Stevie Ray Vaughan’s electrifying rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a staple for guitar enthusiasts, a surprising blues-rock gem nestled within his fiery repertoire. But this seemingly simple nursery rhyme turned blues scorcher has a rich and fascinating history, echoing through the legacies of blues giants long before SRV plugged in. Let’s dive into the genealogy of this track, exploring the “Mary Had A Little Lamb Guitar Chords” and the blues lineage that shaped its iconic sound.
From Nursery Rhyme to Blues Riff: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Electrified Take
Many guitarists first encounter “Mary Had a Little Lamb” through Stevie Ray Vaughan’s high-octane version from his debut album, Texas Flood. It’s an unexpected track on an otherwise blistering blues record, showcasing Vaughan’s versatility and his knack for injecting raw energy into even the most unlikely material. The song is instantly recognizable, driven by a funky, almost off-kilter eight-bar verse that gives way to a powerful twelve-bar blues chorus. Vaughan’s guitar work is characteristically dynamic, blending low-end riffs reminiscent of Muddy Waters with his signature Texas blues fire.
While Vaughan undeniably made the song his own, it wasn’t entirely his creation. His arrangement pays clear homage to another blues legend, Buddy Guy.
Buddy Guy’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb”: The Vanguard Inspiration
Buddy Guy, a cornerstone of the Chicago blues scene, laid down his version of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on his 1967 album A Man And The Blues. This album marked Guy’s solo artist debut and is considered a blues masterpiece. Vaughan’s rendition is strikingly similar to Guy’s, borrowing heavily from its arrangement. Guy’s version features a full Chicago blues band, complete with horns, the legendary Fred Below on drums, Otis Spann on piano, and Wayne Bennet on rhythm guitar. Guy’s guitar tone is sharp and clear, his vocals passionate and soulful, creating a definitive blues take on the children’s rhyme.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s choice to cover Guy’s version is a clear nod to his influences. It’s a testament to Vaughan’s respect for the blues tradition and his ability to reinterpret and amplify the work of his predecessors. However, the story doesn’t end with Buddy Guy. The instrumental backbone of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” can be traced back even further, to Freddie King.
Freddie King’s “Just Pickin'”: Unearthing the Instrumental Blueprint
In 1961, Freddie King, another titan of the blues guitar, released Let’s Hide Away and Dance Away With Freddy King, an instrumental album brimming with innovative and influential tracks. Among these tracks is “Just Pickin’,” a tune that bears an uncanny resemblance to the instrumental sections of both Buddy Guy’s and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” In fact, “Just Pickin'” sounds like the instrumental track to “Mary Had a Little Lamb” without the nursery rhyme lyrics.
The similarities are undeniable, suggesting that Freddie King’s “Just Pickin'” could be the instrumental foundation upon which Buddy Guy built his vocal version, and subsequently, Stevie Ray Vaughan drew inspiration. It raises questions about the creative process and the evolution of blues riffs within the Chicago blues community.
Earl Hooker: An Even Earlier Link in the Chain?
The genealogy deepens further when considering Earl Hooker, a highly revered and somewhat under-recognized figure in blues guitar history. Hooker, known for his exceptional slide guitar playing and his extensive session work, recorded an instrumental groove in 1969 that mirrors the instrumental sections of King and Guy’s versions. Interestingly, Hooker’s track title makes no direct reference to either King or Guy’s songs, suggesting a shared musical idea circulating within the blues scene.
This raises the possibility that the instrumental riff at the heart of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” wasn’t solely originated by King, but rather was “in the air,” a common blues phrase or groove that various artists tapped into. Perhaps King and Guy, consciously or unconsciously, drew from a more widespread musical vocabulary, possibly even influenced by Earl Hooker or other musicians of the era.
Learning “Mary Had a Little Lamb” Guitar Chords: A Gateway to Blues
For guitarists looking to explore “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” understanding its chord structure and blues roots is key. The song, in its various versions, primarily revolves around a 12-bar blues progression in E. While specific chord voicings and embellishments vary between artists, the fundamental chords provide a solid starting point for learning.
Common chords you’ll encounter when learning “Mary Had a Little Lamb guitar chords” include:
- E (E major)
- A (A major)
- B7 (B dominant 7th)
These foundational chords, often played with a bluesy shuffle rhythm, form the backbone of the song. Experimenting with different voicings, adding 7th chords, and incorporating blues scales will help you capture the authentic blues feel of each artist’s rendition.
Exploring the different versions of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” – from Freddie King’s instrumental “Just Pickin'” to Buddy Guy’s soulful rendition and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s fiery take – is an excellent way to understand the evolution of a blues riff and the individual styles of these guitar masters. By learning the “mary had a little lamb guitar chords,” you’re not just learning a song; you’re engaging with a rich lineage of blues guitar history.
