This subject may seem just like another fingerpicking idea, but in this case, we are truly playing a lead “part” above the constant bass. Also, most of the time, we see this bass in the “shuffle” or “dotted 8th” form, whereas this exercise is based on straight 8th notes, played at a fairly rapid clip.
The lead/rhythm part that we are playing over the top here is based on my guitar part for my old song “Gas Station Frustration”, which is on my current cd, “Toolin’ Around Woodstock”, with Levon Helm, Sonny Landreth and Bill Kirchen, who sings lead on this cut.
The feel is strictly old rock n’ roll style, and has an almost piano-like bass with “stabbed” notes that cut into the pattern and gice a real nice feel to it.
The chords are partial form, and there is a D chord (A form), and the nice little hammered-on middle of the neck A7 form that comes from the great old Chuck Berry-type runs that have become so familiar over the years.
So work this one out, and have fun with it…it’ll go a long way!
Enjoy!—
Arlen Roth
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