feels comfortable for you.
Step 4: Lick Breakdown
Break down the song into smaller licks or riffs. Begin by learning the main riff, which starts on the 5th fret of the low E string. Practice this riff slowly, ensuring each note is clear. Once you have the main riff down, move on to learning the additional licks that appear throughout the song.
Step 5: Timing and Feel
Paying attention to the song’s timing and feel is crucial in capturing the essence of “Dust My Broom.” James’ rhythmic sense is a defining aspect of his playing. Focus on his accentuations and syncopated rhythms, and strive to replicate them as accurately as possible.
Step 6: Putting It All Together
Finally, practice playing the entire song from start to finish. Take it slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. Listen to Elmore James’ original recording for guidance on phrasing, dynamics, and overall expression.
Remember, learning “Dust My Broom” will take time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away. Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be playing this blues classic with confidence and your own personal touch.
Mastering the Chords
To play “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James, you’ll need to master a few essential chords. These chords will serve as the foundation for the song and help you create the signature sound.
Open E Tuning: First, make sure your guitar is tuned to open E tuning, which is E-B-E-G#-B-E. This unique tuning is what gives “Dust My Broom” its distinctive sound.
E5 Chord: The main chord that you’ll be using throughout the song is the E5 chord. To play this chord, simply place your first finger on the second fret of the A string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum all the strings, making sure to avoid the low E string.
A5 Chord: Another important chord in the song is the A5 chord. To play this chord, place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the second fret of the B string. Strum all the strings, once again avoiding the low E string.
B7 Chord: The B7 chord adds some flavor to the song. To play this chord, place your first finger on the first fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, your third finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all the strings.
Note: These are just a few of the chords used in “Dust My Broom.” There may be variations or additional chords used throughout the song. Practice these chords until you can play them confidently and cleanly.
Perfecting the Rhythm
When playing “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James, it’s essential to get the rhythm right. The song has a distinctive shuffle rhythm that drives the entire piece. To perfect the rhythm, pay close attention to the timing and feel of the guitar strumming.
Start by practicing the basic rhythm pattern, which consists of downstrokes with occasional upstrokes on the off-beats. Make sure to emphasize the swing feel by slightly accentuating the downbeats. This will give the song its groove and make it more enjoyable to play.
Adding Authentic Elmore James Style
Elmore James was known for his distinctive slide guitar playing style, which contributed greatly to his unique sound. To add authentic Elmore James style to your performance of “Dust My Broom,” here are a few tips:
1. Slide Technique
Elmore James primarily used a metal slide, typically made of brass or steel, on his ring or pinky finger to create his signature slide guitar sound. To replicate this sound, it’s important to use a slide and master the slide technique. Slide with intent and precision, paying attention to the notes and slides used in Elmore James’ recordings.
2. Open Tuning
Elmore James often played in an open tuning, specifically Open D or Open E tuning. These tunings allowed him to easily play his signature slide guitar licks by simply sliding the slide up and down the fretboard. Experiment with these open tunings and familiarize yourself with the fingerings needed to play the song in the preferred tuning.
Remember to adjust your string tension accordingly to maintain proper intonation and to avoid excessive buzz or loose strings.
Elmore James’ use of open tunings was key to achieving his distinctive sound, so spend time practicing and getting comfortable with playing in these tunings.
3. Rhythm and Feel
Elmore James had a great instinct for rhythm and an energetic feel in his playing. To capture his style, pay attention to the groove of the song and strive to replicate the rhythmic pulsation and swing that he incorporated into his playing.
Listen closely to his recordings and analyze the timing and phrasing he employed. Try to internalize his rhythmic approach and incorporate it into your own playing.
With these techniques and a dedication to studying Elmore James’ style, you can add an authentic touch to your performance of “Dust My Broom” and capture the essence of his legendary sound. Remember to practice diligently, and have fun exploring the nuances of his playing.
