[YouTube Video Tutorial – Complete Lesson Embedded Above]

Introduction: The Birth of Prison Blues Guitar

The Folsom Prison style represents one of the most influential sounds in country-blues guitar history. This gritty, raw approach to guitar playing emerged from the American prison system and was immortalized by legendary performances at correctional facilities. Learning these techniques will add authentic country-blues flavor to your playing and connect you with a rich musical tradition.

What You’ll Learn in This Complete Tutorial

• Essential Folsom Prison style licks and techniques
• Authentic chord progressions with detailed diagrams
• Step-by-step tablature for signature riffs
• Tone and equipment recommendations
• Performance tips for authentic delivery
• Common variations and improvisational approaches

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Essential Equipment and Tone Setup

Required Equipment

• Acoustic guitar (steel-string dreadnought preferred)
• Electric guitar (optional – hollow-body or Telecaster style)
• Amplifier (tube amp for authentic warmth)
• Pick (medium gauge for balanced attack)

Tone Settings for Authentic Sound

Acoustic Setup:

• Fresh bronze strings (medium gauge .013-.056)
• Slightly raised action for percussive attack
• Natural room acoustics

Electric Setup:

• Amp Volume: 5-6 (clean headroom with slight breakup)
• Treble: 7-8 (cutting clarity)
• Mid: 6-7 (presence and warmth)
• Bass: 4-5 (tight, controlled low end)
• Reverb: 2-3 (subtle ambience)

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Core Chord Progressions

Primary Progression – Key of E

The foundation of most Folsom Prison style songs follows this pattern:

E – A – E – B7 – E

E Major (Open Position)

E A D G B E
0 2 2 1 0 0
| | | | | |
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | | ● | |  1st fret
+-+-+-+-+-+
| ● ● | | |  2nd fret
+-+-+-+-+-+

A Major (Open Position)

E A D G B E
X 0 2 2 2 0
| | | | | |
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | | | | |  1st fret
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | ● ● ● |  2nd fret
+-+-+-+-+-+

B7 (Open Position)

E A D G B E
X 2 1 2 0 2
| | | | | |
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | ● | | |  1st fret
+-+-+-+-+-+
| ● | ● | ●  2nd fret
+-+-+-+-+-+

Advanced Chord Voicings

E7 (Dominant 7th)

E A D G B E
0 2 0 1 0 0
| | | | | |
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | | ● | |  1st fret
+-+-+-+-+-+
| ● | | | |  2nd fret
+-+-+-+-+-+

A7 (Moveable Form – 5th Fret)

E A D G B E
X X 5 6 5 5
| | | | | |
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | ● | ● ●  5th fret
+-+-+-+-+-+
| | | ● | |  6th fret
+-+-+-+-+-+

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Signature Licks and Tablature

Lick #1: The Prison Walk-Down

Classic descending phrase that defines the style

E|--------------------------------
B|--0----0----0----0----0----0----
G|--1----1----1----1----1----1----
D|--2----2----1----0----2----2----
A|--2----2----2----2----2----2----
E|--0----0----0----0----0----0----
   E     E    E7   E    E     E

Technique Notes:

• Use alternate picking throughout
• Emphasize the bass note on each chord change
• Keep steady rhythm with slight swing feel

Lick #2: Country-Blues Turnaround

Essential ending phrase for authentic sound

E|--0----3----0----0----0----0----
B|--0----0----0----0----0----0----
G|--1----1----1----1----1----1----
D|--2----2----2----2----1----0----
A|--2----2----2----2----2----2----
E|--0----0----0----0----0----0----
   E     E    E    E    E7   E

Performance Tips:

• Slight ritardando (slowing down) on final measures
• Add vibrato to the final E chord
• Use palm muting for percussive effect

Lick #3: The Prison Shuffle

Rhythmic pattern that drives the groove

E|--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--
B|--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--
G|--1-1-X-1--1-1-X-1--1-1-X-1--1-1-X-1--
D|--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--
A|--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--2-2-X-2--
E|--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--0-0-X-0--
   E   E    E   E    E   E    E   E

Rhythm Notes:

• X = muted strum (palm mute)
• Emphasis on beats 2 and 4
• Keep consistent downstroke pattern

Lick #4: Single-Note Country Run

Melodic passage for solos and fills

E|--0--2--3--2--0--2--3--5--3--2--0--
B|-----------------------------------
G|-----------------------------------
D|-----------------------------------
A|-----------------------------------
E|-----------------------------------

Technique Focus:

• Use alternate picking for smooth articulation
• Bend the 5th fret note slightly for bluesy effect
• Practice slowly before increasing tempo

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Step-by-Step Learning Process

Phase 1: Chord Mastery (Week 1-2)

1. Master open chord forms (E, A, B7)
2. Practice chord transitions with metronome
3. Learn basic strumming patterns
4. Work on clean chord changes

Phase 2: Rhythm Development (Week 3-4)

1. Practice the Prison Shuffle pattern
2. Add palm muting technique
3. Work on swing feel timing
4. Combine chords with rhythm patterns

Phase 3: Lead Integration (Week 5-6)

1. Learn single-note licks
2. Practice lick combinations
3. Work on smooth transitions
4. Develop improvisational skills

Phase 4: Performance Level (Week 7-8)

1. Combine all elements
2. Practice full song structures
3. Work on dynamic control
4. Develop personal style variations

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Common Techniques and Variations

Palm Muting Technique

Application: Creates percussive, driving rhythm Method:

• Rest palm edge lightly on strings near bridge
• Maintain contact while strumming
• Adjust pressure for different tones

Alternating Bass Technique

Application: Adds movement to rhythm playing Method:

• Alternate between root and fifth of chord
• Use thumb or pick for bass notes
• Maintain steady quarter-note pulse

Hammer-On and Pull-Off Licks

Application: Smooth melodic connections Example:

E|--0h2--2p0--0h2--2p0--
B|----------------------
G|----------------------
D|----------------------
A|----------------------
E|----------------------

Bent Note Techniques

Application: Adds bluesy expression Method:

• Use multiple fingers for bending support
• Bend to specific pitches (half-step, whole-step)
• Practice with tuner for accuracy

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Song Structure and Arrangement

Typical Prison Blues Structure

1. Intro (4 bars) – Signature lick or chord progression
2. Verse (12 bars) – Standard blues progression
3. Chorus (8 bars) – Hook melody with chord changes
4. Instrumental (12 bars) – Guitar solo section
5. Verse (12 bars) – Second verse
6. Chorus (8 bars) – Return to hook
7. Outro (4 bars) – Turnaround and ending

Key Signature Options

• E Major/Minor (most common)
• A Major/Minor (capo 5th fret)
• G Major/Minor (capo 3rd fret)
• D Major/Minor (capo 2nd fret)

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Practice Routines and Exercises

Daily Warm-Up Routine (15 minutes)

1. Chord transitions (5 minutes)
2. Strumming patterns (5 minutes)
3. Single-note exercises (5 minutes)

Technical Development (20 minutes)

1. Palm muting exercises (5 minutes)
2. Alternating bass practice (5 minutes)
3. Bending and vibrato (5 minutes)
4. Lick combinations (5 minutes)

Song Application (25 minutes)

1. Full progression practice (10 minutes)
2. Solo section work (10 minutes)
3. Complete run-through (5 minutes)

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Advanced Concepts

Improvisation Strategies

Scale Foundation: E Blues Scale

• Notes: E – G – A – Bb – B – D
• Positions: Open position and 12th fret
• Application: Use over entire progression

Chord Tone Targeting:

• E chord: Emphasize E, G#, B
• A chord: Emphasize A, C#, E
• B7 chord: Emphasize B, D#, F#, A

Rhythmic Variations

Shuffle Feel:

• Swing eighth notes (long-short pattern)
• Emphasis on off-beats
• Relaxed, laid-back timing

Straight Feel:

• Even eighth notes
• Driving, urgent rhythm
• Consistent downbeat emphasis

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Equipment Recommendations

Acoustic Guitars

Budget Option: Yamaha FG800 ($200-250) Mid-Range: Taylor 114ce ($800-1000) Professional: Martin D-28 ($2500-3000)

Electric Guitars

Budget Option: Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster ($300-400) Mid-Range: Fender Player Telecaster ($700-900) Professional: Fender American Professional II Telecaster ($1500-1800)

Amplifiers

Practice Amp: Fender Blues Junior ($400-500) Gigging Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe ($600-700) Professional: Fender Twin Reverb ($1200-1500)

Essential Accessories

• Picks: Medium gauge (0.73mm-0.88mm)
• Strings: D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze
• Tuner: Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner
• Capo: Kyser Quick-Change Capo

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Common Mistakes and Solutions

Problem: Muddy Chord Changes

Solution:

• Practice chord transitions slowly
• Focus on finger placement precision
• Use metronome for consistent timing

Problem: Inconsistent Rhythm

Solution:

• Count aloud while playing
• Practice with backing tracks
• Work on internal pulse development

Problem: Weak Bending Technique

Solution:

• Use multiple fingers for support
• Practice with tuner for pitch accuracy
• Start with smaller bends and progress

Problem: Lack of Dynamics

Solution:

• Practice volume control techniques
• Vary picking intensity
• Use palm muting for contrast

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Performance Tips

Stage Presence

• Confident posture – Stand/sit tall with good guitar position
• Eye contact – Connect with audience during instrumental sections
• Movement – Subtle body movement that matches the music

Sound Check Essentials

• Test all equipment before performance
• Check monitor levels for proper hearing
• Verify tuning between songs
• Have backup equipment ready

Audience Engagement

• Tell stories about the songs or style
• Explain techniques briefly for educational value
• Invite participation during appropriate sections

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Historical Context and Influences

Origins of Prison Blues

The prison blues style emerged from the American correctional system, where inmates developed a distinctive approach to guitar playing characterized by:

• Raw, emotional delivery
• Percussive rhythmic elements
• Storytelling through music
• Limited resources leading to creative techniques

Key Influences and Artists

• Lead Belly – Pioneered the prison blues style
• Johnny Cash – Popularized prison concerts
• B.B. King – Brought blues to mainstream audiences
• Muddy Waters – Electric blues development

Modern Applications

Today’s country and blues artists continue to draw from this tradition:

• Sturgill Simpson – Modern country-blues fusion
• Tyler Childers – Authentic storytelling approach
• Colter Wall – Traditional country-blues style
• Benjamin Tod – Contemporary folk-blues interpretation

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Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering Folsom Prison style country-blues guitar opens doors to authentic American music traditions. The techniques learned here form the foundation for exploring broader country and blues styles.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Learn complete songs in this style
2. Study recordings of influential artists
3. Practice with other musicians for ensemble skills
4. Explore related styles (Delta blues, country swing)

Additional Resources:

• Books: “Country Blues Guitar” by Stefan Grossman
• Online Courses: Blues guitar fundamentals
• Local Teachers: Find qualified instructors in your area
• Jam Sessions: Practice with other musicians

Remember, authentic country-blues playing comes from understanding the emotional context behind the music. Practice these techniques not just as exercises, but as tools for musical expression and storytelling.

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