Learn to Play "Killing Floor" by Howlin' Wolf on Guitar

Dive deep into the blues with Licklibrary's comprehensive guitar lesson on Howlin' Wolf's iconic track, "Killing Floor." This lesson is tailored for guitarists eager to master the art of blues through one of the genre's most influential pieces. By focusing on essential blues techniques like string bending, palm muting, bluesy bends, and slides, this tutorial offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your guitar playing skills while exploring the rich musical legacy of Howlin' Wolf. This song lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

Song and Guitar Techniques Overview

String Bending

String bending is a pivotal technique in blues guitar, adding emotional expression and sonic depth to the music. In "Killing Floor," you'll learn to control your bends accurately, ensuring they're in tune, which is crucial for conveying the song's intense emotional charge. Mastering this technique will allow you to add a vocal-like quality to your playing, making your guitar sing with the blues.

Palm Muting

Palm muting in "Killing Floor" contributes to the track's rhythmic drive and dynamic control. This technique, where the side of the palm rests lightly on the strings near the bridge, creates a muted, percussive sound. It's especially useful in controlling the guitar's volume and tone, providing a tight, controlled sound that complements the song's groove.

Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are a stylistic hallmark of blues music, offering a way to reach emotional peaks within a solo. In this lesson, you'll explore how to perform bends that add a gritty, heartfelt expression to your playing. These bends are not just about reaching a higher note but about how you reach it, coloring the note with a bluesy feel.

Slides

Slides are seamlessly integrated into "Killing Floor," connecting notes smoothly to emulate the fluid, legato sound of the human voice. This technique involves sliding a finger along the string to transition from one note to another, which can provide a smooth and connected feel to your solos and riffs.

The Guitarists of "Killing Floor"

Howlin' Wolf, the legendary figure behind "Killing Floor," was not only a profound vocalist but also an accomplished guitarist whose style has influenced countless musicians. His raw, powerful approach to blues guitar, characterized by intense string bends and emotive vibrato, laid the groundwork for future generations. Learning this song offers more than just technical skills; it provides a direct link to the roots of electric blues and the heritage of one of its greatest practitioners.

Conclusion

"Learn to Play Killing Floor by Howlin' Wolf" is not just a guitar lesson; it's an immersion into the heart of blues music. By mastering techniques like string bending, palm muting, bluesy bends, and slides, you enhance your ability to express emotions through music, making every note you play resonate with authentic blues feeling.

Guitar Techniques Used

• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides

This lesson is a gateway to not only mastering a classic blues song but also developing a deeper connection with your instrument through the language of the blues. Enjoy this journey through one of the most soulful genres in music, guided by the powerful legacy of Howlin' Wolf.