Here’s links to a few of my favorite MM tunes. I’ve noted where I think she’s playing-what position and what key. In conjunction with the tunes I show on my homespun DVD The Blues Guitar Styles of Memphis Minnie, you should be able to figure these out with a little study. Never figured a tune out? Watch this for some tips:
C position
1 Ain’t No Use Trying To Tell On Me Nov 27, 1933
2 Chickasaw Train Aug 24, 1934
3 Good Girl Blues June 5, 1930
5 Killer Diller From The South Feb 26, 1946 (I’m not sure if this take is from that date-there’s another more acoustic take- but this one is rocking! Also note the youtube pix are of Josephine Baker not MM)
G position
6 Drunken Barrelhouse Blues March 24, 1934
7 Down In New Orleans May 27, 1935
8 You Can’t Rule Me June 9,1937
9 It’s Hard To Be Mistreated Nov 12, 1936
10 Where Is My Good Man At Feb 3, 1932
G6 tuning (DGDGBE)
12 New Dirty Dozens July 1, 1930
13 Going Back To Texas June 18, 1929
Spanish or open G tuning (DGDGBD)
14 Crazy Crying Blues January 30, 1931 This is also one of the most expressive vocals in recorded blues. Notice how the vocal vibrato (an effect Minnie seldom used) is in sync with the guitar part-perfect!
15 Wild About My Stuff June 5, 1930
16 Don’t Want No Woman June 5, 1930
A position
17Caught Me Wrong Again May 27, 1936
19I Don’t Want That Junk Jan 30, 1931Playing out of A but capoed to D. Both of ’em!
10 Nothing In Rambling June 27, 1940
21 Use Good Judgement(Keep Your Big Mouth Closed) Feb 6, 1939
E position
22 Bumblebee Feb 17, 1930 There are a bunch of different recordings of this one-her biggest hit. It was so popular they wore out the masters.
23 Don’t Bother It Feb 9, 1931 (top guitar is in E, bottom guitar is capoed at the 2nd fret and playing out of D)
24 Grandma and Grandpa Blues Sept. 9, 1930
D position
25 Plymouth Rock Blues June 5, 1930
27 Dirty Mother For You January 10, 1935 They’re in Eflat-guitar is tuned down a step playing out of D