This level 4 arrangement requires students to play with swing. Technically, “swung” eighths sound something close to a quarter-note triplet followed by an eighth-note triplet. While students may find this intellectual explanation useful, provide an accurate model for the students to mimic. Guitar 1 plays the melody. Make sure to play the melody for the students several times before and during learning.
This abridged version of “St. Louis Blues” was created in honor of Black History month.
Written by W.C. Handy in approximately 1892, the main tune follows a 12-bar blues
structure. The following 16 measure bridge features a tango-like rhythm known at the time as a “Spanish tinge.” This version excludes the chorus in efforts to make the arrangement accessible to early intermediate players.