"Walkin By Myself" Jimmy Rogers Guitar Lesson

Jimmy Rogers (1924-1997) was one of the most important Chicago bluesman, helping to create the electric blues along with Muddy Waters and Little Walter. By the time Jimmy Rogers scored his only chart hit in 1956 w "Walkin' By Myself", he and his peers had refined and perfected their formula of the interlocking guitars and soaring harmonica with a driving shuffle beat. Jimmy added a fine sense of melody and a more laid-back crooning vocal style. I love the simplicity and groove of Jimmy's guitar playing-- he manages to put things in a nutshell in an elegant way. Robert Lockwood's more driving, complex Robert Johnson based style is sometimes hard to hear but it's a great yin-yang counterpoint. The video clip of Jimmy Rogers live on the Conan O'Brien show shows the way he plays this song-- it's a great performance and it'll help you if you get stuck. Thanks to Bob Corritore for the photo of Jimmy Rogers in the youtube thumbnail.
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[@timbogan9094]

1970 or 1971. Tuesday night. A buddy and I living at Belmont and Broadway in Chicago wanted to see some live music. Walked a little south on Broadway, went upstairs in a bar on the west side of Broadway. An empty room and Jimmy Rogers was playing. First time I ever heard Walking By Myself and I never forgot the tune. Had a few beers and a blues genius to ourselves for the night. My buddy's gone, so's Jimmy Rogers, but the memory remains as long as I do and the song will remain forever. What a classic! Thanks, Johnny.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Wow! thanks a lot Tim, great story. Hope our paths cross soon.

[@davidaustin7445]

chi town says hi

[@TheVatonaught]

I had similar experiences...always feel silly 'not-knowing- how great these guys were before I heard them...felt lucky when I did.

[@MoneyManBLUES]

This is a masterclass. Thank you so much one more time

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

rock on money man! I meant to play this song tonite and I forgot lol!

[@keithhudson3342]

Johnny Burgin! This is Keith Hudson the Drummer, from the days of the old Blues on Halsted, about 30 years ago, learning guitar and singing, a wee bit of writing, remember I did quite a few gigs with Louis and Dave, but Billy boy was the nicest of my friends that I had pleasure to Grace the stage with, real nice lesson, I learned a few things, Thanks Johnny!

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Keith! great to hear from you. we played together with a guy named Pee Wee outside at 63rd and Racine in 93. I'd love to hear more about your experiences w the Myers bros, and the whole Chicago gang. stay in touch man!

[@capefearcapt4679]

Great lesson. Nice job dissecting the two guitar parts.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@jacopoannese859]

I love the Bialetti coffe maker. Worth a thumbs up.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

gotta have it! thank you Jacopo!

[@5150show]

Incredible lesson

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Thank you so much!

[@peejaydj1]

Walter Hortons best solo ever IMO. gives me shivers every time

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

it's amazing. little known tidbit, it was supposed to have been Good Rockin' Charles on that session!

[@peejaydj1]

@@JohnnyBurginBlues yeh I know.. Walter turned up totally unprepared (half cut ???) apparently and just nailed it! For posterity

[@user-bbkakfk3k951]

Hi Johnny. I'm from Osaka Japan. I enjoyed your show at 2 live bars here. Come back soon !

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Can't wait to come back! Thanks Bob!

[@giorgoschr79]

It's nice to have people giving some insight on those old tunes. Keep it up Mr Burgin!!

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

thank you so much Giorgos! rock on!

[@gabrieln3613]

Excellent video, thank you so much for sharing. I would be one of those veteran harp players you referred to that are familiar with this version and the classic harp solo laid down by Big Walter Horton on this track. Along the lines of Muddy Waters' referring to harmonica as "the mother of the band" this track would be one that is the epitome of how a harmonica can be that perfect fill instrument that weaves with the guitars and soars over the top giving the tune jet propulsion through the solo section. My background is 46 years playing harp, was full-time pro by age 20 in SoCal, if you know the Belly-Up Tavern, I was in the first electric band to play there, we were the main local band who played there monthly and helped bring that venue into popularity. I actually started in fast paced Bluegrass as a lead instrument, then full-time in Honky-Tonk music (still roots music) and later had a full 7-piece Swing Dance, Jump Blues, Jazz, R&B band for 10 years in Oregon, then another 7 years in Austin playing with all sorts of Blues, Rockabilly, Bluegrass, Folk, gigs/bands/sessions. Now returned to San Diego. I listen to many instruments (I only play harmonica), especially drummers, bass and sax players to keep refining sense of groove and feel in musical styles. Love seeing the parts on songs like this that are so familiar (I spent my years of 3-4 hours per day immersed in practicing over & over these songs for the harp parts) and illustrated so well, demonstrating what gives this music it's magic......excellent! Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

thank you Gabriel for your words! I really appreciate you and hope our paths cross soon. I'll lyk when I make it to SD! I'll be in Long Beach w Tail Dragger 5.8

[@gabrieln3613]

@@JohnnyBurginBlues I am actually part way between San Diego and LA in Oceanside. I was up in West Hollywood just a couple weeks ago giving a harmonica lesson to someone that flew in from Texas. I'll try to find the date when you're going to be up there might be able to make it.

[@sundownsid]

Nice job John!

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

whatcha say Mojo Mark? thank you man!

[@gregdionne2137]

Hey Johnny Great lesson, you are the best. How about a lesson on Little Walter's; One chance with you! I think Boom Boom out goes the lights has a similar feel. Hoping to hook back up with you soon. Thank You Johnny

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

thanks so much man. yes, I'll get to that one. I did one on Boom Boom way back, but it can be improved upon. hope to see you when I tour out East in Sept

[@GuitarlosCarlos]

A VERY COOL SONG TO LEARN RIGHT

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

thanks a lot Carlos Guitarlos, definately. I am a huge fan of yours.

[@DaSoul95]

I'm so grateful for your lessons, this is another fantastic one! Which year were your Sheraton's built? I like the vintage burst one as well and love the tones! Did you do any modifications?

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

in the 90s. they're great. no mods other than the tremelo arm. the only downside is they are VERY heavy. thanks a lot David!

[@Baci302]

Hey. Nice lesson. Thank you. New subscriber.

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

Welcome! Have fun and thank you Baci302

[@jeffmurphy101]

Where is that awesome riff intro on all your videos from???

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

thanks man! it's a song I wrote that I'm gonna release on spotify once I get around to it, called Boogie Bridge.

[@jeffmurphy101]

@@JohnnyBurginBlues you should do a lesson on that riff ❤️🎸

[@user-bbkakfk3k951]

when you play this in a band do you play with this style?

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

As best as I can!

[@Rattnroll94]

Can you play pretty baby by Buddy Guy?

[@JohnnyBurginBlues]

I will get around to a serious buddy guy discussion. thanks for your request ivan.

[@trumanstanley7792]

Play stop talking