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If you're down and out, and you feel real hurt, here’s an epic blues groove to pick you right back up.
And that’s something special about the blues. It often comes out of sad circumstances. But ironically when you listen to it or play it on your guitar. You feel better.
So grab your axe, that’s what we’re going to do in the post.
I’m going to break down a classic from none other than the Velvet Bulldozer himself, in this “I’ll Play The Blues For You” Albert King guitar lesson.
Who wrote I’ll Play The Blues For You?
"I'll Play the Blues for You" is a classic blues song written by Jerry Beach. It was made popular by Albert King though, one of the most influential blues guitarists and singers of all time. King’s recording of it was released in 1972 as the title track from his iconic album "I'll Play the Blues for You."
The song’s lyrics talk about a musician promising to play the blues for someone who's feeling down or going through a tough time. The track was recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, known for its rich history in producing soul and blues music. Stax was an important recording studio in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the creation of many iconic soul and blues tracks.
"I'll Play the Blues for You" received great reviews when released and has since become a blues standard. Albert King's soulful vocals and electrifying guitar work, combined with the song's heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Gary Moore had a great slow blues version as well as others.
While it may not have received any specific big awards, Albert King's rendition of "I'll Play the Blues for You" contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his place in music history. Additionally, the song has been featured in various compilations and lists celebrating the best blues songs ever recorded.
What key is I’ll Play The Blues For You in?
Albert King’s original recording of “I’ll Play The Blues For You” is in the key of Gm. It’s a slow minor blues form that alternates between a 14-bar progression and a 16-bar progression at different times during the song. It uses the chords Gm, Cm, Bb, and D7 which all fit under the umbrella of a Gm scale.
I’ll Play The Blues For You Chords
To play “I’ll Play The Blues For You” you’ll need to know how to play 4 chords Gm, Cm, Bb, and D7. As mentioned above the song is in the key of Gm. Let’s next take a look at some ways of playing these chords on the fretboard.
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