How to play "Little Red Rooster" by The Rolling Stones on slide guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Little Red Rooster on the slide guitar. This Blues classic, popularized by The Rolling Stones, is a perfect playground for slide guitar enthusiasts. It's based on a 12-bar Blues structure but with some interesting twists that make it unique. We'll focus on the Rolling Stones version, but we'll also touch on the Howlin' Wolf original, which inspired the Stones' cover.

One of the coolest things about this song is its flexibility. Both the Howlin' Wolf and Rolling Stones versions play fast and loose with the number of bars they stay on each chord. This gives the song a really organic, free-flowing feel. It's all about feeling the music and going with the flow!

Open G Tuning

First things first, we need to get our guitar into open G tuning. From the thickest string to the thinnest, that's D-G-D-G-B-D. This tuning is what gives Little Red Rooster its distinctive sound. It's also a favorite of Keith Richards, who famously removed the lowest string on his Telecaster when playing in this tuning. Don't worry if you're new to open G - we've got plenty of resources to help you get comfortable with it.

The Chord Progression

Now, let's talk about the chord progression. Little Red Rooster follows a 12-bar Blues structure but with a twist. Instead of the standard I-IV-V progression, we're going to be playing:

IV (for 2 bars) - I (for 2 bars) - IV (for 2 bars) - I (for 2 bars) - V - IV - I - I

This unique progression gives Little Red Rooster its distinctive sound and feel. Remember, in open G tuning, these chords are all easily accessible with the slide, making it a joy to play!

Slide Guitar Techniques

Playing Little Red Rooster on slide guitar is all about capturing that bluesy, expressive sound. We'll be using a variety of slide techniques throughout the song. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Always place your slide directly above the fret, not behind it like you would with regular fretting.
Use your picking hand to mute strings you don't want to ring out. This is crucial for getting a clean sound.
Experiment with different ways of sliding into notes. Sometimes, a quick slide works best, and other times, a longer, more dramatic slide is appropriate.
Pay attention to your vibrato technique. On slide guitar, you can go both above and below the pitch, giving you a wider range of expression.

The Intro and Key Licks

The intro to Little Red Rooster is iconic, and we'll spend some time getting it just right. We'll also explore some key licks that Brian Jones plays throughout the song. These include the "howling" lick, which mimics the lyrics "hounds begin to howl," and the distinctive ending lick.

Remember, while it's great to nail these licks exactly as Brian Jones played them, don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. Blues is all about personal expression, so feel free to experiment and make the song your own!

Putting It All Together

As we work through the song, we'll see how all these elements come together. We'll start with a strict 12-bar structure to get comfortable with the progression, then gradually introduce more flexibility. This approach will help you get comfortable with the basics before diving into the more improvisational aspects of the song.

One of the challenges (and joys!) of playing Little Red Rooster is staying in sync with the vocals. The guitar closely follows the vocal line in both the Rolling Stones and Howlin' Wolf versions. This requires careful listening and a bit of practice, but it's what gives the song its conversational, call-and-response feel.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play Little Red Rooster on slide guitar is a fantastic way to dive into the world of Blues guitar. It offers a perfect blend of structure and improvisation, allowing you to develop your skills while expressing your style.

Remember, practice and patience are the keys to mastering this song (and slide guitar in general). Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment. Before you know it, you'll be sliding and grooving with the best of them!

Now, grab your guitar, pop on your slide, and dive into the video. We'll break down each section of the song, practice the key licks, and put it all together. By the end, you'll have a solid grasp of this Blues classic and some great new slide guitar skills. Let's get started!

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