Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a surprising and delightful track for many guitar players delving into blues guitar. It’s not your typical blues fare, taking a children’s nursery rhyme and transforming it into a funky, bluesy instrumental showcase. If you’re looking for the “Mary Had A Little Lamb Tab Guitar”, you’re in for a treat, but the story behind this bluesy take is even more fascinating.
Vaughan’s version, featured on his debut album Texas Flood, is instantly recognizable with its signature SRV energy and flair. It’s a clever mix of a playful melody with serious blues guitar chops. The song structure itself is interesting, blending an eight-bar verse with a twelve-bar chorus, creating a unique and engaging feel. For guitarists, it’s a fantastic study in rhythm, blues phrasing, and that iconic Texas blues tone. The instrumental sections are packed with low-end riffs reminiscent of Muddy Waters, giving it a solid blues foundation despite its whimsical origins.
However, as the original article points out, Stevie Ray Vaughan didn’t originate this bluesy nursery rhyme arrangement. He actually drew inspiration, almost note-for-note, from Buddy Guy’s version. Guy recorded his rendition for his debut solo album, A Man And The Blues, released on Vanguard Records. This album is a cornerstone of Chicago blues, and Guy’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a standout track, showcasing his incredible guitar tone and vocal delivery.
Buddy Guy’s version is richer in instrumentation, featuring horns, piano by Otis Spann, and drums by Fred Below, creating a full Chicago blues sound. Guy’s vocal performance is passionate and soulful, contrasting with Vaughan’s more laid-back approach. While Vaughan’s version is undeniably energetic and fun to play on guitar, understanding Buddy Guy’s original recording provides deeper context and appreciation for the arrangement. Learning to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” using a guitar tab in the style of Buddy Guy reveals the authentic Chicago blues roots of this tune.
But the lineage goes back even further. Delving deeper into blues history reveals that Freddie King also recorded an instrumental track in 1961 called “Just Pickin’,” which bears a striking resemblance to Buddy Guy’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” minus the nursery rhyme lyrics. This instrumental piece is part of King’s influential instrumental albums, Let’s Hide Away and Dance Away With Freddy King.
“Just Pickin’” is essentially the same groove and feel as “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” solidifying the idea that this wasn’t just a random idea but something rooted in the blues guitar vocabulary of the time. For guitarists learning the “mary had a little lamb tab guitar”, exploring Freddie King’s “Just Pickin'” can offer insights into the instrumental foundation of the song.
The article also mentions Earl Hooker, another influential Chicago blues guitarist. Hooker recorded a similar instrumental groove in 1969, further suggesting that this musical idea was circulating within the Chicago blues scene. Whether it was consciously borrowed or simply “in the air,” the instrumental riff and structure found in “Mary Had a Little Lamb” seems to have deeper roots than just Buddy Guy’s inspiration for Stevie Ray Vaughan.
For guitar players looking for the “mary had a little lamb tab guitar”, understanding this blues genealogy enriches the learning experience. It’s not just about learning the notes; it’s about connecting with a tradition. Whether you start with Stevie Ray Vaughan’s high-energy version or delve into Buddy Guy’s soulful rendition, exploring the guitar tab for “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a journey through blues history. You can trace the echoes of Freddie King and possibly even earlier blues influences in this seemingly simple nursery rhyme turned blues jam. So, grab your guitar, find a “mary had a little lamb tab guitar”, and start exploring the fascinating blues lineage of this unexpected classic.
