Learn to play "Help the Poor" by B.B. King on guitar

This lesson will teach us how to play Help the Poor on the guitar. This Blues standard, originally written by Charlie Singleton and made famous by B.B. King, is a fantastic song that breaks away from the typical 12-bar Blues format.

What makes this song special is its unique structure. Instead of following the standard 12-bar Blues pattern, Help the Poor uses a "song form" with distinct A and B sections. This arrangement allows us to explore different musical ideas and creates a refreshing change from typical Blues progressions.

Song Structure

We'll examine two main versions: the classic B.B. King arrangement and Robben Ford's interpretation. The song is typically played in D minor and follows an AABA or AABAA format, depending on your version.

The A section is a 16-bar progression that starts in D minor and moves through various chord changes, while the B section (or bridge) is 8 bars long and introduces new chord movements that add variety and interest to the song.

Chord Progression

The A section starts with D minor for six bars, creating a solid foundation. Then, it moves to A7 for two bars, back to D minor for two bars, followed by G minor for two bars. The progression wraps up with D minor, A7, and finally resolves to D minor.

The bridge section introduces a refreshing change: G minor is followed by B♭ major (though in some versions, B.B. King uses G minor instead). This different chord sequence adds variety and interest to the song.

Different Versions to Explore

We'll focus primarily on B.B. King's version, which keeps things relatively straightforward, focusing more on the vocal performance. The chord progression follows a classic pattern that allows for both simple and complex soloing approaches. This version is perfect if you're looking to get comfortable with minor Blues playing.

While B.B. King's original recording emphasizes his powerful vocal performance, you can find great guitar-focused versions in his collaborations with Eric Clapton and other artists.

I also highly recommend checking out different interpretations. The Robben Ford version, especially from his album "Talk to Your Daughter," takes the song to another level by introducing more sophisticated chord voicings and harmonies. His version incorporates Jazz elements while maintaining the Blues feel, creating beautiful tension and resolution moments throughout the progression. If you're ready to explore more advanced concepts, this version offers plenty of opportunities to develop your playing.

There's also a fantastic live version with Jimmy Witherspoon that leans more towards traditional Blues.

Playing Tips

If you're just starting with this song, you can keep things simple by using the D minor pentatonic scale throughout most of the progression. However, be careful not to use major Blues licks over the minor progression–it won't sound right! When you're ready to advance, try targeting specific chord tones, especially during the A7 sections.

Robben Ford's version introduces some beautiful jazz-influenced chord variations for those interested in a more sophisticated approach. He adds tension and resolution through altered dominant chords and extended harmonies, creating a more complex but incredibly musical interpretation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to learn B.B. King's classic version or explore Robben Ford's more jazz-influenced interpretation, Help the Poor is a fantastic song that will help you develop your Blues playing.

Start by getting comfortable with the basic progression and chord changes. Once you've got those down, experiment with different scale choices over specific chords. Remember, it's not just about playing the right notes - it's about making musical choices that serve the song.

This song is perfect for jam sessions when you want to break away from standard 12-bar Blues. Its unique form and interesting chord changes provide a refreshing alternative that can really capture people's attention.

Ready to learn this classic? Watch the video to see these concepts demonstrated step by step, from the basic chord progression to more advanced playing techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll get a better understanding of how to approach this beautiful song and find something valuable to add to your Blues repertoire.

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