Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a surprising and delightful track for many guitar enthusiasts. It showcases his ability to inject funk and blues into even the most unexpected source material. For guitar players looking to explore this unique take, the “Mary Had A Little Lamb Guitar Tab” is a sought-after resource. But beyond Vaughan’s energetic performance lies a fascinating history rooted in the blues, revealing a lineage that stretches back to some of the genre’s giants. This seemingly simple nursery rhyme arrangement is not just a quirky cover; it’s a nod to a deeper blues tradition.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Funky Take
Featured on his debut album Texas Flood, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is far from a straightforward children’s song. Vaughan transforms it into a low-down, funky blues number. His version is characterized by a driving rhythm, his signature Stratocaster tone, and a playful vocal delivery that contrasts with the otherwise fiery tracks on the album. The arrangement cleverly mixes an eight-bar verse structure with twelve-bar instrumental choruses, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Vaughan’s guitar work is steeped in the influence of Muddy Waters, particularly evident in the robust, low-end riffs that power the instrumental sections. For those wanting to learn this fun and funky blues piece, seeking out the “mary had a little lamb guitar tab” is the first step to unlocking its secrets.
Buddy Guy: The Direct Inspiration
While Stevie Ray Vaughan made “Mary Had a Little Lamb” his own, the arrangement owes a significant debt to blues legend Buddy Guy. Vaughan himself essentially lifted the arrangement almost note-for-note from Guy’s version, which appeared on his 1967 album A Man And The Blues. This album marked Guy’s solo artist debut on Vanguard Records and is considered a cornerstone of his discography. Guy’s rendition is a masterclass in Chicago blues, featuring a full band including horns, the impeccable rhythm section of Fred Below on drums, Otis Spann on piano, and Wayne Bennet on rhythm guitar. Buddy Guy’s vocal performance is impassioned and soulful, delivered with his characteristic falsetto flourishes. His guitar playing is both fierce and economical, showcasing his brilliant, glassy tone and masterful control. Understanding Buddy Guy’s version is crucial to appreciating the depth of Vaughan’s interpretation, and exploring the “mary had a little lamb guitar tab” in the context of Guy’s original recording adds another layer of appreciation.
Freddie King’s Instrumental Blueprint: “Just Pickin'”
The blues genealogy of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” doesn’t stop with Buddy Guy. Delving further back, we find Freddie King, another titan of the blues guitar. In 1961, King released Let’s Hide Away and Dance Away With Freddy King, the first of two instrumental albums that showcased his innovative and influential guitar work. Among the tracks on this album is a tune titled “Just Pickin’,” and remarkably, “Just Pickin'” is virtually identical in its instrumental groove to Buddy Guy’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” just without the vocal melody. The resemblance is striking, suggesting a common musical idea circulating within the blues community of the time. Listening to “Just Pickin'” reveals the instrumental foundation upon which both Guy and Vaughan built their versions of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” For guitarists interested in tracing the roots of this blues riff, comparing the “mary had a little lamb guitar tab” with transcriptions of “Just Pickin'” can be an enlightening exercise.
Earl Hooker: An Even Earlier Link?
The story potentially goes back even further. Chicago blues musicians like Buddy Guy have often cited Earl Hooker as a major influence. Hooker, known for his impressive guitar skills and numerous recordings throughout the 50s, 60s, and early 70s, also recorded an instrumental track in 1969 that bears a strong resemblance to the groove found in “Just Pickin'” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” While Hooker’s recording came after King and Guy’s versions, the title gives no indication of being directly related to either song. This raises the possibility that the instrumental groove itself was a common musical phrase within the Chicago blues scene, perhaps something “in the air” that multiple artists independently tapped into. Whether Freddie King and Buddy Guy consciously or unconsciously drew from Earl Hooker, or from a shared blues vocabulary, remains an open question.
In conclusion, the journey of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” from nursery rhyme to blues standard is a fascinating exploration of musical influence and adaptation. From Earl Hooker’s possible early iteration to Freddie King’s instrumental blueprint, Buddy Guy’s soulful rendition, and finally Stevie Ray Vaughan’s funky reimagining, the song reveals a rich blues lineage. For guitar players eager to delve into this blues history and learn these iconic riffs, the “mary had a little lamb guitar tab” serves as an entry point to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this surprisingly bluesy tune.
