Tone Profile

Raw, early electric blues with a driving, rhythmic quality. The tone is dry and direct, capturing the immediacy of a live performance.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The song was famously recorded in one take in 1948.
• Hooker's guitar was likely recorded with a single microphone placed close to the amplifier to capture a direct and present sound.
• Given the recording era and the track's raw energy, minimal processing was likely used, relying on the natural tone of the guitar and amp.

Recreation Tips

• Use a semi-hollow guitar like a Gibson ES-335 or similar to get that woody, resonant tone.
• A small tweed amp such as a Fender Tweed Deluxe is essential for achieving the right amount of grit and warmth.
• Keep the amp volume relatively low to maintain clarity and avoid excessive distortion.
• Focus on your right-hand technique to capture the driving rhythm and syncopation of Hooker's playing.
• Minimize any added effects; the goal is a dry, direct, and present sound.

Recommended Gear

• Gibson ES-335(guitar)
• Fender Tweed Deluxe(amp)