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In this easy guitar lesson, we'll explore different ways to play Sweet Home Chicago on the acoustic guitar. We'll look at an easy beginner version using a 12-bar Blues Shuffle; then, we'll go into more detail on the original Robert Johnson version.
💡 We'll learn some of the key features of this song! You'll end up with very handy tips if you ever wanted to play it at a Blues jam. :)
"Sweet Home Chicago" is a 12-bar Blues in the key of E using a basic shuffle pattern, which we learn in my free Beginner Guitar Course - Grade 2. If you're unfamiliar with this, check out this lesson—it also shows you important tips for palm muting!
I'm using a Thumb Pick for this lesson. I don't normally use one; it's not my thing. But I've been practicing this style of music quite a lot these last couple of weeks, and I've got a big blister on the side of my thumb, so I decided to give it a go.
I looked into a few, and my favorite one is this model by Black Mountain. It's a regular pick shape, and it never feels too tight. I don't know why I always avoided Thumb Picks; I thought they were difficult to use, but it was ok!
You can play Sweet Home Chicago with a regular pick—or even use your thumb, like a proper Robert Johnson fingerstyle version!
Check out the original
This John Lennon classic is perfect for advancing beginners, featuring open chords, fun rhythms, and a descending baseline that's easier than you think.