Since we’re continuing on the subject of slide guitar, there was probably no one more influential at bringing it to the modern era than Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band. He possessed a unique approach that showed how slide can so imitate the sound of blues harmonica, ala Little Walter, James Cotton, Junior Wells and others.

This is for the simple reason that the harmonica, like slide guitar, is also tuned to a chord. Therefore, the bends, the harmonies and the phrases can be very similar on both instruments. And with a little amp distortion one can really imitate the overdriven amp tone of the great Little Walter – perhaps the greatest Chicago Blues harpist of them all!

These licks all pretty much come from the “box” position for blues we discussed in the last lesson, and the fingerpicking style and left hand are extremely essential. Enjoy!—Arlen Roth