Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out: Rough Guide

This is a brief and simple demonstration of the chords used to play the Bessie Smith classic: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out". It uses live clips, fretboard diagrams and stop-motion frames. It emphasises the use of barred chords, but contains a final section using mainly simple root chords.

Tab and chords available from my website below:

http://www.mjra.net/WillFly/

If you like DIY music and good companionship, why not take a look at the "Front Porch" discussion board. You can find it at:

http://frontporch.phpbb3now.com

Our only rule is: Respect each other.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Will
• Fly
• instructional
• video
• acoustic
• fingerpicking
• guitar
• blues
• Bessie
• Smith

[kimmygaa]

I have been learning how to play the guitar for one year. I have never posted a response before to anyone. But you are really helping me learn. and for that I thank you. I have a long ways to go but with your help maybe I can learn this song. You gave me all the tools I needed. the rest is up to me.. jaminpapa

[HenfieldWill]

@kimmygaa Glad to be of some use - thanks for the kind words - keep up the practise... :-)

[seattenber]

Cool! I went looking for a Bessie Smith arrangement of this and, wow! This is way better than I expected to find! I think I might be able to play this at open mike night in a couple of weeks. Thank you!!!

[HenfieldWill]

@seattenber Best of luck for the open mic. :-)

[MrsMiddenfaceMcNulty]

This is just great.  Thanks for all the hard work you do in putting on your sensational videos. Really appreciate it.........you keep me going. Cheers Will.

[HenfieldWill]

@MrsMiddenfaceMcNulty Glad you liked it! :-)

[Thomas05091942]

Very nice and thank you!

[bluesjuke]

Excellent approach in teaching!

[LBachmanUH]

Thanks for sharing... always nice to meet a giver along the road.

[toneroable]

Hello amigo..... I am a romantic latin and always wanted a few blues song in my menu, like this one. I go to bars once in a while and they let me play a song. Next time I'll have this ( I HOPE ) ready...'cause of you. Gracias................ Andres from NY

[CLeboncheval]

merci beaucoup mister hendfieldwill

[florymarj91176]

this is song is a FARMVILLE background music... =)

[bigwilliesmokyeyes]

a good video for a good song ! ! ! thanks and greetings from France . . .

[mcbuzzed]

Best lesson ever!!!!

[TTexas2]

Just heard this song on a friday night JAM for the first time.

Had to find out the chords.

Your teaching method is excellent for me as I play only by ear.

The slides & arpeggios really add class.

I 've bookmarked your web-site for future songs.

I will play this tune on tuesday night at an all acoustic JAM in Texas.

Thanks for posting.☆☆☆☆☆