Killing Floor by Howlin' Wolf - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

"Killing Floor" by Howlin' Wolf is an iconic blues track that has inspired generations of guitarists with its raw energy, gritty tone, and infectious groove. As part of our in-depth guitar lesson series, we break down every note and nuance of this legendary song. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the blues or an experienced player looking to hone your skills, this lesson provides essential techniques that will improve your playing and deepen your understanding of blues guitar. Mitch Laddie breaks down this classic blues track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarist on the Track: Hubert Sumlin's Influence

The guitarist most commonly associated with "Killing Floor" is the brilliant Hubert Sumlin, whose innovative style had a massive influence on blues and rock guitarists alike. Sumlin’s playing is characterised by its emotive bends, piercing vibrato, and rhythmic precision, elements that are essential to this song’s character. His work with Howlin' Wolf helped to define the sound of Chicago blues, with later artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page crediting Sumlin as a key influence. Understanding Sumlin’s approach to guitar playing offers valuable insight into the development of modern blues and rock guitar.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

1. String Bending

Bending strings to reach higher notes is a fundamental part of blues guitar, and it’s featured prominently in "Killing Floor." By bending a note, you can create emotional tension and resolution, mimicking the human voice. In this lesson, we cover various bending techniques, from half-step bends to full-step bends, and how to control your bends for maximum musical effect.

Benefit: Mastering string bending will not only improve your control but also help you add expressiveness to your playing, making your solos more dynamic and soulful.

2. Vibrato

Vibrato is a crucial element of Sumlin’s playing, adding depth and texture to sustained notes. In the lesson, we break down how to execute both finger vibrato and wide, vocal-like vibrato to bring your notes to life.

Benefit: Learning vibrato enhances the emotional impact of your playing, allowing you to convey more feeling through each note.

3. Double Stops

Double stops are where two notes are played simultaneously, a common technique in blues guitar. Hubert Sumlin uses double stops to create rich, harmonic fills between vocal lines, adding depth to the overall groove.

Benefit: Incorporating double stops into your playing allows you to add harmonic complexity and rhythmic variety to your blues lines.

4. Slides

Sliding between notes is another staple technique in "Killing Floor," used to transition smoothly from one note to another. This lesson teaches you how to incorporate slides into your licks, making your phrasing sound fluid and connected.

Benefit: Slides create a smoother and more cohesive flow between notes, improving the musicality and phrasing in your solos.

5. 12-Bar Blues Progression

"Killing Floor" is built around a classic 12-bar blues progression. Understanding this form is essential for any blues guitarist, as it is the foundation of countless blues songs. In the lesson, we break down the chord changes, rhythms, and how to lock into the groove with the band.

Benefit: Mastering the 12-bar blues progression gives you a framework for improvisation and jamming in a variety of blues styles, making you a more versatile guitarist.

6. Rhythmic Syncopation

One of the key elements that makes "Killing Floor" groove so hard is its use of syncopated rhythms. This lesson covers how Sumlin accentuates off-beats and pushes the rhythm forward, giving the song its infectious drive.

Benefit: Learning rhythmic syncopation will improve your timing and feel, enabling you to play with more groove and precision.

7. Palm Muting

Palm muting is employed to add a percussive, staccato element to the guitar riff in "Killing Floor." By resting your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge, you can dampen the notes and create a tighter, punchier sound.

Benefit: Palm muting helps you control the dynamics of your playing, allowing you to create contrast between muted and open notes, which adds texture to your riffs.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Learning the techniques found in "Killing Floor" is essential for any aspiring blues guitarist. The combination of bends, vibrato, slides, and syncopated rhythms will not only improve your technical ability but also teach you how to express emotion through your guitar. As you master these techniques, you’ll gain the ability to approach blues guitar with confidence and creativity, building a solid foundation for tackling more advanced material in the future.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Slides
• 12-Bar Blues Progression
• Palm Muting
• Syncopated Rhythms

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.