How to Play Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker on Guitar
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- Due to popular demand, here's how to play the iconic intro and verse to Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker! www.secretguit...
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Abridged Script
Here’s a blues classic that I have received requests to learn from 16 different people so I have decided to take a closer look at how John Lee Hooker played this song on the occasions where he played it entirely unaccompanied.
Researching several different recordings, the first thing that I noticed was that when he did play it solo he simply stuck to the one chord - E7. What is interesting to me is that any time he had other musicians accompany him on the song, they failed to keep the sequence this pure and couldn’t help play basslines, chords, riffs or licks that at least implied the odd change up to the A7 chord.
So, the first thing to say about this song is that It is not about chords or even really about fancy licks - it is all about rhythm and feel. Let’s look at the intro.
The first lick starts with a slide from 2-4 on the G string. Then the D note at fret three on the B string then back down the same slide with a hint of a pull-off to the open string at the end of it, then E at fret 2 on the D string, open D and back to the E. In keeping with the call and response them e of early blues, we answer this lick with a bass line that goes. Open E up to G at fret 3 on the same string, open A and back to the open E.
Of course, you can do all this with a plectrum, but, John Lee Hooker very much used thumb and fingers to play guitar so I would encourage you to experiment with this if you want to get close to the sound and feel of his style.
The next lick starts on the E at fret 2 on the D string via the open G string to A at fret 2 on the G string, back to G and then E D E again on fret two of the D string. Follow each of these licks with the same bass lick. The next lick is a slight variation on the first lick - so, instead of the slide we use a bend at fret three on the B string then off to open B before concluding with the E D E same as the first lick.
This is followed again by the same bass line lick and then the fourth line is a repeat of the second line. So that whole intro in slow time and at something like full tempo.
Once the vocals start we have the same basic lick repeated no less than 16 times, once in response to each vocal line.
(sings) Boom boom , boom boom! I’m gonna shoot you right down.. Right off of your feet.. Take you home with me..
This starts with the D at fret three on the B string then open B then before bending the A at fret two on the G string up and hit the top string or top and second string like this..
Then it’s back to working the A at fret 2 on the G string which we bend up, release and pull-off all in one very smooth motion.
Unless you have large hands like old John Lee had, then this is extremely hard to play exactly like he did. My advice is to find a way to play something like it, in a way that suits your fingers and then listen carefully to the original recordings and gradually work at emulating that amazing freestyle feel that he had.
We’ll continue exploring this song in the next lesson in this series. Meanwhile, I’ll leave you to practice this with the health warning that, if you are not used to using your fingers, give them time to recover between each practice session or you will soon get some pretty mean blisters!
Best 9 minutes I've spent on TH-cam. So clean, not a wasted note in that very very simple bit. Thank you.
Agree 100 percent so good
This gentleman really seems to get the feel of this song. Great lesson.
I usually avoid any YT channel that claims to reveal secrets ,or amazing quick methods,or has an opening screen of someone showing how fast they can play.
Despite the name of this channel this guy has some substance and depth. One of TH-cam's better instructors
just got my new guitar and start learning playing at 65 (but 35 in my head) So well explained and good photo plan to see hands disposition . Thanks again and one of those days, maybe you ll see me on TV at those rock concerts for elderly lol
Welcome to the brotherhood! Never too late to start learning guitar - enjoy the trip 🙂
Saw John Lee Hooker, Curtis Jones and Big Joe Williams in 1969 at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon. First concert I ever saw and it sort of spoilt it for all the concerts that followed.
A M A Z I N G !!!
I'm not jealous... I'm jealousy itself.
I just stumbled across this video. Wow, what I've been looking for for a long time. A simple, slow, patient lesson. You sir are a godsend.
Thanks subbed
Thanks. I never would have even attempted to play this tune but you made it so clear and accessible. I really appreciate it!
Dude, it was so great, I have to leave a comment and I write NO comments !!! "so clean" directly to my last two remaining guitar synapses! I think they also forced me to write that to you. God bless you, Bing and Bong
@Antonio K. That’s a pretty long NO comment dude. Or was it just the Bong?
Wow, where were you when I needed you! Back around '65 I was just learning guitar and was asked to play bass with an older student at school and this was the first song I needed to learn.
He gave me the record to practice with and when JLH went off on his own towards the end I just lost it. I couldn't figure out how the band was to fall behind and catch up so smoothly!
Bonus points for "Plectrum"
2nd day on guitar and with an 9 minute video I can play this perfectly! Thanks
Thank you very much for this. I am a new guitarist at the age of 48. I looked for a teacher that would teach me music and note songs. My hoalnisbto develop an ear and play with others. I love how you teach using actual notes and not tabs. I also like how you do a close up on your strum hand which most everyone forgets to show or teach.
You make it look so easy, and it becomes easier,
Smooth and relaxed kinda vibe, thanks so much for your lessons
As a black person, middle aged white men unironically make the world go round.
Excelent teacher. Simple, slow, and with swing!
I love the Blues!! Jesus, this is so thorough, thanks for sharing!!! 🎸🎢
Lovely. Very true to John's sound. He could do incredible things with a chord and seemingly only a few notes. A very sly and deceptive sounding guitar player. What I love about John Lee is that he never played the same song twice. We was always improvising around his basic theme. His sense of rhythm was incredible and you really hear it when he plays unaccompanied. Thanks sir.
So true!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video - even though I have played the guitar for nearly 40-years. Well done!
THIS WAS BY FAR THE VERY BEST INSTRUCTION FOR THIS SONG, EXCELLENT TUITION, EXACT AND TO THE POINT, THANKS TO YOU I CAN NOW PLAY IT CORRECTLY BAR FOR BAR. YOU ARE A GENIUS SIR.
@Ray Pitcher. I think your caps lock key is stuck or you are just screaming?
@@hansspa3892SCREAMING, BECAUSE I ENDED UP WITH SORE FINGERS..........But it was worth it............
@Ray Pitcher. Glad we got that sorted.
This song is the essence of blues - great lesson for a great song!
Can't stop playing this now.
Cheers, great lesson.
I appreciate you going slowly through the tutorial it really helps beginners.
Thank you so much! Excellent lesson. Your instructions are clear and concise. I'll give it a try playing without the pick.
You indeed are a Top Shelf teacher. Well done
I love this guy he's such a good teacher i.know most of what he demonstrates but still to listen to this guy he makes it sound so refreshing
This man’s good, and so relaxed. Thank you.
Seen lots of music teachers.
I'd have you teach my own kids!
Thank you!!!
Im new here but then I noticed he doesn't upload anymore? May God bless him for his blues knowledge and wisdom. And good health
He has an enormous amount of videos to keep you busy. Some are only 1 year old. Hopefully he'll be back when the pandemic has passed. I might add that he's taken a few breaks that lasted over a year previously.
Yeah, working mainly on my own I find it hard to keep up with everything at once! So, the last three years I have concentrated on creating a new course (The Five Main Elements of Music) that is a bit different from previous courses in that the student uploads videos and takes little tests as they go along... check it out on www.secretguitarteacher.com/ - it's in the Interactive section of the new site. I really appreciate your concern, but I am fit and well and have plenty more lessons in the pipeline 🙂
So cool! Really the best description. Rhythm and Feel. Like has been said before " Not a wasted note" Thank-you
Excellent, now I can practice this all night. I love these blues licks because it's based off feeling. Great Job!
Practice with feeling but call it jamming out
I watched this video when I first started playing guitar and I was 60 years old at that time I remember thinking will I ever get this being brand new at the guitar it fills good now looking at this and can say I can play this thanks to this guy
That's great to hear :-) Well done!
@@SecretGuitarTeacher thanks again, I also remember the first blues scales you taught me .
This was such a clearly explained tutorial - thank you very much.
Quality all round 🙏
Best 9 minutes and didn't get an ad thanks!
All I've got for you a is a Sincere thank you .
That said , as you get older, you learn the true meaning of the word "sincere" .
So, Sincere thanks !
Thank you for your kind words
Thanks for your lesson,sir! So clear and perfect for beginners with blues!
Thank you so much!
A "PERFECT" tutorial!
i could listen to you every day
As I'm just a guy who noodles a bit at home, I picked up my guitar and followed your video, after a short time using the same notes, I found Clapton's lick from Bad Love 👍
God I do love yt algorithym sometimes. This is by far my favourite blues song and I love your tutorial! Thank you on your effort.
I'm gonna love having blisters on my fingers. Thanks for the lesson.
I didn't look for this video but it's the video I needed. Thanks for a thorough tutorial on this song.
Wow! 16 different people!
Great clear teaching - thank you. I remember seeing John Lee Hooker on the black & white tv back in the day, doing 'Boom Boom' on the programme 'Ready Steady Go' (I think), and being completely blown away - nothing like it in the UK at that time! So I'm grateful to you for putting out this video and after more than 50 years I'm finally getting it down and coming full circle!! :-)
I just subscribed just because I'm a big fan of John Lee Hooker, great teaching vid
Absolutely love this.
Thank you for this! Love this song, keep those old blues lessons coming!
Thank you for this great lesson sir, i'm grateful for your patience..
Nice! So simple, a classic. When I listen to his studio recording, I hear the bass response adding an extra note: E G A (G) E, I think letting him keep his 6th string fretted at G after beat 2 and playing it as the last of a triplet on beat 3, immediately pulling off to get the E on the down of beat 4. When I play it this way, it sounds and feels right.
You are good sir.
love it......what a great blues teacher
Simply fantastic lesson- thanks!
John
Thanks so much for this. Ive always been a strummer, so I decided to venture out and learn this. I appreciate the clear explanation and presentation. Excellent pacing and review. .
very clear, thank you !!
Thanks for the brilliant simple lesson. As far as I am aware the Funk Brothers were the backing session musicans on the hit recording of J L Hookers Boom Boom, it's a great classic song but it sounds all over the place and hard to pin down to the bare bones.
What a great lesson! I´ve bought my 1st guitar two months ago and this is the first song i am learning. Thank you!! Greetings from Bohemia :)
I'm an older beginner (just started 2 months ago myself). My grandmother always said my family came from Bohemia. Greetings from Mississippi!
@@rickybgoode9078 Greetings to Mississippi from Bohemia! Have a good year 2021!
@@hyennussquatch4597 You too Hyennus!
My first video I've seen of yours. What an enjoyable lesson. Wonderful explanation and close-up shots of your finger positioning. Thank you for addressing hand size and not pretending everyone can reach everything with just more practice. And you seem like an awesome person to hang with!
I may just have found the opening I need to be inspired to learn the blues guitar.
Thanks for posting this instructional video.
Let's see in about a year (just put it in my calendar, so I may come back here by then).
Gunnar Langemark likewise!! Let’s compare notes. I wanna progress to Junior Kimbrough
This man made guitar so easy. i never thought i could play somthing that sounds this cool
You're a gifted instructor, and besides, you seem like a very decent fella. Cheers
I love this, thanks for the lesson my dude
That was perfect. I'm a huge fan of loads of reverb too,
I was so relieved that I found a good guitar tutorial of this song, Awesome vid
I am delighted with the lesson and the way you made it sound so simple.
thank you so much for this vid. I just got into Guitar and want to play the blues so bad your an excellent teacher took your time and i was able to play along still have ways to go thank you for a good start
When I was a kid I wanted to play guitar so badly and now they tell me I do.
Hi welcome to guitar ! Enjoy
Great lesson with full understanding of the "timing versus ........ the feeling of the Blues" man, thanks for this.
cracking lesson blues for cold winter nights
Richtig gut nach 10min.hat ich das Stück im Sack. Total super.
Werde mir auf jeden Fall mehr Lessons geben . Zu empfehlen
That was really good! So smooth! Maximum points for the end part. "I got blisters on my fingers!"
Merci Beaucoup Mister Blues Man !! from France !!
Thank you sir for taking the time to make the video. I can finally play along with the song :)
Excellent tutorial. Many thanks.
I've learned a lot from your help. It's very true! The blues is mostly rhythm and feel. I get that more and more as I advance! Thanks for sharing!
Thank u sir, very clear lesson. u are very good teacher, help me a lot to , I m Brazilian your pronuciation it´s clear like water
2024 still learn great job 👏🏾 thank you from Italy 🇮🇹
Great to learn from you, cool, cheers from Belgium
Really good and straightforward. I saw JLH years ago. Subscribed!
Fantastic video, I'm on the way home from work and can't wait to pick up my guitar!
GREAT Lesson !!
Thank you for this lesson!
I’ve been playing this for some years and I tend to vary it lots, including using chord shapes at 6th and 9th frets. I keep the basic riff but what makes it interesting to play are the personal variations one can bring to it. I really don’t want to play it exactly as John Lee Hooker plays it and, of course, he varied it tremendously, so there is no definitive version. Nevertheless, I took away a couple of things from the video which I will certainly enjoy messing around with 😊
You must be fun at parties
It's surprising what you find when you are not looking for it ."Great "
Thanks for share you experience,
God bless you...
What a great Lesson. I’m and old guy and this was well done! Thanks!
Top tutorial Sir! Thankyou!
Amazing performance!
Excellent. Thank you.
I'm going to dust off my old Strat and try to learn this lick ... I may add some reverb and distortion ... Thank You for the inspirational lesson .
Trevor. Yes. Do it. I'll do the same with my not dusty old Strat. Or my old Ovation. Everything old is still old. great lesson here.
Superb , you’ve made a classic easy to play . Thank you.
Hahaha that cut at the end! Great video!
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.
This video is awesome.
Awesome session. This will be in my repertoire soon.
Great!!!! Thank you very much! best wishes from Austria
Very nice lesson. Many thanks.
What a great video! Outstanding job breaking it down!
Exiting. One of the very best on this site.
Beauty. Thanks for posting, mate.
Great lesson. Love the singing too
Thanks, that is very kind of you 🙂
Ah, that was what I was looking for. Thx!
Thankyou great tutorial I've only been playing guitar for 5months and this was the song that inspired me to start. Played the ukulele for 2 years so have some finger dexterity 👍
easily one of the best tutorials out there