Music

# Folsom Prison Style Country-Blues Guitar Licks – Master the Legendary Sound

*[YouTube Video Tutorial – Complete Lesson Embedded Above]*

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## SEO-Optimized Excerpt

**Meta Description (160 characters):**
Learn authentic Folsom Prison style country-blues guitar licks with our complete tutorial. Step-by-step tabs, chord diagrams & pro techniques included.

**Blog Introduction Excerpt:**
Master the raw, authentic sound of Folsom Prison style country-blues guitar with this comprehensive tutorial. Learn the legendary licks, chord progressions, and techniques that defined American prison blues. Our step-by-step lesson includes detailed tablature, chord diagrams, and professional tips to help you capture this iconic sound. Perfect for intermediate guitarists ready to explore authentic country-blues traditions.

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Discover the secrets of Folsom Prison style country-blues guitar in this ultimate tutorial guide. This legendary sound, born from American correctional facilities and immortalized by artists like Johnny Cash, represents one of the most authentic forms of country-blues guitar playing. Our comprehensive lesson breaks down essential techniques including palm muting, alternating bass patterns, and signature licks that define this raw, emotional style.

**What makes this tutorial unique:**
– Complete tablature for authentic prison blues licks
– Professional chord diagrams with finger positions
– Step-by-step learning progression (8-week program)
– Equipment recommendations for authentic tone
– Historical context and cultural significance
– Performance tips for live playing

Whether you’re looking to add authentic country-blues flavor to your playing or dive deep into American musical traditions, this tutorial provides everything you need to master the Folsom Prison style.

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**YouTube Description:**
🎸 MASTER FOLSOM PRISON STYLE COUNTRY-BLUES GUITAR | Complete Tutorial with Tabs

Learn the authentic sounds of prison blues guitar with this comprehensive lesson! Get detailed tablature, chord diagrams, and professional techniques to master this legendary style.

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## 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

—

## 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

—

## 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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