This lesson is really a natural extension of the previous lesson on 9th chord slides. The "Memphis” lick, which takes it's name from the Chuck Berry tune of the same name, is based primarily on these 9th chord positions.
T-Bone Walker was one of the first famous guitarists to utilize this classic lick. But it was Chuck Berry — basically Walker's musical “offspring” — who took it to a hotter, more "rock and roll" place. Guitarist Lonnie Mack also used it in the early ‘60s on some of his more famous instrumentals, and literally hundreds of other artists have also used it on similar recordings.
The “Memphis” lick can also help you better understand the “extensions” of the 9th chord positions. As with many similar positions, it is not always necessary to play the whole chord, and it's very important to know that you can use these partial forms when needed. I'll show you how to concentrate on using some of these partial, or two-note, forms, as well as other 9th chord positions. You'll be making some great music in no time!—Arlen Roth
The opinions, views, and ideas expressed are the author's own, and do not
necessarily reflect or represent the views of Gibson Guitar Corp. or the Gibson
Family of Brands. Send all thoughts, comments, disagreements, and rants to
editor@gibson.com. All e-mails will be considered
for publication.