Folsom Prison Blues

I've watched many videos on FPB by Johnny & Luther, also saw them live years ago. My comments are as follows:

1. Both John and Luther Capo the 1st fret, so the song is in the Key of F not E.

2. I never seen the Solo played where you play it. They play it starting around the 8th or 9th fret; not starting on the 12ft fret as your lesson shows.

The Boom-Chick-a-Boom thing could be a lesson in itself. I have a hard time getting it correct.

Other than the above, good lesson.

Hello Roy44! Glad you enjoyed the lesson. Yes, there are many early Cash tunes that are played in the key of F with the capo on the 1st fret. The decision was made to teach the song in E in case students didn't have access to a capo. However, it is very easy to transpose the song by putting the capo on the 1st fret and adjusting all fingerings up one fret.

As you pointed out, the first lick of the solo can also be played at the 9th position using the B and E strings. That is one of the wonderful things about the guitar -- there are multiple spots to play the same thing. I encourage all students, once they've learned a lick in one spot, to find other spots around the neck to play the same thing. This broadens the knowledge of the neck, which is very worthwhile.

The boom-chick-a-boom rhythm can be very challenging at first. Be sure to practice this very slowly before attempting to play along with the track up to tempo. The more time spent practicing this rhythm at a very slow tempo, the more locked into your muscle memory the rhythm will be, and over time, you'll find it easier and easier to play along up to speed with the track.

Cheers!
Mike

Was wondering if Mike has any settings suggestions for the Fender Twin Reverb Amp. Thanks.

These settings for the Fender Twin should get you in the ballpark:

Volume 6, Bass 4.5, Mid 6, Treble 7
Bright switch engaged, Reverb to taste

Mike

I guess I should have also asked about your Strat settings. And Thanks for the reply!!

No problem ... for the strat (or any guitar for that matter) --- make sure the volume and tone knobs are all the way up. Then select the pickup closest to the bridge ... this will give the brightest tone which is perfect for boom-chicka old school country.

Hope this helps!
Mike