If you’re a fan of blues music and the soulful, melancholic sounds of the slide guitar, then you’ve probably heard of the classic blues tune “Dust My Broom”. This timeless song, originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936, has been covered by countless artists over the years and remains a staple in the blues repertoire.
Playing “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar requires a good understanding of slide technique and a mastery of the song’s key elements. In this article, we’ll break down the essential elements of the song and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to play it on slide guitar.
When it comes to playing “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar, one of the most important things to focus on is the slide technique. The slide, usually made of glass or metal, is placed over the strings and used to create the unique sliding sound that defines slide guitar playing.
To begin learning “Dust My Broom”, start by tuning your guitar to an open E tuning. This means that when you strum the open strings without pressing down any frets, you’ll be playing an E major chord. The open E tuning allows you to easily play the song’s signature slide riffs and creates a rich, resonant sound that is characteristic of slide guitar playing.
Once you’re in open E tuning, you can start by playing the song’s iconic riff. This riff is played on the 12th fret using the slide. Start by placing the slide on the 12th fret and sliding it down to the 10th and then to the 9th fret, while simultaneously picking the strings with your other hand.
Continue practicing this riff until you can smoothly slide from one fret to another and pick the strings accurately at the same time. Be sure to use the appropriate amount of pressure with the slide to avoid muffling the strings or causing unnecessary buzzing.
As you become more comfortable with the riff, you can start incorporating other techniques, such as vibrato and bending, to further enhance the expressiveness of your playing. Experiment with different slide positions and angles to find the sweet spot that produces the desired sound.
Remember, learning to play “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep persevering, and soon enough, you’ll be able to capture the soulful essence of this classic blues tune.
Learn to Play Dust My Broom on Slide Guitar
If you want to learn how to play the classic blues song “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar, you’re in the right place. This iconic tune, originally recorded by blues legend Robert Johnson, is a great way to get started with slide guitar playing.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following essential items:
- A slide – You can use a glass, metal, or ceramic slide, depending on your preference.
- A guitar – Dust My Broom is usually played on a standard-tuned acoustic or electric guitar.
- A basic knowledge of guitar chords and how to strum.
The Open G Tuning
To play Dust My Broom, you’ll need to tune your guitar to open G tuning. Here’s how:
- Tune your sixth string down to D.
- Tune your fifth string down to G.
- Tune your fourth string down to D.
- Leave your third, second, and first strings in standard tuning.
Once your guitar is in open G tuning, you’ll be ready to play Dust My Broom in its original key.
The Riff
The main riff of Dust My Broom is played using the slide on the guitar’s third and fourth strings. Here’s how to play it:
- Place your slide over the strings, lightly touching the third and fourth strings at the 12th fret.
- Slide the slide up to the 14th fret.
- Slide the slide back down to the 12th fret.
- Repeat this slide pattern several times to get the iconic sound of Dust My Broom.
Remember to practice the riff slowly at first and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the slide.
Now that you know the basics of playing Dust My Broom on slide guitar, it’s time to start practicing. Keep in mind that mastering slide guitar takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. With practice, you’ll be able to recreate the soulful sound of this iconic blues song.
Techniques for Playing Dust My Broom
Playing “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar requires a unique set of techniques to achieve that classic blues sound. Here are some techniques to help you get started:
Tuning:
First, it’s important to tune your guitar to an open tuning. One popular choice for this song is Open E tuning (E B E G# B E). This will allow you to play the song’s signature licks and melodies more easily.
Slide Technique:
Using a slide is essential for playing “Dust My Broom”. The most common type of slide is the metal slide, typically made of brass or steel. Place the slide on your finger (usually the pinky or ring finger) and lightly press it against the strings. Slide the slide up and down the strings to create the desired notes.
Remember to maintain light pressure with the slide to avoid unwanted buzzes or muted notes. Experiment with different angles and pressures to find the best tone.
Plucking Technique:
To achieve a strong and vibrant sound, use a combination of plucking and sliding the strings. Use your picking hand to pluck the strings, while simultaneously sliding the slide along the frets to hit the desired notes. This technique will give the song its characteristic sliding sound.
Chord Progression:
The chord progression for “Dust My Broom” is relatively simple. The main chords used in Open E tuning are E, A, and B. Experiment with different variations and embellishments to make the chords more interesting and unique to your playing style.
| Open E Tuning | Chord |
|---|---|
| E | 0 2 2 1 0 0 |
| A | x 0 2 2 2 0 |
| B | x 2 4 4 4 2 |
Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly to create a solid rhythm for the song.
By mastering these techniques and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to play “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar with confidence and style. Remember to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song. Enjoy your blues journey!
Tips for Mastering the Slide Guitar
Playing slide guitar can be a challenging technique to master, but with practice and patience, you can achieve a distinctive sound that is unique to the instrument. Here are some tips to help you improve your slide guitar skills:
| 1. Use the right slide | Choose a slide that fits comfortably on your finger and is made of a material that produces a good tone. Experiment with different slides until you find the one that works best for you. |
| 2. Position your hand correctly | Hold the slide lightly between your thumb and index finger, with your other fingers resting gently on the strings to mute any unwanted noise. This will give you more control and precision while playing. |
| 3. Practice proper intonation | Pay attention to the pitch of each note you play with the slide. Aim to have clean and accurate intonation by placing the slide exactly over the fret. This might require some adjustments depending on your guitar’s setup. |
| 4. Master slide techniques | Experiment with different slide techniques, such as slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibratos. These techniques will add depth and expression to your playing, allowing you to create a variety of sounds. |
| 5. Develop a strong vibrato | Vibrato is an essential technique for slide guitar players. It adds emotion and character to your playing. Practice controlling the speed and width of your vibrato to create different moods. |
| 6. Learn slide guitar songs | Study slide guitar players and learn their songs. Transcribe their solos and practice playing along with the recordings. This will help you get a better understanding of how to use the slide in different musical contexts. |
| 7. Practice regularly | Consistent practice is key to mastering any instrument, including slide guitar. Set aside dedicated practice time and stick to a regular schedule. As you build muscle memory and improve your technique, you’ll start to see progress. |
Remember, learning slide guitar takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. With practice, you’ll be able to play soulful melodies and create unique slide guitar sounds.
Recommended Resources for Further Learning
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge and skills in playing “Dust My Broom” on slide guitar, below are some recommended resources that can help you on your musical journey:
Books
“Slide Guitar Basics” by Robbie Calvo – This book provides a comprehensive guide to slide guitar techniques and includes helpful exercises and practice tunes.
“The Complete Slide Guitarist” by David Hamburger – This book covers a wide range of slide guitar techniques, including various tunings and playing styles. It also includes musical examples and play-along tracks to enhance your learning experience.
Online Courses
TrueFire – TrueFire offers a variety of online courses and lessons for slide guitar players of all levels. Their comprehensive video lessons cover a wide range of topics, including slide techniques, improvisation, and song tutorials.
Guitar Tricks – Guitar Tricks is another popular online learning platform that offers slide guitar lessons. Their step-by-step curriculum is designed to help you master slide guitar techniques and develop your own unique style.
YouTube Channels
Marty Music – Marty Music is a YouTube channel run by Marty Schwartz, a renowned guitar teacher. He offers free slide guitar tutorials and covers a wide range of songs, including “Dust My Broom.”
JustinGuitar – JustinGuitar is a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching guitar. Justin Sandercoe, the creator of the channel, has numerous slide guitar lessons that are suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Online Forums and Communities
Slide Guitar Subreddit – This Reddit community is a great place to connect with other slide guitar enthusiasts, ask questions, and share your progress. The community members are friendly and supportive, making it a valuable resource for further learning.
Acoustic Guitar Forum – Slide, Resonator, Lap Steel and related topics – The Acoustic Guitar Forum has a dedicated section for slide guitar discussions. You can find valuable information on slide guitar techniques, gear recommendations, and more from experienced players and enthusiasts.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| “Slide Guitar Basics” by Robbie Calvo | A comprehensive guide to slide guitar techniques with exercises and practice tunes. |
| “The Complete Slide Guitarist” by David Hamburger | Covers a wide range of slide guitar techniques, tunings, and playing styles with musical examples and play-along tracks. |
| TrueFire | An online learning platform offering video lessons on slide guitar techniques, improvisation, and song tutorials. |
| Guitar Tricks | Offers step-by-step slide guitar lessons to help you master techniques and develop your own style. |
| Marty Music | A YouTube channel with free slide guitar tutorials and song covers, including “Dust My Broom.” |
| JustinGuitar | A YouTube channel with slide guitar lessons suitable for beginners and intermediate players. |
| Slide Guitar Subreddit | A Reddit community where you can connect with other slide guitar enthusiasts, ask questions, and share your progress. |
| Acoustic Guitar Forum – Slide, Resonator, Lap Steel and related topics | A forum dedicated to slide guitar discussions with valuable information on techniques, gear recommendations, and more. |
