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The Guitar of Lightnin' Hopkins
The Guitar of Lightnin' Hopkins
Lightnin
Hopkins
Taught by
Ernie
Hawkins
EXPLANATION
OF THE
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
2
0
2)
3
0
3)
4)
5)
1
3
6)
3
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
TAB SYSTEM
E
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2
3
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5
6
2
0
2)
0
0
1
3)
y
2
0
4)
5)
0
0
1
2
0
0
1
1) The thumb hits the open sixth string and the second fret on
the fifth string should also sound. For example, play an E
chord. Now strike the open string and vary the force of your
attack. Try hitting it hard enough so that the fifth string
vibrates as well. This technique is very important for
developing a full sound and the right alternating bass
sound.
2)
7
8 W
2 3H
3)
12
4)
5)
9 P7
12
2 4
5) PULL-OFF: P designates a pull-off. Fret both the seventh and ninth frets on the second string. Play the ninth fret
with your index/middle finger and then quickly remove it
in the same stroke, leaving the seventh fret/second string.
Pull-offs are generally in a downward direction.
6) In certain cases other specific symbols are added to the tab,
for instance:
A. For ARTIFICIAL HARMONICS an X is placed after the
fretted position.
B. For SNAPPING a note an indication may be given with
a symbol or the written word.
Many times these special techniques are combined, for instance putting a pull-off and a hammer-on together. Coordination
of your fretting and picking hands will be complex initially, but the
end results are exciting and fun to play.
I hope you will feel at home and comfortable with the tablature
and musical notations. Remember, these are only road maps
indicating where and how you should place your fingers. The
playing and musical interpretation is up to you.
PULL
Shuffle beat
#### 4
4
&
PARTY
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TURNAROUND VARIATIONS
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(slap)
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ALTERNATE TURNAROUND
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10
12
SHININ MOON
Shuffle beat
### 4 m
4 n }
&
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3
b n n
0 (2)
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GUITAR BREAK
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j
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etc.
2
0
2
0
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1
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2
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2
2
2
0
1
2
2
LIGHTNINS ENDING
&
j
n n
n
####
15
12
15 12
14 12
j
n j #
J
0
14
20
0
1
2
2
2
2
0
1
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3
1
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y t y t
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2
TAKE ME BACK
4
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.
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1
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.
3
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1
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