Can You Play Acoustic Blues Like Muddy Waters? ★ Acoustic Tuesday 279

Muddy Waters is one of the most, if not the most, influential blues guitarist. But what acoustic guitar lessons can we learn from his approach to music?

In this episode, we'll cover 10 aspects of Muddy Waters' playing. Each lesson focuses on a different technique, approach, or stylistic choice. From minimalism to alternating octaves, there's something to learn no matter your skill level.

So much of the blues is rooted in history, and there are plenty of blues musicians prior to Muddy Waters that informed his playing style. Much of this lesson is informed by "Can't Be Satisfied" by Robert Gordon. If you want to learn more about Muddy Waters and his influences, be sure to check out this book!

Besides learning guitar-specific techniques, you'll also see specific examples of Muddy Waters' approach to music. Some of these are a little philosophical and heady, but they're super important. From learning the meaning perseverance to finding your musical family, I hope you resonate with one of these Muddy Waters' lessons.

Featured in this episode...

#acousticguitarlesson #muddywaters
00:00 - Intro
02:24 - 10 Muddy Waters Guitar Lessons
22:38 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
24:51 - What's a Routine Mean?
30:34 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
37:28 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[minutecomicswalahollywood]

I am obsessed with the varieties of beauty of guitars. 🎸

[jacko]

I can still remember my first encounter with Muddy's music. I was a freshman in college and someone in the dorm dropped the tone arm on the album Fathers & Sons. I was riveted then and have been a fan ever since. Thanks for the insightful ep!

[ronalddodd]

I love my Beard Sidecar and The blues . thanks Tony.😊

[Beachbumartist]

Great video man, thank you. Can you please tell me the model of that resonator your playing please. Thank you

[angelaskipping]

Thank you for this episode.
I'm sorry to say that I'm not much of a blues fan and cannot pick a favorite Muddy Waters song.
This episode, however, has encouraged me to explore and try to find a guitarist who does inspire me. I picked up the guitar desiring to play classically. I just love the sound of the guitar that makes me think about anything Spanish.
I currently am blown away by a lady named Paola Hermosin. She doesn't do tutorial videos, but she does teach about the history of almost every song she plays. It's hard for me to understand her since her speaking is always in Spanish except on the rare occasion when she sings something in English. Even though I don't understand her speaking most of the time, I could listen to her play all day.

[mikegilbertson]

Favorite Muddy tune? So many...but, if I have to pick just one, I'll take "You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you never had..." Words of wisdom.

[sbolfing]

I was introduced to the Blues in high school - one of my friends was a fantastic guitar player. While he focused on Texas Blues artists, Muddy Water was one he told me to listen to. Great advice. Great episode - hope to see some more deep dives like this!

[cruelycruel]

wow that Mule is dope looking what statement piece, Muddy is king, cheers 🙏

[BadTemperJoe]

Great one. Hard to pick a favorite tune. Pretty much everything from the Folk Singer album.

[steviegenoski]

Day 28 of TAC 30 Days to Play.
I still suck!
I'm definitely getting better and my progress is measurable. I get the feeling that 30 2 play is going to become something I will constantly return to and practice for a while. It's helped me establish a practice routine and helped to keep me motivated. It's been a lot of fun too.
I didn't expect to master anything in 30 days and certainly haven't but I have seen consistent improvement and consistent frustration. Chord changes are still slow and fumbly, my picking is not always on the right string but my strumming and rhythm aren't too bad. I've learned not to dwell on one thing too long and to keep expanding my practice routine so I don't burnout or become discouraged. All in all, it's going well.
One of the things I've noticed about TAC, and something give me hope and keeps me motivated, is the Members page. I see a lot of people, "TAC Family", that are about the same age as me, 50+, and some have been with TAC for multiple years. Something must be working if all these old timers are here, right?
So my journey continues and I'm looking forward to seeing where I am 30 days from now. My expectations are that I will still suck but not as much.
I'm having fun and what the hell, there's a little less wasted time in my life now.

[mburtondavis]

I like using that trill when I use an E shape bar chord.

[Dave-gfkd]

Very well done! Can apply these concepts to all different genre’s songs etc…thanks!

[t.jcarney]

Muddy Waters and Mike G in the same program. One I once tried to be cool using, and found. myself disliking, and One I signed on with to play guitar and ended up as a partner helping me and others gain. Great show, Tony

[texhaines]

Been with TAC for over 2 years. Never mastered any of the links as presented. I use parts in some of what I sing. Went to the backing track only a few times. If I play a solo, my audience is likely to get up and go to the dining room. Don't have much use for solos.

[ignatiusandrew]

Upload Mark Knopfler's techniques on Acoustic Tuesday please?

[FCain-mftf]

I sure do like that Blue Bastard!! Haha 👍👍

[jakerowsell]

That inlay is mind blowing, as a tequila fan I'd love that.

[wheninroamful]

Did Tony get a new Mule?! If so; when? Haven’t seen this one: seen his other one.

[KevinORourke]

In regards to the the title question; The answer is "no"!

[brianmckinley]

This was a great breakdown about Muddy.
The hockey portion reminded me of a recent clip of a song about a recent hockey trade deadline deal. Here is the clip.