Scott Ainslie's "Walkin' Blues"

Robert Johnson's version of Son House's older "My Black Mama," "The Walkin' Blues" brings older worksong rhythms to the threshold of rock and roll. This video was taped on November 30th, 2007 at the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro, Vt.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• blues
• walkin'
• johnson
• ainslie
• acoustic
• worksong
• son
• house
• clapton
• raitt

[rightsaidshane]

Hi Scott, thats some fantastic playing. I have a copy of your Robert Johnson lessons and frequently (try to) play along with your recordings :)

I notice that a lot of slide players use the slide on their ring finger instead of the pinky (I use the latter) is there an advantage one way or the other?

[kokoro86]

Well, I know that your question was for Mr. Ainslie, but I remember Sonny Landreth saying that wearing his slide on the pinkie allowed for him to fret behind the slide. This made minor slide chords available to him even when tuned to an open major....

I've played with it a bit, and it definitely works. On the other hand, ring-finger slide position allows for you to do those Johnson-esque pinkie stretches that almost defy physics....

I don't even attempt those at this stage...

[scottainslie]

Following the comment above (I ran out over the character count....

And there are many good slide players who wear their slides on their ring (or middle finger..Bonnie Raitt). Each choice has its 'yes' and its 'no.' In my estimation, slide on the little finger buys you the most flexibility. I'm with Sonny (and Robert) on that.

Best wishes,

s.

[scottainslie]

rightsaidshane:

Johnson wore his slide on his little finger, I'm quite sure, because of the stuff he did with a full barre at the fifth or seventh fret while using the slide on his little finger to fret those decorative 7ths three frets higher. Can't be done any other way.

Best wishes,

s.

[BIGWEEMAN123]

thank you for that fantastic energetic rendition ; I'm working on a more classic version of the song , but your version has given me a lot of ideas ,,great great great

WILLIAM

[scottainslie]

William,

You are most welcome. I'm delighted you enjoyed the work. Best wishes from, let's see, it's Tuesday, it must be Tennessee! Salut!

s.

[Kat10041]

He was just at me school " Magellan" creepy

[hillarychapman1]

totally rockin', the guitar plaing's good but what makes this version is the soulful and bluesy singing..most white gyus just talk sing

[hillarychapman1]

totally rockin'

[sawabojo]

scott have been watching this video often for quite some time, after thr original its my favourite version of walking blues

my greetings

al

[dragonnight812]

Glad to see your coming to RCC

[longboyful]

дохрена разговоров а когда играет то валает так что уши закладывает и нацию не слышно толком! -5

[DerikSarver]

Nice!