LESSON PLAN: Playing A7 in Muddy Waters
Objective
Students will be able to play the A7 chord in one of the most famous blues based songs in the history of rock and roll.
Resources
Recording of Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters, lyrics, Handout of the A7 chord
Procedures
- Listen to Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters as a class. Point out the famous blues lick occurring over and over throughout the song as one of the most famous guitar riffs ever used. Check out a YouTube lesson of this riff.
- Describe the shuffle feel rhythm heard in the song as being a “heartbeat”. Imitate this sound tapping on a surface, then do it while counting.
- Demonstrate playing an A7 chord while playing the strum pattern as you count it out loud
- Direct students in playing the A7 chord on their guitars using the handout.
- Direct other students in playing the bass line for this song, staying on the open A string the entire time
- Perform one of the songs as a group, having students improvise bass lines on the A string
Extension
- Re-write lyrics to this song based on ideas from the students or a topic the class or school is currently working with
- Take a guitar solo using the A minor pentatonic.
National Core Arts Standards (Music)
Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. Example: Harmonizing Instruments MU:Pr5.1.H.IIa (HS Accomplished) Perform with expression and technical accuracy, in individual and small group performances, a varied repertoire of music that includes melodies, repertoire pieces, improvisations, and chordal accompaniments in a variety of styles, demonstrating sensitivity to the audience and an understanding of the context (social, cultural, and historical).Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.Example: General Music MU:Re7.1.4 a. Demonstrate and explain how selected music connects to and is influenced by specific interests, experiences, purposes, or contexts. Common Core Correlation: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.